CDA Credential: What is it and Why is it Important? - post

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a nationally recognized certification for #early-childhood- #educators that demonstrates their knowledge, skills, and commitment to providing high-quality care and education for young children. Awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition, the CDA Credential is considered the gold standard in the field of #early-childhood-education.

ChildCareEd offers 120-hour training packages designed to align with the Council's subject areas, for example the CDA Preschool Credential Buy Now ~~$400.00~~$300.00 and the CDA Infant/Toddler Credential Buy Now ~~$400.00~~$300.00, which provide coursework and portfolio supports to help you prepare for the CDA application.

Why should early childhood educators pursue a CDA credential?

The CDA Credential is designed to prepare educators to meet the #developmental needs of children in their care, laying a solid foundation for their #growth, learning, and success. Here’s why earning a CDA is important:

Enhances Professionalism:

The CDA Credential validates your expertise as an #early-childhood professional.
It signals to employers, #parents, and colleagues that you are committed to the field and dedicated to providing quality care.

Increases Career Opportunities:

Many employers, including child care centers and Head Start programs, require or prefer candidates with a CDA Credential.
It opens doors to promotions, higher pay, and greater responsibility in early childhood settings.

Improves Child Outcomes:

The knowledge gained through CDA training helps educators support children’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development more effectively. To read more about how CDA credentialing benefits not only children but also providers and whole neighborhoods, see our article The Impact of the CDA Credential on the Community.

Aligns with Licensing Requirements:

In many states, the CDA Credential satisfies certain licensing requirements for child care providers and #preschool #teachers.

Who is the CDA credential for?

The CDA Credential is intended for individuals working with children from birth to age five. It is ideal for:

Child care providers in centers or #home-based settings.
Preschool teachers.
Infant- #toddler caregivers.
Family child care providers. If you run or plan to open a home daycare, see our guide to earning a CDA for home daycare owners for practical steps on preparing your portfolio and meeting state and licensing requirements in a family child care setting.
Home Visitors.

What types of CDA credentials are available?

There are four types of CDA Credentials based on the age group or setting:

Center-Based Preschool CDA: For those working with children ages 3–5 in a center-based setting.
Center-Based Infant-Toddler CDA: For those working with children birth to age 3 in a center-based setting.
Family Child Care CDA: For those working with children in a home-based care setting.
Home Visitor CDA: For those working with families in their #homes as part of #early-intervention programs.

How do you earn a CDA credential?

Earning the CDA credential requires meeting the Council for Professional Recognition's multiple requirements: professional education, supervised work experience, a professional portfolio, a verification process, and passing the CDA assessment. The CDA is described by CDA exam administrators as the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education; official exam scheduling and credential information are published by Pearson VUE and the Council for Professional Recognition. (Pearson VUE: CDA exam info)

Professional education (120 hours):
Complete 120 hours of training across the CDA's eight subject areas. ChildCareEd offers 120-hour programs and bridge bundles (see recommended courses below) that are designed specifically to cover these subject areas; completing a training package provides the ChildCareEd training certificate but does not itself award the CDA credential. For practical study strategies, time management techniques, and resources to help you complete the coursework efficiently, see Tips for Completing the 120 Hours of CDA Credential Training.
Work experience (typically 480 hours):
Document the required supervised hours working with the specific age group for your credential type (for example, 480 hours in a center-based preschool setting for the Preschool CDA).
Professional portfolio:
Assemble a digital portfolio with reflective competency statements, work samples, family questionnaires, and a professional philosophy. Follow the Council's portfolio instructions closely; portfolio documents are reviewed at application.
Verification and observation:
A Council-approved Professional Development Specialist may conduct a verification visit to observe practice and confirm portfolio items. Some candidates are credentialed based primarily on exam performance and portfolio quality, but candidates should plan for a verification visit unless told otherwise by the Council.
The CDA assessment (exam):
The CDA assessment is a timed, computer-based exam administered at Pearson VUE centers; it includes multiple-choice items and scenario-based questions. For details on format and timing see the CDA exam page. (Study.com: CDA test format and eligibility)
Credentialing decision:
The Council for Professional Recognition reviews submitted materials, verification notes, and exam results and issues the credential when requirements are met.

Note: ChildCareEd trains and issues a training certificate for completed coursework, and offers portfolio review services; however, the CDA credential itself is awarded only by the Council for Professional Recognition after you meet all Council requirements.

How do you maintain a CDA credential?

The CDA Credential is valid for three years after issuance. To maintain it, educators must:

Complete 45 hours of continuing education.
Provide proof of current work in early childhood education.
Renew their credential online with the Council for Professional Recognition.

What are the benefits of earning a CDA credential?

Improved Confidence: The credentialing process equips educators with a deeper understanding of child development, making them more confident in their role.
National Recognition: The CDA is recognized across the U.S., making it a valuable credential no matter where you work.
Impactful Learning: CDA training emphasizes best practices in early childhood education, ensuring children receive high-quality care during critical developmental years.

How do I get started with CDA training?

If you're ready to pursue the CDA credential, follow a clear sequence: pick the credential that fits your setting, complete the 120-hour coursework, document required work hours, assemble your professional portfolio, and prepare for the assessment and verification visit.

If you're unsure whether now is the right moment in your career, see our guide on when to earn your CDA for practical advice about timing, readiness, and how the credential aligns with licensing and employer expectations.

Choose the CDA type that matches your role (Preschool, Infant-Toddler, Family Child Care, or Home Visitor).
Enroll in accredited training that covers the Council's eight subject areas and issues a training certificate once coursework is complete.
Gather documentation, plan your professional portfolio, and arrange for verification/mentoring supports.

Recommended ChildCareEd courses to complete the 120-hour training portion — these courses are designed to cover the CDA subject areas and provide portfolio supports; confirm Council application requirements separately.

Further reading on ChildCareEd

Summary: Is a CDA credential right for you?

The CDA credential represents a verified set of competencies in early childhood practice; it signals to employers, families, and regulatory bodies that a practitioner has completed formal training, documented relevant experience, and met assessment criteria. Earning the CDA can improve practice, support career mobility, and, when accepted by state licensing or employer policy, help satisfy credentialing or qualification requirements for certain positions. Review your state licensing rules and your employer's policies to confirm how the CDA is used in hiring and qualification decisions. For a clear discussion of the credential's distinctive strengths and how it can enhance your career in early childhood education, see what sets the CDA Credential apart.

If you want to move forward, choose the credential type that matches your setting, enroll in a full 120-hour program (or bridge bundle if you already have partial credit), prepare the professional portfolio carefully, and schedule the CDA assessment at an authorized testing center. Use ChildCareEd's portfolio review and coaching supports if you want guided feedback before you submit materials to the Council. If you live or work in Texas, review Texas licensing guidance and how the state recognizes or uses the CDA credential in our guide: How to Get an ECE Certificate in Texas.