What Are the Basic Eligibility Requirements for the CDA Credential?

To be eligible for the CDA credential, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, complete 480 hours of professional experience working with children under age 5, and complete 120 hours of formal early childhood education training across all 8 CDA subject areas.

How Many Training Hours Does the CDA Require?

The CDA credential requires 120 hours of formal early childhood education training. These hours must cover all 8 CDA subject areas including safe environments, child development, family relationships, curriculum, observation, professionalism, diversity, and program management.

What Is the CDA Professional Portfolio?

The CDA Professional Portfolio is a collection of documents demonstrating your competency. It includes a philosophy statement, resource collection, competency statements (6 goals, 13 functional areas), and a Family Questionnaire. You submit and present it during your verification visit with your PD Specialist.

How Much Does the CDA Application Cost?

The CDA application fee is $425 for the initial credential. This includes the Council assessment, formal observation by a CDA PD Specialist, and the written CDA Exam (60 questions, 95 minutes). Renewal every 3 years costs $150.

How Long Is the CDA Credential Valid?

The CDA credential is valid for 3 years. To renew, you must complete 45 hours of continuing education, pay a $150 renewal fee, and submit a renewal application through the Council for Professional Recognition's online portal before expiration.

Can You Get a CDA with an Online Program?

Yes, the 120 hours of formal training can be completed fully online through accredited programs. The 480 hours of professional experience, however, must be in-person work with children. The formal observation by a PD Specialist is conducted in your actual work setting and cannot be conducted virtually.

CDA Requirements 2026: Eligibility, Training Hours & Application

CDA requirements 2026: eligibility, 480 experience hours, 120 training hours, portfolio, and application steps for the CDA credential.

CDA - Child Development Associate By Dr. Rachel KimApr 17, 20267 min read

CDA Requirements 2026: Eligibility, Training Hours & Application

CDA Requirements at a Glance

Key numbers every CDA candidate needs to know before applying.

🎓480 hrsProfessional ExperienceWith children under age 5

📚120 hrsFormal ECE TrainingAcross 8 subject areas

💰$425Application FeeIncludes exam & observation

⏱️60 questionsCDA Exam Length95 minutes, computer-based

📅3 yearsCredential Validity$150 renewal fee

🌍600,000+CDA HoldersNationwide, since 1975

Cda Requirements at a Glance - CDA - Child Development Associate certification study resource

CDA Eligibility Requirements

Be at least 18 years oldHold a high school diploma or GED equivalentComplete 480 hours of professional experience working directly with children under age 5Complete 120 hours of formal early childhood education training across all 8 CDA subject areasAssemble your CDA Professional Portfolio (philosophy statement, competency statements, resource collection, Family Questionnaire)Select a setting type: Center-Based (Preschool or Infant/Toddler), Family Child Care, or Home Visitor

120 Training Hours: Required Subject Areas

Safe, Healthy Learning Environments — covers physical safety, health practices, and creating nurturing spaces. Minimum 10 training hours recommended. Topics include SIDS prevention, childproofing, nutrition standards, and hygiene routines.

All 480 experience hours must be direct, in-person work with children under age 5 in your chosen setting (center-based preschool, infant/toddler room, family child care, or home visitor program). Volunteer hours, shadowing, and observation-only placements do NOT count. Hours must occur within the 3-year window before your application. If you work full-time in a childcare setting (30 hrs/week), you accumulate 480 hours in approximately 16 weeks. Part-time workers (15 hrs/week) need about 32 weeks. Keep a signed log verified by your supervisor — the Council may request documentation during verification.

Need to brush up on content? The CDA exam study guide covers all competency areas tested in the formal observation and written exam.

CDA Credential Types

Choose the setting type that matches your current work environment. Each has the same core requirements but different focus areas.

🏫Center-Based PreschoolMost Common

For educators working with children ages 3–5 in licensed child development centers, Head Start programs, or pre-K classrooms. Most common CDA pathway.

Ages 3-5Classroom Setting

👶Infant/ToddlerAges 0-3

For caregivers working with children under age 3 in center-based settings. Emphasizes attachment, developmental milestones, and safe sleep practices.

Infant CareToddler Programs

🏠Family Child CareHome-Based

For providers operating licensed child care in their own home, serving mixed-age groups. Requires managing multi-age curriculum and family communication.

Mixed AgesHome Setting

🚪Home VisitorSpecialized

For professionals who visit families in their homes to support child development. Focuses on parent education, developmental screening, and community referrals.

