CDA® Credentialing Program FAQs

Through the development and administration of professional standards and procedures, accreditation is offered to certify early childhood professionals in the field of early childhood education.

What is the Child Development Associate® (CDA) National Credentialing Program?

The CDA National Credentialing Program is a professional development opportunity for early educators working with children ages birth to 5 years old to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in the early childhood education field. The CDA credentialing program assesses Candidates using multiple sources evidence, including an exam, observation and professional portfolio with resources and competency statements prepared by the Candidate.

Why should I apply to earn a Child Development Associate® (CDA)?

The CDA Credential both initially and at renewal periods is a professional development opportunity for early educators at all levels of education and experience. The early childhood education field is constantly evolving and it is important for educators to stay current with key education practices.The CDA demonstrates your knowledge, skills and abilities when working with young children, as well as your commitment to career advancement and professionalism.

What is a center-based program?

A center-based program must have: (1) at least 10 children enrolled in the program (not necessarily in the Candidate’s group), and (2) at least two caregivers working with the children on a regular basis.

How do I choose the correct CDA Credential Setting?

Please review the CDA Credential settings below to determine which best describes your work with young children:

• PRESCHOOL: A center-based preschool setting is a state-licensed or legally exempt child development center where a Candidate can be observed working with a group of at least six children, all of whom are ages 3 through 5 years old.
• INFANT-TODDLER: A center-based infant-toddler setting is a state-licensed or legally exempt child development center where a Candidate can be observed working with a group of at least three children, all of whom are aged birth through 36 months.
• BIRTH-TO-FIVE: A center-based setting is a state-licensed or legally exempt child development center where a Candidate can be observed working with any or all the following age groups: (1) at least three children aged birth to 36 months, or (2) at least six children aged 3 to 5 years.
• FAMILY CHILD CARE: A family child care setting is a home-based early learning program where a Candidate can be observed working with at least two children 5 years old or younger who are not related to the Candidate by blood or marriage. The setting must meet at least the minimum level of applicable state and/or local regulations. Family child care settings are also eligible in localities where there is no regulation of family child care.
• HOME VISITOR: A home visitor setting is an established program of home visits (to families with children 5 years old or younger) that supports parents in meeting the needs of their young children. In this setting, regular home visits are the primary method of program delivery. Candidates for a Home Visitor credential follow a slightly different assessment process. For information on how to earn a Home Visitor CDA Credential, click here.

How much will it cost?

To apply for your initial CDA Credential, the cost is $525 for online applications and $600 for paper applications. CDA candidates save $75 by applying online!

To renew your CDA Credential, the cost is $250 for paper applications. Candidates who apply online will receive a $50.00 discount and the cost for renewal is $300.00.

Payment for both initial and renewal CDA applications are due in full at the time of application.

What is The R.O.R. Model®?

“R.O.R.” stands for Review-Observe-Reflect®. The R.O.R Model® tasks are undertaken by the PD Specialist. They contribute to the assessment of the Candidate’s competency.

During the CDA Verification Visit®, the specialist:

• Reviews the contents of the Professional Portfolio, the training transcripts/certificates and Family Questionnaires
• Observes the Candidate working with children, recording criterion evidence where applicable, and
• Reflects with the Candidate, focusing on the Candidate’s areas of strength or growth found in the Portfolio and/or seen in the Observation or identified in the Family Questionnaires

What is the Professional Portfolio?

The Professional Portfolio is compiled independently by each Candidate as part of the CDA credentialing process. The compiled resources and documents are reviewed by the Council. The Professional Portfolio is composed of:

• Education Documentation
• Family Questionnaires
• Six (6) Reflective Statements of Competence
• Ten (10) Resources
• A Professional Philosophy Statement

What are Family Questionnaires?

Family Questionnaires are a required component of the CDA Professional Portfolio. Candidates are required to distribute the questionnaires to the families they serve and include them in their CDA Professional Portfolio. The Family Questionnaires allow the Candidate to review and address feedback from the families they serve to aid in their professional development.

What is the PD Specialist’s role in the CDA credentialing process?

The CDA PD Specialist conducts the CDA Verification Visit with the Candidate. During the CDA Verification Visit the CDA PD Specialist:

• Reviews the Candidate’s Professional Portfolio
• Observes the Candidate working with children
• Facilitates a reflective dialogue with the Candidate.

