Format at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions | 200 single-answer multiple choice, one mark each, no penalty for wrong answers |
| Time | Two parts of 2 hours each, about 72 seconds per question |
| Delivery | Computer at Prometric test centres (Canada, Australia, New Zealand) or a paper booklet at select sites in Canada |
| Sittings | Twice a year, in February and August |
| Pass mark | A test-equated, re-scaled score of 75 |
| Attempts | A maximum of three |
| Fee | C$1,000 per attempt, plus the one-time C$900 Equivalency Process application fee |
The blueprint
The 2026 AFK Protocol gives approximate weights, each plus or minus 5%:
- Applied biomedical sciences (anatomy, biochemistry, biomaterials, cariology, growth and development, histology, immunology, microbiology, oral embryology, physiology): 20%
- Restorative dentistry, prosthodontics and implants: 16%
- Oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology: 15%
- Pharmacology and therapeutics, local anesthesia and medical emergencies: 14%
- Orthodontics, pediatric, geriatric and special needs dentistry: 8%
- Periodontics: 8%
- Oral surgery, trauma, orofacial pain and dental emergencies: 8%
- Endodontics: 6%
- Evidence-based dentistry, prevention, infection control, ethics and jurisprudence: 5%
What gets tested most
Most AFK questions are short and one fact deep: a nerve supply, a germ layer, a classification grade, a maximum dose. Biomedical science catches practising dentists out because they last studied it years ago. Expect quick calculations too: maximum local anesthetic cartridges by weight, bone loss ÷ age for periodontitis grade, and number needed to treat.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free AFK practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
How it's scored
Each question is worth one mark and the lowest score for any question is zero, so guessing costs nothing. The NDEB equates each version of the exam to a reference exam and reports a re-scaled score: 75 or more is a pass. You get your score but no breakdown by topic, which is why tracking your own topic accuracy in practice matters.
Pacing
At about 72 seconds a question, recall items should take 20 to 30 seconds so you have time for radiograph descriptions and calculations. Flag anything over 2 minutes, finish the part, then come back.
A 16-week plan
- Weeks 1-2: free diagnostic test, then applied biomedical sciences with daily flashcards.
- Weeks 3-6: restorative and prosthodontics, then oral medicine, pathology and radiology.
- Weeks 7-8: pharmacology, local anesthesia and emergencies; first half-length timed mock.
- Weeks 9-12: orthodontics and pediatrics, periodontics and endodontics, oral surgery, then prevention and ethics; first full timed mock.
- Weeks 13-14: drill your two weakest topics; second full mock.
- Weeks 15-16: mixed practice and mistakes bank, light review only in the last two days.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the AFK?
200 single-answer multiple-choice questions, delivered in two parts of 2 hours each.
What is the AFK pass mark?
A test-equated, re-scaled score of 75. The NDEB doesn't publish a fixed percentage of correct answers, because the raw score needed depends on the version of the exam.
How many times can I take the AFK?
A maximum of three times.
When is the AFK offered?
Twice a year, in February and August. The next listed sitting is 5 February 2027 in Canada (6 February in Australia and New Zealand), with a registration deadline of 4 January 2027.
Is there an official practice test?
Yes. The NDEB offers a free web-based self-assessment of 100 questions that gives you a tally of correct answers. It doesn't predict your result.
Official sources
- NDEB: Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge
- NDEB: Exam Resources (2026 AFK Protocol)
- NDEB: Equivalency Process fees
- NDEB: Examination Dates and Locations
Practice tests for these certifications
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not legal advice. the National Dental Examining Board of Canada rules change; confirm with the National Dental Examining Board of Canada before you apply.
