As part of the CDA credentialing process the CDA Professional Development Specialist conducts an on-site Verification Visit, during which the Candidate is assessed on his or her ability to demonstrate an understanding of the CDA Competency Standards and Functional Areas.

The R.O.R. Model™

The CDA Verification Visit has three parts based on the R.O.R. Model™: Review - Observe - Reflect. The R.O.R. Model represents the tasks undertaken by the CDA PD Specialist that contribute to the assessment of Candidate competency. During the Verification Visit, the PD Specialist will:

• Review the contents of the Candidate's Professional Portfolio (formerly the Professional Resource File), training transcripts/certificates and Family Questionnaires.
• Observe the Candidate working with children, recording criterion evidence where applicable.
• Reflect with the Candidate, focusing on the Candidate's areas of strength or growth found in the Portfolio or seen during the Observation.

During the Visit, the Specialist uses the Comprehensive Scoring Instrument to determine Recommended Scores in each of the thirteen Functional Areas, using a combination of both Portfolio evidence and observable criteria.

Upon completion of the Verification Visit, the PD Specialist then submits the Recommended Scores to the Council. These scores, along with the Exam score, are combined by the Council into a final Cumulative Score which will determine the credentialing decision.