Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

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DANB Certified Dental Assistant CDA

DANB’s CDA certification consists of three component exams:

  • General Chairside Assisting (GC)
  • Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
  • Infection Control (ICE)

We’re here for you.

DANB is extending all testing windows from 60 days to 150 days. We made this change to give you more time to schedule and take your exam. We encourage you to apply online for faster processing. Pearson VUE has begun to reopen testing centers starting on May 1, 2020, where conditions allow, with additional health and safety measures being implemented. For more details, visit the link below.

DANB Testing Information

CPR Waiver Form 
DANB is temporarily waiving the CPR requirement for the exams that require showing proof of current CPR.

Download the CPR Waiver Form

Additional Information

The price for the CDA exam is $450. You must meet eligibility requirements to take the CDA exam. You can find more exam eligibility requirement details below.

Exam Eligibility Requirements

DANB’s CDA Application Packet can be used if you would like to submit your application via mail or fax.

CDA Application Packet (PDF)

DANB CDA Exam Study Materials

DANB’s CDA Exam Outline lists the topics covered on DANB’s CDA exam. You can use the outline to help create your study plan.

CDA Exam Outline

DALE Foundation Review Courses

The DALE Foundation, the official DANB affiliate, offers review courses and practice tests to help prepare for the DANB CDA exam.

DANB RHS Practice Test   
DANB RHS Review
Conventional Dental Radiography Review 

DANB ICE Practice Test
DANB ICE Review

DANB GC Practice Test
DANB GC Review Part I
DANB GC Review Part II

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
    • 1½ hours testing time
    • $270 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
    • 1¼ hours testing time
    • $270 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
    • 1¼ hours testing time
    • $270 stand-alone exam fee
    • No eligibility requirements apply

    Go to the ICE Exam Page

Testing at Pearson VUE

Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Pearson VUE testing centers are operating with reduced capacity and social distancing requirements. For more information, visit the link below.

DANB Testing Information

"How Can I Prepare?"

Taking an exam can be stressful, so we provide as many tools as possible to help you be ready for the big day. To learn more, visit our Prepare for DANB Exams page.

Exam Preparation