The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential requires 120 hours of formal early childhood education classes — approved by the Council for Professional Recognition — before you can apply. CDA classes are available in-person at community colleges and training centers, as well as fully online. Costs range from $50 to $695 depending on format and provider. This guide covers how to find accredited CDA classes near you, what topics they must cover, how many hours you need per subject area, and how your class hours count toward the CDA credential.
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Council for Professional Recognition. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Council for Professional Recognition. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 65 multiple-choice questions, including 5 scenario questions | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Exam fee | $525 online assessment/application fee; non-refundable and non-transferable | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Retake fee | $125 per retake | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Retake policy | Two retakes; three attempts total | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Validity | 3 years from award | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Renewal | $250 renewal fee | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Delivery | Computer-based examination at a Pearson VUE testing site | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Eligibility (Center-Based Infant-Toddler) | 120 training hours, including at least 10 in each subject area | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Testing window | Appointments subject to testing-center availability | pearsonvue.com |
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Council for Professional Recognition. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Interactive Child Development Associate resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
CDA classes are formal early childhood education coursework that counts toward the 120 required training hours for the CDA credential. These classes must address the 8 subject areas defined by the Child Development Associate framework — from child development and health to family engagement and professional practices.
Classes can be taken at a community college, a training center, through a Head Start program, or via online providers. The Council for Professional Recognition does not maintain an official approved-provider list, but your coursework must clearly map to the 8 CDA subject areas and provide a certificate of completion showing your name, course title, subject area, hours, and completion date.
Importantly, CDA classes are separate from your 480-hour professional experience requirement — that must be earned by working directly with children in a licensed early childhood setting and cannot be fulfilled through coursework alone.
Finding accredited CDA classes near you is straightforward with the right resources. Start with these approaches:
For fully remote options with no commuting required, see our guide to early childhood education online programs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Structured schedule helps some learners stay on track | Requires commuting to campus or training center |
| Direct instructor feedback and questions answered live | Fixed class schedule — less flexibility for working parents |
| Peer networking with other early childhood educators | Often higher cost than comparable online programs |
| College-credit courses are widely accepted by employers | Limited availability in rural or underserved areas |
| Hands-on practice components sometimes included | Enrollment tied to semester start dates |
| May qualify for T.E.A.C.H. or Pell Grant funding | May require prerequisite courses at some colleges |
Not all early childhood education courses qualify as CDA classes. Before enrolling, verify that the program:
If you're unsure whether a specific class qualifies, contact the Council for Professional Recognition directly before enrolling. See also our full guide to CDA requirements for eligibility details and our CDA training overview for complete program options.
For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our cda exam practice questions free resource.
For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our cda practice exam resource.
For more details, see our CDA Exam Prep 2026: Study Guide, Practice Tests & Tips guide. For more details, see our How to Pass the CDA Exam in 2026 — Complete Study Guide guide. For more details, see our early childhood education online guide. For more details, see our what is a cda guide. For more details, see our CDA Child Development Associate Practice Test PDF 2026 guide. For more details, see our kindercare cda program guide. For more details, see our CDA Council Contact — Complete Guide (2026) guide. For more details, see our cda classes guide. For more details, see our cda certification online free guide. For more details, see our cda classes online guide. For more details, see our early childhood education online guide. For more details, see our daycare salary guide. For more details, see our CDA Portfolio 2026: How to Build Your Professional Portfolio guide. For more details, see our cda renewal guide. For more details, see our what is a cda guide.Try these questions from our free Child Development Associate practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
When fostering creativity in young children, the focus of an art activity should be on the:
Answer: B. Child's process of exploration and discovery.
Process art emphasizes the experience of creating, not the end result. It allows children to explore materials, make choices, and express their own ideas without the pressure of creating a specific, adult-pleasing product.
What is the most effective method for providing brief, daily communication to all families about classroom activities?
Answer: C. Posting a daily summary sheet or message board near the classroom entrance.
A simple communication board or a daily sheet posted near the sign-in/sign-out area is an efficient and accessible way to share key information. It allows all parents to see a snapshot of the day's activities, meals, and special moments at their convenience during drop-off or pickup.
When observing children, what is the most effective way to minimize bias?
Answer: B. Use a standardized checklist that focuses on specific behaviors
Using a standardized checklist that focuses on specific, observable behaviors helps minimize bias in observations. This method ensures that all children are evaluated against the same criteria, reducing the influence of personal opinions or preconceived notions. It promotes objectivity and consistency, leading to more accurate and fair assessments.
Which of the following demonstrates professional behavior in the workplace?
Answer: B. Maintaining confidentiality of all child and family information
Maintaining confidentiality is a core professional obligation that protects families' privacy and builds trust.
Take the full Child Development Associate practice test
For more details, see our cda requirements guide. For more details, see our daycare salary guide. For more details, see our what is a cda guide. For more details, see our CDA Portfolio 2026: How to Build Your Professional Portfolio guide. For more details, see our cda renewal guide. For more details, see our childcare training guide. For more details, see our early childhood education online guide. For more details, see our cda exam prep guide.