CDA Vocabulary Game
Exam terms with clues and explanations by OpenExamPrep.
About the CDA Vocabulary Game
A free word game for the CDA exam. Each round shows a clue for one of 40 exam terms across 13 topics. Recall the term, spell it out, then read a short explanation. Rounds pick a random term, so you can keep playing as long as you like.
How to Play
- 1Read the clue and type a term with the right number of letters (3 to 6). Abbreviations count: type the letters only.
- 2Press Check Answer or Enter. Each letter changes color to show how close you are.
- 3You have 6 tries. Stuck? Need a hint? asks the AI tutor for a nudge without giving the term away.
- 4After the round, read the explanation, ask the AI to explain it, share your result, or press Next.
- ARight letter, right spot
- AIn the term, wrong spot
- ANot in the term
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Topics in the CDA Vocabulary Game
Safe environment
Health and nutrition
Learning environment
Physical development
Cognitive development
Communication skills
Creative expression
Self and identity
Social development
Positive guidance
Family relationships
Program management
Early childhood professionalism
Sources for these terms (22)
- Council for Professional Recognition — CDA Competency Standards At-A-Glance and The Eight (8) CDA Subject Areas (August 2025) · Source checked 2026-11-01
- Council for Professional Recognition — CDA Exam Prep Guide · Source checked 2026-11-01
- Council for Professional Recognition — Frequently Asked Questions (CDA Credentialing) · Source checked 2026-11-01
- MedlinePlus — Sudden Infant Death Syndrome · Source checked 2026-11-01
- eCFR — 45 CFR § 1302.47 Safety practices (Head Start Program Performance Standards) · Source checked 2026-11-01
- eCFR — 45 CFR § 1302.21 Center-based option (Ratios and group size) · Source checked 2026-11-01
- eCFR — 7 CFR § 226.20 Requirements for meals (USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program) · Source checked 2026-11-01
- eCFR — 45 CFR § 1302.44 Child nutrition · Source checked 2026-11-01
- eCFR — 45 CFR § 1302.43 Oral health practices · Source checked 2026-11-01
- eCFR — 45 CFR § 1302.31 Teaching and the learning environment · Source checked 2026-11-01
- MedlinePlus — Toddler Development · Source checked 2026-11-01
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — Developmental milestones record - 12 months · Source checked 2026-11-01
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — Developmental milestones record - 2 months · Source checked 2026-11-01
- eCFR — 45 CFR § 1302.32 Curricula · Source checked 2026-11-01
- eCFR — 45 CFR § 1302.90 Personnel policies (Background checks and standards of conduct) · Source checked 2026-11-01
- eCFR — 45 CFR § 1302.17 Suspension and expulsion · Source checked 2026-11-01
- eCFR — 45 CFR § 1302.34 Parent and family engagement in education and child development services · Source checked 2026-11-01
- eCFR — 34 CFR § 303.20 Individualized family service plan (IDEA Part C) · Source checked 2026-11-01
- eCFR — 45 CFR § 1302.33 Child screenings and assessments · Source checked 2026-11-01
- eCFR — 34 CFR § 300.320 Definition of individualized education program (IDEA Part B) · Source checked 2026-11-01
- eCFR — 45 CFR § 1302.16 Attendance · Source checked 2026-11-01
- eCFR — 45 CFR § 1302.42 Child health status and care · Source checked 2026-11-01
About the CDA Exam
The CDA (Child Development Associate) credential is the most widely recognized early childhood credential in the United States, awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. The exam tests 6 Competency Standards across 13 functional areas including safe environments, child development, social-emotional guidance, family relationships, program management, and professionalism.
Exam sponsor: Council for Professional Recognition / Pearson VUE. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
65 questions
Time Limit
1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes)
Passing Score
Pass/Fail (no published cut score; evaluated across all 13 functional areas)
Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CDA vocabulary game free?
Yes. The game is free to play with no sign-up. Signing in adds AI explanations for any term.
How does the CDA vocabulary game work?
Each round shows a clue for one of 40 CDA terms. Guess the term in six tries: green means the right letter in the right spot, yellow means the letter is in the term but in another spot, and gray means it is not in the term. After the round, read the explanation and play the next term.
Where do the CDA terms come from?
OpenExamPrep researched each term from the Council for Professional Recognition / Pearson VUE content outline and primary sources, listed under Sources on this page. The game is independent study material, not an official exam resource.
How many questions are on the CDA exam?
The CDA exam has 65 multiple-choice questions: 60 standard knowledge-based questions and 5 scenario-based questions that include a short narrative and photograph. The time limit is up to 1 hour 45 minutes; Birth to Five candidates take the separate Birth to Five exam, which allows 1 hour 55 minutes.
What is the passing score for the CDA exam?
The Council for Professional Recognition does not publish a specific numeric passing score. Results are evaluated holistically across all 13 functional areas. The credentialing decision also considers the Verification Visit (or streamlined decision path for high exam performers) and the Professional Portfolio.