I got my CDA this year and from what I have seen is that any CDA course out there is basically to help you complete your portfolio and gets your hours towards that 120 that you need of in-service. The $349 that you paid is not to get the CDA if not its just to understand what getting the CDA is and tells you what you need for your portfolio. The $425 that goes to the council for professional recognition for the onsite visitation and exam will get them the CDA.
I took NICCM's CDA Fast track course which prepared me for my on-site visit and the course is worth 30 hours which I needed. I have been working at a learning center since 2020 so I already had enough experience and hours on my transcript to complete everything. I did the 3 day CDA course in March and they helped me start the registration with the council and in April I took my test on the 8th and then had my onsite visitation on the 19th and I was given my CDA credential the very next day. Once I got my certificate in the mail I applied for my staff credential.
Hope this information helps you out.