The CDA Got More Expensive in August 2025 — Here's the Full 2026 Cost Stack
On August 1, 2025, the Council for Professional Recognition raised CDA credential fees for the first time since 2013. The online application jumped from $425 to $525, online renewal doubled from $125 to $250, and paper applications were discontinued entirely after December 31, 2025. Add the required 120 hours of training (priced by each provider), the Competency Standards book, and possibly a $125 retake, and your total depends mostly on how you pay for training.
For childcare workers earning a median of $16.82/hour ($34,980/year) in May 2025 (BLS), that is a heavy lift. The good news: the Council's own scholarship directory lists funding programs in 39 states and the District of Columbia, and TEACH Early Childhood programs were licensed in 23 states in FY 2024-2025. This guide breaks down the Council's fees and the main ways to get your CDA paid for in 2026.
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Complete CDA Cost Breakdown (2026)
Itemized Costs
| Expense | 2026 Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CDA Application Fee (online) | $525 | Nonrefundable; covers the exam and, when the Council requires one, the PD Specialist's Verification Visit. Paper applications ended Dec 31, 2025. |
| CDA Training (120 clock hours) | Varies by provider | Must come from an agency or organization with expertise in early childhood teacher preparation; the Council does not endorse training programs. |
| Competency Standards Book | Council Store price | Required; setting-specific (Preschool, Infant/Toddler, Family Child Care, Home Visitor, Birth to Five) |
| Essentials textbook and workbook | Council Store price | Optional study aids sold by the Council |
| Portfolio | No separate Council fee | Uploaded with your YourCouncil application; the optional E-Portfolio tool builds a PDF. |
| Exam Retake (if needed) | $125 per attempt | Up to two additional attempts after the first (three attempts in total); reapply after a six-month wait if all three fail. |
| Portfolio re-review | First free, then $35 each | Only if the Council returns an incomplete portfolio. |
| Printed certificate (optional) | $30 | The digital credential through Credly is free. |
Cost Change Comparison: Before vs. After August 1, 2025
| Fee | Before Aug 2025 | After Aug 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online application | $425 | $525 | +$100 (+23.5%) |
| Paper application | $500 | $600 (discontinued Dec 31, 2025) | +$100, then eliminated |
| Online renewal | $125 | $250 | +$125 (+100%) |
| Paper renewal | $150 | $300 (discontinued Dec 31, 2025) | +$150, then eliminated |
Why the increase? The Council cited operational and technological advancements to sustain credentialing excellence. This was the first increase since 2013, and the Council says it will assess operational costs and pricing every three years.
Big 2026 Process Change: Exam Before Verification Visit
A major process change took effect February 2, 2026 that affects how you schedule and what you pay. Under the CDA Credentialing Decision Process Enhancement:
- You now take the CDA exam BEFORE scheduling a Verification Visit.
- The exam result decides the next step (Council decision-enhancement FAQ, January 2026):
- Qualifying result, all other requirements met: the Council reviews your portfolio after your exam scores are received, and no Verification Visit is needed.
- Otherwise: a PD Specialist reviews your portfolio, and you complete a Verification Visit when the Council requires one.
- Did not pass: you may retake the exam for $125 per attempt, up to two additional attempts after the first (three attempts in total), or ask the Council to close your file.
- Digital portfolio upload is now required (no more paper portfolios) via the YourCouncil portal, except in the Home Visitor setting. An optional E-Portfolio tool launched in February 2026 to guide you.
- 6-month completion window begins on the date your application payment is submitted.
If you are unsuccessful after three total exam attempts, you will not receive the credential and may reapply after a six-month waiting period.
7 Ways to Get Your CDA for Free (or Nearly Free)
1. State-Funded CDA Scholarships (39 States + D.C. Listed by the CDA Council)
The CDA Council maintains a scholarship directory at cdacouncil.org/en/find-cda-scholarships listing funding programs in 39 states and the District of Columbia (checked October 2026). Two programs with published 2026 amounts:
| State | Program | What It Covers | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | DECAL Scholars | Up to $500 for CDA training, up to $525 for the application fee, and up to $250 for one renewal | decalscholars.com; quarterly application windows |
| New York | Educational Incentive Program (EIP) | Up to $2,500/yr for CDA training, up to $525 for the CDA assessment fee, and up to $250 for the renewal fee | EIP (SUNY Albany Professional Development Program); income is not a factor for the assessment or renewal fee |
Other directory listings include TEACH programs in Rhode Island and New Hampshire, Oregon's OCCD scholarships, D.C.'s SouthEast Children's Fund and OSSE, and Texas Early Childhood Scholarships. Check the CDA Council scholarship directory for your state, then contact the listed program directly for current amounts and deadlines.