At the end of the CDA Verification Visit, the CDA PD Specialist electronically submits the Candidate’s scores to the Council.

What is the process to earn a CDA Credential?

For a detailed description of the CDA Credentialing process, please select the setting for which you be applying to earn your CDA Credential: Center-Based Birth-to-Five, Center-Based Preschool, Center-Based Infant-Toddler, Family Child Care and Home Visitor.

What do I have to do to be eligible for a CDA Credential?

The eligibility requirements to apply for a CDA Credential are as follows:

• You must have a high school diploma or be a high school junior or senior in an early education/child development Career and Technical Program
• Any time before you apply: Complete 120 clock hours of professional education covering the eight CDA Subject Areas
• Within 3 years before you apply: Obtain 480 hours of experience working with young children
• Within 6 months before you apply: Prepare a CDA Professional Portfolio according to the requirements outlined in the CDA Competency Standards book

Are there scholarships available to assist Candidates with the assessment fee?

Yes, if you are income eligible, the state may pay for all or part of your training. The state may also cover the assessment fee. To determine if you are eligible, please contact your state office for detailed information about available funding.

Additionally, please visit our CDA Scholarships page for a list of organizations by state who provide financial assistance to individuals who wish to pursue a CDA Credential.

Where can I obtain training?

The Council for Professional Recognition does not provide training nor do we specifically endorse any training program or CDA curriculum. It is the Candidate’s responsibility to evaluate and select a training organization, agency or institution to complete their training.

While formal education hours can be for credit or noncredit, they must be earned through an agency or organization with expertise in early childhood teacher preparation. The Council does not accept training provided by individual consultants.

Can high school and career and technical education program Candidates count their training hours as formal education?

Yes, these Candidates are eligible to apply for the CDA Credential.

What is considered formal education?

Formal education hours can be for credit or noncredit, however, they must be earned through an agency or organization with expertise in early childhood teacher preparation. The agency or organization must verify your education in the form of an official transcript, certificate, or letter. The Council does not accept training provided by individual consultants.

Are application and training materials available in Spanish?

Yes, please visit our online bookstore to view materials available in Spanish.

I speak two languages. Can I apply for a bilingual specialization?

Candidates who wish to obtain a bilingual specialization must work in a bilingual setting that requires the Candidate to speak both languages daily and consistently and have a working knowledge of two languages.

I have a disability and will need special accommodations to complete the CDA credentialing program. How do I request special accommodations?

It is the Council’s commitment to provide a standardized and fair assessment for all eligible CDA Candidates. Prior to submitting the CDA Application, a CDA Candidate with a documented disability should submit the Special Accommodations Request Form to the Council.

What type of training do I need to apply for the CDA Credential?

Candidates must complete 120 hours of formal early childhood education training, covering the growth and development of children ages birth to 5 years, with no fewer than 10 training hours in each of the 8 CDA Subject Areas:

• Planning a safe and healthy learning environment
• Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development
• Supporting children’s social and emotional development
• Building productive relationships with families
• Managing an effective program operation
• Maintaining a commitment to professionalism
• Observing and recording children’s behavior
• Understanding principles of child development and learning

While formal education hours can be for credit or noncredit, they must be earned through an agency or organization with expertise in early childhood teacher preparation. Training will not be accepted from independent consultants nor conference workshops for an initial CDA Credential application. The agency or organization must verify your education in the form of an official transcript, certificate, or letter.

How many hours of work experience are required to apply for the CDA Credential?

You are required to complete 480 hours of professional work experience with young children. Your work experience must be with children of the correct age according to the CDA setting for which you are applying.

Eligible professional work experience hours include:
Paid or volunteer hours and must be completed before you submit your CDA Initial Application.

Non-eligible work experience hours include:
Note: Babysitting, Before and After School Programs, Sunday school programs, and Drop in Programs are not eligible settings where a Candidate can prove his or her competence around the Competency Standards and experience hours in these settings should not be counted towards the 480 hours of experience.

What materials are available to help me through the process?

Candidates applying for an initial CDA Credential are required to purchase a CDA Competency Standards book in the setting of their work with children. The CDA Competency Standards books gives Candidates a detailed guide through the CDA credentialing process and requirements.

