CDA Information and FAQ

When you join TAP Training, you are forever connected to a team of dedicated educators that will support you through your professional development. Your success is important to us!
To qualify for a CDA certificate, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
• You must have a high school diploma/GED or current enrollment in a career/technical program.
• Before you apply, you must have 480 hours of experience working with children in the past three years.
• If applying for the Birth to Five credentials, your 480 hours must consist of 160 hours working with each sub-age group (birth to 17 months, 18 to 36 months, and 3 to 5 years old).

What do we offer:

12 class sessions within four months.
Free resources
Professional Portfolio assistance
120 hours CDA Training Certificate
CDA Application Preparation
CDA Renewal assistance

PLATFORM TO BE USED TO OFFER TRAINING
This CDA training is provided in English; however, it follows the Shelter Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP). The SIOP assists English language learners with the supporters’ instructional strategies. Here are a few examples of teaching strategies that we offer.

• Objectives are stated
• Student Engagement
• Appropriate Pacing
• Active Engagements
• Open-ended questions
• Provide Multimedia (Pictures, objects, props, video clips, websites, interactive boards, PowerPoint presentations, etc.).
• Repetition (Paraphrase, repeat important concepts, vocabulary, and/or instructions when necessary).
• Coaching
• Academic enrichment is provided to all candidates based on individual needs.

Candidates will be provided with two practice tests (Neither test is from the CDA Council but so candidates can get familiar with the dynamics of multiple-choice testing and early childcare scenarios, theories, and questions).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – CDA Training

Q: How do you offer your training?
A: We offer two different platforms. It can be offered as a Webinar or face-to-face.
Q: How much is the training?
A: Our training is $750. Due to our teacher-student interaction processes, our prices are
complementary to our services.
Q: Do I have to work on my Professional Portfolio on my own?
A: No. We will assist you with your professional portfolio.
Q: Is there a time limit on applying for the CDA credential once the 120 training hours are complete?
A: We recommend that you apply immediately once you have completed the 120 hours of training.
Q: Do you help with the CDA application?
A: Yes. We offer assistance with the CDA application process.
Q: What is the Council for Professional Recognition’s contact information?
A: Their website is www.cdacouncil.org, and phone number is 1-800-424-4310
Q: How do I apply for the CDA credential after I complete my 120 CDA training?
A: You complete a CDA Initial application on the Council for Professional Recognition website www.cdacouncil.org.
Q: What is the cost of the CDA exam?
A: As of August 1, 2025, the Council for Professional Recognition application & assessment (exam) fee is $525.
Q: Do I pay TAP for my CDA exam?
A: No. You pay the Council for Professional Recognition directly for the application &
assessment (exam).
Q: If I get my CDA credential when I am in one state and move to another, will my CDA credential still be valid?

A: The CDA credential is nationally recognized in all states and internationally recognized in
some countries. Having a CDA credential opens up numerous opportunities
Q: Do you help with CDA renewals?
A: Yes. We assist you with your CDA renewal and offer the Council for Professional
Recognition recommended 45 training hours, both for a separate fee.