How to Renew Your CDA or NAC Credential Without the Headache

Earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) or National Administrator Credential (NAC) is a big achievement—but keeping it current is just as important. Renewals can feel intimidating if you’re not sure where to start, but with a little preparation, the process can be smooth and stress-free.

That’s why it’s important to understand the renewal steps, timelines, and requirements well in advance. By planning ahead, gathering your documentation early, and choosing the right training provider, you can avoid last-minute stress and keep your credentials active without disruptions. The key is to treat renewal as part of your ongoing professional journey, not just a one-time task.

In this guide, we’ll break down the childcare credential renewal process step-by-step. You’ll learn exactly what’s required, how to avoid common mistakes, and how NICCM’s tools, such as our $139 Online NAC Renewal, can make life easier.

Why Renewal Matters

Renewing your childcare credential, such as your CDA or NAC certification, is more than just keeping a certificate up to date—it’s an active step in protecting your career and advancing your skills. Staying current ensures you remain compliant with your state’s regulations or your employer’s requirements, avoiding any interruptions in your role. It also shows your commitment to ongoing professional growth, signaling to families, colleagues, and employers that you value quality and excellence in early childhood education. By keeping your skills sharp and your knowledge fresh, you help maintain the quality of your program and open doors for future advancement, leadership opportunities, and long-term career success.

Letting your childcare credentials lapse can create gaps in your qualifications, which could affect your position or advancement opportunities.

Step 1: Know Your Renewal Timeline

The first step is knowing when your credential expires.

• CDA:The CDA is valid for three years from the date it was awarded. Renewal applications can be submitted up to six months before expiration.
• NAC:The NAC typically requires renewal every two years (some employers or states may have different cycles—always check your state-specific guidelines).

Tip: Put your renewal date in your calendar with reminders at 6 months, 3 months, and 1 month before expiration. This gives you plenty of time to complete requirements without scrambling.

Step 2: Understand the Renewal Requirements

The childcare credential renewal process involves a few key components. Let’s look at the basics for both CDA and NAC.

For CDA Renewal:

• Work Experience:You must have worked at least 80 hours with young children in the past year.
• Professional Education:Complete 4.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or 45 clock hours of training in early childhood topics.
• Professional Development Plan:A brief reflection on your growth and goals.
• Renewal Fee:Paid to the Council for Professional Recognition.

For NAC Renewal:

• Professional Education:NAC renewals require a set number of approved training hours in childcare leadership/management.
• Current Employment or Engagement in the Field:Some form of ongoing involvement in early childhood programs.
• Renewal Fee:Paid to the issuing organization (NICCM’s Online NAC Renewal is $139).

The exact requirements may vary by state, but the above gives you a clear starting point.

Step 3: Plan Your CEUs or Training Hours

One of the most time-consuming parts of renewal is completing continuing education hours—but it doesn’t have to be stressful.

Ways to earn CEUs or hours:

• Online training modules such as NICCM’s video training kits(self-paced).
• Live virtual workshops.
• In-person conferences.
• Professional development offered by your employer.

For NAC Renewal: NICCM offers an Online NAC Renewal program for just $139. It’s completely self-paced and accessible from anywhere, so you can meet your renewal requirements without rearranging your schedule.

Pro Tip: Spread your training hours throughout the year instead of cramming them into the last month before renewal.

Step 4: Keep Your Documentation Organized

Documentation is one of the top stress points in the renewal process—but it’s also one of the easiest to control if you start early.

You’ll typically need to keep:

• Certificates of completionfor all training or CEUs.
• Proof of work experience(pay stubs, job descriptions, or supervisor verification).
• Your original credentialfor reference.

Organization Tips:

• Create a digital folder for each renewal cycle.
• Save certificates immediately after completing training.
• Keep physical copies in a labeled binder for backup.

When renewal time comes, you’ll have everything ready to upload or mail without hunting through piles of paper.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Early

Don’t wait until the last week. Technical issues, missing documents, or mailing delays can cause unnecessary stress and sometimes missed deadlines.

Aim to submit at least 30 days before expiration. This ensures:

• Time for corrections if something’s missing.
• No gap in your credential’s active status.
• Peace of mind knowing it’s done.

Common Renewal Mistakes to Avoid

Renewing your CDA, NAC, or state-specific Director’s Credential is straightforward—but only if you avoid these pitfalls:

1. Waiting too long to start training hours– Nothing is worse than trying to squeeze in dozens of hours at the last minute.
2. Losing track of certificates– Without proof, your hours may not count.
3. Not double-checking provider approval– Make sure your training source is recognized for renewal.
4. Missing the deadline– Late applications can lead to extra fees or reapplication.
5. Assuming requirements haven’t changed– Always check the current guidelines before starting.

 

How NICCM Makes Renewal Easy

NICCM’s mission is to make professional growth achievable, even for busy childcare leaders. Our $139 Online NAC Renewal is designed for maximum flexibility and minimal stress.

Here’s why it works so well:

• Fully Online:Complete your renewal training anytime, anywhere—no travel, no missed workdays.
• Self-Paced:Fit learning into your schedule—whether that’s during lunch breaks or after work.
• Relevant Content:Focus on childcare leadership, management, and compliance topics that apply directly to your role, helping you meet renewal requirements while improving daily operations.
• Simple Documentation:Receive a certificate upon completion to submit with your renewal application.

With NICCM, you’re not just checking a box—you’re building skills that strengthen your program and leadership abilities, all while meeting CDA or NAC renewal requirements with ease.

Renewal Timeline at a Glance

6 Months Before Expiration

• Check your renewal requirements.
• Review your progress on training hours.
• Gather your documentation.

3 Months Before Expiration

• Complete remaining CEUs/training hours.
• Verify your documents are in order.

1 Month Before Expiration

• Submit your application and payment.
• Confirm receipt from the issuing organization.

Following this simple schedule eliminates last-minute panic.

Stress-Free Renewal Tips

• Automate Reminders:Use phone alerts or calendar notifications.
• Double Your Hours Early:If you complete more than required, you’re covered if something doesn’t qualify.
• Bundle Requirements:Choose training that meets both state PD hours and credential renewal needs.
• Invest in a Reliable Provider:NICCM’s programs are widely recognized and designed with renewal in mind.

Enrolling in NICCM’s full  National Administrators Credential program also counts towards Directors Credential renewal. This way, you can refresh your credentials, knowledge, and skills in detail and add a prestigious credential to your portfolio, in case you haven’t obtained NICCM’s NAC before.

Renew Your Credential the Smart Way

The childcare credential renewal process doesn’t have to be a headache. By starting early, tracking your progress, and choosing the right training provider, you can renew your CDA or NAC with confidence.

Renewal isn’t just about keeping a credential—it’s about continuing your growth as an early childhood professional and leader. NICCM offers everything from CDA training in Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville to fast-track online CDA courses, live conferences, and online NAC renewal—all designed to make the process easy, affordable, and stress-free.

Ready to renew?

Start your Online NAC Renewal today, complete your CDA requirements, or explore our other professional development options. With NICCM, you can check one big thing off your to-do list—without the last-minute scramble. Register now!