Child Development Associate (CDA) - ProSolutions Training (2024)

In this CDA Training Guide, you will find valuable CDA resources you won’t find anywhere else. Our purpose is to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to arrive at your goal: a CDA credential.

ProSolutions Training was one of the first to receive CDA® Gold Standard Certification from the Council for Professional Recognition. This is because our online coursework is high-quality and interactive. We also provide helpful support services for students. Our learning management system also offers a great user experience.

Interested in 3 or more CDA Training packages?Click hereto learn more about bulk CDA Training.
Child Development Associate (CDA) - ProSolutions Training (1)

YOUR CDA ROADMAP TO SUCCESS

Eligibility Requirements

When you join ProSolutions Training, you do more than only sign up for a training program. You become part of a community committed to your success.

We will guide you every step of the way towards earning your CDA Credential™.

To qualify for a CDA certificate, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • You must have a high school diploma/GED or current enrollment in a career/technical program.
  • Before you apply, you must have 480 hours of experience working with children in the past three years.
  • When you take our online CDA coursework, you will get 120 hours of training. The training covers eight CDA subject areas.

Earning a CDA credential can lead to new opportunities, but it can be a struggle to find time for classes. With online training, you can complete CDA classes at your own pace. All while working towards your career advancement.

Benefits of CDA Training with ProSolutions Training

Having a CDA credential opens up numerous opportunities, but it can be difficult for a professional who is already working to find the time to take classes. At ProSolutions Training, we provide you with the most economical online alternative for the formal early childhood education portion of your journey to the CDA. You'll get all the coursework you need to apply, and so much more:

  • Affordable and flexible courses. Our courses are affordable and cover everything you need for your CDA certification. Courses are available 24/7, and you can take them in any order at your own pace.
  • Free resources. When you take a course, you get extra materials like book lists and classroom ideas. Examples of these free resources include:
    • Books to Help Grow Self-Esteem
    • Sample - Fine Motor Skills Chart
    • Math Vocabulary for Young Children
  • State-approved coursework. Most state regulatory agencies have reviewed and approved our online coursework. Head Start staff can also use our CDA coursework to meet their training requirements. For information on coursework approval in your state, visit our approvals page.
  • Accessibility.Training coursework is available in English and in Spanish. Head Start staff can use our CDA coursework to meet Head Start training requirements.
  • Special support.ProSolutions Training provides more support to maximize your training experience. You can expect:
    • A review course at the end of each subject area to help you remember the key elements in that subject area
    • Advice about the CDA competency goals and resource collection requirements
    • Access to two more courses: Your Journey to the CDA Credential: Let's Get Started! and Creating a Dynamite Professional Portfolio!, which review the requirements for a CDA credential and provide practical advice on how to assemble your application

CDA Application Process

After finishing the necessary courses, it's time to apply for your CDA.

First, buy the CDA Competency Standards Book from the Council for Professional Recognition. This book shares the steps required to prepare for the application process.

This includes:

  • Preparation of the Professional Portfolio. A collection of resources.
  • Reflective Statements of Competence. Using, at key points, the resources you collected.
  • Professional Philosophy Statement. A summary of your viewpoint. Takes into account learning that occurred when preparing the Professional Portfolio.
  • Family Questionnaires. Given to the families of children in your care. The questionnaires highlight areas of strength as well as areas of growth.

Next, complete the Council for Professional Recognition's application, either online or on paper. The CDA Certification cost is $425 for online applications. Or $500 for paper applications. CDA candidates save $75 by applying online!

When you apply, you can select a CDA Professional Development Specialist from the Council's online list. This person will observe you working with young children as part of the process.

Finally, you need to schedule and take your CDA test at a Pearson Vue Testing Center.

Get Started on Your CDA Training Today

Now that you are only a step away from realizing your dream, why wait? Start the journey today with online CDA Training with ProSolutions Training.

Choosing ProSolutions Training means choosing a seamless and rewarding CDA training experience. Embark on this exciting journey and shape a brighter future, one child at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - CDA Training


Q: Is your training online?
A: Yes, our training modules are completely online and self-paced.

Q: How much is the training?
A: Our CDA Training package is $399. Bulk (3 or more) $299 each. Subscription CDA Training Feature $199 each.

Q: Where can I order the Competency Standards book?
A: The Competency Standards book can be purchased from The Council for Professional Recognitions online Bookstore at this link: Self Serve Portal (yourcouncil.org)

Q: Do I need to start working on my Portfolio before or after I complete the training?
A: You can work on your portfolio at any time before you apply. We recommend working on your portfolio while you are completing the coursework so it is fresh in your mind.

Q: What is The Council for Professional Recognition’s contact information?
A: The Council’s website iswww.cdacouncil.org and their phone number is 1-800-424-4310

Q: Is there a time limit on applying for the CDA once the 120 hours are complete?
A: You can complete the training any time before you apply.

Q: Do you offer extensions for the CDA Training?
A: We offer a 6-month extension for CDA classes online for $75.

Q: If I get my CDA in one state and move will my CDA still be valid?
A: The CDA is a nationally recognized credential that is accepted in all states

Q: What is the total cost to earn the CDA Credential?
A: The total cost is $849. This includes CDA Training for $399, the competency standards book for $25, and the application & assessment fee of $425.

Child Development Associate (CDA) - ProSolutions Training (2024)

FAQs

How many questions does the CDA test have? ›

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.

How to get 480 hours for CDA? ›

Attain 480 hours of experience working with young children

You must have three years of on-the-job experience before taking your certification exams. You'll need to gain experience in your area of specialization by working with children in a center-based program (or other approved program).

How long does it take to complete CDA? ›

The CDA Training Takes 120 Hours

You can expect that a 1 hour course will take about 1 hour to complete. The CDA classes can be finished in a month, or you may take a year. If you work on the CDA training 10 hours per week, then it will take 3 months to complete the 120 hours of CDA training.

What is passing grade for CDA? ›

The MPS (Minimum Passing Score) is set after each exam administration to determine whether a candidate has passed or failed. The MPS is not released but is estimated to be between 60 and 70%. Candidates receive a "Pass" or "Did not Pass" result along with a breakdown of their performance by topic area.

Is the CDA exam difficult? ›

How hard is the CDA Certification Exam? While the Child Development Associate exam is stimulating, candidates can be successful with preparation and practice. Applicants must show extensive education and work experience before the Council for Professional Recognition will even allow them to sit for the exam.

How to pass the CDA exam? ›

CDA Preparation Strategies
  1. Plan Strategically. Create a study and preparation plan. ...
  2. Use Up-To-Date Study Resources. ...
  3. Attempt CDA Practice Tests. ...
  4. Go Through Multiple-Choice Questions. ...
  5. Look for a Study Companion. ...
  6. Step 1: Prepare. ...
  7. Step 2: Apply. ...
  8. Step 3: Complete the CDA Exam and Verification visit.

Is a CDA certificate worth it? ›

Teachers with CDAs tend to earn more than other educators (in fact, they typically make more than the national average). Plus, many states and/or programs offer financial incentives and bonuses for educators who put in the time to earn their credential.

What is the passing score for the CDA exam? ›

You'll need to earn a 70 or higher to pass a CDA test.

Is a CDA the same as an associate's degree? ›

No. A CDA isn't the equivalent of an associate's degree or other accredited degrees from a college or university. Is a CDA certification worth college credit hours? This depends on the college or university you want to attend.

Do CDA get paid more? ›

A Cda Credential in your area makes on average $18 per hour, or $0.53 (30.132%) more than the national average hourly salary of $17.73.

Do CDA certificates expire? ›

A CDA credential is valid for 3 years from the award date. Please note: You must renew your CDA credential before it expires. Make sure to prepare in advance and be ready to submit a complete application with supporting documents when your renewal window opens.

Can you do CDA online? ›

ProSolutions Training offers California child care professionals online training including CDA coursework and renewal, subscription plans, and more than 100 individual trainings in early childhood education.

How do you know if you passed your CDA? ›

CDA Exams are provided through a Pearson VUE testing center near you. After you have completed all the required steps, you should receive your credentialing decision from the Council within a week if there are no errors or missing information.

Do I need a degree for CDA? ›

Gain 120 hours of formal, relevant education

While you don't have to complete a full degree or training program, you DO need to have 120 hours of formal, relevant education to qualify for a CDA.

What are the three portions of the CDA exam? ›

Certified Dental Assistant. DANB's CDA certification is made up of three exams: Infection Control (ICE), Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), and General Chairside Assisting (GC). You may take the exams separately or together.

How many times can you take the CDA test? ›

Taking Your CDA Exam

You will be able to take the CDA Exam only one time during your credentialing process. The Exam will be presented to you in English or Spanish, depending on the choice you indicated on your request to participate in this new process.

How many competency statements for CDA? ›

You will write six statements, one for each Competency Standard. Your statements are intended to reflect your own teaching practices in each of the CDA Competency Standards areas.

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