How to get a CDA certification Get your high school diploma. Complete 120 hours of training in the CDA subject areas. Choose your experience type. Gain 480 hours of experience working with children. Complete a CDA application and professional portfolio. Take the CDA certification exam.
The Child Development Associate® Credential™ is the most widely known and valued credential in early childhood education. It is an opportunity for educators working with children from birth to age 5 to demonstrate and strengthen their knowledge, understanding, and practices when teaching in early education.
In New York City, call the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at 3-1-1 or 212-NEW-YORK. For questions about this form or about establishing parentage, speak with hospital staff or e-mail questions to otda.sm.dcse.parentage@otda.ny.