One of the requirements to apply for your National CDA is to have a high school diploma or equivalent. One question we often get at Care Courses is, can I use my high school diploma from another country for my National CDA?
… Yes!
The Council for Professional Recognition accepts high school diplomas from any country for the National CDA. So, you can use your high school diploma from another country for the National CDA.
In fact, no documentation of a high school diploma is required to be submitted to the Council. On the application for the Child Development Associate (CDA), there is simply a place where confirm that you …
- have a high school diploma (completed in or outside the U.S.), or
- passed the GED, or
- are currently a high school junior or senior enrolled in an early education/child care development Career and Technical Program.
You might also be wondering if you are eligible for the CDA if you have other qualifications that you completed outside of the US
For example, what if you have some experience working with young children outside the U.S. or a U.S. military base? Could this make up part of the 480 hours of experience with young children that is required within 3 years before applying?
No …
Experience outside the U.S. does not count toward a CDA.
If you are applying for a CDA within the U.S., the Council only accepts experience acquired in licensed programs within the U.S. or on U.S. military bases abroad, or in programs within the U.S. that are legally exempt from licensing.
Many states exempt specific kinds of child care providers from licensing, such as programs run by religious organizations, school-age programs run by public schools, and summer camps (check with your state’s licensing agency to determine what programs are exempt). Experience gained from this type of exempt program typically will count toward a CDA.
Interested in starting your CDA? Take our free CDA 101 tutorial to learn the CDA process! Then read up on your CDA setting. On the fence about getting your CDA? Check out these top 5 reasons you should get your CDA.
The Council does have partnerships with some international early education organizations and government agencies. Only Candidates applying with these international partners can obtain experience hours outside of the US. Please check with the CDA council or one of these organizations before applying for your National CDA outside of the United States.
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