Professional Portfolio

The Professional Portfolio is compiled independently by each Candidate as part of the CDA credentialing process. The compiled resources and documents are reviewed by the CDA PD Specialist during the CDA Verification Visit.  
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​Professional Portfolio is composed of:

• Education Documentation
• Family Questionnaires
• Six (6) Reflective Statements of Competence
• Ten (10) Resources
• A Professional Philosophy Statement

CDA Credential Process

1. Step 1: 120 Hours of CDA Training
2. Step 2: Work Experience
3. Step 3: ​Professional Portfolio
4. Step 4: ​Apply for the CDA Credential
5. Step 5: ​Verification Visit & CDA Exam​

Your Professional Portfolio MUST be prepared within 6 months of submitting the application to the CDA Council of Professional Recognition.

You should be working on the components of the Professional Portfolio while completing the CDA training. If it takes you more than 6 months to complete the CDA training, be sure to go back and update the Professional Portfolio components that you completed to reflect current information.   ​

Refer to the CDA Competency Standards Book starting on page 10. ​​

What are Family Questionnaires?
Family Questionnaires are a required component of the CDA Professional Portfolio. Candidates are required to distribute the questionnaires to the families they serve and include them in their CDA Professional Portfolio. The Family Questionnaires allow the Candidate to review and address feedback from the families they serve to aid in their professional development. ​