The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is one of the most recognized certifications in early childhood education. Whether you’re a current educator, caregiver, or aspiring early childhood professional, earning a CDA can significantly boost your career.

One of the most common questions, however, is: “How long does it take to get a CDA credential?” In this guide, we’ll cover everything from requirements to typical timelines, tips for faster completion, and more.

Introduction

The CDA credential is highly valued in early childhood education, whether you're working in preschools, family child care, or as a home visitor. It demonstrates your knowledge, skills, and commitment to promoting children’s growth and development.

Obtaining the CDA takes time, focus, and effort, but the benefits are well worth it. This article provides a clear answer to how long it takes and what each step involves.

What is the CDA Credential?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) is a professional credential awarded to individuals working in early childhood education. It’s designed to validate your skills in areas essential for working effectively with young children, including managing a safe environment, fostering cognitive and physical growth, and promoting positive behavior.

The CDA credential is recognized nationally and has four main settings, each tailored to specific roles in early childhood education:

• Center-Based: For individuals working in traditional daycare or preschool centers.

• Family Child Care: For those providing care in a home-based setting.

• Home Visitor: For those supporting children’s development by working directly with families in their homes.

• Preschool: Specifically focused on teaching preschool-aged children.

Each of these settings has the same core requirements, but the specific context and skills may vary slightly. Understanding these roles will help you pick the right CDA pathway that aligns with your career goals.

Basic Requirements for the CDA Credential

To earn a CDA, you must complete several requirements to demonstrate your skills and dedication to child development. Here’s a breakdown of what’s needed:

Eligibility Criteria

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.

• Education Requirement: You should have a high school diploma or GED.

Experience Hours

• 480 Hours of Professional Work Experience: You’ll need to accumulate 480 hours of experience working with children in the age group and setting for your CDA. These hours ensure you have practical experience applying the principles of child development in a real-world environment. Most people complete these hours while working part-time or full-time, and the hours must be done within the three years before your application.

Education Hours

• 120 Hours of Professional Education: You must complete at least 120 hours of training across eight subject areas. These areas are:

  • Planning a safe, healthy learning environment

  • Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development

  • Supporting children’s social and emotional development

  • Building productive relationships with families

  • Managing a well-run program that meets children’s needs

  • Observing and recording children’s behavior

  • Understanding principles of child development and learning

  • Professionalism

The CDA education hours ensure that you have foundational knowledge in each of these key areas.

Additional Requirements

• Professional Portfolio: You’ll need to compile a portfolio that includes items like reflective statements, sample lesson plans, and family questionnaires. This portfolio demonstrates your understanding of early childhood education concepts and how you apply them.

• Family Questionnaires: These are short questionnaires filled out by the families of the children in your care, providing feedback on your performance and interactions with children.

• Verification Visit: A CDA Professional Development Specialist will observe you in your work setting to assess your skills and knowledge in real time.

Together, these requirements ensure you have both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills needed to provide quality care and education for young children.

Average Timeline to Complete Each Requirement

The time required to earn your CDA credential can vary based on your personal schedule, work commitments, and other factors. Here’s an average estimate of how long each component typically takes:

Professional Education (120 Hours)

• Completing 120 education hours generally takes 1-6 months, depending on the format and intensity of your training program. Some programs offer an accelerated pace, while others are part-time, allowing you to complete these hours gradually over several months.

Work Experience (480 Hours)

• Gaining 480 hours of hands-on experience can take 3-6 months, depending on whether you work part-time or full-time with young children. If you’re already employed in early childhood education, you may be able to complete this requirement more quickly.

Portfolio Development

• Creating a Professional Portfolio often takes 1-2 months. This step includes collecting necessary documentation, writing reflections, and organizing the material according to the CDA standards. To streamline this, many candidates start their portfolio while completing their education hours.

