Key Takeaways
- Use the checklist to identify areas needing more review
- Know key facts: 65 questions, 105 minutes, 120 hours education
- Prepare portfolio before the Verification Visit
- Get adequate sleep and eat well before the exam
- Stay confident—you've prepared, and you know this material
Last updated: January 2026
Final Review Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you're prepared for the CDA Exam and Verification Visit.
Competency Standard I: Safe, Healthy Environment
- I know appropriate staff-to-child ratios
- I can identify hazards (choking, poisoning, falls)
- I know safe sleep guidelines (ABCs)
- I know proper handwashing procedures (20 seconds)
- I understand illness exclusion criteria
- I can describe emergency procedures
Competency Standard II: Physical & Intellectual Development
- I know gross motor vs. fine motor skills
- I understand Piaget's stages of development
- I know language milestones by age
- I can describe emergent literacy skills
- I understand process-focused vs. product art
- I know how to set up learning centers
Competency Standard III: Social-Emotional Development
- I can identify types of play by age
- I know positive guidance techniques
- I understand how to support self-concept
- I can describe conflict resolution steps
- I know what to avoid (punishment, humiliation)
- I understand social-emotional milestones
Competency Standard IV: Families
- I know diverse family structures
- I understand two-way communication
- I can describe culturally responsive practices
- I know mandated reporter requirements
- I understand family involvement strategies
Competency Standard V: Program Management
- I can write objective observations
- I know the planning cycle
- I understand documentation methods
- I can describe team collaboration
- I know record-keeping requirements
Competency Standard VI: Professionalism
- I know the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
- I understand professional boundaries
- I can describe advocacy strategies
- I know professional development importance
- I understand confidentiality requirements
Quick Reference: Key Facts
| Topic | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Questions | 65 (60 traditional + 5 scenario) |
| Time | 105 minutes |
| Location | Pearson VUE testing center |
| Education Required | 120 hours (10+ in each of 8 areas) |
| Experience Required | 480 hours within 3 years |
| Credential Validity | 3 years |
Verification Visit Prep
- Portfolio is complete and organized
- Family questionnaires collected
- Resource collection organized by competency
- Competency statements written (6 total)
- Professional philosophy written
- I can discuss my practices confidently
Day Before the Exam
- Review this checklist one final time
- Prepare required identification
- Get directions to test center
- Gather admission confirmation
- Get a good night's sleep
Exam Day
- Eat a balanced breakfast
- Arrive 15-30 minutes early
- Bring valid photo ID
- Stay calm and confident
- Read questions carefully
- Answer every question
- Manage your time
- Review marked questions if time permits
Remember
- You've prepared for this!
- Trust your knowledge of child development
- Apply developmentally appropriate practice
- Answer every question
- Take deep breaths if anxious
Good luck on your CDA credential journey!
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