California educators can complete the CDA training portion online, but earning the credential also requires the CDA Council’s experience, portfolio, application, verification, and exam steps. National CDA Training provides 120 hours of online, scenario-based CDA training for California educators. The CDA credential is awarded through the Council for Professional Recognition after the candidate completes all applicable requirements.
If you are a childcare professional exploring CDA classes online in California, use the steps below to separate the national credential process from California permit and employer requirements.
California CDA Requirements at a Glance
The CDA Council sets the credential process. Review the CDA Council FAQ and the California CDA fact sheet for current requirements, setting guidance, and application details.
The 120 Hours of Training
Before applying, candidates complete 120 clock hours of formal early childhood education, with at least 10 hours in each of the eight CDA Subject Areas. Review our 120-hour CDA training guide for an overview of the coursework. Confirm basic eligibility first, including a high school diploma or the applicable high-school junior or senior exception for an early education or child-development career and technical program.
Experience, Portfolio, Verification, and Exam
- Confirm eligibility. Check the CDA Council’s current education and eligibility rules before you begin.
- Choose the setting. Select the setting that matches your work: Center-Based Preschool, Center-Based Infant-Toddler, Center-Based Birth-to-Five, or Family Child Care, as applicable. Home Visitor candidates must follow the CDA Council’s separate Home Visitor requirements and assessment guidance.
- Complete the training. Finish 120 clock hours before applying, with no fewer than 10 hours in each of the eight CDA Subject Areas.
- Build experience. Complete 480 hours of experience with the applicable age group within the three years before applying.
- Prepare the portfolio. Assemble the CDA Professional Portfolio, including required resources and competency statements, within the six months before applying.
- Apply and complete the assessment. Apply through the CDA Council, schedule the verification visit, and take the CDA exam.
Exact eligibility, setting, and documentation rules can vary by candidate. Confirm your situation with the CDA Council before applying. You can also review our CDA requirements guide for a broader process overview.
Ready to prepare? Explore the online CDA training program and compare the support options available to individual educators.
Benefits of a CDA Credential
A CDA credential can support your professional development as you build knowledge and confidence in early childhood education. It can also strengthen your portfolio and help you communicate your skills to employers and families. Requirements and career outcomes vary, so use the credential as one part of your professional pathway rather than a promise of a particular job or promotion.
How California Child Development Permits Relate to the CDA
A national CDA credential, a California Child Development Permit, and facility licensing or staffing requirements are distinct. A CDA does not automatically replace a California permit or satisfy every employer or program requirement.
California Permit Levels and Pathways
California’s Child Development Permit pathways include Assistant, Associate Teacher, Teacher, Master Teacher, Site Supervisor, and Program Director levels. These are pathways and levels, not a mandatory progression for every educator.
Check Current CTC and CDSS Requirements
In applicable Child Development Teacher and Master Teacher permit pathways, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing states that possession of a CDA Credential may be used as nine semester units of credit toward the overall 24-semester-unit ECE or child development requirement. Other education, experience, general education, fingerprinting, and application requirements still apply. The CTC Child Development Permits leaflet, CL-797 provides the current pathway details.
CTC also lists possession of a CDA Credential as Option 2 for the Child Development Associate Teacher Permit, subject to the current CTC option requirements. The CDA alone does not award a California permit. Review the Child Development Teacher Permit checklist and the California Department of Social Services General Staffing Qualifications guidance because employer and program requirements may also apply.
California permit and employer requirements can vary by role and pathway. Review the current CTC and CDSS guidance before applying or accepting a position.
Complete California CDA Training Online with National CDA Training
National CDA Training is a preparation and training provider, not the issuer of the CDA credential. The program offers 120 hours of training, 100% online access, scenario-based learning, portfolio development support, and preparation for the exam and verification visit. These supports are designed for early childhood educators who want a flexible way to prepare while working.
Scenario-Based Learning for Early Childhood Educators
Scenario-based lessons give learners opportunities to think through realistic classroom situations and apply CDA concepts, rather than relying only on memorization. Mary Wardlaw, Ed.S., brings more than 20 years of early childhood leadership experience to the training approach.
Choose the Training Path That Fits Your Goals
Review the online CDA training program for individual educators to choose the course support that fits your schedule. For additional planning tools, visit our CDA resources or browse CDA training locations across the United States.
California CDA Online Training FAQ
Can I complete CDA training online in California?
Yes. The 120-hour training portion can be completed online through an appropriate provider. The full credential process also includes applicable work experience, a professional portfolio, an application, a verification visit, and the CDA exam.
Is a CDA required for every childcare job in California?
No universal rule applies to every childcare job. Requirements depend on the role, employer, program, and applicable California state pathway. Check the current employer, CTC, and CDSS requirements for the position you are considering.
Does a CDA replace a California Child Development Permit?
Not automatically. A CDA may be recognized within a specific CTC permit option or as credit toward certain permit education requirements, but the CDA alone does not award a California Child Development Permit. Review the applicable CTC pathway.
How long does California CDA training take?
Completion time depends on your pace and program access. National CDA Training advertises completion of its training in three months or less, but your work experience, portfolio, verification visit, application, and exam timing are separate parts of the overall credential process.
Where do I apply for the CDA credential?
Apply through the Council for Professional Recognition, which awards the CDA credential after the applicable requirements are completed. National CDA Training provides preparation and training, but it is not the credential issuer.
Have questions about course fit? Contact National CDA Training to discuss your next step.