FAQs

Please provide us with an email that you check regularly. We suggest avoiding school email addresses in the event the address become inaccessible after graduation. At times, our emails are blocked by school firewalls. We also recommend candidates do not use AOL email addresses, as AOL frequently blocks our email. Gmail also blocks our emails; however, if you add @ADEXtesting.org to your contacts or safe sender list the issue should be fixed. Always check your spam or junk folders for messages. We recommend adding us as a contact or safe sender to best route message delivery into your inbox. If you need assistance with changing the email address associated with your profile, please use Contact Us.

Try resetting your password via the “Reset Password” link on the log-in screen. Contact us if the issue persists.

DO NOT create a duplicate profile.

A “Pending” profile status indicates that the profile has not yet been verified. Please refer to the following question, “What do I need for my profile to be verified?” to identify any missing documentation or to determine whether your profile is awaiting faculty verification. If faculty verification is required, you may need to contact your faculty directly to request completion of the verification process. 

You will need to submit both a photo and a qualifying document. A front-facing head and shoulders image or passport-quality photo is a required part of your candidate profile.  You will also be asked to upload a qualifying document IF you are not a student currently.

• For current students: the school can login and verify your status in our system or  provide us with a letter of your good standing.
• Graduates from CODA Schools: Candidates who have graduated from accredited schools can upload their diploma, official transcript, or a letter from their school confirming their graduation. Ensure the document has the following information: name, profession, graduation date, degree, and school name. A valid license to practice that includes an expiration date can also be submitted for this purpose.
• Internationally-Trained Dentists Currently Enrolled in a Post-Graduate Residency Program: Can provide a state-only letter, an authorization form from their school, or the school can verify their account in our system.
• Internationally Trained Dentists Not in a Post-Graduate Residency Program: Must provide a letter from the state board saying they are eligible to take the exam.

Verification takes 2-3 business days to process.

Below are a few reasons why your profile may not have been verified yet:

• Have you uploaded a photo?
• If you are still a student, have you selected the correct school and date of graduation?
• If you have graduated, have you uploaded proof of graduation?
• If the name on your diploma is different from the name on your candidate profile, have you uploaded proof of the name change?

No. To ensure that your profile is accurate we ask all candidates to personally create profiles and upload relevant documentation.

If your legal name has changed after creating your profile, but before beginning the ADEX examination series, you must first ensure that the government issued photo-identification that you will use to check into your exam reflects your new name.  

To update your name in your profile, navigate to the My Account icon and select Personal Information. Then click the My Legal Name Has Changed link located beneath your name. You will be prompted to upload official documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, naturalization form, or other legal documentation. Please do not upload a Social Security card or credit card as proof.  

Your updated name should appear in your profile within 2–3 business days. Please note: candidates are required to present a government-issued photo ID with signature at check-in for all exams.  

CDCA-WREB-CITA is a test developer and administrator, not a licensing body. Refer to the respective state dental board or licensing jurisdiction website for their licensing or certification requirements.

CDCA-WREB-CITA is a test developer and administrator, not a licensing body. Refer to the respective state dental board or licensing jurisdiction website for their licensing or certification requirements.

CDCA-WREB-CITA is a test developer and administrator, not a licensing body. Refer to the respective state dental board or licensing jurisdiction website for their licensing or certification requirements.

CDCA-WREB-CITA is a test developer and administrator, not a licensing body. Refer to the respective state dental board or licensing jurisdiction website for their licensing or certification requirements.

Computer-based exams are administered at Prometric Test Center locations, with the exception of the EFDA (ACE)* exam which is administered at PSI Test Center locations.

Dental:

• DSE OSCE (ADEX)
• Florida Laws & Rules – Dental

Dental Hygiene:

• CSCE OSCE (ADEX)
• Dental Therapy (DT OSCE)
• EFDA (ACE)*
• Florida Laws & Rules – Hygiene
• Local Anesthesia
• Nitrous Oxide

Sedation exams:

• Deep sedation
• General Anesthesia
• Minimal sedation
• Moderate sedation
• Pediatric Sedation

Computer-based exams are administered at Prometric Test Center locations, with the exception of the EFDA (ACE) exam which is administered at PSI Test Center locations.

Once authorized, you may attempt the computer-based exam wherever available, regardless of the state from which licensure is sought.

Registration for a full examination series includes both clinical and computer-based components. Meaning that separate registration for the computer-based exam is not required, unless a retake of the exam is required due to an unsuccessful attempt.

