Child Development Associate (CDA) Exam Questions and Correct Answers 2025
2026 Complete Study Guide.
Child Development Associate (CDA) Exam
Complete Question Set — 170 Questions
COMPETENCY STANDARD I: Safe, Healthy, Learning Environment (Questions 1-30)
1. A lead teacher is setting up a new classroom. The first aid kit should be kept:
A) Out of reach of children
B) In an easily accessible location, clearly marked, and out of reach of children
C) In a restroom
D) In a drawer far from where the children will be playing
Answer: B
Rationale: First aid supplies must be accessible for emergencies but safely stored
out of children's reach to prevent tampering or injury .
2. When licensing arrives for inspection, fire exit information should be:
A) In written form only
B) Kept in a file labeled "Emergency Procedures"
C) In both written and pictorial form, posted near exits
,D) In pictorial form only
Answer: C
Rationale: Emergency exit information must be clearly visible and understandable
to all, including young children, using both words and pictures posted near exits .
3. Frequent hand washing is important because:
A) Children need to keep hands clean
B) It keeps germs from spreading
C) It is a positive social skill
D) It is a law
Answer: B
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the single most effective method for preventing the
spread of infectious diseases in early childhood settings .
4. A child in your care has a fever of 102°F and is lethargic. What should you do
first?
A) Give the child acetaminophen from the center's supply
B) Send the child to rest on a cot in a quiet corner
,C) Contact the parent/guardian for pickup and isolate the child
D) Continue normal activities and reassess in 30 minutes
Answer: C
Rationale: Fever with lethargy requires parent notification and removal from
group care to prevent spread of illness and ensure appropriate medical care.
5. Children should be provided with which items for handwashing?
A) Cold water, bar soap, and paper towels
B) Hot water, liquid soap, and a cloth towel
C) Warm water, liquid soap, and paper towels
D) Water and paper towels only
Answer: C
Rationale: Warm water with liquid soap (which reduces cross-contamination) and
single-use paper towels are best practices for handwashing in group care settings
.
6. Which type of personal item is healthiest for children to share during choice
activities?
, A) Hats
B) Combs
C) Play jewelry
D) Swimming suits
Answer: C
Rationale: Play jewelry poses minimal infection risk. Hats, combs, and swimsuits
can transmit lice, skin conditions, or bodily fluids .
7. How often should emergency evacuation drills be practiced?
A) Once per year
B) Twice per year
C) Monthly
D) Weekly
Answer: C
Rationale: Monthly drills ensure all staff and children are prepared for
emergencies and meet licensing standards.
8. A child is choking but is able to cough forcefully. What should you do?
2026 Complete Study Guide.
Child Development Associate (CDA) Exam
Complete Question Set — 170 Questions
COMPETENCY STANDARD I: Safe, Healthy, Learning Environment (Questions 1-30)
1. A lead teacher is setting up a new classroom. The first aid kit should be kept:
A) Out of reach of children
B) In an easily accessible location, clearly marked, and out of reach of children
C) In a restroom
D) In a drawer far from where the children will be playing
Answer: B
Rationale: First aid supplies must be accessible for emergencies but safely stored
out of children's reach to prevent tampering or injury .
2. When licensing arrives for inspection, fire exit information should be:
A) In written form only
B) Kept in a file labeled "Emergency Procedures"
C) In both written and pictorial form, posted near exits
,D) In pictorial form only
Answer: C
Rationale: Emergency exit information must be clearly visible and understandable
to all, including young children, using both words and pictures posted near exits .
3. Frequent hand washing is important because:
A) Children need to keep hands clean
B) It keeps germs from spreading
C) It is a positive social skill
D) It is a law
Answer: B
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the single most effective method for preventing the
spread of infectious diseases in early childhood settings .
4. A child in your care has a fever of 102°F and is lethargic. What should you do
first?
A) Give the child acetaminophen from the center's supply
B) Send the child to rest on a cot in a quiet corner
,C) Contact the parent/guardian for pickup and isolate the child
D) Continue normal activities and reassess in 30 minutes
Answer: C
Rationale: Fever with lethargy requires parent notification and removal from
group care to prevent spread of illness and ensure appropriate medical care.
5. Children should be provided with which items for handwashing?
A) Cold water, bar soap, and paper towels
B) Hot water, liquid soap, and a cloth towel
C) Warm water, liquid soap, and paper towels
D) Water and paper towels only
Answer: C
Rationale: Warm water with liquid soap (which reduces cross-contamination) and
single-use paper towels are best practices for handwashing in group care settings
.
6. Which type of personal item is healthiest for children to share during choice
activities?
, A) Hats
B) Combs
C) Play jewelry
D) Swimming suits
Answer: C
Rationale: Play jewelry poses minimal infection risk. Hats, combs, and swimsuits
can transmit lice, skin conditions, or bodily fluids .
7. How often should emergency evacuation drills be practiced?
A) Once per year
B) Twice per year
C) Monthly
D) Weekly
Answer: C
Rationale: Monthly drills ensure all staff and children are prepared for
emergencies and meet licensing standards.
8. A child is choking but is able to cough forcefully. What should you do?
