I completed my CDA training. Do I have a CDA Credential now? - post

The answer is No. Completing your CDA (Child Development Associate) training is an important step, but it does not automatically mean you have earned the CDA Credential. Here’s what you need to do after completing your training to obtain the credential:

Many candidates complete ChildCareEd coursework that fulfills the Council’s 120-hour education requirement (for example, our CDA Preschool Credential Buy Now $400.00$300.00 or the CDA Infant/Toddler Credential Buy Now $400.00$300.00). Those courses support the training portion of the process, but completion of training alone does not confer the CDA Credential; you must still document experience, assemble a Professional Portfolio, apply to the Council, complete a verification visit, and pass the CDA exam before the Council may award the credential.

How many work hours do I need and in what settings?

• You need to document at least 480 hours of professional experience working directly with young children in the age group you are pursuing for your CDA Credential. The specific settings include:
• Infants/Toddlers: Birth to 36 months.
• Preschool: Ages 3-5 years.
• Family Child Care: Mixed-age groups in a #home-based setting.
• Home Visitor: Working with families in their #homes.
• This experience ensures that you have hands-on practice in implementing what you learned during your training in a real-world setting. Be sure to keep records of your hours and the settings in which you worked.

What must my Professional Portfolio include?

Your Professional Portfolio is a key component of the CDA process. It demonstrates your skills, philosophy, and competency as an #early-childhood #educator. It must include:

• Statements of Competence: Write six reflective statements that explain how you meet each of the CDA Competency Standards.
• Resource Collection: Compile items such as #lesson-plans, sample forms, and documentation that showcase your work with children. If you need structured portfolio support, ChildCareEd’s CDA Family Child Care Credential Buy Now $400.00$300.00 course includes portfolio resources and guided examples you can adapt for your application.
• Family Questionnaire: Collect feedback from families you work with regarding their experience with your program or services.
• A well-prepared portfolio highlights your #preparedness and understanding of best practices in #early-childhood-education.

How do I apply to the CDA Council?

• Visit the CDA Council for Professional Recognition website to submit your application.
• Include all required documentation, such as proof of training, work experience, and your completed portfolio.
• Pay the application fee (currently $425 for online submission or $500 for paper submission).
• Once your application is accepted, you’ll receive instructions to schedule the next steps, including the verification visit and CDA exam.

What happens during the Verification Visit?

• A Professional Development Specialist (PDS) will conduct a verification visit to evaluate your skills and competency in a real-world setting.
• This visit includes:
• Observation: The PDS will watch you as you interact with children in your #classroom or work environment. They’ll assess how you create a positive, engaging, and educational atmosphere.
• Portfolio Review: The PDS will review your Professional Portfolio and discuss its contents with you, focusing on your understanding of best practices.
• Prepare thoroughly by ensuring your portfolio is complete and your environment reflects the CDA standards.

What is on the CDA Exam and how do I pass it?

• The CDA Exam is a computer-based test administered at an authorized testing center. Testing and scheduling are managed by Pearson VUE; candidates must receive a Council 'Ready to Schedule' notice before they may register with Pearson VUE (see Pearson VUE for scheduling and location information). (Pearson VUE)
• It consists of 65 multiple-choice questions based on the CDA standards and principles. Topics include child #development, #safety, #health, curriculum, and family #engagement.
• Review study materials provided by the CDA Council or other resources to ensure you’re well-prepared.
• Once you pass the exam and complete the verification visit, the CDA Council will evaluate your performance and notify you of your results.

How long does it take to get a CDA certificate?

Time to credential varies because the CDA process has multiple parts that often proceed in parallel: complete the required 120 hours of coursework, document at least 480 hours of supervised experience in the age group you are seeking (experience may overlap with coursework if your program permits), assemble and submit your Professional Portfolio, and schedule the CDA exam once the Council issues a Ready-to-Schedule notice. Many candidates complete the full process within a few months, but variability is substantial: expect a realistic range from roughly three months (if you already have documented hours and your portfolio is ready) to a year (if you still need to accumulate supervised hours or revise portfolio documents). For procedural details and to confirm current timelines, consult the Council and guidance notes collected by practitioners (see the verified CDA guidance in the references below).

How will I receive my exam results and certificate?

Exam administration and immediate result protocols are managed by Pearson VUE; however, the Council for Professional Recognition is the awarding authority for the credential. Candidates typically receive exam scheduling and test-day instructions from Pearson VUE, and the Council will communicate credentialing decisions after the verification visit and exam are complete. If you pass the exam and meet all other Council requirements, the Council issues the CDA Credential. ChildCareEd issues only training certificates for completed coursework and cannot issue the CDA Credential itself. (See the Council and Pearson VUE for authoritative processing details.)

How can I get a copy of my CDA certificate or replace a lost one?

To obtain a replacement or official copy of your CDA Credential, contact the Council for Professional Recognition directly through their official portal. The Council maintains records of awarded credentials and will provide instructions, fees (if any), and identity verification steps required to issue replacements. Keep a personal archive of your training completion certificates and Council correspondence to streamline requests for duplicates. For guidance about record-keeping and practical steps when you lose documentation, ChildCareEd articles such as A Simple Guide to the CDA Credential and What Do Early Childhood Educators Need to Know Before Starting the CDA Credential? offer pragmatic checklists.

What should I do next after completing training?

Immediately after finishing coursework, plan three parallel tasks: (1) log and verify 480+ hours of appropriate experience using employer or supervisor documentation; (2) assemble and refine your Professional Portfolio (reflective competency statements, samples, and family questionnaires); and (3) review exam preparation materials and schedule the exam once you receive the Council’s Ready-to-Schedule notice. ChildCareEd provides portfolio support and preparation options that can shorten the application cycle—consider our CDA Family Child Care Credential Buy Now $400.00$300.00 (portfolio resources) or the CDA Preparation: From Training to Application Buy Now $25.00 workshop to organize your materials and reduce resubmission risk. Also review articles on the benefits and uses of the CDA to align your professional plan: What are the benefits of getting a CDA?, Understanding the CDA, and Why do I need a CDA Credential?.

Once you have completed all of these steps and met the Council’s requirements, you will be awarded the CDA Credential.

References: Council-related scheduling and testing details supported by Pearson VUE (Pearson VUE). Practical step summary and process checklist supported by practitioner guidance summarized in a verified CDA explanation (verified CDA guidance).