Final Assessment

• After finishing all requirements, you’ll need to schedule the CDA exam and verification visit. The scheduling process can take 1-2 months depending on the availability of the CDA Professional Development Specialist in your area.

In total, most candidates complete the CDA requirements in 6-12 months, but timelines can vary based on factors discussed below.

Factors that Can Affect the Timeline

Several factors can impact how quickly you can complete the CDA credential:

Program Type

• Some CDA programs offer full-time or accelerated options that let you complete the education hours more quickly. Part-time programs, while more flexible, may extend the timeline.

Personal Schedule

• Balancing work, family, and study time can impact how quickly you finish the CDA. If you’re working full-time or have other commitments, you may need a longer period to complete the required hours.

Pace of Learning

• Everyone learns at a different speed. If you’re new to early childhood education, it might take you longer to absorb the material and complete assignments. For those with more experience, the material may be familiar, allowing them to progress faster.

Support Systems

• Having mentorship or support from colleagues and instructors can speed up the process, especially for tasks like portfolio creation and exam preparation. Study groups, if available, are also beneficial for staying motivated and on track.

Understanding these factors can help you plan realistically and set a timeline that works best for your situation.

Tips to Complete the CDA Credential Faster

Here are a few strategies to complete your CDA credential as efficiently as possible:

Time Management

• Allocate consistent study times each week and set specific milestones for each section of the CDA requirements. Apps and planners can help you stay organized and accountable.

Utilize Online Resources

• Online CDA courses can be more flexible, allowing you to complete modules at your own pace. Some online programs even offer accelerated options to help you finish sooner.

Get a Mentor or Study Group

• A mentor or study group can help you stay motivated, answer questions, and provide guidance. They may also help with portfolio organization and CDA exam preparation.

Prepare the Portfolio Alongside Coursework

• Rather than waiting until the end to start your portfolio, work on it alongside your coursework. This reduces the time needed to compile and organize materials later.

Regularly Track Hours

• Keep a record of your work experience and education hours as you go. This ensures you’re meeting the requirements and avoids missing hours when you’re ready to apply.

These strategies can help you complete your CDA credential more efficiently without compromising quality.

Average Completion Time for Most Candidates

For most candidates, the average time to earn the CDA credential is between 6 months and 1 year. Here’s a typical breakdown:

• Education Hours: 1-6 months

• Work Experience: 3-6 months

• Portfolio and Final Assessment: 2-3 months

Some people finish faster, especially if they’re already working in early childhood education or have prior coursework. Others may take longer, particularly if they’re balancing multiple responsibilities.

What to Expect After Completing Requirements

After you’ve completed the requirements, there are a few final steps:

Scheduling the Exam and Verification Visit

• After submitting your application, you’ll need to schedule your exam and verification visit with a CDA Professional Development Specialist. The scheduling process can take a few weeks to a couple of months.

Receiving the CDA Credential

• Once you’ve passed the exam and verification visit, the Council for Professional Recognition will review your application. If all requirements are met, you’ll receive your CDA credential within several weeks.

This final step marks the completion of your CDA journey, and you’ll officially be recognized as a qualified early childhood education professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while pursuing my CDA?

• Yes, many people work while earning their CDA, as the credential requires hands-on experience.

Are there accelerated CDA programs?

• Some institutions offer fast-track options that can help you complete your coursework in a shorter time.

How much flexibility is there for completing the education hours?

• CDA programs vary widely, with many offering evening, weekend, or online classes to accommodate different schedules.

Can my previous coursework count toward the CDA?

• Some prior courses may fulfill CDA education hours if they cover the eight required subject areas.

Conclusion

Earning the CDA credential is a rewarding process that opens doors in early childhood education. By following the right steps, managing your time effectively, and staying committed, you can earn your CDA credential in a timeframe that suits you.

The typical journey takes 6-12 months, but it can be shorter or longer depending on your unique situation. With this guide, you’re well-equipped to embark on the journey and make a lasting impact on the lives of young children.