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How Our Practice Exam Works?

Study wherever, whenever with these quiz practice questions for CDA:

Pick a Mode

Pick a Mode

You can choose Study Mode for course preparation and Exam Mode (timed 90-minute) for simulation.

Realistic Mix

Realistic Mix

CDA exam questions reflect both multiple-choice and scenario/performance-style prompts aligned to exam objectives.

Detailed Explanations

Detailed Explanations

Every question includes a clear explanation, so you know why an answer is correct.

Domain Analytics

Domain Analytics

See strengths/weaknesses by the domains & sub-topics to focus your revision.

Reattempts

Reattempts

Retake Certified Dental Assistant practice exam to improve your speed and accuracy; watch your score trend toward the benchmark.

Exam Simulator

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. With the most clinically accurate, expertly written question bank, you’ll build the speed, accuracy, and confidence needed to pass the Certified Dental Assistant on your first attempt.

  • 1. Practice & Exam modes to switch between learning and testing
  • 2. Detailed answer explanations for every question
  • 3. Instant scoring & feedback to show what you missed and why
  • 4. Smart dashboard to track strengths, weaknesses, and progress
  • 5. Study anywhere with mobile-friendly design
  • 6. Updated CDA questions bank to match the latest exam changes
  • 7. Free practice test to start - no credit card required

Real Exam Feel

Mock 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.

Trusted By 1.2K+ Peoples

Discover how our CDA practice tests have empowered countless students to pass their exams with ease.

Jolie Owens

Jolie Owens

I used Prephow for my Certified Dental Assistant exam prep and I’m so glad I did. I passed on the first try! The practice questions for the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) components were spot-on and felt just like the real test. It really helped me confidently answer the tricky General Chairside questions regarding four-handed dentistry and instrument processing.