CDA Training ProgramEarn the 120 Hours Required for the National CDA Credential®
Our CDA Training Programs are designed to help early childhood professionals meet the educational requirements for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential®. Upon successful completion of all eight units, you will have completed the required 120 hours of formal early childhood education training needed to apply for your CDA Credential® through the Council for Professional Recognition.
Choose the CDA Training Option That's Right for You
Flexible, affordable, 100% online — learn at your own pace
Complete CDA Training Program
120 Clock Hours
Developed by the early childhood education experts at Successful Solutions Training in Child Development, this comprehensive program provides the full 120 clock hours required for CDA® eligibility.
- ✓100% online and mobile-friendly
- ✓Self-paced learning with 24/7 access
- ✓Fully narrated, automated courses
- ✓Progress tracking with automatic resume capability
- ✓Courses presented in English
- ✓Open-ended assignments and multiple-choice quizzes
- ✓No textbooks required
- ✓Downloadable resources and handouts included
- ✓Professional Portfolio guidance and resources provided
- ✓Certificate awarded upon completion
Approved for Annual Training Credit In:
AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, HI, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OK, OR, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
CDA Training with 12 IACET CEUs
12 IACET CEUs = 120 Clock Hours Equivalent
Offered in partnership with Smart Horizons, accredited by IACET and authorized to issue IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Successful completion awards 12 IACET CEUs, equivalent to the 120 hours required for CDA® eligibility.
- ✓100% online and mobile-friendly
- ✓Self-paced learning with 24/7 access
- ✓Fully narrated, automated courses
- ✓Progress tracking with automatic resume capability
- ✓Courses presented in English
- ✓Multiple-choice assessments only
- ✓No written assignments required
- ✓No textbooks required
- ✓Certificate awarded upon completion
Approved for Annual Training Credit In:
AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, FL, HI, ID, IL, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OR, SD, TX, UT, VT, and WY.
Understanding the CDA Credential®
The CDA Credential® is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education, awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition.
Complete 120 Hours
Successfully complete a CDA training program such as one above.
Prepare Portfolio
Compile a Professional Portfolio following the CDA Competency Standards Book.
Work Experience
Document at least 480 hours working with young children within 3 years prior to application.
Submit Application
Apply directly through the Council for Professional Recognition.
Verification & Exam
Schedule Verification Visit with a CDA PD Specialist and complete CDA Exam at Pearson VUE.
Receive Your CDA
Once all requirements are reviewed, the Council awards your CDA Credential®.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Invest in your future with a flexible, affordable CDA training program designed to fit your schedule.
Start Today — Earn Your CDA®For complete requirements, visit www.cdacouncil.org
