If you’re pursuing a career in early childhood education, chances are you’ve heard of the CDA. It’s one of the most widely recognized credentials in the industry—and for good reason. Earning a Child Development Associate Credential shows employers and parents that you’re serious about your role as an educator. But for many professionals, the process of getting certified can feel long, confusing, and overwhelming.
That’s where NICCM’s CDA Fast Track course changes everything.
Designed to simplify and accelerate your certification journey, this powerful 3-day program combines live instruction, expert test prep, and hands-on portfolio support—so you don’t waste time second-guessing your next step. Whether you’ve been in the field for years or you’re just getting started, this course provides the clarity, structure, and confidence you need to move forward. Plus, NICCM’s approach will save most candidates 30-45 hours of course work and training hours by allowing them to bring previous training hours into the program.
And the best part? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. NICCM’s experienced instructors are with you every step of the way.
What Is the CDA Fast Track Course?
NICCM’s CDA Fast Track course is an accelerated, in-person training designed to help early childhood educators earn their CDA credential in record time—without cutting corners. Unlike traditional programs that take months to complete, this 3-day intensive is built for speed and support.
Held in locations across the country throughout the year, each live event offers instructor-led sessions focused on preparing you for the CDA exam, completing your professional portfolio, and understanding the core competency areas required by the Council for Professional Recognition.
Participants receive:
- A full test preparation systemthat simplifies complex concepts
- Step-by-step guidanceon creating a professional portfolio
- Access to NICCM’s expert instructorsfor real-time answers and encouragement
- An official NICCM certificate of completion, often used to fulfill training hour requirements
Best of all, the course is suitable for both new and experienced educators. Whether you’re transitioning into a leadership role or finally checking this credential off your list, the CDA Fast Track course helps you get it done—confidently and quickly.
Course Structure – What Happens Over 3 Days?
The CDA Fast Track course is intentionally structured to move you from overwhelmed to prepared in just 3 days. Every session is laser-focused on what matters most: passing the test, completing your portfolio, and understanding key CDA competencies.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical 3-day format:
Day 1: Orientation + Portfolio Kickoff
- Welcome, course overview, and what to expect
- Deep dive into the CDA competency standards
- Guided portfolio organization: what goes where and why
- Personalized feedback begins early to set the tone for success
Day 2: Exam Prep + Competency Mastery
- Comprehensive CDA exam preparation, with simplified explanations
- Real-time Q&A and live instructor demos
- Continued portfolio work with hands-on help
- Emphasis on classroom practices, safety, and developmental principles
Day 3: Final Touches + Confidence Boost
- Final review of test strategies and key subject areas
- Portfolio completion wrap-up and checklist run-through
- Certification of completion issued onsite
- Motivational closeout session to get you ready for what’s next
Each day is a blend of expert instruction, interactive discussion, and independent work—plus plenty of time for your questions to get answered.
Why Educators Love It – Real Results, Real Confidence
The CDA Fast Track course isn’t just fast—it’s effective. Educators from across the country consistently say it’s one of the most empowering and transformative experiences of their professional lives.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- Clarity in a complicated process:Many students come in feeling unsure and overwhelmed. They leave with a complete portfolio, a clear understanding of the exam, and confidence in their classroom knowledge.
- Support that feels personal:Live instructors take the time to answer every question. Many participants say it feels like one-on-one coaching in a group setting.
- A major confidence boost:Completing everything in a weekend helps students feel capable, focused, and ready to take on the field.
- In addition, NICCM specializes in this and provides the course in live settings 20 times per year:Other programs may only offer an option 2-3 times per year. We have provided our course in a live setting nearly 300 times since 2012.
And the results speak for themselves. Just listen to what attendees have to say:
“The help and the 3-day Fast Track was amazing!” – Felicia Wright, Orlando-May 2024
“Everyone was amazing! I feel much more confident about getting my CDA after this course.” – Jasmin Pomales, Jacksonville-April 2022
“Worth every penny! Thank you Bradley, Amber, Tanya, Alycia, and Pepper!” – Sarah Diangelo, Tampa-June 2024
“Most dedicated, passionate, fun, and educated team I have ever met!” – Marie Cerbone, Miami-January 2024
….and plenty more.
Whether you’re stepping into early childhood education for the first time or looking to level up fast, this program leaves you with more than a certificate—it gives you confidence.
Who Should Take the CDA Fast Track Course?
The CDA Fast Track course is designed for motivated educators who want results—fast. Whether you’re just starting your journey or need structured support to finish what you started, this course is made for:
- New and Aspiring Early Childhood Educators: If you’re working in a preschool, daycare, Head Start program, or similar setting, the CDA is often your first big career credential. The Fast Track course helps you complete the required training hours and portfolio prep in just one weekend.
- Busy Professionals Who Need Structure: If you’ve been trying to “figure it out” on your own but haven’t made progress, this course offers the structure, accountability, and live support you need to finally cross the finish line.
