How to Earn Your Child Development Associate (CDA) in Oregon

If you're passionate about #early-childhood education and are ready to take the next step in your #career, earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is one of the best investments you can make. In the state of Oregon, the CDA is widely recognized as a foundational credential for those working with young children—and it's a key step toward higher qualifications, better pay, and greater impact in the #classroom.

Here’s everything you need to know about earning your CDA in Oregon, along with how CdaCertification.com can support you on every step of your journey.

What Is a CDA Credential?

The CDA Credential, awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition, is a nationally recognized certification for #early-childhood- #educators. It demonstrates your ability to #nurture children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual #development.

The CDA is available in four different settings:

• Center-Based Preschool

• Center-Based Infant/Toddler

• Family Child Care

• Home Visitor

Step-by-Step: How to Earn Your CDA in Oregon

Meet Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the CDA, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Hold a high school diploma or GED

• Have 480 hours of experience working with children in the past five years

• Complete 120 hours of formal #early-childhood-education training

🟢 Start your training now with flexible, online CDA courses at
👉 CdaCertification.com/Courses

Choose the Right CDA Setting

Select the setting that aligns with your current work or career goals. For example, if you work in a #preschool center, choose the Center-Based Preschool CDA. If you're a family child care provider, choose that track.

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure, our advisors at cdacertification.com can help guide your selection.

Complete Your 120 Hours of Formal Education

You’ll need training across eight subject areas including child development, observation and assessment, family partnerships, professionalism, and more.

🎓 Our self-paced, fully online courses are designed to meet these CDA training requirements.
👉 Explore options at CdaCertification.com/Courses

Popular course options include:

• CDA Training for Preschool

• CDA Training for Infant-Toddler

• CDA Training for Family Child Care

Each course includes all 120 required training hours and prepares you to build your Professional Portfolio.

Prepare Your CDA Professional Portfolio

You’ll need to compile a portfolio of reflections, resource collection items, and statements of competence. This is submitted at the time of your verification visit.

📁 Need help organizing it? Our training includes step-by-step portfolio guidance and templates to make the process easy.

Apply to the Council for Professional Recognition

Once your training and experience are complete, submit your application at cdacouncil.org. The application fee is typically $425, or $325 if you apply online.

💲 Oregon educators may qualify for financial assistance through the Oregon Registry or local workforce boards—check with your CCR&R agency!

Schedule Your CDA Exam and Verification Visit

After approval, you’ll complete:

• A CDA Exam at a Pearson Vue testing center

• A Verification Visit by a CDA Professional Development Specialist who observes your work and reviews your portfolio

Once both are completed and approved, you'll receive your official CDA Credential!

Why Choose CdaCertification.com?

At CdaCertification.com, we make your CDA journey easy, affordable, and accessible.

✅ 100% Online & Self-Paced
✅ Meets Council’s 120-Hour Requirement
✅ Portfolio Templates and Support
✅ Certificate of Completion
✅ Expert Support Along the Way

We’ve helped thousands of educators across Oregon and the U.S. achieve their CDA—now it’s your turn.

🎓 Ready to start your CDA journey?
Explore our CDA training programs now at
👉 #cdacertification.com/courses

Final Thoughts

Whether you're working in Portland, Bend, Salem, or a rural Oregon community, the CDA credential opens doors to new career opportunities, deeper understanding of child development, and greater confidence in the classroom. With the right training, support, and dedication, you can take this important step forward—and CdaCertification.com is here to help you every step of the way.