The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential exam comprises 65 multiple-choice questions designed to assess your knowledge and skills in #early-childhood-education. These questions are divided into two categories:
- Standard Multiple-Choice Questions (60 questions): These questions cover a broad range of topics related to child #development and #early-childhood education practices. They evaluate your understanding of the CDA Competency Standards and Functional Areas, which include:
- Establishing and maintaining a #safe, #healthy learning environment
- Advancing children's physical and intellectual development
- Supporting children's social and emotional development
- Building productive relationships with families
- Managing an effective program operation
- Maintaining a commitment to professionalism
Each question presents a statement or scenario followed by multiple answer choices, from which you must select the most appropriate response.
- Scenario-Based Questions (5 questions): These questions provide a short narrative accompanied by a photograph, depicting a specific situation you might encounter in an early childhood setting. After reviewing the scenario, you'll answer a question that assesses your ability to apply your knowledge to real-world situations. These questions are designed to evaluate your practical decision-making skills and understanding of best practices in early childhood education.
You will have up to one hour and 45 minutes to complete the exam.
To prepare effectively, it's advisable to review the CDA Competency Standards and take practice tests that mirror the exam's format and content. This approach will help you become familiar with the types of questions you'll encounter and assess your readiness for the exam.
CDA 2.0 Prep Guide
The CDA Council provides a CDA 2.0 Prep Guide that outlines the exam format and offers preparation tips.
The CDA 2.0 Prep Guide is a comprehensive resource designed to assist candidates in preparing for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credentialing process. It provides detailed information and guidance on the following key components:
- Scheduling the CDA Exam: Instructions on how to schedule your exam through PearsonVUE, including creating an account, selecting a test center, and understanding the deadlines associated with your application.
- Preparing for the CDA Exam: Recommendations for reviewing your knowledge of best practices in early childhood education, focusing on the CDA Competency Standards and Functional Areas. It also offers tips for planning your exam day, such as verifying the test center location and arrival times.
- Taking the CDA Exam: An overview of what to expect at the test center, including check-in procedures, exam structure, and time management strategies. The guide explains the format of the 65 multiple-choice questions and provides insights into navigating the computer-based exam interface.
- Submitting Feedback to the Council: Guidance on how to provide feedback about your exam experience to the Council for Professional Recognition, which is a step in the credentialing process.
Additionally, the guide includes a glossary of terms related to the CDA process, ensuring you are familiar with the specific #language and concepts used throughout your credentialing journey.
By thoroughly reviewing the CDA 2.0 Prep Guide, you can gain a clear understanding of each step involved in obtaining your CDA Credential and be well-prepared for the assessment process.