CDA certification in Illinois—self-paced online training for child care professionals

CDA Certification in Illinois: How to Get Your CDA

Start your Child Development Associate (CDA) training (120 hours) if you’re a new applicant, or complete your CDA renewal (45 hours) if you already hold the credential. Both options are self-paced, available online (or CourseBook + online), and include printable certificates and a transcript. For other Illinois-accepted training and information, see our Illinois Child Care Training page.

Start CDA Training (120 Hours) See CDA Steps

Steps to earning the CDA in Illinois

  1. Choose your setting: Infant/Toddler CDA, Preschool CDA, Birth to Five CDA, or Family Child Care CDA.
  2. Complete 120 hours of formal ECE training covering the CDA Subject Areas.
  3. Build your CDA professional portfolio.
  4. Gain the required recent work experience.
  5. Apply to the Council for Professional Recognition, then pass the CDA exam and verification visit.

120-hour training (online or CourseBook + online)

Begin your coursework with Care Courses. Our CDA training is self-paced, delivered online (or in CourseBook + online format), and provides printable certificates and a transcript.

General benefits of a CDA

  • The CDA helps you advance your career as a nationally recognized marker of ECE competency.
  • It can help you meet job requirements in many programs and pathways nationwide.
  • It shows professionalism and a strong commitment to early childhood education.
  • It gives families confidence because the credential signals quality and safety.
  • It supports the use of developmentally appropriate practice based on CDA standards.
  • It increases your confidence as an educator.

Benefits of a CDA in Illinois

According to the CDA Council, over 28,000 CDA Credentials have been awarded in Illinois. Having a CDA certification is a great achievement!

  • With additional experience and college credits, a CDA can qualify you to work as a childcare director of a daycare center.
  • A CDA can qualify you to work as an early childhood teacher in a daycare center.
  • A CDA can qualify you to work as a caregiver in a group daycare home.

Ready for the next step? Learn about the CDA process and sign up for our free CDA tutorial.

Care Courses: Recognized as an Official CDA Council Partner

CDA Council partnership recognition seal

FAQs

Requirements vary by role and program. Many employers prefer a CDA, and it may help you qualify for specific positions. Check your program’s policies and current Illinois licensing guidance.

Yes. Care Courses offers self-paced online training (or CourseBook + online) for the full 120 hours with printable certificates and a transcript. Our training can be done from anywhere.

Pace varies by schedule and experience. Many learners complete the 120 hours over a few months.