• ADEX Dental Examination
• ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination
• Dental Therapy Examination
• EFDA Examination
• Local Anesthesia Clinical

However, the Florida Laws & Rules, Local Anesthesia, Nitrous Oxide, and Sedation computer-based exams are stand-alone exams and require separate registration. Login to your Candidate Profile portal to register for any of these computer-based exams.

Refer to the respective Exams webpage for more information about examination components and fees.

Special accommodation requests and supporting documentation from an appropriate health provider must be submitted, reviewed and approved or denied in advance of scheduling of any computer-based exam appointment. Refer to the Candidate Guide for more information regarding Special Accommodation eligibility.

Submitting an Accommodation Request for Computer-based Exams:

• Login to your Candidate Profile portal
• Click the green “Schedule My Exam” button and follow the “Do you need an Accommodation Request” prompts to submit your request
• Upload supporting documentation (PDF)

Do NOT schedule an appointment until after the testing accommodation request(s) has been approved or denied.

For exams administered at Prometric Test Center locations: Scheduling, rescheduling and cancellation of computer-based exam appointments is managed through your online Candidate Profile portal. Login to access the green “Schedule My Exam” button and follow the prompts to select a date, time and test center location to attempt your computer-based exam. Also, refer to the “Scheduling Your Computer-based Exam” video tutorial available on the Test Prep webpage.

For EFDA (ACE) exams administered at PSI Test Center locations:  Refer to your “Ace Eligibility” email or Contact Us directly for assistance with scheduling, rescheduling or cancellation.

For exams administered at Prometric Test Center locations: Scheduling, rescheduling and cancellation of computer-based exam appointments is managed through your online Candidate Profile portal. Login to access the “My Registration” button of your profile dashboard and follow the prompts to reschedule or cancel your exam appointment.

The following Prometric cancellation/reschedule policies apply:

• <24 hours prior to exam appointment = not permitted; forfeiture of exam attempt and registration fee; no refund
• 1-5 days prior to exam appointment = incurs $100 fee
• 6-30 days prior to exam appointment = incurs $50 fee

Contact Prometric directly with questions regarding their cancellation/rescheduling policy and fees.

For EFDA (ACE) exams administered at PSI Test Center locations:  Refer to your “Ace Eligibility” email or Contact Us directly for assistance with scheduling, rescheduling or cancellation.

Do not wait in the queue. If you encounter issues with Prometric’s online scheduler during peak demand times, exit the scheduler and try again later during off-peak times (e.g. early morning, later in the evening).

For most computer-based examinations, provisional results are displayed on the screen immediately upon exam completion. Official results will be posted to your online profile within 2-3 business days of exam completion. All results are reported as pass/fail only.

After your official results have been posted to your online Candidate Profile portal, Login to access the “Register for an Exam” button and follow the prompts to register for an exam.

Once authorized, Login to access the green “Schedule My Exam” button and follow the prompts to select a date, time and test center location to attempt your computer-based exam.

Successful completion (passing score) of the Local Anesthesia computer-based exam is required to attempt the Local Anesthesia Clinical exam.

For states that require both the Local Anesthesia computer-based and clinical examinations, the computer-based exam must have a passing result no later than 15 days prior to the clinical exam. You may schedule your computer exam as soon as possible but no later than 15 days prior to the clinical examination.

Otherwise, exams do not need to be taken in any particular order. Keep in mind that all portions an ADEX exam must be passed within 18 months of taking the first exam section.

Visit the Exams or Test Prep pages of the ADEXtesting.org website for official CDCA-WREB-CITA produced videos, manuals, and candidate guides.

Because of the broad-based approach to test development, no single textbook or publication can be used as a reference. Examinations are based on concepts taught and accepted by CODA-accredited or CDAC-accredited educational institutions. Any current textbook relevant to the subject matter of the examination utilized in such accredited institutions is suitable as a study reference.

Note that CDCA-WREB-CITA does not endorse third-party videos, study guides or preparation courses of any kind.

A list of Florida Statutes & Administrative Codes can be found on the Florida Laws & Rules Examination Overview page of the ADEXtesting.org website or visit by visiting the Links and Resources page of the Florida Board of Dentistry website.

For most computer-based exams, question or test item types are limited to multiple choice and have only one correct response.

For OSCE exam formats, question or test item types include multiple choice (selected-response), multiple-response, extended match, drop down, fill-in-the-blank, hot spot, and drag & drop.

Refer to the Test Prep for Computerized Examinations section of the ADEXtesting.org website to view a video tutorial of test item types.

The National Board Examinations (NBDE or NBDHE) are not prerequisites for or components of  any ADEX or CDCA-WREB-CITA exams.

Contact the state dental board(s) from which licensure is sought for their requirements.

