CDA credentials preferred: what it means and why it matters for your program

Last updated 2026-07-10

What does 'CDA credentials preferred' actually mean?

When a job posting or a state licensing rule says 'CDA credential preferred,' it means the credential moves you ahead of candidates who hold only a high school diploma or a short in-service training record. It rarely means you're disqualified without one. It does mean the employer or agency decided the credential signals something specific: 120 hours of formal early childhood education, a verified portfolio of competency, and a third-party professional review ^[1].

The weight of 'preferred' swings hard depending on where you are. At a private center, it may just push your resume to the top of the pile. At a Head Start program, a CDA is federally required for at least half of center-based classroom teachers, which is more than preferred ^[2]. In states that tie subsidy reimbursement rates to teacher qualifications, one CDA on staff can raise what a program gets paid per child enrolled ^[3].

So the phrase covers a spectrum of urgency. Figuring out which end you sit on is your first real step.

What is the CDA credential and who issues it?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition, a nonprofit in Washington, D.C., founded in 1971 ^[1]. It's the most widely held early childhood credential in the country. More than 500,000 CDAs have been awarded since the credential launched ^[1].

The CDA covers six setting types: center-based preschool, center-based infant/toddler, family child care, home visitor, adult learner, and bilingual. Each type has its own competency framework, but they share a common structure. That structure is 480 hours of work experience with children, 120 hours of formal education in early childhood development, a professional portfolio, and a verification visit from a CDA Professional Development Specialist ^[1].

The credential is not a degree. It sits below an associate's degree on the education ladder but above most state-issued short-term certificates. Many state licensing systems and college programs treat it as equivalent to a set number of college credits, though the exact conversion depends on the institution.

For a step-by-step look at the whole process, the cda credential guide walks through it start to finish.

Which states count the CDA toward licensing requirements?

Every state licenses child care, and most states reference postsecondary credentials in their rules for lead teachers, assistant teachers, or directors. The CDA shows up in three different ways.

Some states accept the CDA as a minimum qualification for lead teachers at licensed centers. Oregon, for example, allows a CDA to satisfy the educational requirement for a Lead Teacher in a licensed center ^[4]. Some states list the CDA as a qualifying credential for a higher staff-to-child ratio, so a center with a credentialed teacher can legally supervise more children per adult. And some states use credential tiers to set subsidy reimbursement rates, so programs with CDA-holding staff receive higher payments from the state's Child Care and Development Fund allocation ^[3].

The table below shows how a sample of states use the CDA. State regulations change, so verify against your state's current licensing manual before you rely on any of it.

State	CDA role in licensing
Oregon	Accepted as Lead Teacher qualification in licensed centers [4]
North Carolina	Counted in the QRIS tiered rating system for subsidy rates
Texas	Accepted for Group Child Care Home director qualification
Florida	Accepted for staff credential in Gold Seal Quality Care programs
Michigan	Counts toward educational requirements under michigan daycare licensing rules
Head Start (federal)	Required for 50% of center-based classroom teachers [2]

The National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance publishes a state licensing study every few years. Its most recent report found that 42 states include some form of preservice training or credential requirement for center-based teachers, and the CDA is among the most commonly accepted credentials in those rules ^[5].

How does the CDA affect Head Start and federal subsidy programs?

Head Start is the clearest federal example of a CDA requirement rather than a preference. The Head Start Program Performance Standards at 45 CFR 1302.91 require that at least 50 percent of Head Start center-based classroom teachers nationwide hold an associate's or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field, a standard set for September 30, 2013 ^[2]. Programs that haven't met the degree standard can use a CDA as a temporary qualifying credential while teachers pursue degrees.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), run by the Office of Child Care, is the main federal block grant states use to fund child care subsidies. CCDF doesn't mandate the CDA directly, but it requires states to run a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) or similar tiered system, and most state QRIS frameworks reward programs whose staff hold credentials like the CDA with higher reimbursement rates ^[3]. Office of Child Care guidance on CCDF plans requires states to describe how they use differential reimbursement or other financial incentives tied to quality ^[3].

If you place families on subsidies, knowing how a program's quality rating affects their out-of-pocket costs is worth the time. The childcare subsidy guide covers how CCDF money flows to families and programs.

What does a CDA credential cost and how long does it take?

The Council for Professional Recognition charges $425 for the initial CDA application if you submit your Professional Portfolio and then request the exam, or $500 for the packaged option ^[1]. Those are 2024 figures from the Council's published fee schedule. The fees cover the exam and the visit from a CDA Professional Development Specialist. They don't cover the 120 hours of coursework, which is the bigger variable.

