High school students enrolled in ECE vocational programs may now become Candidates for the CDA credential.  All eligibility requirements remain the same as for any other Candidate.  The only change the Council has made is that we have removed the “18 years of age” and “high school diploma” requirements.  This means that many vocational/technical high school students around the country may now apply who have achieved their 480 hours of work experience through a practicum or laboratory school course and their 120 hours of training through child development courses they have taken.

The CDA Credential is the essential first step of an entry level ECE professional. In an effort to make this career building opportunity more widely available, the Council has expanded its traditional credentialing model. Here are the rules:

The CDA candidate:

- Must meet all CDA requirements but does NOT have to be 18.

- Must hold a high school diploma, or equivalent, or must be a junior or senior in a high school / vocational program in early education.

Interested CDA Candidates should become familiar with the CDA credentialing process as outlined on the Council’s website and in the Council’s publications.

The Council for Professional Recognition is proud to nationally recognize the skills of the entry level ECE professionals. We feel privileged that so many ECE professionals begin their professional growth with the CDA.