Also available is the Essentials for Working with Young Children textbook and Essentials Workbook. Together, these books assist the Candidate prepare the CDA Professional Portfolio, study for the CDA Exam and offer a number of resources the Candidate can use in the classroom.

Purchase all three and save, see CDA Value Packages in the Council Bookstore.

Who is PearsonVUE?

Pearson VUE is the Council’s partner for delivering the CDA Exam at testing centers all over the country. The Council has partnered with Pearson VUE in order to create a more powerful professional development experience for CDA Candidates.

How do I find a PD Specialist?

In order to properly complete your application process, you will need to find a nearby PD Specialist to conduct your CDA Verification Visit. To assist you with this process, we have created the Find-A-PD Specialist Online Directory.

How do I use the Find-A-PD Specialist Online Directory?

To use the Find-A-PD Specialist Online Directory, Candidate’s enter their work zip code, their classroom setting and the language in which they teach into the database. The database will generate the names and descriptions of PD Specialists nearest to the Candidate. The Candidate then selects the nearest PD Specialist and sends a request to the PD Specialist to conduct their CDA Verification Visit. If the PD Specialist is available to complete the verification visit, they will respond to the Candidate with their PD Specialist ID number. The PD Specialist ID number is required to complete and submit the CDA application.

What is the PD Specialist ID Number?

CDA PD Specialists who successfully complete the CDA PD Specialist training receive an official Identification Number (ID #) from the Council. The CDA PD Specialist ID # is a required field on the CDA application.

The Candidate receives the CDA PD Specialist ID # once the CDA PD Specialist has agreed to conduct the CDA Verification Visit. Please note: CDA PD Specialist ID #s are not to be shared between Candidates, the agreement to conduct the CDA Verification Visit is per Candidate, per visit.

What do I have to do to complete the CDA credentialing process?

To complete the CDA credentialing process you must:

• Meet all eligibility and training requirements.
• Purchase a CDA Competency Standards book in the setting of your work with children
• Complete the documentation collection: Professional Portfolio, Family Questionnaires.
• Submit a completed CDA application with full payment
• Take the CDA Exam at a local Pearson Vue test center
• Complete the CDA Verification Visit with the PD Specialist

How can I help to ensure my training will be accepted by the Council?

All training must have been taken under the auspices of an early childhood training agency that has expertise in teacher preparation. Official documentation of the training must be provided in the form of a certificate, letter on official letterhead or a college transcript.

Training documentation should include the following: Training agency’s name and address (seal/logo), Candidate’s name, date of the training session(s), content area, number of hours successfully completed, and an authorized signature.

How do I convert my clock hours into training hours?
Please use the following formulas to convert your clock hours to training hours:
1 CEU = 10 clock hours
1 Semester Credit = 15 clock hours
1 Quarter Credit = 10 clock hours
1 DHS Credit = 1 clock hour
1 Unit = 1 clock hour

To be eligible to apply for your first CDA, you need:
12 CEUs = 120 clock hours
8 Semester Credits = 120 clock hours
12 Quarter Credits = 120 clock hours

How to schedule the CDA Exam?

Before scheduling your CDA Exam, you must receive a “Ready to Schedule” notice from the Council. Once you have received this notice you are ready to schedule your CDA Exam. To schedule please visit the Pearson VUE website to find the testing center near you or call (866) 507-5627.

What can I expect on the CDA Exam?

The CDA Exam has 65 multiple-choice questions – 60 questions and 5 scenario questions (with a short narrative and photo). The Candidate will have up to one hour and 45 minutes to complete the exam. The only computer-based skill needed to take the Exam is the ability to point and click a mouse. The exam requires no scrolling, typing or even double-clicking. Click here to review a short exam tutorial and see how easy it will be to complete the CDA Exam at a testing center.

Need help studying? The Essentials Study Guide Bundle includes the Essentials for Working with Young Children textbook and the Essential Workbook, the textbook addresses every question on the exam and the workbook has sample test questions to further assist Candidates successfully study for the CDA Exam. Don’t miss out on these great study guides available in the Council Bookstore.

How do I know if I will need a CDA Verification Visit?