2. TEACH Early Childhood Scholarships (23 States)
TEACH Early Childhood (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) programs were licensed in 23 states in FY 2024-2025, according to the TEACH Early Childhood National Center's 2025 annual report. That year TEACH supported 19,975 scholarship recipients, and the report lists average wage increases of 12.5% (associate degree scholarships) and 11.5% (bachelor's degree scholarships) and a 96% retention rate.
Licensed states in FY 2024-2025: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Each state program sets its own scholarship models, including which costs it covers, what the recipient and sponsoring employer contribute, and how long you commit to stay with your employer. Apply through your state's TEACH licensee. Find your state at teachecnationalcenter.org.
3. Head Start Program Funding
If you work in a Head Start or Early Head Start program, ask whether your employer covers CDA costs:
- Current Head Start rules (45 CFR 1302.91) require Early Head Start center-based teachers to hold at least a CDA or comparable credential, and Head Start preschool assistant teachers to hold a CDA or equivalent or be enrolled to complete one within two years of hire
- An August 2026 proposed rule could remove some CDA-related requirements, so check your program's current policy
- Ask your center director about professional development funding before paying out of pocket
4. Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Ask your employer before you pay:
- Whether it pays for CDA training or the $525 application fee
- Whether reimbursement comes with conditions, such as staying for a set period, and get the terms in writing
5. State Child Care Agencies and CCR&R Programs
State child care agencies and child care resource and referral (CCR&R) agencies may run workforce programs that help with CDA costs; several appear in the Council's scholarship directory (for example, D.C.'s OSSE). Contact your state's CCR&R agency to ask what is available.
6. College Credit + Financial Aid
If you take CDA training as credit-bearing coursework at a college, ask the financial aid office whether federal aid such as a Pell Grant applies. New York's EIP also covers college coursework (up to $2,500 a year).
7. Vouchers From a Sponsoring Agency
The Council takes payment by credit card or by a voucher number issued by a sponsoring agency (the agency needs an online agency account in YourCouncil). Scholarship programs such as New York's EIP pay this way. Payment is due in full when you apply, and the Council does not accept purchase orders from individuals.
CDA Training Programs: Comparing Your Options
The 120 clock hours of CDA training must cover all 8 CDA Subject Areas with no fewer than 10 hours in each area — surplus hours in one area cannot fill a deficit in another.
Training can come from one organization or several, including two- and four-year colleges, private training organizations, vocational or technical schools, resource and referral agencies, and programs such as Head Start or the U.S. military. The organization must have expertise in early childhood teacher preparation; for an initial application the Council does not accept training from individual consultants or conference workshops, and it does not endorse specific programs. Prices vary by provider, so compare total cost, format, and whether credits count toward a degree.