Coursework runs from free to over $1,500. Some community college programs, Child Care Resource and Referral agencies, and Head Start training programs cover it entirely. Pay out of pocket at a private community college and you could spend $1,500 or more. A number of states run scholarship programs specifically for early childhood credentials. The Child Care Aware of America state resource map is a good starting point ^[6].

Timeline: the Council has moved to a mostly online process. If you already have most of your 480 work-experience hours and you start coursework, you'll typically finish everything in 6 to 12 months. Starting from scratch with little work experience can stretch to 18 months. The CDA is valid for three years and renews for $150 ^[1].

One honest warning: renewal catches a lot of people flat-footed. Set a calendar reminder six months before expiration. A lapsed CDA can knock a program down a QRIS tier, and that hits subsidy payments directly.

Does a CDA credential increase pay?

Yes, but less than the field wishes, and the data here has real limits. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $28,520 for childcare workers in May 2023, and $36,560 for preschool teachers, a category that usually requires more credentials ^[7]. The CDA sits between those two on most employers' pay scales.

Child Care Aware of America's 2023 'Demanding Change' report found that early childhood educators earn poverty-level wages relative to their education, even when they hold credentials ^[6]. The credential does tend to bring a bump, typically $0.50 to $2.00 per hour above an uncredentialed position based on employer surveys. But that range is wide, and the numbers come from self-reported surveys that vary a lot by region.

The more reliable financial effect happens at the program level, not the individual one. A program whose staff hold CDAs may qualify for a higher QRIS tier, which can raise per-child subsidy reimbursement by 5 to 15 percent depending on the state ^[3]. That program-level revenue gain is better documented than any individual wage premium.

How does a CDA compare to an associate's or bachelor's degree?

The CDA is a standalone credential, not a degree. On most state licensing and QRIS scales, it sits one step below an associate's degree in early childhood education (ECE). States with tiered credential systems usually rank them like this, lowest to highest: no credential, CDA or equivalent state credential, associate's degree in ECE, bachelor's degree in ECE or child development, master's degree.

Many community colleges grant credit toward an associate's degree for a completed CDA. The Council for Professional Recognition has formal articulation agreements with over 700 colleges and universities, though the credit awarded (typically 9 to 31 hours) depends on the institution ^[1]. If a staff member is working toward a degree, starting with the CDA is often smart, because the work-experience requirement overlaps with what they already do on the job.

For a director deciding what to prioritize in a new hire, here's the plain answer. The CDA is a solid minimum that satisfies most state requirements and CCDF quality frameworks. If you have the budget and timeline to hire someone with an associate's degree, do it. If not, a CDA plus on-the-job mentoring is a defensible and common choice.

For home-based providers weighing curriculum alongside credentials, the preschool curriculum resource covers how credentialing meets program quality frameworks.

Who specifically should get a CDA, and who should skip it?

Get a CDA if: you're a lead teacher at a licensed center and your state counts it toward your qualification level; you work in a Head Start program and your employer needs you credentialed to meet the federal 50 percent standard; your program participates in a QRIS and the CDA would move you to a higher tier with better reimbursement; or you run a family child care home and want to stand out and potentially reach higher subsidy rates ^[3].

Skip it (or go straight to a degree) if: your state's licensing rules require an associate's or bachelor's degree for your position, because the CDA won't satisfy that on its own; you're already enrolled in a community college ECE program where the CDA would just add redundant coursework; or your program isn't in a QRIS and your employer has no credential-based pay scale, in which case the $425 to $500 fee and months of work may never pay you back.

Family child care providers in particular often miss the CDA's family child care setting option. It's built for home-based providers and carries the same national recognition as the center-based credential. Run a licensed home daycare and want a stronger application for quality grants or tiered subsidies? This one's worth a hard look.

What is in the CDA portfolio and competency exam?

The CDA process has two main assessment pieces: the Professional Portfolio and the CDA Exam.

The Professional Portfolio holds six Resource Collection items (one per CDA competency area), reflective statements written by the candidate, and a Family Questionnaire completed by families the candidate works with. The competency areas cover safe environments, healthy environments, learning environments, effective curriculum, family and community relationships, and program management ^[1].

The CDA Exam is a 65-question multiple-choice test given through a third-party testing center (Pearson VUE). It tests knowledge across the same six competency areas. Candidates must pass it before the verification visit.

The verification visit is run by a CDA Professional Development Specialist who observes the candidate working with children for at least 1.5 hours, reviews the portfolio, and conducts an oral interview. The Specialist submits a recommendation to the Council, which makes the final credentialing decision.

This structure is tougher than most state-issued short-term certificates. That's exactly why licensing agencies and QRIS systems treat the CDA as a meaningful quality signal.

How do I find CDA training and who pays for it?

