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Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Exam

4. Physical: practice questions

Our CDA exam bank has 20 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

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Question 1

Which activity mainly builds fine motor skills?

  1. Running in a relay race and jumping over low hurdles on the playground
  2. Kicking a large ball
  3. Picking up small pieces with fingers, using scissors or stringing beads
  4. Jumping on two feet
Show the answer

C. Picking up small pieces with fingers, using scissors or stringing beads — Fine motor skills use small muscles of the hands and fingers; CDC lists stringing beads as a 3-year milestone.

Question 2

Which is a good indoor activity to build gross motor skills on a rainy day?

  1. A movement game such as freeze dance or an obstacle course
  2. Extra worksheet time at the tables, since children cannot go outside
  3. A long video
  4. Quiet sitting at tables
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A. A movement game such as freeze dance or an obstacle course — CDC suggests games like freeze dance and active play every day; Head Start requires intentional movement in daily routines.

Question 3

By 5 years, which movement milestone do most children show?

  1. Pulling up to stand
  2. Rolling from tummy to back
  3. Hopping on one foot
  4. Sitting without support
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C. Hopping on one foot — CDC's 5-year milestones include hopping on one foot and buttoning some buttons.

Question 4

By 9 months, which movement milestone do most babies show?

  1. Hopping on one foot
  2. Walking alone across the room
  3. Sitting without support
  4. Using a fork
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C. Sitting without support — CDC's 9-month milestones include sitting without support and getting into a sitting position alone.

Question 5

According to the CDA standards, the Physical functional area promotes which kinds of development?

  1. Music and art appreciation only
  2. Self-esteem, friendships and other social skills only
  3. Fine motor and gross motor development
  4. Reading and writing only
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C. Fine motor and gross motor development — The Physical area: the candidate uses developmentally appropriate equipment, experiences and strategies to promote fine motor and gross motor development of all children.

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