This is the content of the pop-over!

CDA Practice Tests & Exam Questions


If you are an early childhood educator looking to earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, prepare for your exam the right way with a CDA practice test from Exam Edge. Our CDA practice exams are a proven method for improving exam performance. That's because you can see authentic CDA test questions and get familiar with the timing of the exam. Timing can be the trickiest part of taking the test, even when you know the material. Our unique CDA practice tests allow you to choose the timing of your practice. Test-taking is a skill. Learn how to take the test with a CDA practice exam from Exam Edge.

What is a CDA?

CDA stands for Child Development Associate. The credential, obtained through CDA certification exams, ensures that people who work with young children in the educational field. This includes infant-to-toddler programs, Head Start, pre-kindergarten, home visitor educational programs, and family child care.

While not required to enter the field, getting your CDA certification provides you with additional information, tools, techniques, and pedagogical strategies to help you thrive. It also looks great on a job application and shows your commitment to providing the best possible structure for the children in your care.

What are the CDA Exams?

Offered by the Council for Professional Recognition, the Child Development Associate Credential is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education. The CDA exam questions gauge a candidate's understanding of key concepts related to childhood health and development. They help ensure that professionals who work with children are prepared and knowledgeable.

There are three kinds of CDA exams available: family, preschool, and toddler tests. Each of these tests is tailored to the precise type of work professionals do with each particular segment of the population. Not sure which test you should sign up for? The Council for Professional Recognition website has you covered. No matter your area of expertise, it's smart to undergo extensive CDA exam prep before sitting for the real test.

Do You Have to Take CDA for Renewal Certification?

CDA certification lasts for three years before it's time for you to renew your credentials. Luckily, you don't have to take the CDA test again. However, there are still some requirements you need to meet in order to have your renewal application approved.

    1. You must do one of the following: log 4.5 continuing education credits, complete one 3-credit-hour college course, or complete 45 hours of training.     2. You must become a member of an Educator Credentials Evaluators organization.     3. You must designate an approved early childhood development professional to verify your credentials.

The Council for Professional Recognition has credentialed over 1 million CDAs. We recommend sending in your renewal application at least six months prior to your current credential's expiration date to avoid delays.

Who Should Take the CDA Exams?

Requirements for childcare employees vary from state to state - and, in some cases, from county to county. Make sure to check with your employer about which certification is necessary for your workplace. The chances are good that you'll need some form of training, education, or hands-on experience to work with children in daycare settings.

CDA credentials are an excellent professional development opportunity for educators of all experience and education levels. Because the field of early childhood education and development is constantly evolving, practitioners must stay abreast of the latest research, trends, and best practices. The CDA test can be a great initial step for those just beginning their careers. It shows a person's commitment to their career as well as their dedication to the children they hope to serve.

While a CDA certificate isn't always required of professionals to work with young children, it can help provide credibility for those searching for a new position. A passing score on the CDA test sends a clear message to potential employers and parents alike. Employers, families, and schools are eager to work with people who have experience and knowledge about childhood development. Regardless of your educational background or experience level, this test can be an excellent investment in your future. Of course, you should not undertake the exam lightly - if you sign up, be sure to complete plenty of CDA exam practice tests before taking the real thing.

What Score Do I Need to Pass the CDA Exams?

Each of the CDA exams is scored on a scale of zero to 100. You'll need to earn a 70 or higher to pass a CDA test. Scores are reported quickly, with most candidates becoming credentialed within one to three days after passing their test.

Registration runs between $425 and $500 per test, depending on whether you register online or via paper application. Thankfully, there are scholarship opportunities for those who need assistance with the price tag.

CDA practice exams can help ensure you pass your exam the very first time you take it, so there's no need to pay retake fees. By undergoing extensive CDA test prep ahead of your exam, you can all but guarantee a passing score on your first attempt—saving you serious time and money.

How to Prepare for CDA Practice Exams

You have to be patient and passionate to work with children. A career in childhood development can be exciting and fun, but given how important these jobs are, not just anyone can do them. With enough training, experience, and education, you can bolster your passion and patience while bringing your career to new heights. Certification is required for so many essential careers - it just makes sense that childcare is one of them.

Anyone hoping to work with young children in a professional setting should consider pursuing a Child Development Associate Credential. It's a great way to quickly communicate your qualifications to potential employers, demonstrating to them that you take your career - and the needs of young children - seriously.

Research has demonstrated that practice testing is one of the very best forms of test preparation available. If you have a CDA child development test to get ready for, you'll want to incorporate practice testing into your routine. The process of answering CDA exam practice questions requires your brain to think in the same way it will need to on the day of the real exam. By practicing this manner of thinking in advance, you'll be more relaxed on test day - not to mention more familiar with the exam content itself. Distributed practice, or the process of practice testing multiple times ahead of an exam, has also been shown to be effective.

Exam Edge makes the CDA certification process much easier. Our CDA practice tests feature the same subject matter, pacing, and style of questions as the real deal. We also provide detailed explanations at the end of each CDA practice exam, so you can know exactly where you need to improve. Purchase a set today to see how practice tests can help you ace your CDA exam!

Who is Child Development Associate ?

The CDA, also known as Child Development Associate, is a nationally recognized credential in the USA for early childhood education professionals. It is administered by the Council for Professional Recognition.

Here's how you can apply for and take the CDA certification exams:

Step 1: Eligibility and Application
To be eligible for the CDA credential, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, have completed 120 hours of professional education covering the eight CDA subject areas, and have 480 hours of professional experience working with young children. Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for the CDA through the Council's online application system.

Step 2: Scheduling the Exam
After your application has been reviewed and accepted, you will receive a Ready to Schedule notification from the Council. You can then schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center, which are located throughout the United States.

Step 3: Taking the Exam
On your scheduled exam date, arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center with a valid form of identification. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering the eight CDA subject areas. After the exam, you will receive your scores immediately.

For more information on the CDA certification process, visit the Council for Professional Recognition's website at https://www.cdacouncil.org/ and the Pearson VUE's website for scheduling and testing center locations at https://home.pearsonvue.com/.