The Council for Professional Recognition keeps a directory of CDA training programs on its website, organized by state ^[1]. Community colleges with ECE programs are the most common providers. Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies, which exist in every state, often offer free or subsidized CDA training built for working providers. Head Start and Early Head Start grantees frequently pay for their staff's CDA coursework directly.

State scholarships are available in most states. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood scholarship program operates in more than 20 states and covers CDA coursework and fees for eligible providers ^[8]. Child Care Aware of America's state resource finder can point you to your state's T.E.A.C.H. affiliate.

Online options have grown a lot. The Council runs its own online training portal, the CDA Professional Development (PD) System, which connects candidates with registered training programs. Some providers finish all 120 hours online, though the verification visit and exam still need in-person steps.

ChildCareComp's compliance toolkit includes a state-by-state credential requirement lookup that helps you confirm which training programs your state licensing office actually accepts before you enroll.

If you're a home-based provider also thinking about curriculum alongside your credential work, the free preschool curriculum and preschool curriculum for 3-year-olds resources are worth bookmarking.

Does a CDA affect childcare tax credits or parent subsidies?

Not directly for families, but indirectly through program quality. The federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, covered in the childcare tax credit guide, is based on expenses paid, not the provider's credentials. A family claims the same credit-eligible expenses whether the provider holds a CDA or not.

Where credentials matter to families is subsidy access. States that use quality tiers for CCDF reimbursement often require programs to meet minimum credential benchmarks just to participate in the subsidy system, or to earn the higher rates that keep a program financially viable. A program that loses a tier because a credentialed teacher leaves may watch its subsidy rate drop, which changes what it can charge and how many subsidy-funded slots it can offer.

The 2024 CCDF Final Rule from the Office of Child Care strengthened requirements around payment rates and quality, tightening the link between program quality indicators (staff credentials included) and the reimbursement structure states must build ^[3]. It's a slow-moving lever, but a real one.

What should center directors actually do about CDA preferences when hiring?

Be honest in your job postings. If your state licensing rules genuinely require a CDA or equivalent for the position, write 'required.' If it helps your QRIS tier but isn't a hard legal requirement, 'preferred' is the accurate word. Misrepresenting requirements wastes everyone's time.

If you post 'preferred' and hire someone without a CDA, build the credential timeline into your offer letter. Many centers offer a modest stipend or pay increase on completion and agree to cover the Council's fee. A written commitment from the employee to finish the CDA within 12 to 18 months, with the program covering costs, is common and reasonable.

Track credential expiration dates for every staff member. A CDA expires every three years. One lapsed credential in a small center can knock the whole program off a QRIS tier during an inspection. The ChildCareComp compliance toolkit has a staff credential tracker built for exactly this problem.

For directors connecting credentials to program quality, pairing the CDA with a strong curriculum model makes a real difference in observation scores. The creative curriculum for preschool and montessori preschool curriculum guides cover how curriculum choice meets quality ratings.

Frequently asked questions

Is the CDA credential required or just preferred for most daycare jobs?

For most private center jobs, the CDA is genuinely preferred, meaning it helps but isn't legally required. Head Start is the main exception: federal rules at 45 CFR 1302.91 require at least 50 percent of center-based classroom teachers to hold an associate's degree or higher, with the CDA accepted as a temporary qualifying credential. State licensing rules vary, so check your state's current licensing manual.

How long does it take to get a CDA credential from scratch?

Most candidates finish the CDA in 6 to 12 months if they already work in child care and can build the required 480 hours of experience while completing 120 hours of coursework. Someone starting with no work experience may take 18 months. The Council for Professional Recognition processes applications after all components, including the exam and verification visit, are submitted.

What does the CDA credential cost in total?

The Council for Professional Recognition charges $425 to $500 in application and exam fees as of 2024. Coursework costs are separate and range from free through CCR&R agencies or Head Start programs to $1,500 or more at community colleges. State scholarship programs like T.E.A.C.H. cover costs for many eligible providers. Renewal every three years costs $150.

Can I run a home daycare with just a CDA, or do I need more?

In most states, a CDA is more than enough for a licensed family child care home. Many states require no formal credential at all for home-based providers, only a set number of training hours. The CDA's family child care setting option is built for home providers and can open access to higher QRIS tiers and better subsidy reimbursement rates. Check your state's family child care licensing rules to confirm.

Does the CDA count toward college credits?

The Council for Professional Recognition has articulation agreements with over 700 colleges and universities. The credit awarded for a completed CDA varies by institution, typically 9 to 31 credit hours toward an early childhood education associate's or bachelor's degree. Contact the specific college you plan to attend to confirm what credit they grant before using the CDA as your credit transfer strategy.

What happens if my CDA expires?

