Preparing for CDA:

Observation and Exam

Portfolio Checklist

Before your PD Specialist observation date, please ensure that you have the following represented in your portfolio:

1. 480 Clock Hours working with the age range your portfolio is based on
2. 120 professional education hours as shown in a transcript
1. CCEI, KCC, MiRegistry
2. You must have educational hours in all 8 CDA subject areas
3. Completed family questionnaires

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Failure to have these hours proven in your CDA could result in a delayed or failed observation visit. You cannot obtain your CDA without these items

Verification Visit:

Here is what to expect from this visit:

1. You will be spending 45-50 minutes together
2. They will first observe you teaching and leading activities to children
3. They will review the items in your portfolio
4. Afterwards they will ask questions based on the portfolio competency statements
1. “What do you think/believe your greatest areas of strength as an early childhood professional?”
5. The PD Specialist will also provide an area of future professional growth and ask how growing in this area can positively impact children and families in your care

There is a broken down reflective dialogue for this visit on page 118 of your CDA book

CDA Exam

Along with your verification visit, you will also be taking a CDA exam. The exam has 65 multiple choice questions- 60 questions and 5 scenario questions with a short narrative and photo.

1. You will have up to 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the exam
2. You need at least a 70% to pass (46 out of 65)

Check out our practice tests:

CDA General Practice Exam

Preschool Practice Exam

Infant/Toddler Practice Exam

Family Specific Questions

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