If you demonstrate a qualifying level of competence on the CDA® exam, you will receive notice via email from the Council after we receive your CDA exam results that you will not need a CDA Verification Visit. Please ensure that you regularly monitor the email address used to create your application in YourCouncil.

Please click here for more information on the Council’s assessment process.

How do I schedule the CDA Verification Visit?

Before scheduling the CDA Verification Visit with your CDA PD Specialist, you must receive a “Ready to Schedule” notice from the Council. Once you have received this notice you can contact your CDA PD Specialist to schedule the CDA Verification Visit.

What can I expect during the CDA Verification Visit?

If applicable, during the CDA Verification Visit, the CDA PD Specialist will:

• Review the contents of your Professional Portfolio, training transcripts/certificates, and Family Questionnaires
• Observe you working with children
• Reflect with you, focusing on your areas of strength or growth found in the Portfolio or seen during the Observation

How can I change my PD Specialist?

If you applied online, once you have located a new CDA PD Specialist, please log into the YourCDA online application system to edit the CDA PD Specialist information.

If you applied by mail, once you have located a new CDA PD Specialist, please call the Customer Support Team with the new PD Specialist ID number to update your account.

If you need help locating a new CDA PD Specialist, please visit the Find-a-PD Specialist Online Directory.

How long will it take for the Council to make a credentialing decision?

There is no set timeframe for the Council to make a credentialing decision, as there are a number of factors that may delay the process. Generally, once a Candidate has successfully completed the CDA Exam and Verification Visit, the scores are transmitted to the Council within 24-48 hours. If there are no errors nor missing information, the credentialing decision may take 1-3 business days.

If there is an error or information is missing, the review process to retrieve missing items and/or correct errors may take a minimum of 4-6 weeks for a credentialing decision to be made.

Will I be notified when it is time to renew my CDA Credential?

The Council will send a courtesy email reminder when it is time to renew your CDA credential. However, this email is a courtesy and is not guaranteed, nor should it be the sole reminder for renewing your CDA Credential. To help ensure you do not miss these courtesy reminders, please make sure the Council always has your current email on file.

Does the Verification Visit have to take place at the center where the Candidate works?

Yes, the observation must take place at the center or home where the Candidate works or volunteers with children. The Review and Reflection can take place in a quiet place outside of the classroom. The Candidate will need to prepare ahead of time to have another teacher cover their classroom during the Review and Reflection portion of the CDA Verification Visit. Please note: The CDA Verification Visit does not take place until the Candidate applies and receives a Ready to Schedule notice from the Council.

Can I get a refund on the CDA assessment fee?

The CDA Credential assessment fee is nonrefundable.

How will I be notified about my credentialing decision?

You will be notified by e-mail of your credentialing decision.

What happens if my CDA Credential is denied?

If the Council determines that your cumulative score does not meet the credentialing requirement, you will be notified by e-mail with information regarding the decision and appeal procedures.

How will the final decision be determined?

Every credentialing decision is based on multiple sources of validated evidence. For some candidates, the CDA® exam, alongside the full set of CDA requirements, including training, work experience, and the professional portfolio, provides the critical information needed for the Council to make a credentialing decision. For others, the verification visit adds needed support for the Council’s decision to award candidate’s a CDA. Not all cases are the same, but the Council will apply the same degree of objectivity and rigor to ascertain competence in early childhood education. This approach ensures that all decisions are made with the same level of objectivity, rigor, and confidence, using only the evidence necessary to confirm competence.

Please click here for more information on the Council’s credentialing and decision process.

How long is my CDA® Credential valid?

The CDA Credential is valid for three (3) years.

Why is the CDA renewed every three years instead of five?

Based on a review of industry standards, the Council determined that a three‑year renewal cycle ensures early educators remain current with best practices, research, and professional knowledge in early childhood education.

Continuing professional development is essential to maintaining the quality of care and education provided to our nation’s youngest children.

Where can I obtain training?

The Council does not provide or endorse training. Candidates are responsible for selecting training entities with expertise in early childhood teacher preparation.

Training may be college credit or non-college credit and must be offered by an eligible training organization. Training provided by individual consultants is not accepted.

What types of training hours are accepted?

• Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• Clock Hours
• Credit Hours (from a college or university)

How do I convert my training units into clock hours?

