2025 Pricing Update
CDA® Credential: Initial and Renewal Prices
Effective August 1, 2025, the Council for Professional Recognition is updating the pricing for the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™. This update aligns with our operational and technological advancements to sustain credentialing excellence. As part of our commitment to maintaining the quality and integrity of the CDA® credential, we are introducing a new pricing policy that includes an increase in fees for new applications and renewals. This ensures transparency and consistency while supporting the investments needed to deliver an excellent experience for our educators.
New Pricing:
Initial CDA® Credential Application:
Online application: $525
Paper application: $600
CDA® Renewal Application:
Online application: $250
Paper application: $300
Paper applications need to be submitted by July 1, 2025, and online applications by July 31, 2025.
For your convenience, we have provided a library of FAQs to help you plan and prepare for the price increase. As part of our long-term planning, we will review operational costs and assess pricing adjustments every three years.
Please bookmark this page and refer to it for the latest updates on the upcoming price changes.
Thank you for your dedication to advancing the early childhood education workforce. If additional information is required, please contact our Customer Support team at 800-424-4310 or CDAfeedback@cdacouncil.org.
When does the price of the CDA® increase?
Starting August 1, 2025, the Council for Professional Recognition is increasing the prices of the CDA® credential. This price increase will impact CDA initial and renewal applications.
When was the last price increase for the CDA® credential?
The last CDA price increase occurred in 2012.
What is the new cost of obtaining the CDA® credential?
CDA initial (all settings):
Online application: $525
Paper application: $600
What is the new cost of renewing an existing CDA® credential?
CDA renewals (all settings):
Online application: $250
Paper application: $300
What action do I need to take?
Paper Applications:
If received after July 1, 2025, must include:
$600 for an initial application
$300 for a renewal application
If the payment is not included, the application and payment will be returned, and you will need to resubmit with the correct fee. Please note that returned applications will delay the processing of your application.
Online Applications:
If submitted after July 31, 2025, will be charged the new prices during checkout:
$525 for an initial application
$250 for a renewal application
How can I ensure my paper application is received by July 1, 2025?
To track the receipt of your paper application, the Council suggest you send your paper application via a method that offers tracking information so you will have the opportunity to confirm delivery of your application.
Will I be able to renew my credential now and lock in the current price?
You can only renew your current CDA credential six months prior to your credential’s expiration date. Please confirm your renewal date in YourCouncil.
If your credential has expired, please review the instructions to participate in the CDA® Renewal Amnesty Program. The deadline for the program is July 31, 2025. You can find additional information about the program here.
Why has the Council for Professional Recognition decided to increase prices of the CDA® credential?
The Council for Professional Recognition is updating the pricing for the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ to align with operational and technological advancements to sustain credentialing excellence. As part of our commitment to maintaining the quality and integrity of the CDA credential, we’ll soon be introducing a new pricing policy that includes an increase in fees for new applications and renewals. This ensures transparency and consistency while supporting the investments needed to deliver an excellent experience for our educators.
We continue to invest in making the CDA credential the premier nationally recognized ECE credential.
Will prices increase in the future?
The Council for Professional Recognition will periodically review its pricing policy to ensure the sustainability and quality of the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credentialing process. Pricing adjustments ensure that we can maintain the integrity of the credential while expanding access to the CDA® credential. The Council anticipates an assessment of our operational costs every three years. Any future price increase decisions will be based on our assessment.
Are there options to help pay for the CDA®?
Yes. We encourage you to review our scholarship page here.
I was issued a scholarship for the current renewal fee. What happens with my scholarship?
The fee increase will not impact your scholarship amount; however, you will be responsible for the remaining balance. If you have questions about the specific scholarship amount, please contact the scholarship agency directly.
I am a current partner, affiliate, or scholarship provider for the CDA® credential. What do I need to do?
As a current partner, affiliate, or scholarship provider for the CDA credential, please ensure that all your promotional materials, websites, and assets are updated to reflect the new CDA pricing effective August 1, 2025.
When does the price increase for the CDA® credential take effect?
The price increase for the CDA credential will take effect on August 1, 2025.
What are the new costs for renewing the CDA® credential?
The new costs for renewing the CDA credential are $250 for the online application and $300 for the paper application.
Why has the Council for Professional Recognition decided to increase prices of the CDA credential?
The Council for Professional Recognition is updating the pricing for the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ to align with operational and technological advancements to sustain credentialing excellence. As part of our commitment to maintaining the quality and integrity of the CDA credential, we’ll soon be introducing a new pricing policy that includes an increase in fees for new applications and renewals. This ensures transparency and consistency while supporting the investments needed to deliver an excellent experience for our educators.
Will prices increase in the future?
The Council for Professional Recognition will periodically review its pricing policy to ensure the sustainability and quality of the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credentialing process. Pricing adjustments ensures that we can maintain the integrity of the credential while expanding access to the CDA® credential. The Council anticipates an assessment of our operational costs every three years. Any future price increase decisions will be based on our assessment.
What should I do if I have questions about the price increase?
For any questions about the price increase, you can contact Customer Support at 800-424-4310 or email CDAfeedback@cdacouncil.org.
When was the last price increase for the CDA® credential?
The last CDA price increase occurred in 2012.
What do I need to do to take advantage of the current prices?
Paper Applications:
If received after July 1, 2025, must include:
$600 for an initial application
$300 for a renewal application
If the payment is not included, the application and payment will be returned, and you will need to resubmit with the correct fee. Please note that returned applications will delay the processing of your application.
Online Applications:
If submitted after July 31, 2025, will be charged the new prices during checkout:
$525 for an initial application
$250 for a renewal application
Will I be able to renew my credential now and lock in the current price?
You can only renew your current CDA credential six months prior to your credential’s expiration date. Please confirm your renewal date in YourCouncil.
If your credential has expired, please review the instructions to participate in the CDA® Renewal Amnesty Program. The deadline for the program is July 31, 2025. You can find additional information about the program here.
What is Renewal Amnesty?
If your credential has expired, you may be eligible to participate in the CDA® Renewal Amnesty Program.