An ideal candidate is employed in or desires employment with an early childhood education (ECE) provider.

• Infant Toddler CDA
• Preschool CDA
• Family Childcare CDA
• Birth to Five CDA

Reach out to your local Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organization (ECE PDO) to determine eligibility for funding.

• If eligible for PDO funding, your PDO will discuss coursework options and discuss the various types of programs.
• If not eligible for PDO funding, email registry@pakeys.org for guidance around additional options.

• Attend and fully engage in all coursework (120 hours of training for the specific chosen CDA type)
• Develop Portfolio
  • How to Run the CDA Summary Report for the CDA Council – The Pennsylvania Key

• The CDA Council provides video tutorials for each phase.
  • Resource Library – CDA Council
• This is where you will select the language to take the exam in and apply for any special accommodations if applicable.
  • Special Accommodation Form – CDA Council
• This is an 11-phase process:

1. 1. Creating an Account
   2. Pre-Application
   3. Application
   4. Pre-Submittal Review
   5. Checkout
   6. Apply for CDA Voucher
   7. Ready to Schedule Notice after Voucher code or payment
   8. Exam
   9. Second Ready to Schedule Notice
   10. Verification Visit
   11. CDA Credential Decision Received

• When you are in Phase 5 (Checkout), you may apply for the CDA Voucherto pay for the assessment fee through your account in Pennsylvania’s Professional Development (PD) Registry (papdregistry.org).
  • Resources on The PD Registry – The Pennsylvania Key

To be eligible to receive a voucher for the CDA, a candidate must:

• Have a completed Career Pathway application
  • How to Complete Your Profile and Apply for Career Pathway Placement – The Pennsylvania Key
• Be in Phase 5 CHECKOUT status within their CDA Application
  • Recording from CDA Council via GoToWebinar
• Meet the listed requirements on the CDA Voucher Page
  • CDA Voucher – The Pennsylvania Key

Once you have put in your voucher code into YourCouncil.org account, you will receive your Ready to Schedule email from the Council with instructions on how to schedule your exam.

Scores are evaluated by the CDA Council. 

Verification must be conducted within 6 months from first Ready to Schedule notice.

• CDA Credential Certificates are sent electronically through Credly
  • My Digital Credential – CDA Council
• If CDA is granted and it is not during your renewal period for your Career Pathway, then complete an Update Career Pathway Form to have this verified and your career pathway moved forward.
  • How To Update Career Pathway Placement – The Pennsylvania Key

For specific details around the renewal process Renew CDA – CDA Council. Your credential is valid for three years from the issue date. An overview of the general renewal requirements are:

• Take 4.5 CEUs, 45 hours of ECE PD, or one three-credit hour college course that is specific and relevant to your CDA Credential type, in the three years your credential is valid.
• Have proof of current membership in an early childhood professional organization that is valid at the time of your renewal application.
• Possess verifiable documentation of 80 hours of work experience with children in the ECE field.
• Choose a Verifier to review your documentation.
• Submit your application online atorg Login
• There are Renewal CDA Vouchers available through The Pennsylvania Key.
  • CDA Voucher – The Pennsylvania Key