To renew, you must provide documented proof of one of the following:

• 4.5 CEUs
• 45 clock hours, or
• A three‑credit‑hour college course in Early Childhood Education or Child Development

A combination of credit types may be used

Conversion formulas:

• 1 CEU = 10 clock hours
• 1 Semester Credit = 15 clock hours
• 1 Quarter Credit = 10 clock hours

How do I know if my training will be accepted?

Training must be completed through an early childhood training agency with expertise in teacher preparation. Documentation must include:

• Training provider name and address (or seal/logo)
• Candidate name
• Training dates
• Course name (must be relevant to the age groups of the credential being renewed)
• Number of hours completed
• Authorized signature

Acceptable documentation includes

• college transcripts
• verification letters on official letterhead
• certificates
• state registry learning records

What is an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Reviewer?

An ECE Reviewer is a qualified early childhood professional who verifies your recent work with children and provides a recommendation for renewal. Qualifications are outlined in the Information for the Early Childhood Education Reviewer booklet.

What is a Verifier?

The Verifier is a staff person within your center/program who has the authority to review and verify your training record. Please click here for a detailed description of the CDA renewal process.

What is the process to renew your CDA credential?

A full overview of the CDA Renewal Process is available on the Council’s website.

How do I submit my renewal application?

Submit your renewal application online at YourCouncil.org.

I have more than one CDA credential. Do I need to submit two separate renewal applications?

• You may renew multiple credentials online if they are within the renewal window.
• Each credential requires its own application and fee as renewal requirements are setting and age specific.
• If multiple credentials expire within the same six-month period, they may be renewed at the same time.

I no longer work in the setting of my CDA credential. Can I renew in a different setting?

You may only renew in the same setting in which your CDA Credential was originally awarded.

If you are currently working in a different setting, you must arrange to volunteer in your original credential setting in order to complete the renewal requirements.

To earn a credential in a different setting, you must apply for an initial CDA in that setting.

What type of training documentation can I submit?

The Council accepts:

• College or university transcripts
• Verification letters on official letterhead
• Certificates
• State Registry Learning Records

All training must be specific to the age group of the CDA credential being renewed.

I no longer work in the same setting. Can I use training for a different age group to renew my CDA Credential?

No. Training submitted for renewal must match the age group of the CDA Credential being renewed.

Am I required to submit my training, membership, and work experience documents?

Yes, you must upload all required documentation during the application process.

Do I need First Aid and CPR certification?

No, certification in First Aid and CPR is not required for CDA renewal.

What file types can I upload to my application?

Most file types are accepted; however, for clarity and ease of review, the Council recommends uploading documents as PDF or JPEG files.

Please note:

• Do not upload editable files (such as Word documents).
• Do not submit links to files; links will not be opened or reviewed.
• Documents must not be submitted by email or fax.

My name has changed since I was awarded my credential. How do I update my name?

To update your name, submit an official Name Change Request:

1. Log in to YourCouncil.org.
2. Select CDA Name Change from your account menu.
3. Upload a legal document (such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree) that shows both your former name and your current name.
4. Submit for review and approval.

How much does it cost to apply for renewal?

The renewal application fee for the CDA Credential is $250.

Can I submit my payment before I submit my application?

Payment is submitted after the application is completed. The system will not allow payment before all required application sections are finished. Payment can only be submitted online.

What types of payments are accepted?

You may pay the application fee using:

• A credit card, or
• A voucher number issued by a sponsoring agency

Note: Sponsoring agencies must have an online agency account in YourCouncil to issue voucher numbers for initial and renewal applications.

Can I use a scholarship to pay my renewal fee?

A sponsoring or scholarship agency may pay the renewal fee by issuing you a voucher code in YourCouncil, which you can apply at Checkout.

Note: The sponsoring or scholarship agency must have an online agency account in YourCouncil to issue voucher numbers.

How long does it take to process the renewal application?

Most candidates are automatically renewed upon submission of a complete application and payment.

A percentage of applications are randomly selected for audit before the renewal is awarded to ensure compliance and quality control. If selected, all submitted documentation will be reviewed.

Processing times vary based on application volume and completeness.

Are renewal fees refundable?