- Teachers Who Need Portfolio Help: The portfolio is one of the most confusing parts of earning your CDA. This course includes direct instructor supportand lab time to help you organize, write, and complete it with confidence.
- Educators Seeking Growth or Promotion: Ready to move from assistant teacher to lead teacher or supervisor? The CDA is often required for advancement—and this course gets you there faster.
If you’re committed to making progress in your early childhood career, NICCM’s CDA Fast Track course is your smartest next step.
Portfolio Lab – Built-In Help for the Hardest Part
Let’s be honest: most educators don’t struggle with loving children or teaching. They struggle with the paperwork.
That’s why NICCM’s CDA Fast Track course includes a built-in Portfolio Lab—a guided session designed to make the most overwhelming part of the CDA process feel doable.
What You’ll Get in the Lab:
- Clear instructionson what belongs in each section
- Live feedbackas you write your Competency Statements
- Support crafting your Professional Philosophy Statement
- Help organizing documents, activity plans, and resource collections
- Time to ask specific questions about your own portfolio
You don’t just sit and take notes—you actually work on your real materials. And by the time the course wraps up, many students leave with their portfolio nearly finished or 100% complete.
“The guidance on the portfolio alone was worth the entire class.”
— Tanisha S., CDA Fast Track Graduate
For many educators, the Portfolio Lab is the turning point that takes them from “I think I can” to “I know I will.”
What You Get – Live vs. Online Format Breakdown
NICCM’s CDA Fast Track course is available in two formats: a 3-day live event or a distance learning program you can complete at home. Both offer the same expert-designed curriculum and lead to the same result—CDA readiness—but each offers a different kind of experience.
Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you choose what fits your schedule and learning style best:
Live vs. Online: Quick Comparison
|
Feature |
3-Day Live Event |
Distance Learning (Online) |
|
Format |
In-person, instructor-led |
Web-based, self-paced |
|
Duration |
3 days |
Complete in under 10 days or take up to 6 months |
|
Includes |
CDA prep, portfolio lab, live Q&A |
CDA prep videos, portfolio guide, virtual support |
|
Support |
On-site instructors + small group setting |
Online tutor support + printed binder |
|
Cost |
Starting at $509 |
$559 (plus shipping) |
|
Best For |
Fast learners who prefer real-time feedback |
Busy educators who need maximum flexibility |
Both options include:
- NICCM certificate of completion
- Step-by-step portfolio guidance
- Practice test prep and exam strategy
- Access to NICCM’s support team
And whichever format you choose, you’ll get the same outcome: structured training that helps you meet CDA requirements faster, easier, and with more confidence.
Prefer Spanish? The Distance Learning format is also available as a fully web-based video program in Spanish, complete with support materials and priority shipping—perfect for Spanish-speaking educators who want a flexible and effective training path.
Upcoming Events & How to Register
NICCM offers CDA Fast Track live events every month in cities across the country—including Orlando, San Antonio, Atlanta, Miami, and more. These weekend intensives fill up fast, especially at the early registration rate.
Pricing Breakdown:
|
Registration Type |
Price |
|
Early Registration (31+ days out) |
$509 |
|
Regular Registration (11–30 days out) |
$559 |
|
Late Registration (10 days or less) |
$609 |
|
Distance Learning Program (Online) |
$559 (includes shipping) |
When you register, you’ll receive:
- Access to all three days of live instruction
- A printed binder of course materials
- Personalized support for your portfolio
- Practice exam prep and confidence coaching
- A certificate of training completion
FAQs – What Educators Ask Most About the CDA Fast Track Course
Q1: Who issues the CDA credential?
The CDA is issued by the Council for Professional Recognition, not NICCM. NICCM provides the training, portfolio prep, and exam support to help you qualify.
Q2: Is the CDA Fast Track course accepted in all states?
Yes. The course prepares you for the nationally recognized CDA credential, which is accepted in all 50 states for early childhood classroom roles.
Q3: Do I need to complete my portfolio before taking the course?
Not at all! Students will build their portfolio during the course with live help from instructors.
Q4: Can I really finish my training hours in one weekend?
NO The Fast Track course includes the 30 hours of the 120 required by the Council—condensed into an efficient, instructor-led format. We will help candidates document previous training hours into the correct format to count towards the 120. Most candidates have 45-90 hours of training that they can count toward this.
Q5: What if I can’t attend in person?
NICCM offers a full Distance Learning version of the CDA Fast Track program that you can complete online at your own pace.
Still have questions? Check out our full list of FAQs to get the clarity you need.
Your Career’s Next Step Starts Here
You don’t have to wait months—or wonder what to do next. NICCM’s CDA Fast Track course gives you the tools, training, and support to move forward now.
Whether you’re a first-time educator or a seasoned teacher ready to level up, this 3-day program will get you organized, prepared, and confident—all in one weekend.
Let NICCM help you fast-track your future—because your time and talent matter.