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Free CDA Birth to Five Exam Prep

Center-Based Birth to Five Child Development Associate Credential

Pass your CDA Birth to Five exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.

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Your Study Path

CDA CDA Child Development Associate Exams License: Complete Roadmap

Follow this path to maximize your chances of passing on the first try

1

Confirm Birth to Five eligibilityYou are here

Verify that training and experience cover infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in a center-based setting.

1-2
hours
2

Map training to the eight subject areas

Check that documentation shows 120 formal hours and at least 10 hours in each CDA subject area.

2-4
hours
3

Build the Professional Portfolio

Prepare reflective statements, family feedback, resources, and evidence that address the full Birth to Five setting.

15-25
hours
4

Practice scenario decisions

Use mixed infant, toddler, and preschool scenarios to practice safe, developmentally appropriate responses.

15-25
hours
5

Schedule and complete assessments

After application approval, complete the exam first and then the verification visit if required.

Varies
hours
Estimated total study time
33 hours
That's about 4 weeks at 10 hours/week

Can You Take the CDA Birth to Five Exam?

Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements

Age
Education
High school diploma, GED, or enrollment as a junior or senior in a high school career and technical education program in early childhood education
Experience
480 hours of professional center-based work experience with children birth to five within the past three years, including at least 160 hours each with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
Additional Requirements
  • Prepare the Birth to Five Professional Portfolio covering all sub-age groups
  • Apply through YourCouncil or paper application and pay the assessment fee
  • Take the Birth to Five CDA exam through Pearson VUE
  • Complete the CDA Verification Visit if required by the Council decision process

CDA Birth to Five Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

Council materials give a 6-month assessment window after application/payment for completing the exam and verification visit

From start to license in hand

Exam Provider

Pearson VUE

Schedule Your Exam

Total Cost Breakdown

Exam Fee$525 online assessment fee / $600 paper assessment fee
Total Estimated Cost$525-$600 Council assessment fee, plus training/materials as applicable
Why Choose Us

Free CDA Birth to Five Prep That Actually Works

The official pass rate is Not publicly reported by the Council in reviewed official sources. Our students do better.

112+ Practice Questions

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AI Tutor Explains Mistakes

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Updated for 2026

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What You'll Study

9 chapters covering everything you need to pass

CDA Birth to Five Exam Details

Center-Based Birth to Five Child Development Associate Credential

Administered by Council for Professional Recognition

Official Source
No public numeric cut score; Council credentialing decision is based on required assessment evidence
Passing Score
Multiple-choice
Questions
1
Hours
$525 online assessment fee / $600 paper assessment fee
Exam Fee
Study time: 40-60 hours after training and portfolio preparation
Prerequisites: High school diploma/GED or eligible high school CTE status; 120 formal training hours; 480 center-based experience hours across infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
Valid for: 3 years

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official Council for Professional Recognition content outline

Planning a safe and healthy learning environmentAt least 10 training hours

Safety, health routines, supervision, nutrition, safe sleep, emergency preparedness, and learning environment design.

Advancing children's physical and intellectual developmentAt least 10 training hours

Motor, cognitive, language, literacy, math, science, creative, and play-based learning from birth to five.

Supporting children's social and emotional developmentAt least 10 training hours

Attachment, self-regulation, peer relationships, identity, and positive guidance.

Building productive relationships with familiesAt least 10 training hours

Family partnerships, confidentiality, cultural responsiveness, home language, and shared decision-making.

Managing an effective program operationAt least 10 training hours

Schedules, records, transitions, staffing, program quality, and the CDA application process.

Maintaining a commitment to professionalismAt least 10 training hours

Ethics, mandated reporting, professional boundaries, reflection, advocacy, and ongoing learning.

Observing and recording children's behaviorAt least 10 training hours

Objective observation, documentation, screening, authentic assessment, and portfolio evidence.

Understanding the principles of child development and learningAt least 10 training hours

Developmental domains, milestones, individual variation, inclusion, theory, and developmentally appropriate practice.

What's Included

9 Chapters

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Practice Quizzes

With detailed explanations

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CDA Birth to Five Exam FAQ

Official Council for Professional Recognition Resources

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