No. The renewal fee is a processing fee and is non‑refundable and non-transferable once payment is submitted.

I forgot my username and password. What do I do?

1. Access the login screen at yourcouncil.org
2. Click “Forgot Password? Click here”
3. Enter the requested information in the reset password screen
4. You will receive an email with your username and password

I get an error when I attempt to reset my password. What do I do?

Contact the Council’s Customer Support team at 800-424-4310 to verify or update the email address on file.

What do I need to apply online?

To apply online you will need:

1. A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access
2. A valid email address
3. Your ECE Reviewer’s email address
4. Your Verifier’s email address
5. Your training, membership, and experience verification documents scanned/saved as a PDF or in JPG files
6. Full payment of the $250 online renewal processing fee

My ECE Reviewer has not received the recommendation request. What should I do?

• Access your renewal application
• Click the ECE Reviewer/Verifier Contact Information tab
• Confirm that your ECE Reviewer’s email address is correct.
  • If it is incorrect, update it and resend the request.

If the email address is correct, the request may be blocked by the reviewer’s email security settings. Ask your ECE Reviewer to:

• Add info@yourcouncil.org to their safe sender list, or
• Provide a different email address.

Using a personal email address (such as Gmail or Yahoo) is recommended.

My Verifier has not received the Training and Membership Verification request. What do I do?

• Access your renewal application
• Click the ECE Reviewer/Verifier Contact Information tab
• Confirm that your Verifier’s email address is correct.
  • If it is incorrect, update it and resend the request.

If the email address is correct, the request may be blocked by the reviewer’s email security settings. Ask your Verifier to:

• Add info@yourcouncil.org to their safe sender list, or
• Provide a different email address.

Using a personal email address (such as Gmail or Yahoo) is recommended.

Why should I apply online?

There are a number of benefits for Candidates who choose to apply online, including:

• It can significantly speed up your credentialing process
• YourCDA online application system permits you to save your work and continue later
• You can check your status anytime
• Assurance your application is complete before submitting to the Council
• Request Director’s Permission Statement electronically
• Pay the assessment fee electronically
• Communicate directly with the Council with the internal messaging system
• Receive Ready to Schedule notice electronically
• Real-time updates of where you are in the credentialing process

How do I register to apply online?

Click here to for instructions on how to apply online for your initial CDA Credential.

How much does it cost to apply online?

To apply for your initial CDA Credential, the cost is $525 for online applications and $600 for paper applications. CDA candidates save $75 by applying online!

What do I need in order to apply online?

To apply online you will need:

1. To purchase a CDA Competency Standards book in the setting of your work with children
2. A personal email address
3. Your center Director’s email address
4. Your PD Specialist ID number

What types of payments are accepted online?

Credit cards and electronic checks can be processed completely online within YourCDA.

We will also accept personal checks, money orders and vouchers. These forms of payment require an additional step and cannot be processed completely online. To submit payment in one of these three forms you will need to:

1. Select your form of payment in the online application
2. Print the YourCDA cover letter
3. Follow the instructions on the cover letter to fax, email or mail your payment to the Council. Your cover letter must be included with your payment to prevent delays in your CDA credentialing process.

Can I pay online using a scholarship or purchase order?

Yes, however, this form of payment requires an additional step and cannot be processed completely online. To submit a scholarship or purchase order payment you will need to:

1. Select “Voucher” in the payment section of the online application
2. Print the YourCDA cover letter
3. Follow the instructions on the cover letter to fax, email or mail your payment to the Council. Your cover letter must be included with your payment to prevent delays in your CDA credentialing process.

I forgot my password, what do I do?

Go to the YourCDA login screen and under the login button, click “forgot username or password” link. Complete the requested information and an email will be sent to you with instructions on how to reset your password.

I did not get the email with my temporary password, what do I do?

Try registering again to make sure that you entered your right email address.

Some email addresses have tight security and might filter out the temporary password message. You can prevent this by:

1. Adding yourcda@yourcda.org to your safe list.
2. Asking your network administrator to add yourcda@yourcda.org to the organization’s safe list.

Sometimes it’s fastest to use another email address. For example, Yahoo, Gmail, or Hotmail. You can easily set up another email address if needed.

Nothing appears when I try to log in to YourCDA, what do I do?

