How to Earn Your CDA® Credential: A Step-by-Step Guide for Early Childhood Professionals
Meta Title: Professional Development in ECE: Licensing, CDA & PD Hours
Meta Description: Explore PD in early childhood education—what it is, why it matters, and how to earn state-approved hours, CDA renewal credits, and free training online.
Are you ready to take the next big step in your early childhood career? The Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ is one of the most widely recognized and respected milestones in early childhood education. More than 350,000 educators have earned their CDA® to demonstrate their expertise, grow their teaching practice, and open doors to new opportunities.
While the process may seem overwhelming at first, breaking it down into clear, manageable steps makes it both achievable and empowering. Whether you’re brand-new to the field or already an experienced educator, the CDA® offers a structured pathway to showcase your skills and highlight your commitment to children’s growth.
Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to earning your CDA®—with practical insights to help you every step of the way.
Step 1: Prepare
Preparation lays the foundation for your CDA® journey. To be eligible, you’ll need to meet both educational and hands-on experience requirements:
High School Requirement: You must have a high school diploma, GED, or be a high school junior/senior in a career/technical program in early childhood education.
Professional Education: Complete 120 clock hours of formal training in early childhood education, with at least 10 hours in each of the eight CDA® subject areas (e.g., child development, creating learning environments, program management). Many state-approved and online programs can help you meet this requirement.
Work Experience: Gain at least 480 hours of professional experience working with young children in your chosen CDA® setting (Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care, or Home Visitor).
Family Questionnaires: Ask families you’ve worked with to complete short surveys about your teaching and interactions. Their perspectives become part of your evidence.
Professional Portfolio: Collect your reflective statements, resume, training transcripts, lesson plans, and completed family questionnaires. This portfolio is your chance to show your professional readiness.
💡 Tip: Start early! Keep a log of your hours and training certificates as you go. Staying organized will make your application smoother and less stressful.
Step 2: Apply
When you’ve met the requirements, it’s time to begin your application:
Choose a Professional Development (PD) Specialist: This trained assessor will conduct your classroom verification visit.
Obtain Administrative Approval: If you work in a center, you’ll need your director’s permission to schedule your visit.
Submit Your Application: The Council’s online platform makes it easy to track progress, communicate with the Council, and receive updates.
Pay Fees: A nonrefundable application fee is required (amount depends on your setting). Check with your employer or state agency—many offer financial assistance.
Step 3: Demonstrate
Now comes the moment to show what you’ve learned:
Verification Visit: Your PD Specialist will review your portfolio, observe your work with children, and engage in a reflective dialogue about your teaching practices. Think of this as a professional conversation about what you do best.
CDA® Exam: Schedule your multiple-choice exam through Pearson VUE. It measures your knowledge of CDA® competency standards and can be taken at a testing center.
💡 Tip: Build your confidence with a CDA® practice test or prep class before the big day.
Step 4: Earn
If you meet the requirements on both your Verification Visit and Exam, congratulations—you’ll officially earn your CDA Credential™!
Validity: Your credential is valid for three years.
Impact: Earning your CDA® can lead to higher pay, new roles, and a stronger resume. But beyond the recognition, it’s proof that you’re prepared to make a lasting impact on children and families.
Step 5: Renew
Earning your CDA® is just the beginning of your professional growth.
Timeline: Renewal is required every three years. You can apply up to 90 days before your credential expires.
Requirements: You’ll need continuing education hours, proof of active work in the field, and an updated portfolio.
Renewing demonstrates your ongoing commitment to best practices and lifelong learning.
Choosing the Right CDA® Setting
The CDA® is available in four settings to match your career path:
Infant/Toddler CDA® – For those working with children birth–36 months in a center-based program.
Preschool CDA® – For educators working with children ages 3–5 in a center-based program.
Family Child Care CDA® – For providers caring for children birth–5 years in a home-based setting.
Home Visitor CDA® – For professionals supporting families and children in their homes.
Why the CDA® Matters
The CDA® isn’t just another certificate—it’s a professional milestone that:
Meets many state and federal requirements for professional development.
Boosts your confidence as an educator.
Strengthens your ability to create safe, healthy, and engaging learning environments.
Builds a foundation for future degrees and credentials.
Often called “the best first step” in early childhood education, the CDA® equips educators with the skills, knowledge, and recognition to grow their careers—and, most importantly, to nurture the children and families they serve.
✨ Final Encouragement: Wherever you are in your journey, the CDA® is a meaningful investment in your future. Each step brings you closer to becoming the educator you aspire to be—and the one children deserve.
FAQ: Professional Development in Early Childhood Education
1. What is professional development in early childhood education?
Professional development (PD) in early childhood education refers to ongoing training, learning, and skill-building for educators, directors, and administrators. It includes activities like webinars, workshops, courses, and coaching that help professionals improve their skills and better support children and families. Platforms such as Early Childhood Investigations Webinars make this learning more accessible by offering free, high-quality sessions led by experts, giving educators practical tools they can use right away.
2. Why is professional development important for child care providers?
Professional development ensures educators stay current with best practices, meet state licensing requirements, and build skills that improve classroom quality. It also supports career growth, boosts confidence, and helps programs deliver stronger outcomes for children.
3. Do webinars count toward state licensing or CDA renewal hours?
Yes, webinars can count toward professional development hours. Early Childhood Investigations Webinars provide certificates of attendance that are accepted by most states. Participants receive certificates that can be submitted to registries or used for credential maintenance, depending on state guidelines.
4. What are examples of professional development activities in ECE?
Examples include free or low-cost webinars, college courses, certificate programs, mentoring, conferences, and independent study such as reading research or joining professional learning communities.
5. How can busy educators access professional development?
Accessible options include free online webinars, self-paced courses, and virtual learning communities. These allow educators to earn certificates from anywhere and immediately apply what they learn in their classrooms or programs.
