DANB CRFDA exam-day guide
DANB CRFDA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID with signature and photo (driver's license, passport, or state ID). The name must match your registration exactly. If your name has changed or uses a suffix, confirm with the provider which documents are accepted before test day.
Confirmation/authorization email or letter
Print or save the scheduling confirmation and any eligibility or authorization notice from the testing provider. You may be asked to show it at check-in. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Two forms of identification (if required)
Some testing centers require a second ID, such as a credit card or student ID. This is not universally required for DANB exams; confirm with the provider whether a secondary ID is needed.
Know your test vendor and appointment details
DANB exams are delivered through a testing vendor. Verify the vendor name, test center address or remote-proctoring link, appointment time, and arrival time on your confirmation. Arrive at least 15–30 minutes early; late arrivals may be turned away. Confirm the exact arrival window with the provider.
Review the current candidate handbook
Download the handbook from the provider's website for the current exam content outline, scoring, break policy, and permitted-item rules. Policies change; use the version dated for your testing year.
Know what is prohibited in the testing room
Phones, smartwatches, notes, books, and personal items are generally not allowed in the testing area. Lockers are usually provided. Confirm the specific prohibited-item list with the provider.
Plan medication, glasses, and accessibility needs in advance
If you need medication, eyeglasses, or an accommodation, request it before test day. Accommodation requests typically require documentation and advance approval. Confirm the provider's deadline and process.
Plan food, water, and a light meal
Eat a normal meal before the exam and bring water if the center permits it outside the testing room. Avoid heavy caffeine if it increases anxiety. Confirm whether water is allowed at the testing station.
Confirm break and timing rules
Break policies vary by vendor and exam. Know whether unscheduled breaks are allowed, whether the clock stops, and how to sign out and back in. Confirm with the provider.
Practice with the official content outline, not recalled questions
Use the published exam blueprint to focus review on infection control, chairside assisting, dental materials, and patient care. Do not seek or use recalled exam questions; doing so can violate the candidate conduct agreement.
Check the score-report and retake policy
Know how and when results are delivered and what the retake waiting period is. These details are set by the provider; confirm them in the handbook rather than relying on memory.
Sleep and logistics
Set two alarms, lay out your ID and confirmation the night before, and confirm travel time and parking. For remote proctoring, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection the day before. Confirm system requirements with the provider.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Review your weakest blueprint domains and practice applying concepts to short scenarios. Re-read the candidate handbook sections on ID, prohibited items, breaks, and scoring. Confirm your appointment time, location or remote link, and arrival instructions. If you requested accommodations, verify they are approved and noted on your appointment. Prepare your ID and confirmation document. Protect sleep: aim for normal sleep hours rather than late-night cramming.
Do a light review only, such as infection-control steps, instrument identification, and common dental-material categories. Pack your ID, confirmation, and any approved items. For a test center, confirm the address, parking, and travel time; for remote proctoring, run the system check and clear your desk. Set out clothes and a snack. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals late at night. Go to bed at your usual time.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate moderately. Recheck your ID and confirmation. Arrive at the test center 15–30 minutes early, or log in early for remote proctoring. Leave phones and smartwatches in the car or locker. At check-in, follow staff instructions for ID verification, palm-vein or photo capture, and locker use. Use the restroom before you are seated. If remote, close all other applications and keep your desk clear.
Read each question completely and watch for words like EXCEPT, NOT, and BEST. Answer every question; there is generally no penalty for guessing, but confirm the scoring rule with the provider. Flag uncertain items and return to them if the platform allows. Pace yourself against the number of questions and remaining time. For scenario questions, identify the patient-safety or infection-control principle first. If you take a break, follow sign-out rules and note whether the clock continues. If equipment fails, raise your hand or contact the proctor immediately; do not troubleshoot on your own.
Rules to check
Bring the exact ID required by the testing provider. The name on your registration must match your ID. If you have questions about name changes, suffixes, or expired documents, confirm with the provider before test day.
Arrive within the provider's arrival window. Candidates who arrive late may be denied entry and may forfeit the appointment fee. Confirm the arrival window and late-arrival policy with the provider.
Do not bring prohibited items into the testing room. Phones, smartwatches, notes, and personal belongings are typically stored in a locker. Attempting to use unauthorized materials can lead to dismissal and score cancellation. Confirm the full prohibited-item list with the provider.
Follow all proctor instructions, including ID verification, seating, and sign-out procedures. For remote proctoring, keep your face and workspace visible and do not leave the camera view without permission.
Break rules vary. Some exams allow scheduled breaks; others do not stop the clock. Ask the proctor before your exam begins and confirm the policy in the candidate handbook.
Scoring is typically criterion-referenced and reported as pass/fail, sometimes with a scaled score. Do not assume a specific passing score or retake waiting period; confirm the current scoring and retake policy with the provider.
Do not discuss, share, or seek recalled exam content. Doing so can violate the candidate conduct agreement and may result in score invalidation. Use only official outlines and preparation materials.
If you need an accommodation, request it in advance and provide required documentation. Accommodations are not granted on test day without prior approval. Confirm the provider's deadline and process.