Step 1: Read the NBDE Part I Guide
Please review the Guide, specifically the Eligibility Requirements, Rules of Conduct, Test Regulations, Irregularities/Appeals, Testing Procedures, the Testing Checklist and Frequently Asked Questions
During the application process you will be asked to confirm that you have read the Guide and agree to the rules and regulations contained within the document. Candidates are responsible for understanding the information contained within the Guide. Candidates who violate exam rules or regulations may have their exam scores voided and wait up to two years to retest.
Step 2: Apply for the Examination
Examination Fee: $265. Partial Reexamination Fee $135 plus $35 per each section.
Examination fees are non-refundable and non-transferable (no exceptions).
Electronic Notification of NBDE Part I Eligibility
Upon processing of a candidate's NBDE Part I application, candidates will receive an e-mail notification of eligibility for testing and instructions for appointment scheduling. (Please check your Spam folder if unable to locate the notification, especially Hotmail, Gmail, and Yahoo accounts.)
Step 3: Schedule a Time to Take the Examination
You must apply to take the examination with the ADA and receive your eligibility e-mail prior to scheduling your testing appointment with Prometric. Examinations are administered year-round at Prometric Test Centers in the United States, its territories including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada.
NBDE Part I Blackout Dates
Due to scheduled maintenance, there will be no testing during the following dates:
Please check here for future blackout dates.
Advanced Scheduling
To increase the likelihood you will receive your first choice of date, time and location, you should schedule 60 to 90 days before the desired testing date. Please remember, you may schedule your testing appointment with Prometric only upon receipt of your eligibility e-mail.
Rescheduling Testing Appointments
Rescheduling your testing appointment will result in a rescheduling fee.
Canceling Testing Appointments
Canceling your testing appointment will result in a complete forfeiture of your examination fee (as noted in Step 2 above, examination fees are nonrefundable).
Step 4: Take the Examination at a Prometric Test Center
Candidates who experience concerns about scheduling issues, testing conditions, or any unresolved problem should inform the Test Administrator before leaving the test center and record this information in the appropriate section of the post-test survey. For issues requiring further action, candidates must contact the Joint Commission office within five business days of the testing appointment.
Step 5: Score Reports
The application fee includes one score report for you and one for the dean of the accredited dental school you are attending or have attended. Your score report will be mailed to you at the address indicated on your application approximately four weeks after your testing appointment.
If you want to report scores to additional schools or programs, the fee is $25 per school or program. Please do not request additional score reports, if you tested less than four weeks ago, Official scores are not available to fulfill requests until approximately four weeks after your testing appointment.
To have your examination results audited, complete the form below and submit the appropriate fee:
Purpose of the Examination
The purpose of the examination is to assist state boards in determining qualifications of dentists who seek licensure to practice dentistry. The examination assesses the ability to understand important information from basic biomedical and dental sciences and also the ability to apply such information in a problem-solving context.
Contact Information
Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations
211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60611
800-232-1694
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