What Happens After the Examination?

The examinations are computer-scored by the testing agency contracted by the NDHCB. You will receive one point for each correct answer. You receive no points for omitted or double answers. Examination questions that do not meet statistical standards will not count toward your total score. Also, the examination may contain experimental questions that are being assessed for future use. Your answers to these questions will not count toward your score.

When to Expect the Exam Results

Each candidate was assigned an identification number on the picture-ID card they received at the exam site. Following each examination, a list of all successful candidates will be posted, by ID number, in the "News" section of the NDHCB Website as soon as it is available from the Testing Agency. Candidates must avoid taking action (ie. career, move, etc.) before receiving a positive official result in the mail.

Please note that the NDHCB has up to six weeks after you write the certification examination to report your official results by mail. Your official result will be reported as pass or fail. Results will not be given out over the telephone. The NDHCB will under no condition fast track examination results for any reason.

How is the Passing Score Set?

The passing score is set by the Examination Committee which is composed of dental hygiene experts from across Canada. This Committee includes educators, experienced practitioners, and administrators. The Examination Committee establishes a score that represents the expected performance of entry-level practice dental hygienists. Over the last 5 years, it should be noted that the passing score has always been between 65% and 70% for any specific examination.

In addition to the expert ratings, a variety of relevant data is carefully considered to ensure that the standard that candidates will be required to achieve on the examination is fair and valid.

Your examination score will be compared against the established pass mark. If your score is equal to or higher than the pass mark, you will receive a “pass” result. If your score is lower than the pass mark, you will receive a “fail” result.

Next Step

If you are successful, you will receive your National Dental Hygiene Certificate with a unique National certification number, with your results letter. Please note that the NDHCB does not register or issue licenses to practice dental hygiene. Please contact the dental hygiene regulatory authority in the jurisdiction you wish to practice, for information about registration/licensing procedures.

If you are not successful on the certification examination, you may rewrite the examination at another examination administration, up to a maximum of four attempts. Candidates who fail the examination will be provided with information on rewriting application procedures.

Please note that a candidate who fails his/her third attempt of the NDHCE, will be required to wait a minimum of 12 months before writing his/her fourth attempt;

In addition, a candidate who is applying for his/her fourth attempt of the NDHCE will be requested to return to the NDHCB office a signed, written statement verifying his/her understanding that this fourth attempt is his/her final attempt of the NDHCE;

A candidate who has failed four attempts of the NDHCE is no longer a candidate for the NDHCE unless he/she successfully completes again all of the dental hygiene course requirements of a recognized dental hygiene program and meets the eligibility criteria in effect at the time of the new application to write the NDHCE.

Candidates who are unsuccessful can request a manual rescoring of their answer sheets. They can also request a formal review of their examination attempt if they believe they were treated unfairly or if there were any other irregularities in the examination process. Please click here for more information.