All Ages, All Smiles: Discover the New Birth-to-5 CDA® Credential! - post

  • Home
  • articles
  • All Ages, All Smiles: Discover the New Birth-to-5 CDA® Credential!

Training for Child Care Providers

CDA Certification

All Ages, All Smiles: Discover the New Birth-to-5 CDA® Credential!

image in article All Ages, All Smiles: Discover the New Birth-to-5 CDA® Credential!

All Ages, All Smiles: Discover the New Birth-to-5 CDA® Credential!

What is the Birth to Age 5 CDA® Credential—and why is everyone talking about it?

The Birth to Age 5 CDA® Credential is CDACertification.com’s exciting new offering, launching on September 29, 2025. This credential lets you demonstrate your proficiency across the full #early-childhood spectrum—from infants to #preschoolers—giving you greater flexibility and broader #career opportunities.

For full FAQs, click here: FAQ – Birth to Five CDA® Credential

How is it different from other CDA® credentials like Infant/Toddler or Preschool?

  • Broader range: Unlike the traditional Infant/Toddler or Preschool credentials that specialize in one age group, the Birth to Age 5 credential requires experience and competence across three sub‑age groups:
    • Infants (birth–17 months)
    • Toddlers (18–36 months)
    • Preschoolers (3–5 years) 

  • Experience requirement: You must complete 480 hours of direct work experience across all three age groups, with at least 160 hours in each 

  • Education & portfolio: You’ll still need 120 hours of professional education—at least 10 hours in each of the eight CDA® subject areas—and a professional portfolio that reflects all three age groups 

  • Assessment: You take a new Birth to Five CDA® Exam and undergo a Verification Visit conducted by a PD Specialist™ with a Birth‑to‑Five endorsement 

Can I switch to Birth to Age 5 if I’m already pursuing another CDA® setting?

Yes—but it depends:

  • If you’ve not yet paid, you may switch your application to Birth to Age 5 after the credential launches 

  • If you’ve already completed the exam and verification visit for another setting, you’ll need to finish your current credential, then apply separately for Birth to Age 5 

What if I already hold a CDA® credential? Can I still get Birth to Age 5?

Absolutely! If you currently hold a CDA® credential in Infant/Toddler, Preschool, or both, you can apply for—or renew into—the Birth to Age 5 setting. Note:

  • If you hold both center‑based credentials and renew into Birth to Age 5, your prior credentials will be replaced and you'll get a unified Birth to Age 5 CDA®, valid for three years

  • If you only hold one, you can still apply, but it's treated as a new application

Why did CDACertification.com add this new credential?

The change reflects the real‑world needs of #early-childhood- #educators. A recent survey—cited by the CDA Council—showed 87 % of respondents wanted a credential covering the full birth‑to‑five span The new credential aims to:

  • Provide greater career flexibility

  • Open more job opportunities

  • Help address staffing shortages in #early-education 

How do I prepare or get started with the Birth to Age 5 CDA®?

  1. Complete 120 hours of education (with at least 10 hours per CDA® subject area).

  2. Fulfill 480 hours of work experience—minimum 160 hours in each of the three sub‑age groups.

  3. Develop a professional portfolio addressing all groups.

  4. Purchase the magenta Birth to Five Competency Standards book (available in print starting August 1, 2025).

  5. Pass the Birth to Five CDA® Exam and schedule a Verification Visit with a specialized PD Specialist™.

  6. Apply starting September 29, 2025—the official release date on our site.

Ready to explore your CDA® options? Check out these courses at CDACertification.com:

How can followers stay connected and get updates?

Don’t miss any news, tips, and inspiration—follow @ChildCareEd on social media! Whether it's for updates about Birth to Age 5 or general CDA® support, this is your go-to community.

In conclusion

Whether you’re just starting your #early-childhood-education journey or already hold a CDA®, the Birth to Age 5 CDA® Credential is a powerful new option. Its launch on September 29, 2025, marks a big step toward recognizing educators’ broad-based skills and flexibility. Visit our FAQ page here to learn more—and check out our course offerings to get started today.

 

Categories
Contextually related Training(s)
Related Articles
Need help? Call us at 1(833)283-2241 (2TEACH1)
Call us