Make sure to disable the pop up blockers on your computer. Click here for further instructions.

My Director has not received the confirmation request, what do I do?

Go to step 2 of the application and click “edit”. Please make sure that your Director’s email address is correct. If not, correct it and resend request.

If the email address is correct, then your Director’s security settings are preventing the request from arriving. Please ask your Director to place yourcda@yourcda.org on his or her safe list or use a different email address for your Director.

My PD Specialist has not received the confirmation request, what do I do?

Please notify the Council by email: support@cdacouncil.org. In your email, please include your full name, PD Specialist name, ID number, and email address.

How do I convert my clock hours into training hours?

Please use the following formulas to convert your clock hours to training hours:
1 CEU = 10 clock hours
1 Semester Credit = 15 clock hours
1 Quarter Credit = 10 clock hours
1 DHS Credit = 1 clock hour
1 Unit = 1 clock hour

To be eligible to apply for your first CDA, you need:
12 CEUs = 120 clock hours
8 Semester Credits = 120 clock hours
12 Quarter Credits = 120 clock hours

How do I know when it is ok to schedule my CDA Exam and Verification Visit?

You will receive a Ready to Schedule notice via email and your status in your online application will also be updated. Once you receive the Ready to Schedule notice, you have Council approval to schedule your CDA Exam and Verification Visit.

How do I submit a message to the Council?

Login to the YourCDA online application system. In the “Messages” section, create a new message and click submit. This message will automatically be submitted to the Council for review.

How do I check my status online?

Login to the YourCDA online application system. Across the top, you will see a set of icons, the last highlighted icon is where you are in the CDA credentialing process. Once your payment is accepted, you will receive a “Ready to Schedule” notice letting you know you are Council approved to schedule your CDA Exam and Verification Visit.

Why should I apply online?

There are a number of benefits for Candidates who choose to apply online, including:

• It can significantly speed up your credentialing process
• YourCDA online application system permits you to save your work and continue later
• You can check your status anytime
• Assurance your application is complete before submitting to the Council
• Request the ECE Reviewer Recommendation electronically
• Pay the renewal fee electronically
• Communicate directly with the Council with the internal messaging system
• Receive verification of successful completion of the renewal process electronically
• Real-time updates of where you are in the credentialing process

How do I register to apply online for renewal?

Click here to for instructions on how to apply online for your renewal CDA Credential.

I get an error when I attempt to register online, what do I do?

If you, at any time, applied for a second setting credential you will be unable to apply for CDA renewal online. You will need to purchase a Renewal Package and apply online.

If the above does not apply to, please contact support@cdacouncil.org for assistance.

How much does it cost to apply online?

By choosing to apply online, CDA renewal Candidate receive a $50 discount on the assessment fee. The cost to apply online to renew your CDA Credential is $250.

What do I need in order to apply online?

To apply online you will need:

1. Download a Renewal Procedures Guide based on your setting of work here.
2. A personal email address
3. Your ECE Reviewer’s email address

I have more than one CDA Credential, can I renew online?

Unfortunately, our online system will only allow you to renew the first CDA Credential that you were awarded. Your second CDA Credential will have to be renewed by submitting a paper application. For example, if you received a center-based Preschool CDA Credential on June 1, 2012 and received a center-based Infant and Toddler CDA Credential on October 1, 2012 you will only be able to renew your center-based Preschool CDA Credential online.

What types of payments are accepted online?

The application fee can be paid with a credit card and/or a voucher number issued by a sponsoring agency.

Please note: A sponsoring agency must have an online agency account in YourCouncil to issue voucher numbers to CDA initial and renewal candidates.

Can I pay online using a scholarship or purchase order?

A sponsoring or scholarship agency can pay the online application fee by issuing the CDA candidate a voucher code in YourCouncil.

Please note: A sponsoring or scholarship agency must have an online agency account in YourCouncil to issue voucher numbers to CDA initial and renewal candidates.

I forgot my password, what do I do?

Go to the YourCDA login screen and under the login button, click “forgot username or password” link. Complete the requested information and an email will be sent to you with instructions on how to reset your password.

I did not get the email with my temporary password, what do I do?

Try registering again to make sure that you entered your right email address.

