January 15, 2026

If you are planning to become a Certified Dental Assistant in Canada, one of the final steps is applying for the National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam. For many students, the application process feels confusing at first. The good news is that once you understand how it works, applying for the NDAEB exam is straightforward. 

This guide explains how to apply for the NDAEB exam, who is eligible, what documents you need, and what to expect after you submit your application. If you follow these steps carefully, you can focus your energy where it matters most, preparing to pass the exam. 

What Is the NDAEB Exam and Why You Need It 

The NDAEB exam is the national certification exam for dental assistants in Canada. Passing this exam allows you to earn the Certified Dental Assistant designation, which is required in most provinces to work in the profession. The exam confirms that you have the knowledge, clinical judgment, and professional standards needed to work safely in a dental practice. Most students apply for the NDAEB exam shortly after completing a recognized Dental Assisting program. 

How to Apply for the NDAEB Exam 

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility to Apply for the NDAEB Exam 

Before starting your application, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. The most common pathway is graduating from a Dental Assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. 

If you are enrolled in an accredited program, your training is already aligned with what the NDAEB expects. Schools with structured Dental Assisting programs often guide students through eligibility and application requirements as graduation approaches. If you completed your education outside Canada or through a non-accredited program, you may need to follow an alternative assessment pathway. In those cases, it is important to review the NDAEB eligibility criteria early to avoid delays. 

Read More: How to Pass the NDAEB Exam? 

Step 2: Create Your NDAEB Online Account 

All NDAEB exam applications are submitted through the official online portal. Your first step is creating an NDAEB account. Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your government issued photo identification. This is critical. Any mismatch between your application and your ID can cause delays or prevent you from writing the exam. Once your account is created, you will use it to submit your application, upload documents, pay fees, choose an exam session, and receive your results. 

Step 3: Choose Your NDAEB Exam Session 

The NDAEB exam is offered four times per year, in March, June, September, and December. When applying, you will select the exam session that works best for your schedule and level of readiness. Many students choose to write the exam soon after graduation while the material is still fresh. Others prefer to allow additional study time. Applying early gives you better access to preferred testing locations or remote proctoring options, which can fill up quickly. 

Step 4: Submit Required Documents 

As part of the NDAEB exam application, you will need to submit supporting documentation. This typically includes proof of graduation or confirmation that you are completing an accredited Dental Assisting program. 

If you are still in school, your institution may submit confirmation on your behalf. This is common for students in well organized programs that regularly support NDAEB applicants, such as CDI College’s Dental Assisting program. Make sure all documents are clear, complete, and submitted before the deadline to avoid processing delays. 

Step 5: Pay the NDAEB Exam Fee 

After completing your application, you will pay the NDAEB exam fee through the online portal. The fee covers exam administration, scoring, and result processing. Before submitting payment, double-check your selected exam session. Exam fees become nonrefundable after specific deadlines. 

Step 6: Select Your Exam Location or Remote Option 

Depending on availability, you can write the NDAEB exam at an approved testing centre or through remote proctoring. Testing centres in larger cities often fill quickly, so early application is important. If you choose remote proctoring, you will need a reliable computer, stable internet connection, and a quiet private space. You will also be required to complete a system check before exam day. 

Step 7: Receive Confirmation and Prepare for Exam Day 

Once your application is approved, you will receive confirmation through your NDAEB account. This includes your exam date, time, location or remote testing details, and exam day instructions. At this stage, your focus should shift entirely to preparation. Reviewing the NDAEB Domain Description, completing practice exams, and following a structured study plan can make a significant difference in your confidence and performance. 

Students from accredited programs like CDI College benefit from curriculum, labs, and clinical training that closely match NDAEB competencies, which helps make the transition from application to exam preparation much smoother. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for the NDAEB Exam 

Many application issues are avoidable. Common mistakes include using a nickname instead of a legal name, waiting too long to apply, submitting incomplete documents, or missing important messages in the NDAEB portal. Staying organized and applying early helps prevent unnecessary stress. 

Final Thoughts on How to Apply for the NDAEB Exam 

Learning how to apply for the NDAEB exam is an important part of your journey to becoming a Certified Dental Assistant. The process may seem detailed at first, but when broken into steps, it is manageable and clear. 

If you are currently enrolled in or considering a Dental Assisting program, choosing a school that offers structured training and student support can make the entire process easier. Programs like CDI College’s Dental Assisting diploma are designed to align with national certification requirements, helping students move smoothly from education to certification. 

Once your application is submitted, you are one step closer to launching your career in dental assisting. With the right preparation and training, exam day becomes an opportunity to demonstrate what you already know.