The CDA is valid for three years. If it lapses, you must complete a renewal application, pay a $150 fee, and show 45 hours of professional development since the last credential was issued. A lapsed CDA means you don't hold a current credential, which can affect your employer's QRIS tier during an inspection and potentially reduce subsidy reimbursement rates. Set a renewal reminder at least six months before expiration.

Is the CDA recognized in all 50 states?

Yes. Because the CDA is issued by a single national body, the Council for Professional Recognition, every state's licensing agency knows it. Most states accept it as a qualifying credential in their licensing rules at some level. But the exact tier or position it qualifies you for differs by state. A CDA that satisfies a Lead Teacher requirement in Oregon may only satisfy an Assistant Teacher requirement in another state.

How does the CDA affect a program's QRIS rating?

Most state Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) score staff education and credentials as a domain. A CDA typically adds points or moves a program to a higher tier compared to having no credential. Higher QRIS tiers usually come with higher CCDF subsidy reimbursement rates, roughly 5 to 15 percent more per child depending on the state. Losing a credentialed teacher can drop a program's tier at the next assessment.

What is the difference between a CDA and a state-issued childcare credential?

Many states issue their own childcare certificates through community training programs. These are state-specific and not recognized outside that state. The CDA is a national credential accepted across all 50 states. State credentials often count toward CDA eligibility (some coursework may overlap), but they aren't equivalent to a CDA in most licensing and QRIS frameworks.

Who pays for the CDA: the employee or the employer?

Both arrangements exist. Many Head Start and large center programs pay all fees and release time for coursework as a staff benefit. At smaller programs, providers often pay their own way and get reimbursed on completion. State scholarship programs like T.E.A.C.H. cover costs for eligible providers regardless of employer. Many states also have CCDF quality improvement set-aside funds that reimburse credential costs for licensed providers.

Does the CDA credential help with the childcare subsidy system for families I serve?

Not directly for families. The CDA doesn't change a family's subsidy eligibility or copay. Indirectly, it can help your program hold a higher QRIS tier, which may make it easier to keep accepting subsidy-funded children if your state ties participation to minimum quality standards. A program that falls below the minimum QRIS tier in some states cannot accept state subsidy payments at all.

What is the CDA exam like?

The CDA Exam has 65 multiple-choice questions covering the six competency areas: safe environments, healthy environments, learning environments, effective curriculum, family and community relationships, and program management. It's given at Pearson VUE testing centers. Candidates must pass it before the verification visit. The Council publishes a CDA Competency Standards book that works as the main study guide.

Can the CDA credential be completed entirely online?

The 120 hours of required coursework can be done fully online through registered training programs in the Council's PD System. The CDA Exam itself requires an in-person visit to a Pearson VUE testing center. The verification visit, where a CDA Professional Development Specialist observes you working with children, also requires in-person attendance. So fully online completion isn't possible, but most of the process can be done remotely.

Which CDA setting type should I choose?

Choose the setting that matches where you actually work. Work in a licensed center with preschool-age children? Choose center-based preschool. Work with infants and toddlers at a center? Choose center-based infant/toddler. Operate a licensed home daycare? Choose family child care. The competency standards and portfolio requirements are tailored to each setting, so choosing the wrong one means your work experience may not count.

Sources

1. Council for Professional Recognition, CDA Credential Overview and Fee Schedule: CDA requires 480 hours of experience, 120 hours of formal education, a portfolio, and a verification visit; fees are $425-$500; renewal costs $150; over 500,000 CDAs awarded; articulation agreements with 700+ colleges.
2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Head Start Program Performance Standards, 45 CFR 1302.91: Head Start requires at least 50 percent of center-based classroom teachers to hold an associate's or bachelor's degree; CDA accepted as temporary qualifying credential.
3. U.S. Office of Child Care, Child Care and Development Fund Final Rule 2024: CCDF requires states to describe differential reimbursement tied to quality; credentials like the CDA affect QRIS tiers and subsidy reimbursement rates ranging roughly 5-15 percent by tier.
4. Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care, Child Care Division Licensing Rules: Oregon accepts a CDA as a qualifying credential for lead teacher positions in licensed child care centers.
5. National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance, Licensing Study 2020: 42 states include some form of preservice training or credential requirement for center-based teachers; the CDA is among the most commonly accepted credentials.
6. Child Care Aware of America, Demanding Change: Repairing Our Child Care System, 2023: Early childhood educators earn poverty-level wages relative to their educational attainment even when credentialed; Child Care Aware state resource map lists scholarship programs.
7. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023: Median annual wage for childcare workers was $28,520 and for preschool teachers was $36,560 in May 2023.
8. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood National Center, Program Overview: T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program operates in more than 20 states and covers CDA coursework and fees for eligible early childhood providers.