DANB CDA Exam Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

The DANB CDA certification is earned through three component exams: General Chairside Assisting (95 questions in 75 minutes), Radiation Health and Safety (75 questions in 60 minutes) and Infection Control (75 questions in 60 minutes), 245 questions and 195 minutes when taken together (DANB CDA exam page). Each component is scored separately on a scale of 100 to 900, and the CDA requires passing all three within a five-year period. This portal's 245-question mock exam combines the three components in one practice run; on exam day each is scored separately.

The DANB CDA is a national certification for dental assistants and is recognized or required by many states for certain duties.

Dental assistants and dental assisting graduates preparing for national certification.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

DANB lets you retake a component you did not pass under its current policies; check the DANB candidate handbook for waiting periods and fees.

You need a scaled score of at least 400 on each component exam (scale 100-900), and all three must be passed within five years. Format: GC 95, RHS 75 and ICE 75 multiple-choice questions, 195 minutes in total. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

The DANB CDA certification is earned through three component exams: General Chairside Assisting (95 questions in 75 minutes), Radiation Health and Safety (75 questions in 60 minutes) and Infection Control (75 questions in 60 minutes), 245 questions and 195 minutes when taken together (DANB CDA exam page). Each component is scored separately on a scale of 100 to 900, and the CDA requires passing all three within a five-year period. This portal's 245-question mock exam combines the three components in one practice run; on exam day each is scored separately. Three component exams: GC 95 questions in 75 minutes, RHS 75 in 60, ICE 75 in 60 · 245 questions and 195 minutes in all · computer-based multiple choice · scaled 400 on each. You need a scaled score of at least 400 on each component exam (scale 100-900), and all three must be passed within five years.

• GC I: Evaluation6.6%
• GC II: Patient Management and Administration6.6%
• GC III: Chairside Dentistry19.4%
• GC IV: Dental Materials6.2%
• RHS I: Purpose and Technique15.3%
• RHS II: Radiation Characteristics and Protection7.7%
• RHS III: Infection Prevention and Control in Radiography7.7%
• ICE I: Prevention of Disease Transmission6.1%
• ICE II: Prevention of Cross-contamination10.4%
• ICE III: Process Instruments and Devices8%
• ICE IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols6.1%

The content outline spreads questions across 11 areas: GC I: Evaluation (6.6%); GC II: Patient Management and Administration (6.6%); GC III: Chairside Dentistry (19.4%); GC IV: Dental Materials (6.2%); RHS I: Purpose and Technique (15.3%); RHS II: Radiation Characteristics and Protection (7.7%); RHS III: Infection Prevention and Control in Radiography (7.7%); ICE I: Prevention of Disease Transmission (6.1%); ICE II: Prevention of Cross-contamination (10.4%); ICE III: Process Instruments and Devices (8.0%); ICE IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols (6.1%).

DANB offers several eligibility pathways for the CDA based on education or work experience, plus a current CPR credential. Confirm your pathway in the CDA application packet.

DANB exam page: $450 for the full CDA exam. Confirm any application fee and component-only prices with DANB.

DANB certification is renewed each year with continuing dental education and a current CPR credential; check DANB for current rules.

Start with the heaviest areas of the content outline: GC III: Chairside Dentistry (19.4%); RHS I: Purpose and Technique (15.3%); ICE II: Prevention of Cross-contamination (10.4%). Then work through the remaining areas, and finish with timed full-length practice runs of 245 questions in one sitting.

Content outlines, fees and passing standards change; this guide follows the official documents listed under Verification as of October 2026. Check DANB before you register.