Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

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DANB Certified Dental Assistant CDA

DANB’s CDA® exam leads to national certification. CDA Certification consists of three component exams:

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

Apply Online

Ready to take DANB’s CDA exam? You can apply online right now!

DANB’s CDA exam includes three component exams: RHS, ICE and GC. 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.

Additional Information

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 blueprint outlines the topics covered on DANB’s CDA exam. You can use the blueprint to help create your study plan.

CDA Exam Blueprint (PDF)

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
    • 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