Here’s Child Development Associate (CDA) exam practice test to help you prepare. The CDA exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering child development, safety, learning environments, and professionalism.

CDA Practice Exam

Section 1: Child Growth and Development

1. At what age do most children begin to walk independently?
   a) 6–9 months
   b) 9–12 months
   c) 12–18 months
   d) 18–24 months

2. Which of the following is an example of fine motor development?
   a) Running in the playground
   b) Throwing a ball
   c) Holding a crayon and coloring
   d) Jumping over a hurdle

Section 2: Learning Environments

3. What is the best way to encourage children’s creativity in the classroom?
   a) Provide structured activities with specific outcomes
   b) Offer open-ended materials and opportunities for self-expression
   c) Correct children’s artistic work to make it more realistic
   d) Limit messy activities to keep the environment clean

4. A well-arranged classroom should:
   a) Have only one large play area for all activities
   b) Include separate, clearly defined learning centers
   c) Be changed completely every day to keep children engaged
   d) Have minimal decorations to avoid distractions

Section 3: Safety and Health

5. What is the safest way to store cleaning supplies in a child care setting?
   a) On a high shelf where children cannot reach
   b) In a locked cabinet out of children’s reach
   c) Under the sink for easy access by teachers
   d) In an open area so teachers can access them quickly

6. When a child has a minor cut, the first step in first aid is to:
   a) Apply a bandage immediately
   b) Wash the wound with soap and water
   c) Call the parents right away
   d) Apply antibiotic ointment before cleaning

Section 4: Professionalism and Communication

7. When communicating with parents, the best approach is to:
   a) Only discuss problems when necessary
   b) Use jargon and technical terms to sound professional
   c) Share both positive and constructive feedback regularly
   d) Avoid discussing concerns to maintain a good relationship

8. A key principle of ethical behavior in early childhood education is:
   a) Maintaining confidentiality of child and family information
   b) Only reporting serious incidents to supervisors
   c) Prioritizing the needs of the teacher over the children
   d) Making decisions based on personal preferences