Free CDA Training in North Dakota - post

When people say “free CDA training,” they usually mean you can get CDA training hours with little or no cost to you. In North Dakota, this often happens in two ways:

• Free training courses offered through state partners

• Scholarships and incentives that pay you back (reimburse you) for training and CDA costs

This is helpful because the CDA credential requires:

• 120 hours of training (with at least 10 hours in each CDA subject area)

• 480 hours of work experience with children
  These are part of the CDA process shared by Child Care Aware of North Dakota.

Who can benefit from free CDA training programs in North Dakota?

Free or low-cost CDA help is often for people who:

• Work in a child care center

• Work in a family child care home

• Work with infants, toddlers, or preschoolers

• Are listed in the North Dakota Early Childhood Workforce Registry (the state’s system for tracking training)

If you are not sure where you fit, that’s okay. Many programs are designed to help educators at different levels. #EarlyChildhoodEducation

Where can you find free CDA-focused training right now in North Dakota?

North Dakota Health & Human Services shared that the Early Childhood Workforce Registry partnered with iPD – Zero to Three to offer free CDA credential-focused training. As of October 21, 2025, six courses were available, and they can count for 80 of the 120 required training hours.

Here’s what that means in plain words:

• You can complete a big part of your CDA training hours for free

• You still need the rest of the hours (about 40 more) from approved training

Tip: The state points educators to the ND Early Childhood Training Calendar to find trainings and register.
#NorthDakotaChildCare

How do you pay for the rest of the CDA costs (if training isn’t fully free)?

Even if your training is free, you may still have other CDA costs (like fees). The good news is North Dakota has support options.

Option 1: CDA scholarships through Child Care Aware of North Dakota

Child Care Aware of ND has shared a CDA scholarship opportunity that can cover the CDA application fee for an initial CDA or CDA renewal. The flyer says you must apply and provide:

• Proof of completed training hours (120 for initial CDA or 45 for renewal)

• Employment verification

This is a great option if you already have training hours and want help paying the credential fee. #CDA

Option 2: Workforce Training and Education Incentive (reimbursement)

North Dakota also offers a Workforce Training and Education Incentive. It is designed to help people working toward an early childhood credential or degree. The state says:

• You may apply more than once

• There is an individual maximum of $5,000

• Some eligible trainings can earn $300 per completed training (when requirements are met)

They also direct educators to log into the ND Early Childhood Hub to find eligible trainings on the training calendar and apply.

Option 3: North Dakota Career Pathway Training Incentive

ChildCareEd also shares details about North Dakota’s Career Pathway Training Incentive, which can help cover training and professional development costs. The page explains:

• Awards can be $250 (Categories B–D) or $500 (Categories E–J)

• Applications are accepted January 1–31

• You must meet eligibility rules like registry membership and work hours

What’s a simple step-by-step plan to get CDA training for free (or close to free)?

Here is an easy path many educators follow:

• Step 1: Join the ND Early Childhood Workforce Registry
  Many incentives require registry membership.

• Step 2: Use the ND Early Childhood Training Calendar
  Look for free CDA-focused options and state-approved trainings.

• Step 3: Complete the free iPD CDA courses (as available)
  These can help you reach up to 80 hours of CDA training.

• Step 4: Finish the remaining hours with approved training
  This is where an online CDA training program can help you complete all required subject areas.

• Step 5: Apply for scholarships/incentives
  Use scholarships to reduce fees, and incentives to reimburse training costs.

Which ChildCareEd courses can help you complete CDA training hours?

If you need to complete training hours (or finish the hours not covered by free courses), these ChildCareEd CDA training options are directly related:

• CDA Preschool Credential with Portfolio Review: https://www.childcareed.com/courses-cda-preschool-credential.html

• CDA Infant/Toddler Credential with Portfolio Review: https://www.childcareed.com/courses-cda-infant-toddler-credential.html

• CDA Family Child Care Credential with Portfolio Review: https://www.childcareed.com/courses-cda-family-child-care-credential.html

These can be a good match if you are working toward your full 120 hours and want training that is organized and easy to follow.

How can you keep costs low while working on your CDA?

Use these tools to plan and avoid surprise costs:

• “How to Get Your CDA for Free” : https://www.childcareed.com/r-00708-how-to-get-your-cda-for-free.html

• “CDA Cost Checklist” : https://www.childcareed.com/r-00707-cda-cost-checklist.html

Also, North Dakota educators should stay up to date on changes and expectations. This article can help:

• CDA 2026 Updates (North Dakota): https://www.cdacertification.com/a/cda-2026-updates-what-north-dakota-educators-must-know.html

Where can you get support and tips while you work on your CDA?

You do not have to do this alone. A support community can make the CDA process feel easier.

Follow ChildCareEd on Facebook for tips, reminders, and training updates:

https://www.facebook.com/childcareed/