Home VisitsParent Support

CDA Application Steps

✅

Step 1

Meet Eligibility & Gather Documentation

Confirm you have 480+ experience hours and 120+ formal training hours. Collect transcripts, certificates, and supervisor verification letters.

📁

Step 2

Assemble Your Professional Portfolio

Build your portfolio: 6 Competency Goal statements, resource collection, philosophy statement, and distribute the Family Questionnaire to at least 3 families. Learn more in the CDA career guide.

💻

Step 3

Submit Online Application

Apply at cdacouncil.org. Pay the $425 fee. Select your setting type and request a CDA Professional Development (PD) Specialist for your formal observation.

👁️

Step 4

Formal Observation (Verification Visit)

Your PD Specialist visits your classroom, observes your practice for 1.5–3 hours, and reviews your Professional Portfolio with you.

📝

Step 5

Pass the CDA Exam

Take the 60-question computer-based exam at a Prometric center. Score 60% or higher to pass (36 of 60 correct). Use CDA practice test video answers to prepare.

🎓

Step 6

Receive Your Credential

The Council processes results within 2–4 weeks. Your CDA certificate and wallet card are mailed to you. The credential is valid for 3 years from issue date.

480 Professional Experience Hours — What Counts? - CDA - Child Development Associate certification study resource

CDA Costs & Fees

Full breakdown of costs to earn and maintain your CDA credential.

📋$425Initial Application

🔄$150Credential Renewal

📚$0–$800Training Program

📖$50–$150Study Materials

The CDA Exam is a 60-question, computer-based assessment administered at Prometric testing centers nationwide. You have 95 minutes to complete it. Questions are scenario-based, testing your ability to apply ECE competencies in real classroom situations rather than recall definitions.

The exam covers all 8 CDA subject areas proportionally. A passing score requires answering at least 36 of 60 questions correctly (60%). If you fail, you may retake after 1 year — making thorough preparation essential. Use CDA Health, Safety, and Nutrition practice tests and CDA Professionalism practice tests to build confidence before test day. The comprehensive CDA practice test library on PracticeTestGeeks covers all competency areas.

CDA Credential: Worth It?

Key advantages and considerations for early childhood professionals pursuing the CDA.

✅Reasons to Earn Your CDA

+Nationally recognized by Head Start, licensed childcare centers, and public pre-K programs
+Increases earning potential — CDA holders earn 10–20% more than uncredentialed staff
+Required or preferred by most licensed child development center employers
+Builds a clear path to the Associate and Bachelor's degree in ECE
+Signals professional commitment to families and program directors
+Renews every 3 years with only 45 CE hours — low ongoing burden

❌Challenges to Consider

−Application fee of $425 is a significant upfront cost for entry-level workers
−480 experience hours must be documented and supervisor-verified
−Portfolio assembly is time-consuming — plan 20–40 hours of personal preparation
−Exam retake requires a 1-year wait if failed — one chance matters
−Online training counts but in-person observation cannot be waived

Your CDA credential expires exactly 3 years from the issue date. To renew, you must: complete 45 hours of continuing education related to early childhood development, pay a $150 renewal fee, and submit your renewal application through the Council's online portal before your expiration date. At least 25% of your CE hours must be in-person or live instruction (not entirely self-paced). Renewing on time is critical — an expired CDA requires you to reapply as a new applicant, paying $425 again and repeating the full verification process. Read the full CDA practice tests overview for more on credential maintenance and career pathways. For deeper exam preparation, explore the CDA - Child Development Associate: Complete Study Guide 2026 which covers all 13 functional areas.

Take Free CDA Safety, Health, and Nutrition Practice Test

Related CDA Resources

What Is a CDA? Child Development Associate Credential Guide 2026

How to Pass the CDA Exam in 2026 — Complete Study Guide

CDA Career Paths, Salary, and Requirements 2026

CDA Complete Study Guide 2026

CDA Requirements Questions and Answers

About the Author

Dr. Rachel KimEdD, MEd, CDA

Child Development Specialist & Early Education Exam Expert

Erikson Institute

Dr. Rachel Kim holds a Doctorate in Education and a Child Development Associate credential from the Erikson Institute, a graduate institution exclusively focused on early childhood. With 18 years of experience in early childhood education and childcare licensing, she has prepared thousands of CDA candidates and childcare licensing applicants through her structured exam readiness programs.