Some email addresses have tight security and might filter out the temporary password message. You can prevent this by:

1. Adding yourcda @ yourcda.org to your safe list.
2. Asking your network administrator to add yourcda @ yourcda.org to the organization’s safe list.

Sometimes it’s fastest to use another email address. For example, Yahoo, Gmail, or Hotmail. You can easily set up another email address if needed.

Nothing appears when I try to log in to YourCDA, what do I do?

Make sure to disable the pop up blockers on your computer. Click here for further instructions.

My ECE Reviewer has not received the recommendation request, what do I do?

Go to step 2 of the application and click “edit”. Please make sure that your ECE Reviewer’s email address is correct. If not, correct it and resend request.

If the email address is correct, then your ECE Reviewer’s security settings are preventing the request from arriving. Please ask your ECE Reviewer to place yourcda@yourcda.org on his or her safe list or use a different email address for your ECE Reviewer.

How do I convert my training units into clock hours?

To renew, you must be able to provide documented proof of 4.5 CEUS, 45 Clock hours, or a three credit hour college course in Early Childhood Education or Child Development. A combination of the credit types may be used.

Please use the following formulas to convert your training units to clock hours:
1 CEU = 10 clock hours
1 Semester Credit = 15 clock hours
1 Quarter Credit = 10 clock hours

How do I submit my training documents to the Council?

Once you complete your application through to your payment, YourCDA will generate a cover letter with a list of items you need to submit to the Council. Whether you choose to fax, email or mail the supporting documents you must include your cover letter with your submission.

How do I submit a message to the Council?

Login to the YourCDA online application system. In the “Messages” section, create a new message and click submit. This message will automatically be submitted to the Council for review.

How do I check my status online?

Login to the YourCDA online application system. Across the top, you will see a set of icons, the last highlighted icon is where you are in the CDA credentialing process. Once your payment is accepted, you will be able to print the YourCDA cover letter which will give you information on how to submit your documents.

Damaged Books: Returns of damaged books must be made within 30 days of the purchase date listed on the receipt. If the customer receives damaged publications or merchandise, the customer is responsible for sending a picture of the damaged purchase(s) to the Council’s customer service team at cdafeedback@cdacouncil.org. All returns must be authorized by the Council Store manager who will provide return instructions once approved.

Exchanges: Exchanges will only be processed for customers who received incorrect items. Requests must be made within 30 days of the purchase date listed on the receipt. Each request will be reviewed by the store manager. Once validated, the correct item will be shipped at no additional cost.

Orders Not Received: If orders are not received within 15 business days, please contact customer service by calling (800) 424-4310 or emailing cdafeedback@cdacouncil.org.

Refunds are subject to approval by the Council Store manager and are generally only issued for damaged books or merchandise purchased through the Council Store. Refund requests must be made within 30 days of the purchase date listed on the receipt. Once approved, the Council will provide shipping labels for you to return the item(s) and a refund will be issued when items are received. Shipping and handling charges are not refundable.

If the Council Store manager is unable to verify the purchase, the customer must provide proof of purchase.

Please contact the Council at councilstore@cdacouncil.org and include your order number in the email.

Customers must provide accurate and current billing and shipping information at the time of purchase. Requests to change an address or modify an order must be submitted within 24 hours of order placement and are not guaranteed. After this period, the Council is unable to make changes, and the customer may be required to place a new order. Refunds will not be issued under these circumstances.

The Council is not responsible for orders shipped to incorrect or outdated addresses provided by the customer.

Yes! Reach out to the Council at councilstore@cdacouncil.org for more information and to see if your organization qualifies for our bulk order pricing.

To place Council Store orders through your agency, you must create an Agency Administrative Account. Please send the following information to: agencypayments@cdacouncil.org

• Agency Name & Address
• Administrator’s Full Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• Type of Account: Advance or Invoice

Your new agency account will be created within 5 business days. You will receive an email once your account is available. For additional assistance contact customer service at cdafeedback@cdacouncil.org.

Payment Terms

All invoices can be accessed in your personal dashboard within YourCouncil and must be paid in full within 30 calendar days from the invoice date. Accounts with continued late payments may be required to make advance payments or risk account suspension.

Acceptable methods of payment*

• ACH payment
• Bank checks

*Note: The Council does not accept purchase orders.