CDA Practice Test
Your Proven Shortcut to Certified Dental Assistant Success
Get exam-style questions, detailed explanations, and realistic timing to master the latest Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Prepare CDA practice test then walk into your Medical Professional exam with confidence.
"Join thousands who passed their test by practicing with Certified Dental Assistant exam questions just like the real thing."
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How Our Practice Test Works?
Study wherever, whenever with these quiz types:
Pick a Mode
You can choose Exam Mode (timed 90-minute simulation) or Study Mode for preparation.
Realistic Mix
Questions reflect both multiple-choice and scenario/performance-style prompts aligned to CDA objectives.
Detailed Explanations
Every question includes a clear explanation, so you know why an answer is correct.
Domain Analytics
See strengths/weaknesses by the domains & sub-topics to focus your revision.
Reattempts
Retake sets to improve your speed and accuracy; watch your score trend toward the benchmark.
Exam Simulator
Get a feel for the real exam with our Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) practice test.
Why Choose PrepHOW for CDA Practice Questions
Train the way you'll be tested. Our platform replicates the real Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) experience and turns every attempt into clear, actionable progress-so you waste less time and pass sooner.
Real Exam Feel
Exam/Study modes, question flagging, and instant or end-of-exam feedback.
Smarter Analytics, Faster Improvement
Trend charts so you can see when you're consistently above the passing scrore.
Quality You Can Trust
Clear, teach-back explanations with why the correct answer is right and why others aren't.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential and who administers the exam?
The Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) is the premier national certification for dental assistants in the United States. It is a highly respected credential that demonstrates mastery of the core competencies required to work as a dental assistant. The exam is administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
What are the three component exams that make up the CDA certification?
To earn the CDA certification, candidates must pass three separate component exams. These exams can be taken individually or all together as the full CDA exam:
- General Chairside Assisting (GC): Covers chairside procedures, patient management, and professional responsibility.
- Infection Control (ICE): Tests knowledge of infection control principles and practices in a dental setting.
- Radiation Health and Safety (RHS): Assesses understanding of dental radiography and safety measures.
What is the format of the CDA Exam, and how many questions are there?
The CDA exam components are computer-based tests consisting of multiple-choice questions. The total number of questions for the full CDA exam is approximately 320, broken down as follows:
- GC: Approximately 120 questions
- RHS: Approximately 100 questions
- ICE: Approximately 100 questions
What are the eligibility requirements to take the DANB CDA Exam?
DANB offers different eligibility pathways for candidates. The two main pathways for the full CDA exam are:
- Pathway I: Graduation from a dental assisting or dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and current CPR certification.
- Pathway II: A high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 3,500 hours of approved work experience as a dental assistant accrued over a continuous two- to four-year period and current CPR certification.
How do I apply for and schedule my CDA Exam?
You must apply for the exam directly through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) website. After your application is approved, you will receive an email with an authorization-to-test (ATT) letter. You can then use this ATT to schedule your exam at a convenient Pearson VUE test center location.
How should I prepare for the CDA Exam?
Thorough preparation is key. We recommend:
- Using official DANB study resources and practice tests.
- Reviewing textbooks from your dental assisting program.
- Forming a study group with peers.
- Taking Prephow CDA practice tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
How long is the CDA certification valid for and what is the renewal process?
The DANB CDA certification is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. To qualify for annual renewal, you must:
- Maintain current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from a DANB-accepted provider.
- Complete a total of 12 continuing dental education (CDE) credits, which must include a minimum number of credits in infection control and OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
Is the CDA certification mandatory in all states to work as a dental assistant?
No, the requirements for dental assistants vary by state. Some states require the CDA certification for all dental assistants, while others may only require a passing score on one or two components (like RHS or ICE) to perform specific functions. However, the CDA is widely recognized by 38 states and is often preferred by employers across the country.