The DANB CDA exam: GC, RHS and ICE explained
The Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is one of the most recognized credentials in dental assisting. It is made up of three component exams, and you can take them one at a time or all together. Here is how each piece works, so you can plan the path that suits your schedule.
Try it free first
Every exam below has a free 25-question diagnostic with an explanation for every answer, created by a registered nurse.
- Dental Assistant: take the free Dental Assistant diagnostic or see the Dental Assistant 6-Month Pass
The three components
- General Chairside Assisting (GC): 95 questions in 75 minutes.
- Radiation Health and Safety (RHS): taken with ICE, the RHS/ICE combination is 150 questions in 120 minutes.
- Infection Control (ICE): also available on its own, and in Spanish, as is RHS.
- All three together as the CDA exam: 245 questions in 195 minutes.
How the timeline works
To earn the CDA, you need to pass all three component exams within five years. That flexibility is a real gift if you are working while you study, because you can start with the component you feel strongest in. Many states recognize or require the RHS and ICE exams on their own, so passing those first can also help you meet state requirements sooner. Once you apply, DANB gives you a 60-day window to test.
Eligibility for the GC exam
DANB lists two main pathways for the General Chairside Assisting exam. Pathway I is graduation from a CODA accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program, plus current hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS from a DANB accepted provider. Pathway II is high school graduation or the equivalent, at least 3,500 hours of approved work experience, plus current hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS. Check DANB's candidate handbook for the full details and any updates.
How to prepare
Study each component as its own exam, with its own outline. For RHS, focus on digital imaging, radiation safety and image quality. For ICE, know standard precautions, instrument processing and OSHA and CDC guidance well. Our free 25-question diagnostic covers chairside, radiography and infection control basics, and the Dental Assistant 6-Month Pass includes a full practice test for each component with the real number of questions and time limit, plus an explanation for every answer.
Ready to see where you stand?
The free Dental Assistant diagnostic takes about 30 minutes, and you will see an explanation for every answer when you finish.
Common questions
How many questions are on the DANB CDA exam?
Taken together, the CDA exam has 245 questions in 195 minutes. The GC exam alone has 95 questions in 75 minutes, and RHS and ICE together have 150 questions in 120 minutes.
Do I have to take all three DANB exams at once?
No. You can take GC, RHS and ICE separately or in combinations, as long as you pass all three within five years to earn the CDA.
Can I take the CDA exam without going to dental assisting school?
Yes. DANB's Pathway II for the GC exam accepts high school graduation or the equivalent plus at least 3,500 hours of approved work experience and current CPR, BLS or ACLS.
Which DANB exam should I take first?
Many people start with RHS and ICE, since many states recognize or require them on their own, then add GC. Others start with the component they feel strongest in. Either way works as long as you pass all three within five years.
Sources
We checked these official pages on October 21, 2026. Exam details can change, so always confirm with the exam owner before you register.
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DANB, CDA and ICE are registered trademarks of the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. TPM Exam Prep is not affiliated with or endorsed by DANB.