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Earn your CDA with Bertelsen Education

Take CDA classes online to meet the training hour requirement with portfolio support, all online and on your own time!

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® certification 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.

Prepare

Before you apply:
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

Within 6 months of submitting your application:
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

Demonstrate

Schedule Verification Visit
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.

Q&A

Why is having a CDA important for early childhood educators?

The Child Development Associate credential is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and is key for career advancement in ECE, according to the Council for Professional Recognition. The CDA is based on a core set of competency standards that guide early care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children.

The CDA allows early educators to meet state and national requirements, and it demonstrates their knowledge, skills and abilities when working with young children. Early childhood educators with a CDA have more career-advancement opportunities. Plus, these educators gain knowledge in child growth and development, curriculum planning and behavior management through coursework and practical experience.

Q&A

What are the requirements for earning a CDA?

Candidates must show proof of high school education with a valid high school diploma, a GED or through enrollment as a junior or senior in a high school career/technical program in early childhood education, according to the Council for Professional Regulation.

Applicants must complete 120 clock hours of professional early childhood education, including 10 hours in each of the eight CDA subject areas and have 480 hours of work experience working with children in the age group matching the CDA application.

Then candidates must select a CDA professional development specialist, who will conduct a verification visit and a family questionnaire and professional portfolio must be completed. The candidate must pass a test to earn the CDA.

Q&A

How long does it take to earn a CDA?

Candidates must work 480 hours with young children in an accredited institution. They also must complete 120 hours of professional development training (which is offered through the CDA Pathway), as well as schedule and complete a site/verification visit with the CDA Council before taking the CDA Council exam.

Q&A

Tips for Earning Your CDA

Be organized and set small, manageable goals. Aim to complete a certain number of training hours or portfolio components each week. Make sure your supervisors know that you’re working toward a CDA -- they might offer support such as flexible work hours. And connect with fellow CDA candidates working toward the same goal! Sharing experiences, resources and advice can be invaluable. Form a study group to support each other.