CDA Application Steps

Ready to apply?

1. Meet with Career Pathways staff to determine if you are eligible for the Grant. 

• Do you work in a licensed EEC Center Based Program or Family Child Care?

• Do you have a Professional Qualifications Registry Number?

2. Apply to Holyoke Community College. In the yellow box, click APPLY to complete the Undergraduate Application. On the Plans page you will be asked, “Are you or will you be in one of these programs?” You should choose CDA Career Pathways. 

3. Next, you'll need to take an English Placement Test or provide documentation that you are eligible for Developmental English II (ENG 095). While an English class is not part of the CDA Plus program, eligibility is a prerequisite. Many students do this by taking the HCC placement test, but there are other ways to prove college readiness found on the list below. By submitting documentation, you may not have to take the placement test.

Alternatives to the English Placement test

• AP English Scores

• SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW Scores)

•  ACT English Scores

• College Transcripts

• Accuplacer Classic or Next Generation Scores from placement tests taken through another approved institution.

• For placement, you may turn in unofficial transcripts, or score reports to admissions@hcc.edu as documentation. Please note that an official transcript is required for transfer of credits through AP or prior college coursework.