100+ Free CDT Practice Questions

Pass your NBC Certified Dental Technician (Comprehensive Written Exam) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CDT Exam

160

Scored Questions

NBC CDT Exam Handbook (plus 10 field-test)

2h 45m

Exam Time

NBC CDT Exam Handbook

$275

Comprehensive Exam Fee

NBC fee schedule

Specialty Areas

NBC: Ceramics, Complete Dentures, C&B, Digital, Implants, Ortho, Partial

$1,200

Total CDT Certification Cost

NBC: Comprehensive + Specialty + Practical

NBC's CDT Comprehensive Written Exam consists of 160 multiple-choice questions (plus 10 unscored field-test items) with a 2 hour 45 minute time limit. The exam fee is $275. Content domains include Dental Lab Materials (31-33%), Anatomy (16-18%), Safe Working Practices (16-18%), Impressions and Models (10-12%), Regulations (9-11%), Articulation (6-8%), and Theory (5-7%). Full CDT certification requires passing three exams within four years: Comprehensive ($275), Specialty ($275), and Practical ($650).

About the CDT Exam

The CDT Comprehensive Written Exam from NBC tests foundational knowledge across all dental laboratory technology specialties including dental materials science, oral anatomy, safe working practices, articulation, and laboratory regulations. It is the first of three exams required for full CDT certification.

Questions

160 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours 45 minutes

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced pass/fail

Exam Fee

$275 (NBC)

CDT Exam Content Outline

31-33%

Dental Lab Materials

Gypsum, waxes, metals, alloys, plastics, resins, composites, investments, ceramics, impression materials, abrasives, and polishing agents

16-18%

Anatomy

Occlusion, tooth morphology, numbering systems, anatomic landmarks, muscles of mastication, and facial/cranial skeletal anatomy

16-18%

Safe Working Practices

Equipment safety, PPE, infection control, SDS, hazardous waste disposal, respiratory hazards, and emergency preparedness

10-12%

Impressions and Models

Impression evaluation, model fabrication, custom trays, die fabrication, and impression handling techniques

9-11%

Regulations and Scope of Practice

FDA GMPs (21 CFR 820), OSHA, HIPAA, dental practice act, and CBP labeling requirements

6-8%

Articulation

Articulators, face-bow transfers, bite registrations, centric relation, Bennett angle, and jaw movements

How to Pass the CDT Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Criterion-referenced pass/fail
Exam length: 160 questions
Time limit: 2 hours 45 minutes
Exam fee: $275

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CDT Study Tips from Top Performers

1Prioritize dental lab materials — this domain alone is 31-33% of the exam and covers gypsum, waxes, metals, ceramics, investments, and resins

2Know the properties and classification of dental alloys: noble vs base metal, ADA classification, and casting characteristics

3Master tooth morphology including cusp patterns, root anatomy, and numbering systems (Universal, FDI, Palmer)

4Study OSHA safety requirements for dental laboratories including SDS, PPE, respiratory protection, and hazardous waste disposal

5Practice articulator concepts: face-bow transfers, Bennett angle, condylar guidance, and centric relation

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the CDT Comprehensive exam?

The CDT Comprehensive Written Exam has 160 multiple-choice questions. NBC also includes 10 embedded field-test questions that are not scored, bringing the total to 170 items presented. Candidates are not told which items are field-test questions.

How long is the CDT Comprehensive exam?

Candidates have up to 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete the CDT Comprehensive Written Exam.

How much does the CDT Comprehensive exam cost?

The Written Comprehensive exam fee is $275. Full CDT certification requires three exams: Comprehensive ($275), Written Specialty ($275), and Practical ($650), totaling $1,200.

What are the seven CDT specialties?

NBC recognizes seven CDT specialties: Ceramics, Complete Dentures, Crown & Bridge, Digital Workflow, Implants, Orthodontics, and Partial Dentures. Candidates choose one specialty for their Written Specialty and Practical exams.

Can I take the CDT Comprehensive exam remotely?

Yes. NBC administers the CDT written examinations using computer-based testing with remote proctoring. Testing windows run monthly. You need a private workspace, a computer with webcam, and a smartphone.

How should I prepare for the CDT Comprehensive exam?

Focus on dental lab materials (31-33% of the exam) and anatomy (16-18%) as the two largest domains. Use the NBC Examination Preparation Guide and recommended textbooks. Study safety practices and FDA/OSHA regulations thoroughly.