FREE DANB ICE Study Guide 2026: Infection Control Exam Plan That Actually Works

Key Facts

DANB lists ICE as a 75-question exam with a 60-minute time limit and a $270 exam fee.
DANB ICE weighting is 20% Disease Transmission, 34% Cross-contamination, 26% Process Instruments and Devices, and 20% Occupational Safety/Administration Protocols.
DANB exam outlines describe computer-adaptive testing with scaled scores from 100 to 900 and a passing scaled score of 400 for component exams.
DANB 2024 Exam Pass Rates report lists ICE at 5,859 exams delivered, 4,277 passing, for a 73% pass rate.
DANB states no eligibility requirements are needed to take ICE.
DANB exam authorization gives candidates a 60-day testing window to sit for the exam.
BLS reports dental assistants had median pay of $48,070 in May 2025 with 7% projected growth and about 53,000 annual openings from 2025 to 2035.

DANB ICE Exam 2026: Build Infection-Control Confidence Fast

The DANB Infection Control (ICE) exam is a core credential component for CDA and NELDA pathways and a high-value proof point for safe clinical practice in dental settings. The exam is short, but it tests protocol accuracy at a level where careless shortcuts fail quickly.

Candidates who struggle usually do not lack knowledge. They lack decision structure : what comes first, what comes next, and what documentation or corrective action is required when something goes wrong.

This 2026 guide is designed to fix that by combining domain-weighted prep, timed drills, and high-yield scenario practice.

Exam Format & Structure

Component Details
Total Questions 75 multiple-choice questions
Time Limit 60 minutes
Passing Score DANB scaled score model (100-900 range, 400 passing scaled score per component exam outlines)
Pass Rate 73% in DANB 2024 exam performance reporting
Cost $270
Testing Format Pearson VUE, in-person or online proctoring
Testing Window 60-day testing window
Eligibility No eligibility requirements to take ICE
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