--- title: "Big News: CDA Credentialing Updates" description: Discover the latest updates in CDA credentialing, new digital credentials, streamlined requirements, and scholarship impacts for early childhood professionals effective August 2025. image: https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/hubfs/Sept%209%20v2%20Final.png --- [![Child Care Aware of Missouri Logo](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Child%20Care%20Aware%20Logo%20(1).png?width=666&height=414&name=Child%20Care%20Aware%20Logo%20(1).png "Child Care Aware of Missouri Logo")](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication) Open main menu Close main menu [Scholarships for Educators](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/scholarships-for-educators) # Big News: CDA Credentialing Updates [Child Care Aware® of Missouri](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/author/child-care-aware-of-missouri) [Share this blog post via Email](mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EBig+News%3A+CDA+Credentialing+Updates%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post%3A+https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/sfe-big-news-cda-credentialing-updates) [Share this blog post on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/sfe-big-news-cda-credentialing-updates) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/sfe-big-news-cda-credentialing-updates) ![](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/hubfs/Sept%209%20v2%20Final.png) We’re excited to announce important updates from the Council for Professional Recognition that directly impact participants in the CDA Scholarship Program. These changes, effective August 1, 2025, will create new opportunities and streamline the credentialing process for early childhood professionals. New Birth to Five CDA® Credential Setting What’s New: The Birth to Five CDA® Credential recognizes your ability to work with multiple age groups in center-based settings, increasing your flexibility and career mobility. Scholarship Impact: Scholarship support for this setting will begin once the new workbooks are available, expected in late fall 2025. Updated CDA Exam Sequence What’s New:Candidates must now complete the CDA Exam before scheduling the Verification Visit, creating a more efficient and focused assessment process.Scholarship Impact:As of August 1, 2025, all CDA candidates must take their exam prior to the Verification Visit. Be sure to plan exam dates carefully and stay in contact with your Professional Development Specialist and scholarship counselor for guidance. Streamlined Renewal Requirements What’s New: First Aid and CPR certification are no longer required at the time of CDA renewal (although they remain required by states and licensing authorities). Scholarship Impact: Renewal applicants do not need to submit First Aid and CPR verification for the CDA. Introducing the CDA Digital Credential What’s New: CDA recipients can now earn a verifiable digital credential, perfect for showcasing on LinkedIn, resumes, and other professional platforms. Scholarship Impact: Digital credentials are officially recognized and will follow the same process as traditional credentials. Scholarship counselors will keep you updated on any added requirements.   Application Pricing Updates What’s New: For the first time since 2013, CDA credentialing fees are increasing to support improved quality and service standards. Stipends for Professional Development Specialists will also increase from $100 to $200. Scholarship Impact: - Initial CDA application fee: $525 (formerly $425) - Renewal CDA application fees: $250 (formerly $125) CDA® Paper Application Process Ending What’s New: Beginning January 1, 2026, paper applications for both initial and renewal CDA will no longer be accepted. All applications will transition to the YourCouncil online platform for a smoother and more accessible process. Scholarship Impact: Scholarship counselors will provide reminders and support to help you navigate the new online application system. - Paper applications for both initial and renewal CDA will no longer be accepted after December 31, 2025. All applications will move to the YourCouncil platform for a smoother and more accessible process. - Scholarship Impact: Scholarship counselors will provide reminders and assist you with navigating online applications. Next Steps: Click the green Learn More button for details on these changes from the CDA Council [![Learn More](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20470294/bb555711-7438-46a9-b566-765c275f748d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20470294/bb555711-7438-46a9-b566-765c275f748d) Click the blue Learn More button to apply for a CDA Scholarship today. [![Learn More](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20470294/c418d748-db49-4e78-8c43-39f1e655c11a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20470294/c418d748-db49-4e78-8c43-39f1e655c11a) --- Explore our other Child Care Aware® of Missouri resources: [FREE Clock Hour Training](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/free-clock-hour-training) [Scholarships for Educators](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/scholarships-for-educators) [Child Care Health and Wellness](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/child-care-nutrition-and-physical-activity) [Family Child Care Network](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/family-child-care-network) [Leadership Development Opportunities](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/leadership-development-opportunities) [Missouri Office of Childhood Updates](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/missouri-office-of-childhood-updates) [Show Me Child Care Resources](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/show-me-child-care-resources) [Support Child Care Aware® of Missouri](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/support-child-care-aware) [Community Data](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/community-data) [Join Our Team](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/join-our-team) [Resources to Build Your Business ](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/resources-to-build-your-business)     #### About - Menu Item One - Menu Item Two - Menu Item Three #### Services - Menu Item One - Menu Item Two - Menu Item Three #### News - Menu Item One - Menu Item Two - Menu Item Three Follow us on Facebook Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram