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The Child Development Associate® (CDA) Process in Pennsylvania

There are several steps to obtaining your Child Development Associate® (CDA) in Pennsylvania. Click the "+" to expand for more information about each step.

1)Determine whether you are a candidate for the CDA.

An ideal candidate:

Is employed in or desires employment with an early childhood education (ECE) provider
Does not hold a higher-level degree in ECE, such as an associate, bachelor’s, or
master’s degree
Is currently placed at a Career Pathway level Entry Level or Rising Level A.

2)Determine the age-group/type of CDA that best fits your needs.

Infant Toddler CDA
Preschool CDA
Family Childcare CDA

3)Determine eligibility for funding your CDA and select your CDA program.

Reach out to your local Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organization (ECE PDO) to determine eligibility for funding and connect to a program of coursework that best meets your needs. 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 CredentialHelp@pakeys.org for guidance around additional options.

4)Engage in coursework and develop a portfolio.

Attend and fully engage in all coursework
Develop Portfolio

5)Toward the end/at the end of your coursework, begin your application for your Credential on YourCouncil.org.

This is a 6-phase process
The CDA Council provides video tutorials for each phase. This is where you will select the
language of your Credential, choose the language in which to take your exam, choose your
PDS, etc.
- Creating an Account
- Pre-Application
- Application
- Pre-Submittal Review
- Checkout
- Ready to Schedule
When you are in Phase 5, Checkout, you may apply for the CDA Voucher through your account in Pennsylvania’s Professional Development (PD) Registry (see Step 6).

6)Apply for the CDA Voucher in the PD Registry.

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

Have a completed Career Pathway application
Be in CHECKOUT status (phase 5) within their CDA Application
Meet the listed requirements on the CDA Voucher Page

7)Finalize your CDA application by checking out (after receiving CDA voucher).

Once you have received your voucher and check out, you will receive your Ready to Schedule email from the Council with instructions on how to schedule both your assessment visit and exam.
There are two tutorial videos on the CDA Council website to help with those details.

8)Complete your exam and assessment visit.

Scores are evaluated, and the credential is awarded.

9)Upload your CDA Credential from the CDA Council to the PD Registry.

If it is not during your renewal period, complete a Career Pathway Review Form (PDF) to have this verified and your career pathway moved forward.

10) Renew your CDA every three years.

For specific details around the renewal process, visit cdacouncil.org.

Your credential is valid for three years from the issue date. An overview of the general 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.
Possess proof of valid and current First Aid and Infant Child CPR
Choose a Verifier to review your documentation.
Submit your application online at cdacouncil.org
There are Renewal CDA Vouchers available, following the above-mentioned processes, through The Pennsylvania Key.