Frequently Asked Questions About the CDA

Frequently Asked Questions About CDA Credential Training

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100% Online CDA Training—No Textbooks Required

Our CDA training is entirely online, designed for convenience and accessibility. Courses can be completed on a computer or mobile device from any location with an internet connection.
📌 No textbooks to purchase—everything you need is available digitally!
📌 Nothing will be mailed—your training is fully online, ensuring instant access to materials and coursework.

CDA Training: 120 Hours of Comprehensive Learning

Our CDA training fulfills the educational requirements of the National CDA Credential, which mandates 120 hours of child care coursework.
📌 Course Duration: Each online CDA course is designed to take approximately the time assigned—so a 1-hour course typically requires 1 hour to complete.
📌 Flexible Completion Timeline: You can complete your CDA training in as little as one month, or take up to a year, depending on your schedule and pace.
📌 Suggested Learning Path: If you dedicate 10 hours per week, you can finish the 120-hour CDA training in approximately 3 months.

CDA Training Tuition

We offer two flexible choices for completing the 120-hour CDA training:
📌 Option #1: CDA Virtual Classroom - Full tuition option $385
📌 Option #2: Nexport Campus CDA Training - Full tuition option $399

💳 Payment plans are available for both options!
✔️ No additional fees for online CDA training
✔️ No textbooks required—everything is fully digital
❗ The Council fee is not included in our CDA program.

Can I make payments for the CDA Credential training?

YES! There are payment options.

Option #1: CDA Virtual Classroom

The full tuition option for the CDA Virtual Classroom is $385.
Pay half now, and half later! There is no due date for the second payment. When you finish the first half of the CDA training, then you enroll in the second half.
One-Unit-at-a-Time: There are a total of 8 Units in the CDA Virtual Classroom program, each unit is 15 hours of training. The cost is $60 per unit. There are no due dates for each payment. When you pay for the courses in Unit 1, you will receive access to those child care courses. Once you have completed Unit 1, then process payment for Unit 2 and we will activate the next Unit. Units must be done in order.

Option #2: Nexport Campus CDA Training

The full tuition option for the CDA Training is $399. This is ONLY $3.33 per hour of CDA coursework.
Pay half now, and half later! There is no due date for the second payment. When you finish the first half of the CDA training, then you enroll in the second half.
Pay-As-You Go: Tuition is based on a per CDA module fee. The price per module varies according to the number of hours in the module. There are no due dates for each payment. When you pay for the courses in CDA Module 1: Safe and Healthy Environment, you will receive access to those child care courses. Once you have completed those CDA courses, then process payment for CDA module 2 and we will activate the next set of child care classes in your student platform.

What is the total cost to get a CDA Credential?

CDA Training Costs and Additional Fees

While there are no additional costs for the CDA training itself, the final CDA exam is administered separately by the CDA Council for Professional Recognition, which charges a fee for the assessment.
📌 CDA Assessment Fee: $525 if you apply online
📌 Financial Assistance: Many states offer scholarships or reimbursement programs to cover the cost of the exam
After completing your coursework and receiving your CDA training certificate from us, you’ll need to take the final CDA exam to earn your credential. Be sure to check your state's funding options for potential financial support!

Complete Costs for Obtaining a CDA Credential

Earning your CDA Credential involves several key expenses from start to finish:
1. Tuition for 120 Hours of CDA Training – Covers the required coursework
2. Competency Standards Book – Purchased from the CDA Council for $28 + shipping and handling

Sometimes referred to as the CDA Application Packet

3. CDA® Credential Application:

Online application: $525
Paper application: $600
Paid to the CDA Council for Professional Recognition upon completion of training

Be sure to check for scholarships or reimbursement programs, as many states offer financial assistance for the CDA assessment fee.

how long does it take to get a cda credential

The CDA Application fee includes:

The CDA application fee covers essential components of the final assessment process:
📌 CDA Exam – Administered at a PearsonVUE testing center, this exam evaluates your knowledge and understanding of early childhood education principles.
📌 Verification Visit – A CDA Professional Development Specialist will observe you in your program, assessing your interaction with children and conducting the required verification visit.

The CDA training certificates do not expire.

Your CDA training certificate never expires! Once you've completed the training and received your certificate, you have the flexibility to submit your CDA application and assessment fee to the CDA Council whenever you're ready—whether that’s immediately or after you’ve saved up.
📌 Use your certificate to verify your training with employers, child care licensing agencies, or any other relevant organization to demonstrate completion of the CDA coursework.

Technical Support Available

Our dedicated student support team is here to assist with the most common troubleshooting needs, ensuring a smooth and stress-free learning experience.
📌 Support available every day – We're here 7 days a week to provide guidance and solutions whenever you need them!

Both training options are mobile friendly

Option #1: CDA Virtual Classroom - Full tuition option $385
Option #2: Nexport Campus CDA Training - Full tuition option $399

Enrollment is a 1 year subscription.

Enrollment provides a 1-year subscription, giving students 12 months to complete their online CDA child care courses at their own pace.
📌 Need more time? Enrollment extensions are available for purchase if needed.

Creating Your CDA Professional Portfolio

The CDA Professional Portfolio is a binder or penda flex portfolio containing key resource items required for your final assessment with the CDA Council. It serves as a structured collection of materials that showcase your preparation and expertise in early childhood education.

📌 What’s Included?
We provide a detailed list of required items you need to collect and organize in your portfolio. Many of these documents can be downloaded from the internet, making the process straightforward and accessible.

📌 Competency Standards Book
The Competency Standards book, purchased directly from the CDA Council, offers step-by-step instructions for assembling your portfolio. To stay on track, be sure to order this packet as soon as possible.

With proper preparation, your CDA Professional Portfolio will be a valuable tool in demonstrating your skills and readiness for certification.

Help Preparing the CDA Professional Portfolio

Portfolio Support & Resources

Yes! We offer free helpful resources to guide you through the portfolio process, including:
✔️ Step-by-step instructions for assembling your portfolio
✔️ Ready-to-use templates for easy organization
Additionally, the Competency Standards book, available for purchase from the CDA Council, provides detailed instructions to ensure your portfolio meets all requirements.

Receiving Your CDA Training Certificate

✅ Yes! Upon completing the 120 hours of CDA training, you will receive a certificate(s) verifying your coursework completion.
However, to obtain your CDA Credential certificate, you must continue with the CDA Credentialing process, which includes submitting your application and completing the final assessment.

Click Here for a PDF chart of our state approvals.

Self-Study CDA Certificate Online

$385.00

CDA Virtual Classroom - www.myececlass.com

120 hours of formal early childhood education training

Meeting the Educational Requirements for the National CDA Credential
This course is carefully designed to fulfill the educational requirements for the National CDA Credential. By successfully completing all 8 Units, you will gain the formal education needed to apply for your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.