About the CDA exams
The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) gives the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification through three component exams. You can take them separately or together, and each one is computer adaptive. DANB’s scaled passing score is 400 on a scale of 100 to 900.
Sources: CDA exam, checked October 16, 2026; 4 important details to know about DANB exams, checked October 16, 2026.| Exam | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| General Chairside Assisting (GC) | 95 | 75 minutes |
| Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) | 75 | 60 minutes |
| Infection Control (ICE) | 75 | 60 minutes |
What the practice tests will include
The CDA pass will include practice tests for the GC, RHS and ICE exams that follow DANB’s outlines, a question bank by topic, every answer explained, and insights that show which topics to review. A certified dental assistant reviews every question, so the CDA practice will open after our TEAS practice.
Join the CDA waitlist
After every practice set, you’ll see which CDA topics to work on next. Ten minutes counts, and it saves your place.
DANB practice questions
We’re writing these now
Every question will follow the exam owner’s published outline, and every answer will explain why the right choice is right and the others aren’t. Join the waitlist and we’ll email you the day they’re ready.
The three DANB exams
| Exam | What it covers |
|---|---|
| General Chairside Assisting (GC) | Chairside dentistry (50%), evaluation (17%), patient management and administration (17%), dental materials (16%) |
| Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) | Purpose and technique (50%), radiation characteristics and protection (25%), infection prevention and control (25%) |
| Infection Control (ICE) | Preventing cross-contamination (34%), processing instruments and devices (26%), preventing disease transmission (20%), occupational safety and administration (20%) |
You can take the three exams separately or together, and you earn the CDA once you’ve passed all three. Each is computer adaptive.
Passing score
DANB uses a scaled score from 100 to 900, and you need 400 to pass each exam.
How to study for the DANB exams
Start with the exam you’ll take first. For the GC, chairside dentistry is half the exam. For the RHS, purpose and technique is half. Take a timed practice test for each exam to see where you stand, then focus on the largest areas first.
Common questions about the CDA exams
How much do the CDA exams cost?
DANB charges $450 for the full CDA, or $270 for each component exam on its own. Every fee includes a $75 application fee that isn’t refunded.
Who can take the CDA exams?
Anyone can take the RHS and ICE exams. The GC exam has three pathways, such as graduating from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program or 3,500 hours of work experience, and every pathway also needs current CPR, BLS or ACLS.
What’s on the GC exam?
Chairside dentistry is half of it (50%), followed by evaluation (17%), patient management and administration (17%), and dental materials (16%).
Can I retake a CDA exam?
Yes. DANB doesn’t limit attempts, and each retake costs the full fee again.