DANB CDA Exam 2026: Passing Score, Format and Fees
November 2, 2026 · Alex S. · reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer · how we write
DANB says a scaled score of at least 400, on a scale of 100 to 900, passes its exams. The CDA is three exams (RHS, ICE and GC) with 245 questions in 195 minutes in total.
DANB passes a candidate at a scaled score of at least 400 on a scale of 100 to 900, and the CDA is made of three exams: RHS, ICE and GC. Together they have 245 questions and 195 minutes of testing time. Taking all three together costs $450 in 2026, and you have 5 years to pass all three.
Preparing for the DANB CDA? Take a free readiness test and see which topics to study first. Or see the DANB CDA study guide.
Why 400 is not a percentage
DANB reports a scaled score, not a number correct or a percent correct. Its exams use computer adaptive testing: a correct answer leads to a harder question and a wrong one to an easier question, and the score reflects the difficulty of the questions you answered correctly. DANB says the average candidate answers around 50% of the questions correctly. Because the test adapts, you cannot skip a question and return to it, and DANB says you must answer every question to receive a pass or fail result. A small number of unscored pretest questions are mixed in, and you cannot tell which ones.
Three exams, three clocks
| Exam | Questions | Minutes | Domain weights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) | 75 | 60 | Purpose and Technique 50%; Radiation Characteristics and Protection 25%; Infection Prevention and Control 25% |
| Infection Control (ICE) | 75 | 60 | Prevention of Disease Transmission 20%; Prevention of Cross-contamination 34%; Process Instruments and Devices 26%; Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols 20% |
| General Chairside Assisting (GC) | 95 | 75 | Evaluation 17%; Patient Management and Administration 17%; Chairside Dentistry 50%; Dental Materials 16% |
The totals match the CDA page: 75 + 75 + 95 is 245 questions, and 60 + 60 + 75 is 195 minutes. Half of GC is chairside dentistry. The RHS outline tests digital radiography only, and DANB says no film-based concepts have been tested since July 7, 2022. Infection control shows up twice, as its own exam and as a quarter of RHS.
What it costs together or apart
These are the fees in the 2026 CDA Application Packet (updated 05/13/26). Each includes a $75 application fee that is not refundable.
| What you apply for | Fee | Active military |
|---|---|---|
| CDA (RHS, ICE and GC together) | $450 | $425 |
| GC only | $270 | $265 |
| RHS only | $270 | $265 |
| ICE only | $270 | $265 |
| RHS and ICE | $375 | $365 |
| ICE and GC | $375 | $365 |
| RHS and GC | $375 | $365 |
Buying RHS and ICE ($375) and then GC ($270) as separate applications adds up to $645, which is $195 more than the $450 CDA application. The fee is not the only cost of splitting, so weigh it against how ready you are for each part.
Who can sit for which part
RHS and ICE have no eligibility requirements. GC does. You need one of three pathways, and every pathway requires current hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS from a DANB-accepted provider. Pathway I is graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program (or an RDH license). Pathway II is a high school diploma or equivalent plus at least 3,500 hours of approved work experience. Pathway III covers former DANB CDAs and several dental degree routes.
Windows, retakes and the five-year rule
- You get a 60-day testing window after you apply.
- Pass RHS, ICE and GC within a five-year period. They may be taken together or separately.
- There is no limit on retaking a failed exam, but you must reapply and pay the full exam fee. State laws may require extra education after failed attempts.
- Official results are posted to your online DANB account within 1 to 3 business days.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the CDA exam from home?
Yes. DANB offers each exam in person and through remote online proctoring, and you choose. For online proctored exams no breaks are allowed, and for in-person exams you may take breaks with the proctor's approval, but the exam clock does not pause.
Is 400 the pass mark for each of the three exams?
DANB states 400 as the pass mark for its exams. The pages checked do not describe the three CDA exams being averaged, and DANB says to pass all three within five years.
Can I request a hand score?
Yes. Submit the hand scoring form and fee within 7 calendar days after your results are posted. The fee is refunded if the pass or fail result is reversed.
Can I take a passed exam again?
DANB says you may take and pass its exams only once, except in specific circumstances. Email DANB for details.
Official sources
- DANB: Certified Dental Assistant exam
- DANB: CDA 2026 Application Packet (updated 05/13/26)
- DANB: 4 important details to know about DANB exams
- DANB: Candidate Handbook (updated 6/22/2026)
- DANB: GC exam outline
- DANB: ICE exam outline
- DANB: RHS exam outline
Checked against the sources above on November 2, 2026. Exam bodies change fees and rules: confirm on the official page before you register.