CDA® Renewal Amnesty Program
Make your CDA credential active again!
Action Items
- Get Free CDA® Renewal Procedures Guide for Infant-Toddler, Preschool, Birth to Five, and Family Child Care Settings
- Get free ECE Reviewer Booklet for Infant-Toddler, Preschool, Birth to Five, and Family Child Care Settings
- Get Free CDA® Renewal Procedures Guide for Home Visitor Setting
- Get Free ECE Reviewer Booklet for Home Visitor Setting
- Apply Online
Quick Links
Contact Us
800-424-4310
cdafeedback@cdacouncil.org
Stay Informed
The CDA® Renewal Amnesty Program
Your Experience Doesn’t Expire!
Your Path to CDA® Renewal Starts Here
CDA® Renewal Amnesty allows anyone with a CDA credential expiration date as far back as January 1, 2016, an opportunity to complete the renewal process and make their credential active again. CDA Renewal Amnesty reflects the Council’s commitment to keeping the CDA credential strong, relevant, and supportive of educators at every stage of their career.
Benefits of Renewing Your CDA® Credential:
- Opportunity for career advancement
- Building on your existing experience, not starting over
- Staying aligned with best practices in early childhood education
- Demonstrating your continued commitment to professional excellence
- Strengthening the quality and consistency of care for young children
- Expiration date as far back as January 1, 2016
- Must meet all current renewal requirements
- Apply online using YourCouncil
The program is available from July 6, 2026 – April 26, 2027 (11:59 PM EST).
All applications and payments ($250) must be submitted online by April 26, 2027 (11:59 PM EST). No exceptions or extensions will be granted.
Start preparing today by downloading the free CDA® Renewal Procedures Guide for Infant-Toddler, Preschool, Birth to Five, and Family Child Care Settings or Home Visitor Setting. The CDA® Renewal Procedures Guide provides detailed information about the renewal requirements. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to obtain the requirements needed to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity.
- For Infant-Toddler, Preschool, Birth to Five and Family Child Care settings:
- For Home Visitor setting:
- CDA® Renewal Process Overview flyer
- How to Access Your Account in YourCouncil for Renewal Candidates
What is the CDA® Renewal Amnesty program?
The CDA® Renewal Amnesty program is a limited-time opportunity for candidates whose CDA® credential has expired to complete the renewal process. Anyone with a credential expiration date as far back as January 1, 2016, is eligible to renew under this program.
How long will this program run?
The program is available from July 6, 2026 – April 26, 2027 (11:59 PM EST).
Why should I renew now after so many years?
There has never been a more important time to return to the early childhood field with an active CDA. Programs across the country continue to rely on the CDA Competency Standards to define high‑quality practice, and renewing your credential shows your ongoing commitment to the skills that matter most for children’s learning and well‑being.
Renewing now reinforces your ability to create safe, healthy environments, support children’s development across all domains, and build strong, responsive relationships with families. These competencies remain essential as programs work to meet the needs of children in today’s early learning settings.
The CDA® Renewal Amnesty program provides a streamlined path for experienced educators to renew without starting over, making this an ideal moment to re‑enter a field that continues to need skilled, credentialed professionals dedicated to serving young children.
Can I receive an extension if I will not meet all the renewal requirements by April 26, 2027?
The CDA® Renewal Amnesty program ends April 26, 2027 (11:59 PM EST), no exceptions or extensions will be granted.
Can my training be waived?
None of the renewal requirements can be waived. To renew under the CDA® Renewal Amnesty program, you must meet all current renewal requirements. Please refer to the CDA® Renewal Procedures Guides:
- CDA® Renewal Procedures Guide – Preschool, Infant-Toddler, Family Child Care Settings
- CDA® Renewal Procedures Guide – Home Visitor Setting
I just submitted $525 to re-apply for an initial credential because I missed my renewal date. Can I be reimbursed?
If you have submitted a new initial application because you missed your renewal deadline date you must proceed with the initial application process. Processing of the application and payment cannot be interrupted. The initial application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
I submitted a renewal application last year, but my application was closed because I did not submit the additional documentation that was requested. Can I continue the renewal process under the CDA® Renewal Amnesty program?
If you qualify to renew under the CDA® Renewal Amnesty program, you must submit a new renewal application and payment. Your previous renewal record cannot be opened.
How do I create an online account in YourCouncil?
As a renewal candidate, you already have an existing account in YourCouncil. You do not need to create a new account. To learn how to access your account, download this resource.
What is the processing timeframe for my renewal application?
We expect the CDA® Renewal Amnesty program to increase the number of renewal applications.
Processing time typically ranges from 2-3 business days but can extend up to ten business days. Applications are processed in the order they are received. Processing times may vary due to several factors, including the volume of applications.