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DANB CDA Exam 2026: 10-Week Plan for GC, ICE & RHS

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Key Facts

  • DANB lists the CDA exam as 245 total questions with 195 minutes of testing time and a $450 fee.
  • DANB states CDA is earned by passing three component exams: GC, ICE, and RHS.
  • DANB lists GC at 95 questions in 75 minutes, while ICE and RHS are each 75 questions in 60 minutes.
  • DANB exam outlines describe computer-adaptive testing (CAT) and report scaled scores from 100 to 900 with 400 as the passing scaled score for component exams.
  • DANB’s 2024 Exam Pass Rates report lists GC pass rate at 74%, ICE at 73%, and RHS at 66%.
  • BLS reports dental assistants earned median pay of $48,070 in May 2025 with 7% projected growth from 2025 to 2035 and about 53,000 openings per year.
  • DANB salary reporting states certified dental assistants earn about 15% more than non-certified peers.

DANB CDA Exam 2026: The Most Efficient Way to Pass All 3 Components

The DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential is one of the most recognized national certifications in dental assisting. It validates broad clinical readiness across chairside assisting, infection control, and radiation safety.

The biggest mistake candidates make is preparing for the CDA like it is one monolithic test. In reality, your result depends on passing three distinct component exams with different cognitive demands:

  • GC (General Chairside Assisting)
  • ICE (Infection Control)
  • RHS (Radiation Health and Safety)

This 2026 guide gives you a realistic study sequence, pass-rate benchmarks, and domain-based strategy so you can pass faster without wasting time on low-yield review.

Exam Format & Structure

  • Component Details
  • Total Questions 245 total across GC + ICE + RHS
  • Time Limit 195 minutes total

Passing Score Pass all three components (component exams use DANB scaled scoring, with 400 as the passing scaled score on component exam outlines)

  • Pass Rate Benchmarks GC 74%, ICE 73%, RHS 66% (DANB 2024 exam performance report)
  • Cost $450
  • Testing Format Pearson VUE, in-person or online proctoring (where available)
  • Testing Window 60-day testing window after authorization
  • Start Your FREE DANB CDA Prep Today