As noted in the Exam Eligibility & Requirements section of the Candidate Guide, Internationally-trained Graduates or Students of non-accredited non-U.S. or non-Canadian dental or dental hygiene schools are required to submit a letter of authorization from the state(s) in which licensure is sought, indicating exam specific eligibility (e.g. ADEX Dental Examination, ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination, Florida Laws & Rules Exam). Eligibility is limited to only those exam types specified within the authorization letter. Authorization valid for up to 18 months from letter date; certain exclusions apply.

Contact the state dental board or licensing jurisdiction from which licensure is sought for authorization assistance.

Yes, if the school gives permission.

Contact your state board for licensure requirements in their jurisdiction.

Yes, but you must request a Score Report. The report will indicate that the examination was not the ADEX examination but rather was an examination authorized by a specific state.

Manual payments are managed through your online Candidate Profile portal. Login to access the red “Outstanding Charges” button on your profile dashboard and follow the prompts to complete payment. Payment required within 24 hours of link notification; registration removed if payment is not received.

Refer to the respective Exams page for examination fee information, including registration, transfer, retake and withdrawal fees and restrictions.

The Facility Fee is assessed by the exam site host (school) to cover their expenses incurred during the onsite administration of a clinical exam (e.g. staffing, materials, equipment, utilities). Fee varies by clinical location. Facility fees may be (a) collected by CDCA-WREB-CITA at the time of online registration or (b) paid directly to the school in advance of examination.

Refer the Site Info Sheet of the respective clinical exam location, available on the respective Exams page, for site-specific information such as Facility Fee collection, acceptable payment methods and deadlines, in addition to a list of materials provided, instrument availability, equipment rental, and any other fees imposed by the school.

No, but you should have the cardholder’s permission if the credit or debit account is not in your name. During registration, ensure that you input the cardholder’s name and billing address correctly to avoid card decline.

Payment must be received by the registration deadline. Make checks payable to CDCA-WREB-CITA and mail to the following address:

CDCA-WREB-CITA
1304 Concourse Drive, Suite 100
Linthicum, Maryland 21090
Attn: Jean Parker

Note: Include your CDCA-WREB-CITA Candidate ID# and the exam you are registering for in the Memo section of the check.

Your registration fee includes limited liability/malpractice coverage during the clinical exam. Additional insurance coverage is not required.

Visit the respective Exams page for information about registration fees, exam withdrawal deadlines, and refund eligibility policies. Withdrawal or refund requests must be submitted via Contact Us.

Examination result release time frames are approximate, excluding holiday closures. Candidates are notified via email once examination results have been posted to their Candidates. ADEXtesting.org online profile.

• Computer-Based Exams: Provisional results on-site; official results approximately 5 business days
• Dental Hygiene Simulated Patient Treatment Clinical Exam: January – May, approximately 2-3 business days. June – December, approximately 1-3 weeks
• Dental Hygiene Local Anesthesia: Provisional results available on-site; official results approximately 2-3 business days
• Dental Hygiene Restorative: Provisional results available on-site; official results approximately 2-3 business days

• Dental Restorative Exam & EFDA: approximately 2-3 business days
• Dental Prosth/Endo/Perio Exam: approximately 3-4 weeks

Login to your online Candidate Profile portal to view your results. Results are reported as Pass/Fail.

Refer to the Candidate Guide and respective Candidate Manual for performance expectations, grading criteria, remediations requirements, and additional information.

Visit the Scores page to submit your fee-based Candidate Score Report Request.

Official results reports are a cumulative record of all historical CDCA-WREB-CITA clinical and computer-based examination attempts available at the time of the request.

Include the following information to ensure accurate reporting:

• Exam type and year for each exam attempted
• Your name at the time of testing if different from your current name.
• License application number, if known (Required for Wisconsin)

Reminder: Confirm that all results are visible in your candidate profile before submitting a score request. Do not submit a request in advance of results release.

If a non-failure or non-attempt letter is required for licensure application, indicate the state board name as well as the testing agencies that you would like the letter for (ex. CDCA, NERB, WREB, or CITA) in the “Special Requests” section of your fee-based Candidate Score Report Request.

Although most state dental boards and licensing jurisdictions have direct access to examination results through our secure portal, additional reporting by the Candidate may be required. Refer to the license application of the state board from which you are seeking licensure for their reporting requirements.

If an official results report is required for licensure application, visit the Scores page to submit your fee-based Candidate Score Report Request.

Changes or cancellations must be submitted via Contact Us. Note changes or cancellations are not eligible for a refund if submitted after score request processing is complete.

Examination results do not expire; however, restrictions may apply.

