What Is the Oklahoma Director’s Credential? Requirements, Process, and Benefits

If you want to lead a licensed childcare program in Oklahoma, you’ll need more than experience in the classroom. The state requires directors to hold an Oklahoma Director’s Credential (ODC) — proof that you understand the responsibilities, regulations, and leadership skills needed to run a program with excellence.

For many new leaders, the Bronze level is the first step. Our 60-hour online Director course counts toward the 40 administration/management hours needed for Bronze and can also be applied toward your annual training requirement. It’s one of the fastest ways to prepare yourself for leadership and get recognized through the Oklahoma Registry.

What Is the Oklahoma Director’s Credential?

The Oklahoma Director’s Credential is a tiered credential (Bronze, Copper, Silver, Gold, Platinum) overseen by the Oklahoma Registry, a program of DHS Child Care Services.

The credential demonstrates that you have the education, experience, and management training to direct a licensed childcare program. Each tier builds on the one before it, but most new directors begin with the Bronze Credential.

Requirements for the Bronze Director’s Credential

To qualify for Bronze, you’ll need to show:

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
  

• Child Development/ECE: At least 6 credit hours in ECE/CD/SA, or a CDA, or the Oklahoma Competency Certificate.
  

• Administration/Management Training: 40 approved hours in administration/management (our 60-hour course fulfills this requirement).
  

• Experience: At least 12 months working in a licensed childcare program (teacher, caregiver, assistant director, or director).
  

• Annual Renewal: 20 hours of job-related training each year.

How to Earn the Oklahoma Director’s Credential

1. Join the Oklahoma Registry

Apply online at okregistry.org. This is where your credential application is reviewed and awarded.

2. Choose Your Training Pathway

For the Bronze level, you’ll need to meet both the child development/education requirement and the 40 admin/management hours. We make this simple by offering two training paths:

• Director Credential Program (60 hours) — Counts toward the 40 hours of admin/mgt training needed for Bronze and can be applied to annual training.
  

• CDA Prep Course (120 hours) — Prepares you to apply for your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential with the Council for Professional Recognition. While you still need to officially apply through the CDA Council, this training fulfills the coursework requirement.
  

Together, our CDA Prep + Director Credential Program provide all the training hours you need to meet Oklahoma’s Bronze Credential requirements.

3. Complete Your Coursework

All training is self-paced and online, giving you the flexibility to finish in less than a month (for the Director course) while balancing work and family responsibilities.

4. Earn Your Credentials

To complete the process for the Director Credential, you must pass the in-course quizzes.  The CDA has a separate exam and an on-site validation visit. 

5. Submit Your Documentation

When you’re ready, submit your training certificates, proof of education, and employment history through the Oklahoma Registry.

6. Receive Your Bronze Credential

Once approved, you’ll officially hold the Oklahoma Bronze Director’s Credential — your gateway to childcare leadership.

Benefits of the Oklahoma Director’s Credential

• Career Growth — Qualify for director and leadership roles in licensed programs.
  

• Professional Competence — Build confidence in administration, staff management, compliance, and family engagement.
  

• Clear Understanding of the Director Role — Learn the full scope of responsibilities to avoid being caught off guard.
  

• Ongoing Development — Stay sharp with annual training, keeping your knowledge current, and your credential active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to get the Bronze Credential?
No. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement.

How long does it take to complete the training?
Most students finish the Director Credential Program in under a month.  The CDA course is designed to be finished within a season.

Can I take the courses online?
Yes — both our Director Credential Program and CDA Prep are fully online and self-paced.

Do I automatically earn a CDA with the prep course?
No. Our CDA Prep course fulfills the training hours, but you’ll still need to apply to the CDA Council to earn the credential.

Do I need to renew my Oklahoma Director’s Credential?
Yes. Bronze requires 20 hours of job-related training each year.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re ready to step into leadership, we can help you get there. Our 60-hour Director Credential Program counts toward the Oklahoma Bronze Credential and annual training requirements. Combine it with our CDA Prep Course, and you’ll complete all the training you need to qualify as a director.

Click here to enroll today and start your journey toward the Oklahoma Director’s Credential.