-
Access for
12 months
-
training hours
120
-
Pathway Courses
10
-
Subject Area Courses
50+
CDA Pathway
Includes 120 training hours of coursework and portfolio support for earning your CDA credential.
Write your awesome label here.
What is a CDA?
The Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education. It's a great way to advance your career in early childhood education. The CDA® is based on a core set of competency standards set by the Council for Professional Recognition that guide early childhood professionals toward becoming qualified educators of young children.
How do I earn my CDA Credential?
There are 4 steps to earning a CDA Credential.
Our CDA Pathway provides you with professional development training and portfolio support, so you are well prepared for your Verification Visit and CDA Exam.
Our CDA Pathway provides you with professional development training and portfolio support, so you are well prepared for your Verification Visit and CDA Exam.
Prepare
Before you apply:
Complete 120 hours of professional education covering the 8 CDA subject areas
Complete 120 hours of professional education covering the 8 CDA subject areas
Within 3 years of applying:
Work 480 hours with children in your chosen age group
Work 480 hours with children in your chosen age group
Within 6 months of submitting your application:
Prepare your professional portfolio
Prepare your professional portfolio
Apply
Submit your application and pay the application fee
Select a PD Specialist
Complete Director's Permission Statement
Receive Ready to Schedule notification
Select a PD Specialist
Complete Director's Permission Statement
Receive Ready to Schedule notification
Demonstrate
Schedule Verification Visit
Show Professional Portfolio at Verification Visit
Take the CDA Exam
Show Professional Portfolio at Verification Visit
Take the CDA Exam
Earn
Celebrate your accomplishment!
Pricing
The CDA Pathway from Bertelsen Education makes earning your CDA Credential easy and fun at a competitive price!
- Additional fees paid to the CDA Council will apply. See FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bertelsen Education award the CDA?
No. Bertelsen Education provides professional development training that fulfill the CDA requirements, as well as portfolio support and general information about how to obtain a CDA.
The CDA is awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. The Council will administer the final exam and award the credential.
The CDA is awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. The Council will administer the final exam and award the credential.
Who is eligible for a CDA?
To be eligible for the CDA credential, you must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, although the organization now allows select third and fourth-year high school students opportunities to qualify. In addition to meeting educational and experience requirements, you must submit documented verification of your work with children.
How long does it take to get a CDA?
That's completely up to you! The CDA has 120 hours worth of coursework. If you work 5 hours a week, then it will take you 6 months to complete the coursework.
All of our courses are self-paced, and you will have access to them for 12 months from the date of purchase.
All of our courses are self-paced, and you will have access to them for 12 months from the date of purchase.
How much does it cost?
There are different elements required to obtain a CDA credential, and each is paid to a different source. For reference, we've included typical costs in the table below:
Do I need to have a computer to complete the courses?
No. Our courses are mobile friendly! You can complete coursework on any device - desktop, tablet or smartphone. We also have a mobile app to make learning on the go easier!
What is the portfolio?
Your portfolio is a collection of items required by the council and verified by the PD Specialist on the day of your verification visit.
Our CDA Pathway supports you through the portfolio building process by ensuring you know what is needed for each section with instructions and future planning included in the Pathway.
Our CDA Pathway supports you through the portfolio building process by ensuring you know what is needed for each section with instructions and future planning included in the Pathway.
What is a PD Specialist?
A PD Specialist or Professional Development Specialist is a professional certified by the Council for Professional Recognition who will perform the Verification Visit.
What is the Verification Visit?
The Verification Visit is conducted by the CDA Council. This is where someone from the CDA Council will observe you working with children.
The PD Specialist you select will be the one conducting the visit. There are 3 parts to a verification visit: portfolio review, observation, and a reflection time with the PD Specialist.
The PD Specialist you select will be the one conducting the visit. There are 3 parts to a verification visit: portfolio review, observation, and a reflection time with the PD Specialist.
How long is a CDA good for?
The CDA Credential must be renewed every 3 years.
Supporting families and childcare providers through continuing education
Copyright © 2024