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A Practical Guide to Understanding the CDA Process

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 Candidates Seeking to Qualify for a CDA  Must Complete the Following Requirements:

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• Having a high school diploma,

• Complete 120 hours of formal child care education, 

• Complete a professional portfolio,

• Arragne for a verification visit

• Coordinate a visit with an approved PD Specialist 

• Complete your final CDA exam.

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1. To prepare for your CDA, you must satisfy these requirements:

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• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (GED), or be a junior or senior in a high school vocational program in early education.

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• Be able to speak, read, and write well enough to perform the responsibilities of a CDA.

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• Complete 120 clock hours of formal childcare training.

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• Have 480 hours of professional work experience (paid or volunteer) in a group setting with children aged birth through 5 years within 3 years of submitting your CDA application.

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• Purchase CDA Competency Standards book from the Council: 1-800-424-4310 or Competency Standards Book. Choose the books specific to the setting for which you wish to apply (Family Child Care, Infant/Toddler Center-Based, or Preschool Center-Based). Read the CDA Competency Standards book carefully. We recommend that you order this book from the Council as soon as possible.  All students must have books to successfully complete the CDA Program.

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• Develop a Professional Portfolio (within 6 months of application) that includes: Family Questionnaires, Resource Collection items, Reflective Statements of Competence, and a Personal Philosophy Statement.

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2. To apply for your CDA, you must:

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• Find a Professional Development Specialist at www.cdacouncil.org/findapds (or call the Council for assistance) and get his/ her ID number.

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• Complete the CDA application (in the Competency Standards book).

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• Submit your application and fee ($425) to the Council.

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• Once you have completed the steps above, schedule your Verification Visit and CDA Exam.

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• And finally, await the council's decision as they review your Cumulative Score from the Verification Visit and the CDA Exam.

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