Beginning in February 2026, the Council for Professional Recognition is updating the CDA® Credentialing Decision Process. These updates affect how some Nevada #early-childhood- #educators will complete their #CDA journey, making certain steps faster and more convenient—while keeping all professional standards exactly the same.

This guide explains the 2026 CDA changes in clear, easy-to-understand #language so Nevada #teachers, directors, and child care providers can feel confident and well-prepared. The goal is to simplify the process, highlight what is changing, and clarify what stays the same.

The most important message is this:
Some candidates may no longer need a verification visit if exam results show strong competence.
However, verification visits are not being eliminated—they will still be required for many candidates, including everyone in the Home Visitor CDA setting.

Let’s take a closer look at what Nevada educators need to know.

📘 What Is Changing in the CDA Credentialing Process?

The Council’s 2026 update focuses on efficiency, convenience, and fairness for all candidates, without lowering the CDA’s long-held standards.

Here are the two major enhancements:

1. Expedited Credentialing Decisions for Some Candidates

After completing the CDA Exam:

• Candidates who achieve a qualifying exam score may r #eceive their credentialing decision without a Verification Visit.

• This update speeds up the process for candidates who already demonstrate strong competence through the exam.

• Standards are not being reduced—the CDA still requires candidates to meet the full set of competencies.

• This change simply removes an unnecessary step for candidates who clearly show readiness.

This improvement supports fairness by using a consistent evaluation threshold applied to every applicant.

2. Digital CDA Professional Portfolios

All candidates will now upload their CDA Professional Portfolio digitally during the application process using photos or scans.

This update:

• Eliminates the need for printed, bound, or paper portfolios

• Makes portfolio preparation more convenient and accessible

• Ensures PD Specialists and reviewers can access materials easily

• Creates a more equitable process for candidates across different locations and access levels

Digital submission also means Nevada candidates—especially those in rural areas—can avoid mailing #delays or in-person delivery barriers.

🧑‍🏫 Who Will Still Need a Verification Visit?

While some candidates may qualify for expedited CDA decisions, many will still receive verification visits. This ensures that the CDA continues to evaluate all competencies thoroughly and fairly.

Verification visits will still be required for:

• Candidates who do NOT meet the qualifying exam threshold
  These candidates will continue the current process, which includes a full Verification Visit before a final decision is made.

• Home Visitor CDA candidates
  This pathway is not included in the 2026 update.
  Home Visitor candidates will continue:

  • Onsite portfolio reviews

  • Observations by a PD Specialist

  • The full traditional credentialing process

This ensures that family-based #early-childhood-education—an environment that relies heavily on #home visitation—remains evaluated through in-person methods.

🎯 Why These Changes Matter for Nevada Educators

#Nevada has a growing demand for qualified ECE professionals. Faster credentialing decisions and streamlined portfolio submission directly support:

• Faster hiring pipelines for directors

• Quicker advancement opportunities for educators

• More flexibility for candidates balancing work, school, and family

• Better access in rural or underserved areas

These updates promote fairness by:

• Applying consistent competency expectations

• Offering digital tools that reduce access barriers

• Using the same evaluation criteria for every applicant

And most importantly:
CDA standards remain unchanged.
This ensures that Nevada children continue receiving high-quality, #developmentally-appropriate care.

🧭 How Nevada CDA Candidates Can Prepare for the 2026 Changes

The best way to prepare for the updated CDA process is to focus on exam readiness, build a strong digital portfolio, and partner with a CDA PD Specialist.

Here are practical steps Nevada educators can take now:

1. Strengthen CDA Exam Preparation

Because exam performance may determine whether a Verification Visit is needed, candidates should focus on:

• Studying the CDA competency areas

• Practicing sample exam questions

• Enrolling in CDA-aligned training

• Reviewing case studies and #developmentally-appropriate-practice

Nevada-approved CDA training options can be found here:
👉 https://www.childcareed.com/courses_in-NV- #nevada.htmll

2. Organize a Digital-Friendly Portfolio Early

Even before applying, candidates can begin:

• Typing competency statements

• Collecting digital copies of resource items

• Scanning certificates and documents

• Creating organized digital folders

This makes uploading at application time quick and #stress- #free.

3. Work With a CDA PD Specialist

A trained CDA Professional Development Specialist® can help candidates:

• Understand competencies

• Prepare for the exam

• Review portfolio materials

• Strengthen #classroom practices

To learn how to find and work with a PD Specialist:
👉 https://www.childcareed.com/r-00647-how-to-find-and-work-with-a- #cda-pd-specialist-birth-to-five.html

4. Explore CDA Financial Support Options in Nevada

Some Nevada candidates qualify for state funding to help pay for CDA costs.
Learn more here:
👉 https://www.cdacertification.com/a/how-can-the-state-of-nevada-pay-for-my-cda-certification.html

🏫 What Nevada Directors Need to Know

Child care #leaders should be aware of how these updates affect #staffing and professional development planning.

Key considerations for administrators:

• Some candidates may become credentialed more quickly, supporting staffing stability

• Directors must still ensure verification visits occur when required

• The digital portfolio process allows directors to help staff organize work samples

• Standards have not been lowered—quality remains consistent

• Home Visitor CDA candidates follow the unchanged process

Supporting staff through these updates helps improve quality, retention, and program readiness.

📚 Resources

📘 Nevada CDA Training

A training page offering Nevada-approved CDA coursework to help candidates build competencies and prepare for the exam.
Link: https://www.childcareed.com/courses_in-NV-nevada.htmll

🧑‍🏫 How to Work With a CDA PD Specialist

A helpful resource that explains how to find and work with a CDA Professional Development Specialist.
Link: https://www.childcareed.com/r-00647-how-to-find-and-work-with-a-cda-pd-specialist-birth-to-five.html

💵 How Nevada Can Pay for Your CDA Certification

An article explaining funding options available to Nevada CDA candidates.
Link: https://www.cdacertification.com/a/how-can-the-state-of-nevada-pay-for-my-cda-certification.html

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You may follow us on instagram for sharing tips, reminders, and inspiration for #early-childhood-educators.
Link: https://www.instagram.com/childcareed/