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Free DANB CDA Exam Prep

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Examination

Pass your DANB CDA exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.

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Your Study Path

DANB DANB Certifications License: Complete Roadmap

Follow this path to maximize your chances of passing on the first try

1

Phase 1You are here

Build core infection and radiation safety fundamentals.

45
hours
2

Phase 2

Prioritize GC high-weight domains for strongest score impact.

65
hours
3

Phase 3

Practice mixed adaptive-style component sets.

45
hours
4

Phase 4

Run full 195-minute simulation blocks and remediate.

30
hours
Estimated total study time
185 hours
That's about 19 weeks at 10 hours/week

Can You Take the DANB CDA Exam?

Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements

Age
Education
Meet one GC pathway: CODA-accredited program/RDH route, work-experience pathway, or approved alternate pathway
Experience
Pathway II requires documented dental-assisting work experience (3,500 hours)
Additional Requirements
  • RHS and ICE have no separate eligibility requirements
  • All three components must be passed within 5 years for CDA award
  • CDA certification renewal is required annually once earned

DANB CDA Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

10-16 weeks for most candidates

From start to license in hand

Exam Provider

Pearson VUE

In-Person Only
Schedule Your Exam

Retake Policy

Candidates who do not pass must submit a new application and fee for another testing window, while staying within the 5-year CDA component completion rule.

Total Cost Breakdown

Exam Fee$450 traditional or $425 active military
Application Fee$75 nonrefundable fee included in exam fee
Total Estimated Cost$425-$450 per application
Why Choose Us

Free DANB CDA Prep That Actually Works

The official pass rate is DANB FY2024 component pass rates: GC 74%, ICE 73%, RHS 66%.. Our students do better.

300 Practice Questions

Integrated CDA prep across GC, ICE, and RHS component domains.

AI-Powered Learning

Target weak domains with focused rationale for chairside and safety items.

2026 Updated

Aligned to current DANB application packet, outlines, and scoring model.

Free Access

Start CDA prep free before application and exam payment.

Compare:
Kaplan $300+Achievable $200+OpenExamPrep $0

What You'll Study

6 chapters covering everything you need to pass

DANB CDA Exam Details

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Examination

Administered by Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)

Official Source
Minimum scaled score 400 on each component exam (100-900 scale)
Passing Score
245
Questions
195
Minutes
$450 traditional candidate; $425 active military candidate
Exam Fee
Study time: 120-200 hours
Prerequisites: Pass RHS, ICE, and GC within 5 years; meet one GC eligibility pathway and current DANB-accepted hands-on CPR/BLS/ACLS requirement.
Valid for: Annual renewal required after earning CDA certification

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) content outline

GC: Evaluation17%

Patient evaluation, diagnostics, and pre-procedure chairside readiness.

GC: Patient Management and Administration17%

Office workflow, communication, records, and operations.

GC: Chairside Dentistry50%

Clinical assisting procedures and operative support activities.

GC: Dental Materials16%

Material properties, handling, and procedural application.

ICE: Prevention of Disease Transmission20%

Infection transmission prevention principles and controls.

ICE: Prevention of Cross-contamination34%

Cross-contamination reduction through process and technique control.

ICE: Process Instruments and Devices26%

Instrument/device processing, sterilization, and readiness.

ICE: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols20%

OSHA-related and safety-focused workplace requirements.

RHS: Purpose and Technique50%

Radiography purpose, positioning, and image-production technique.

RHS: Radiation Characteristics and Protection25%

Radiation fundamentals, exposure, and protection requirements.

RHS: Infection Prevention and Control25%

Radiography-specific infection-prevention practices.

What's Included

6 Chapters

Complete exam coverage

Practice Quizzes

With detailed explanations

Free to Start

No credit card required

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Why It's Free

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What's Next After the DANB CDA?

After passing the DANB CDA, you can pursue these career paths

CDIPC

Add infection prevention specialization in dental settings.

Coming Soon

COA

Advance into orthodontic assisting credential pathway.

Coming Soon

CPFDA

Expand into preventive-function dental assisting roles.

Coming Soon

DANB CDA Exam FAQ

Official Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Resources

Verify information with these official sources

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