To support you in your journey, we have compiled the following information, including links to pertinent websites, to help you navigate this process.

The first step on this path is to obtain the CDA Competency Standards Preschool Edition. You can purchase this book from the CDA Council for Professional Recognition book store.

Navigating the CDA Council website…

Go to cdacouncil.org

On the CDA Council home page, click on the Educator Pathways tab.

Scroll down the Educator Pathways page until you locate the Center-Based Preschool section. Click on the Learn More tab.

The Center-Based Preschool page explains the CDA Three-Step Process for earning your preschool CDA. Read through each step in the process and discover how you can grow your career in Early Childhood Education.

(We have outlined this 3-step process below along with links to helpful resources.)

CDA Three-Step Process

Step 1: Prepare

During the preparation phase, you will:

Purchase the CDA Competency Standards Preschool Edition.
Complete 120 hours of formal early childhood education training.
Complete 480 hours of work experience in the preschool setting.
Put together your professional portfolio.

Ways to complete your education training hours…

The best ways to complete your education training hours are listed below. Each offers its own set of benefits and challenges. Read through each one to determine which best fits your needs and learning style.

Take a CDA course through an approved community college program.

Click on the map to see a listing of all community colleges offering CDA courses.

Benefits

Challenges

T.E.A.C.H. scholarship applies to tuition fees at the colleges in this list.
Offers support in creating your portfolio.
In-person or online.
Hours may count towards an Associates Degree if you want to continue your education beyond the CDA.

More costly if no scholarships apply.
May be a longer time commitment.

To better meet the need for early care educators, some community colleges have partnered with the CDA Council creating cohorts that offer CDA training that fulfills the 120 clock hours of training required by the Council for Professional Recognition while earning college credits that apply toward an Early Childhood Associate Degree. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Michigan scholarships are available to cover most or all of the cost for college credits, books, and the CDA assessment fee for eligible participants. Click on the link below to see what colleges offer these cohorts.

https://learn.miaeyc.org/michigan-aeyc-cda-community-cohorts

2. Take the CDA courses through HeadStart.gov

Benefits

Challenges

Self-paced.
Offers support creating your portfolio.
Offered exclusively online.
It is FREE!!

Must be a self-starter.
Earns only 80 hours toward the 120 required. 40 additional hours will need to be completed by the candidate.

Go to HeadStart.gov Individualized Professional Development Portfolio and follow the process to create a login. You will need to provide the region number. Michigan is Region V.

Once you have created your login, you will have access to the course catalog. Each of the eight CDA subject areas is offered as a separate course. You must “enroll” in each course separately. Once you enroll in the course you can work on the required modules at your own pace.

As of February 2, 2026 the CDA Council requires you to upload your portfolio during the application process. Make sure your portfolio is complete before you proceed to the application step!

Step 2: Apply

After all training requirements are met, your professional portfolio is complete and payment has been secured COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION:

If you have not done so, create a YourCouncil account.
Start your application in your online portal.
Upload your portfolio electronically.
Pay online application fee and submit application with your portfolio.
The non-refundable, non-transferable application fee must be submitted with your application. Make sure to secure the funds before you submit your application.

Do you need help paying for the application fee?

If you completed your course work for free through HeadStart.gov, but need assistance paying the application fee, apply for the CDA Assessment and Renewal Scholarship through MiAEYC.

Once your CDA application is approved, you will receive a notification to schedule your CDA® Exam. Beginning February 2, 2026 the CDA Council will require candidates to complete their CDA exam before scheduling a verification visit.

Step 3: Demonstrate

Schedule and complete your CDA Exam. Your results are electronically submitted to the Council by the Pearson Vue testing center. You will not be given the results!

As of February 2, 2026, if your test results meet a specific standard determined by the CDA Council, you will not be required to complete a verification visit. If this pertains to you, once your exam is completed and your portfolio is evaluated, the CDA Council will notify you by email or through your portal.

If your exam results do not reach the threshold determined by the CDA Council, you will be notified to schedule and complete your CDA Verification Visit either by email or through your CDA portal.

The Council will review the results of your verification visit and make a credentialing decision. If your credential is awarded you will receive an email, and the official Child Development Associate® credential will be mailed to you.