Trade certification · Early childhood
Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Exam
The national exam for the Child Development Associate credential, the entry credential for preschool, infant-toddler and family child care teachers: safety and health, the learning environment, child development, positive guidance, working with families and professionalism, across the 13 CDA Functional Areas.
Questions last checked against the official sources on October 11, 2026.
The real exam at a glance
- Questions
- 65 multiple choice: 60 standard + 5 photo scenarios
- Time
- Up to 1 hour 45 minutes
- Where
- Computer-based at a Pearson VUE test center
- Before you apply
- 120 training hours (10+ in each of 8 subject areas), 480 work hours within 3 years, portfolio from the last 6 months
- Fee
- $525 application (online)
- Valid for
- 3 years, then renewal
- Body
- Council for Professional Recognition
What you'll practise
Try a question
What must a Head Start program have before doing a developmental screening?
- The parent's consent and collaboration
- The child's written agreement
- A doctor's written referral and permission from the state
- Permission from the state
Show the answer
A. The parent's consent and collaboration — Screenings are done in collaboration with each child's parent and with parental consent (1302.33(a)(1)).
Sample questions by topic (in English)
- 1. Safe
- 2. Healthy
- 3. Learning environment
- 4. Physical
- 5. Cognitive
- 6. Communication
- 7. Creative
- 9. Social
- 11. Families
- 12. Program management
- 13. Professionalism
Ask the examiner
Ask about this exam: why an answer is wrong, a grammar point, or “quiz me on …”.
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Questions about the CDA exam
Is this the official CDA exam?
No. Semplr is independent and not affiliated with the exam body. We write every question ourselves, in the official format and at the official level.
What is the real CDA exam like?
Questions: 65 multiple choice: 60 standard + 5 photo scenarios. Time: Up to 1 hour 45 minutes. Where: Computer-based at a Pearson VUE test center. Before you apply: 120 training hours (10+ in each of 8 subject areas), 480 work hours within 3 years, portfolio from the last 6 months. Fee: $525 application (online). Valid for: 3 years, then renewal. Body: Council for Professional Recognition.
How is my practice marked?
Instantly. You see your score against the pass mark, and an explanation for every question — including the ones you got right.
Can I take it on my phone?
Yes. The whole mock exam works on a phone, and your progress is saved in your browser.
Ready for a full run?
One sitting, real timing, then your score against the pass mark.
Start the free mock exam