CDA Training

CDA® Credential Training: How do I get a CDA? 

Do you want to know what a CDA is? Do you want to get a National Child Development Associate credential? Read below and explore our webpages to learn more!

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a nationally recognized professional credential administered by the Council for Professional Recognition. The Council offers CDA Credentials in the following child care settings:

  1. Center-Based, for which candidates receive endorsements to work with:
    • Infants & Toddlers, or
    • Preschoolers;
  2. Family Child Care; and
  3. Home Visitor.

Please read the descriptions below to determine which setting is appropriate for you and to learn more about the process (including professional portfolio, PD specialist, verification visit, and CDA exam) and cost.

Family Child Care CDA Certification diploma

Family Child Care CDA Credential

Choose this setting if you work in a residential home setting. Registered, licensed and group home child care facilities fall in this category. Click the photo for information about Care Courses' CourseBook and online training, certificates, process and cost for the Family Child Care Child Development Associate credential.
Infant Toddler CDA certification diploma

Infant/Toddler Center-Based CDA Credential

Choose this setting if you work in a center setting and primarily care for infants and toddlers. You must be working with infants and toddlers to choose this setting. Click the photo to learn more about Care Courses' CourseBook and online training, certificates, process and cost for the Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate credential.
Preschool Childcare CDA certification

Preschool Center-Based CDA Credential

Choose this setting if you work in a center setting and primarily care for preschoolers. You must be working with preschoolers (ages 3-5) to choose this setting. Click the photo to learn more about Care Courses' CourseBook and online training, certificates, process and cost for the Preschool Child Development Associate credential.
Home Visitor CDA certification

Home Visitor CDA Credential

Choose this setting if you make home visits and do not work in a home or center child care facility. You must be making home visits or work in a program that teaches parenting skills to adults to choose this setting. Click the photo to learn more about the Home Visitor Child Development Associate credential process.

CDA Gold Standard

Care Courses CDA Student Comments

I am in love with the Care Courses! I love that I can do my studying between work, my family and everything else that I have going on. It's one of the most unstressful classes I have had. The material is so easy to follow and then I go online and answer the test questions from the comfort of my home. I HIGHLY recommend this online course for anyone looking to get their CDA :) Thank you so much!
  - Las Vegas, Nevada
I am working on my Child Development Associate for Preschool and have done my classes through Care Courses. The classes have always gone smoothly and I knew where to get help if I needed it. The best part was how fast the child care certifications came after I completed a class. I am very glad I choose to take the CDA classes through Care Courses.
  - Eau Claire, Wisconsin
I am very happy with the Care Courses. I purchased the books, so I could do them at home in my spare time. When I was finished, I took the test on line. Very user friendly. Your tech's are so helpful, professional and friendly. I have purchased a CDA Competency Standard Book. I have started my portfolio. Thank you, again. I know where to go if I need further assistance.
  - Soldotna, Alaska
I’m finding the CDA course to be very informative and enjoying the read. It is relevant and very easy to implement. I especially love the way it challenges my original thoughts about providing daycare. It has given me much food for thought.
  - Glen Falls, New York