Some state boards may impose restrictions on the amount of time testing and initial licensure application. Refer to the license application of the state board or jurisdiction from which you are seeking licensure for their reporting requirements or contact them directly for clarification.

Refer to the Appeals section of the Scores page of the ADEXtesting.org website for criteria and procedural information.

Candidates are required a 10-day waiting period between the date of failure notification and the retake or re-attempt of any part of the following clinical examinations. See Candidate Manual for additional information.

• ADEX Dental Examination
• ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination
• Dental Therapy Examination
• EFDA Auxiliary Examination

Note that some state boards may impose additional restrictions on candidates unsuccessful in their initial or subsequent attempt of exam. Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the state board or jurisdiction from which licensure is sought for clarification of their testing requirements prior to a reattempt of any exam. The onus is on the Candidate to ensure that all requirements for licensure in a given state are met.

Some state boards may require remediation after one unsuccessful attempt, while others require remediation after three unsuccessful attempts. Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the state board or jurisdiction from which licensure is sought for clarification regarding acceptable programs or additional requirements prior to reattempting any examination. The onus is on the Candidate to ensure that all requirements for licensure in a given state are met.

Candidates are permitted up to three (3) unsuccessful attempts of the following exams before additional requirements must be met. See Candidate Guide for additional information.

• ADEX Dental Examination
• ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination
• Dental Therapy Examination
• EFDA Auxiliary Examination

Candidates are permitted up to two (2) unsuccessful attempts at two (2) separate exam locations before additional requirements must be met. See Candidate Manual for additional information.

• Local Anesthesia Clinical
• Dental Hygiene Restorative Clinical

Full registration for the following exams includes one complimentary retake per clinical examination procedure. Candidate is financially responsible for $150 typodont fee per procedure, and any applicable Facility Fees (varies by location). Individual registration fees higher for subsequent attempts. See Exams for additional information.

• ADEX Dental Examination
• ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination
• Dental Therapy
• EFDA Auxiliary

Complimentary retake not applicable to Local Anesthesia Clinical, Dental Hygiene Restorative Clinical, computer-based exams, or registration for Individual exam components. See Exams for additional information.

Some exams are comprised of multiple individual procedures that are evaluated separately but graded on the whole. Meaning failure of one procedure requires re-attempt of all procedures of that examination (e.g. both Anterior and Posterior procedures of the Endodontic Examination). Refer to the respective Candidate Manual for more information.

In most cases, proof of remedial course completion documentation is not required as the candidate is responsible for working directly with the state board to fulfill their remediation requirements.

Florida Exception. International candidates required by the Florida Board of Dentistry to complete a Dental Hygiene remedial education course must upload their state-issued remediation completion document to their Candidate Profile in order to schedule a retake of the examination.

Notify us as soon as possible via Contact Us and include any available documentation, such as a doctor’s note, accident report, family member’s death certificate, etc. If not available before the exam takes place, please send documentation as soon as possible after the exam. Refer to the Medical Emergency Cancellation Policy of the Candidate Guide for more information.

Exam-related topics (e.g. exam availability, registration, eligibility documentation, exam content, required instruments, Candidate Manuals? CONTACT US

School-related topics, such as information listed within the Site Info Sheet (e.g. any host-provided rental equipment, hand piece connections)? Contact site host only for the topics noted. When in doubt, CONTACT US.

These are formats of the Dental exam; they cover identical material but are administered at different times. Traditional exams have all clinical portions taken over a two-day period. CIF exams have the clinical portions of the exam taken over a period of months and are open only to current students at their school (or residents, graduate students, and faculty at those schools who have received authorization from the school).

Curriculum integrated format (CIF) exams are designed exclusively for current dental students. Refer to the Candidate Guide for more information regarding CIF exam eligibility.

CDCA-WREB-CITA is the name of our organization. ADEX refers to the core Dental and Dental Hygiene exams we administer.

Once you take any portion of an ADEX exam, either Dental or Dental Hygiene, you have 18 months from that date to pass all portions. If you do not pass all portions within that period, or fail a section three times, you have to take the entire exam over.

Please contact your state board for specific licensure requirements.

Proprietary typodonts and teeth are used exclusively during ADEX clinical examination procedures.

However, Acadental.com offers similar typodonts and teeth suitable for candidate practice in advance of the examination. 

• Dental 
• Dental Hygiene SPTCE 
• Dental Therapy 
• EFDA 
• Dental Hygiene Restorative 

Fingernails—natural, polished or artificial (gel, acrylic)—should be clean and maintained (not chipped or broken), without impeding treatment processes or damaging gloves. Proper hand hygiene and infection control are essential and imperative in a clinical setting—with or without nail polish.

