A Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification is a nationally recognized credential that helps early childhood educators enhance their skills, improve job opportunities, and provide high-quality care for young learners. Whether new to the field or looking to advance your career, obtaining a CDA certification is a valuable step forward.
Obtaining a CDA may seem overwhelming for many educators, but NICCM’s CDA Fast Track Program simplifies the journey. This accelerated training program provides structured guidance on coursework, portfolio preparation, and exam readiness, ensuring that candidates meet certification requirements efficiently.
Step 1: Enroll in NICCM’s CDA Fast Track Training Program
The most efficient way to get your CDA is by enrolling in NICCM’s CDA Fast Track training program. This comprehensive program covers everything needed for CDA certification, including coursework, portfolio preparation, and exam guidance, ensuring that every step is completed within the course.
By taking a structured training program first, candidates can avoid confusion and complete all necessary steps during the class rather than independently navigating the process.
Step 2: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
NICCM’s CDA Fast Track Program guides candidates through every eligibility requirement, including:
✔ Education – A high school diploma or GED (or be enrolled in high school for certain settings).
✔ Work Experience – At least 480 hours of professional experience in an early childhood setting.
✔ Training Hours – Completion of 120 hours of formal early childhood education training across eight subject areas.
Since these eligibility requirements are covered in NICCM’s CDA Fast Track program, candidates can seamlessly fulfill these prerequisites while progressing through the course.
Step 3: Select the Right CDA Setting
NICCM helps participants determine the best setting for their professional goals, aligning with the four CDA Certification settings:
- Preschool– For educators working with children ages 3–5.
- Infant-Toddler– For professionals caring for children under age 3.
- Family Child Care– For providers who offer childcare in a home setting.
- Home Visitor– For specialists who support families through home-based early education programs.
Step 4: Complete the CDA Training Program
Candidates complete all required 120 training hours within the NICCM CDA Fast Track Program, covering topics such as:
✔ Child growth and development
✔ Safe and healthy learning environments
✔ Family engagement and communication
✔ Supporting children’s emotional and cognitive development
Step 5: Build Your CDA Professional Portfolio
NICCM’s CDA Fast Track Program provides structured guidance on creating a professional portfolio, including:
✔ Competency Statements – Reflections on working with children in various settings.
✔ Resource Collection – Lesson plans, activity ideas, and tools used in early childhood education.
✔ Family Questionnaires – Feedback from families on the candidate’s teaching approach.
Step 6: Submit Your Application & Schedule Your Exam
NICCM assists candidates in submitting their CDA applications, paying required fees, and scheduling both their CDA Exam and Verification Visit—all as part of the training program.
Step 7: Earn Your CDA Credential & Maintain It
After successfully completing the exam and observation, candidates earn their CDA Certification, valid for three years. NICCM provides continued guidance for renewal applications and ongoing professional development.
Why Choose NICCM’s CDA Fast Track?
✔ Comprehensive Support – NICCM guides candidates through every aspect of certification.
✔ Accelerated Certification – Complete training in an efficient, structured format.
✔ Post-Certification Assistance – Continued mentorship for renewal and career advancement.
For those looking to fast-track the CDA certification process, NICCM offers a structured CDA Fast Track Program that provides step-by-step guidance on training, portfolio preparation, and exam readiness.
Earning a CDA Certification is a significant step toward a rewarding career in early childhood education. By following a structured fast-track program, educators can gain essential skills, improve job prospects, and make a lasting impact on young learners.
NICCM (National Institute of Child Care Management) has been a trusted provider of fast-track credentialing programs for over two decades, helping childcare professionals meet state licensing requirements and advance in their careers.
Want to complete your CDA certification faster? Explore NICCM’s CDA Fast Track Program today! Looking for more flexibility? Check out our CDA Fast Track Distance Learning Program, allowing you to earn your certification from anywhere at your own pace.
For full details on our 3-Day CDA Fast Track, view our brochure here and see how NICCM can help you advance your career!