CDA Renewal Process

CDA Credential Renewal Training

Reminder: Enrollment expires in
1 year from the date which you paid for the course.

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The CDA renewal training meets the educational requirements to apply for renewal of the National Child Development Associate Credential.

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Request Letter of Completion

Applying for your CDA Renewal

The information below has been reposted from the Council of Professional Recognition website at: https://www.cdacouncil.org/credentials/renew-cda. The Child Development Associate Credentialing program is administered by the Council of Professional Recognition. Please contact the Council of Professional Recognition for further information regarding the renewal of your CDA Credential.

Download a Renewal Procedures Guide for free on the CDA Council website. If you would like a printed CDA Renewal Procedures Guide to be mailed to you, please call the Council at 800-424-4310.
Gather required documentation. Detailed instructions and forms are provided in the CDA Renewal Procedures Guide.
Apply for the CDA Renewal. Once you meet all requirements, you are ready to fill out and submit your CDA Renewal Application. To apply for CDA renewal online the fee is $125 and to apply for CDA renewal by mail the fee is $150. Remember: You may submit your CDA Renewal Application as early as six months prior to the expiration date of your CDA Credential.
1. If you are applying for Preschool, Infant/Toddler or Family Child Care, we recommend applying for CDA renewal online. You will be able to upload your documents directly into your online application, submit payment electronically, track your progress and contact the Council through the Messages feature.
2. You may also renew your CDA Credential by mailing in a paper application. If applying on paper, please mail complete Renewal Application with required documentation and payment to: Council for Professional Recognition 2460 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009-3547
Upon receipt of the application, full payment and supporting documents, Council staff will review the materials to make a credentialing decision. If the materials are incomplete or do not meet requirements, the Council will notify the CDA Renewal Candidate and they will be given the opportunity to resolve the problem within a specified time period.

Your CDA is valid for three years from the award date so it is very important for you to renew your CDA Credential before it expires to remain an active CDA. The Council must receive your application by the expiration date to be accepted. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions or extensions.

If your CDA Credential expires, you will have to reapply to obtain a new credential.

Candidates should submit their renewal application on or before their expiration date.
Candidates can submit their renewal application up to 6 months before their expiration date.