CDCA-WREB-CITA welcomes examiners in two ways, through state dental boards or an application process. Visit the Examiners section of the About Us page for more information.

Prior to each clinical examination, grading examiners complete both standardization and calibration exercises based on the ADEX performance criteria to avoid potential bias and to further ensure an understanding of and adherence to the published criteria for the respective dental procedure.

Examination results are based on the independent evaluations completed by three (3) separate calibrated examiners according to the published ADEX criteria as outlined in the candidate manual and criteria sheets. Examiners do not discuss or share their evaluations with each other.

Each “Critical Deficiency” that leads to a failure must be independently corroborated by two or more examiners, then reviewed by an experienced grading captain. Meaning that a minimum three out of four calibrated examiners independently and anonymously validated an identified deficiency in the stated performance category.  After this is completed, the result is verified prior to release to the candidate. With this evaluation, review, and verification process in place, along with careful examiner calibration, there is no process by which a candidate’s performance is regraded (i.e. treatment teeth, preparations, restorations, tissue).

Prior to each clinical examination, grading examiners complete both standardization and calibration exercises based on the ADEX performance criteria to avoid potential bias and to further ensure an understanding of and adherence to the published criteria for the respective dental hygiene treatment.

Examination results are based on the independent evaluations completed by three (3) separate calibrated examiners according to the published ADEX criteria as outlined in the candidate manual and criteria sheets. Examiners do not discuss or share their evaluations with each other.

Each “Critical Deficiency” that leads to a failure must be independently corroborated by two or more examiners. Meaning that a minimum two out of three calibrated examiners independently and anonymously validated an identified deficiency in the stated performance category.  After this is completed, the result is verified prior to release to the candidate. With this evaluation, review, and verification process in place, along with careful examiner calibration, there is no process by which a candidate’s performance is regraded (i.e. treatment teeth, tissue).

As a testing agency, not an educational institution, CDCA-WREB-CITA does not provide post-exam images, details, or explanation beyond the stated criteria to candidates. Since examiners evaluate the procedure according to the published criteria, only applicable error criteria as defined in the SUB and DEF categories for the respective Dental procedure that leads to a failure are reported to the candidate. Refer to the respective Criteria Sheet for acceptable, substandard and critically deficient performance parameters for each category.

Score Certification is a fee-based AUDIT of a recent failing examination score, which is limited to a review of electronic calculations and accompanying exam documents, for any irregularities or errors.

Score Certification is NOT a re-evaluation or re-grading of candidate performance (i.e. preparations, restorations, treatment teeth), nor a review of the examination process.

An appeal is a formal, fee-based review of extraordinary conditions or circumstances reported and documented during the examination, which the candidate believes may have adversely affected the final outcome of their examination performance; it is NOT a re-evaluation of candidate performance (i.e. treatment teeth, preparation, restoration, tissue).

Factors of an appeal:

• Appeals are reviewed on the basis of facts surrounding the decision during the examination.
• Documents, radiographs, or other materials that were submitted during the examination and remain in the possession of the CDCA-WREB-CITA.

NOT factors of an appeal:

• Allegations that the examiner’s judgment was incorrect.
• Candidate (or patient) behavior, tardiness, or failure to appear.
• Documentation that is not part of the examination process.
• Records of academic achievement.
• Opinions of the candidate, auxiliaries, faculty members, patients, colleagues, examiners acting outside of the area of their assignment.

Refer to Appeals section of the Scores page for submission criteria, requirements, restrictions and fees.

A candidate appeal must be received in the CDCA-WREB-CITA office within 30 days of the date that the results were posted to their online profile.

No, the review will be terminated and the appeal dismissed if the candidate registers for, attempts or completes re-examination during the pending appeal.

Once received and recorded in the CDCA-WREB-CITA office, an appeal can take up to 4-6 weeks to complete and a decision determined.

The Appeals Panel has the exclusive authority to make decisions regarding the outcome of an appeal; their judgment is final and not subject to external review or influence. To determine the outcome of an appeal.

• DENIED. If the Appeals Panel determines that substantial evidence to support the appeal does not exist, the appeal will be denied, and the result will stand.
• GRANTED. If the Appeals Panel determines that substantial evidence exists to support the appeal, the failing result may be removed from the candidate’s record of examinations.

No, the Appeal Panel‘s decision is the final review authority.

The Appeal Panel report and all other internal documents related to each appeal are strictly confidential and becomes a permanent part of a candidate’s file maintained at the CDCA-WREB-CITA central office. Review of confidential CDCA-WREB-CITA documents is prohibited.