Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

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Overview

The CDA exam consists of three component exams: RHS, ICE and GC.

DANB CDA exam components

Price $425*

CDA Application Packet (PDF)

DANB Step 1

Step One: Check Your Eligibility

There are eligibility requirements for taking the full CDA exam and GC component exam. You can find more information about these eligibility requirements in the CDA application packet or by clicking on the link below. There are no eligibility requirements for taking the RHS and ICE component exams.

Check Your Eligibility 

DANB Step 2

Step Two: Complete the Application and Submit the Fee

Once you’ve determined that you are eligible to take DANB’s CDA exam, please download and review the CDA application packet, then complete the CDA application. Individual component exam applications are also included in the application packet.

CDA Application Packet (PDF)

DANB Step 3

Step Three: Schedule and Take the Exam

Within four weeks after your application is received and processed, you will receive a notice from DANB that contains instructions on how to schedule your test. You can also refer to the application packet for an overview on what to expect at the test site and any other issues regarding scheduling an exam.

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CDA Component Exams

  • General Chairside Assisting (GC)

    The GC exam is one of three components of the CDA exam. Candidates for the GC exam must submit documentation that fulfills the eligibility pathways requirements. CDA and GC exam eligibility requirements and applications are included in the CDA application packet. Following are details about the GC exam:

    • 120 multiple-choice questions
    • 1 ½ hours testing time
    • $250 stand-alone exam fee
    • Eligibility requirements apply

    Go to the GC Exam Page

  • Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)

    The RHS exam is one of three components of the CDA exam. This exam can be taken at the same time as the other two component exams, on its own or together with the ICE exam for a reduced cost. Successful completion of the RHS exam leads to a certificate of knowledge-based competency. The CDA, RHS and RHS/ICE exam applications are included in the application packet. Following are details about the RHS exam:

    • 100 multiple-choice questions
    • 1 ¼ hours testing time
    • $250 stand-alone exam fee
    • No eligibility requirements apply

    Go to the RHS Exam Page

  • Infection Control (ICE)

    The ICE exam is one of three components of the CDA exam. It can be taken at the same time as the other two component exams, on its own, or together with the RHS exam for a reduced cost. Successful completion of the ICE exam leads to a certificate of knowledge-based competency. The CDA, ICE and RHS/ICE exam applications are included in the application packet. Following are details about the ICE exam:

    • 100 multiple-choice questions
    • 1 ¼ hours testing time
    • $250 stand-alone exam fee
    • No eligibility requirements apply

    Go to the ICE Exam Page

“How Do I Study for an Exam?”

DANB wants you to be as prepared as possible for your next exam. We currently offer the following exam preparation tools:

  • Study materials
  • Review courses
  • Exam blueprints

Exam Preparation