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CDA Assessment System
and Competency Standards Booklet


The Child Development Associate booklet that you will purchase as part of the course materials provides an overview of the national CDA credentialing program, a description of eligibility and documentation requirements, and a description of the Competency Standards associated with the six Competency Goals. The Appendix of the booklet includes a history of the CDA program, a glossary of CDA terms, and the eligibility requirements for CDA advisors. The booklet may be ordered from www.cdacouncil.org.


Resource Collection for the national CDA assessment
The materials required for the national CDA Professional Resource File are prepared during the NSU CDA online training.

The CDA Professional Resource File contains

  1. Autobiography
  2. Statements of Competence
  3. Resource Collection.

Refer to the CDA Assessment System and Competency Standards booklet for details.

Steps to complete the national CDA

  • Complete 120 hours of relevant training.
  • Prepare a Professional Resource File.
  • Collect Parent Questionnaires from the parents of children in your group.
  • Be observed working as the lead caregiver with a group of children by an approved Advisor who completes the CDA Assessment Observation Instrument.
  • Send your complete Application to the Council for Professional Recognition (with payment of $325).
  • With an assigned CDA Representative, complete the Early Childhood Studies Review (multiple choice test) and the CDA Oral Interview.