Choosing a Training Program
- Confirm the provider qualifies — an agency or organization with expertise in early childhood teacher preparation and at least two instructors (the Council treats a lone trainer as an individual consultant)
- Confirm scholarship eligibility — check whether your scholarship limits which providers it pays
- Check the 8 Subject Areas — your transcript must show 10+ hours in each
- Ask about college credit — whether the training counts toward a degree
The CDA Exam: Format, Fees, and Retakes
Exam Format (2026)
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Questions | 65 multiple-choice — 60 standard + 5 scenario-based (narrative + photo) |
| Time limit | Up to 1 hour 45 minutes (105 min); Birth to Five exam: 1 hour 55 minutes |
| Delivery | Computer-based at a Pearson VUE testing center (military candidates may also use DoD sites); remote proctoring only for candidates approved to test in a language other than English or Spanish |
| Languages | English or Spanish (other languages by approved request) |
| Passing score | Pass/fail; the Council does not publish a numerical cut score |
| Content areas | Based on the CDA Competency Standards and 13 Functional Areas; the Council publishes no topic weights |
| Cost | Included in the $525 application fee (not a separate charge) |
Retake and Re-Review Fees
| Event | Fee |
|---|---|
| Exam retake | $125 per attempt (three attempts in total) |
| Portfolio re-review | First free; $35 for each subsequent re-review |
CDA Credential Requirements Checklist
Before you pay anything, confirm you can meet all requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | No minimum age listed by the Council (high school juniors and seniors in an ECE career and technical program can apply) |
| Education | High school diploma or GED (or HS junior/senior in an ECE Career and Technical Program) |
| Experience | 480 hours working with children of your CDA setting's age group, within the past 3 years (paid or volunteer; babysitting, before- and after-school, Sunday school and drop-in programs do not count) |
| Training | 120 clock hours covering 8 CDA Subject Areas, with no fewer than 10 hours in each |
| Portfolio | Education documentation, family questionnaires, 6 reflective statements of competence, 10 resources, professional philosophy statement (now uploaded digitally) |
| Exam | 65 questions at Pearson VUE |
| Verification Visit | May be waived if your exam score qualifies for the streamlined decision path |
CDA Settings (Pick One)
- Center-Based Preschool
- Center-Based Infant/Toddler
- Family Child Care
- Home Visitor
- Birth to Five (center-based setting launched in August 2025, covering multiple age groups)
Is the CDA Worth the Cost?
The answer depends on your job and state.
| Role | Median pay, May 2025 (BLS) |
|---|---|
| Childcare workers | $16.82/hr ($34,980/yr) |
| Preschool teachers | $18.34/hr ($38,140/yr) |
BLS does not report pay by CDA status, and the Council publishes no pay-premium figure, so ask local employers and your state's wage-supplement or career-ladder program what the credential is worth where you work. Current Head Start rules make the CDA (or a comparable credential) the minimum for Early Head Start center-based teachers and Head Start preschool assistant teachers. If a scholarship or employer pays for your CDA, your out-of-pocket cost can be close to zero.
Renewal Costs and Timeline (2026)
The CDA credential is valid for 3 years. You can submit a renewal as early as 6 months before expiration.
| Item | 2026 Cost / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee (online) | $250 (paper renewal discontinued) |
| Continuing education | 4.5 CEUs OR 45 clock hours OR a 3-credit college course in ECE/Child Development |
| Work experience | 80 hours working with children in the past year (verified by an ECE Reviewer) |
| Setting | Must renew in the same setting as your original credential |
| CPR/First Aid | No longer required by the Council (regulated by state licensing and programs) |
| Processing | Automatic upon complete submission + payment; random audits for compliance |
Budget tip: Some state scholarships that cover initial CDA costs also cover renewal. Georgia DECAL offers a one-time renewal scholarship of up to $250; New York EIP covers up to $250 of the renewal fee. Ask your state program at renewal time.
Get Started on Your CDA Journey
Our free CDA study program helps you prepare for the exam component of your credential:
- All 8 CDA Subject Areas covered in detail
- 13 functional areas with practice questions
- AI-powered study assistant — 10 free daily uses for explanations, quizzes, and study plans
- Portfolio guidance — understand what reviewers look for
- Updated for the February 2026 process changes (exam-first sequence, digital portfolio)
Don't let cost be the barrier — explore your state's scholarship first, then start your free exam prep.
Official Resources
- CDA Council — 2025 Pricing Update — Current fee schedule and deadlines
- CDA Council — Find CDA Scholarships — State-by-state scholarship directory (39 states + D.C.)
- CDA Council — FAQs — Exam format, requirements, renewal rules
- CDA Council — 2026 Process Updates — Exam-first sequence, digital portfolio, E-Portfolio tool
- CDA Council — Credentialing Decision Enhancement FAQs (January 2026 PDF) — Retake policy, portfolio timing, six-month window (checked 2026-10-21)
- TEACH Early Childhood National Center — Programs licensed in 23 states (FY 2024-2025)
- NY Educational Incentive Program (EIP) — Up to $2,500/yr CDA training + fee coverage
- GA DECAL Scholars — CDA training, application-fee and renewal scholarships
- Pearson VUE CDA Testing — Schedule your CDA exam
- BLS — Childcare Workers OOH — May 2025 wage data
- BLS — Preschool Teachers OOH — May 2025 wage data
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