FAQs

Q. What is the difference between the NDSE and the Fellowship Examination?
A. The NDSE is the examination used by Canadian dental regulatory authorities as part of specialist licensure. The Fellowship Examination is a separate examination required to obtain the FRCDC designation and is not required for specialist licensure.
Q. Where can I find webinar recordings FAQ?
A. Webinar recordings, presentation decks and FAQs are posted on the NDSE website after each webinar.
Q. Where can I receive NDSE updates?
A. Subscribe to the NDSE newsletter through the NDSE website to receive communications and updates on the application windows, reference lists, webinars and other announcements.
Q. What is the language of communication and examination?
A. Applicants may communicate with NDSE staff in either official language (English or French). Applicants may also choose their preferred language for the NDSE during registration.

Q. Who is eligible to apply?
A. Eligibility depends on the pathway outlined in the NDSE Eligibility Requirements. Potential candidates should review the eligibility criteria on the NDSE website before applying (https://ndse-ensd.ca/en/application/eligibility/).
Q. Can final-year residents apply?
A. Yes. Candidates in their final year may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements and provide the required documentation. NDSE certification is only granted after a candidate successfully challenges the NDSE and proof of program completion is received by NDSE staff.
Q. Do I need to repeat credential verification if I am rewriting?
A. Returning candidates may need to update or resubmit credentialing documents in accordance with the current NDSE Policies and Procedures (https://ndse-ensd.ca/en/policies-and-procedures/).
Q. When does the NDSE Application window open/close?
A. Dates for the application window as well as Examination dates, can be found on the Dates and Deadlines page of the NDSE Website (https://ndse-ensd.ca/en/dates-deadlines/).
Q. How will I receive updates on the progress of my submitted application?
A. Auto-generated updates on the status of your application can be found in your application portal. If the NDSE Staff require further information or documentation, you will receive an email with this request.

Q. What is the examination format?
A. The examination is computer-based. Question formats vary by specialty and may include single best answer, multiple best answer and constructed-response questions. Please refer to the specialty blueprint in the NDSE Protocol (https://ndse-ensd.ca/en/specialties/).
Q. How long is the examination?
A. Specialty examinations have six hours of testing time divided into multiple sections, depending on the specialty. Please refer to the specialty blueprint in the NDSE Protocol (https://ndse-ensd.ca/en/specialties/).
Q. Is there an oral examination?
A. No. The NDSE is currently delivered as a written/computer-based examination only.
Q. Can I flag questions and use a calculator?
A. Yes. Candidates can flag questions for review, and an on-screen calculator is available within the platform.
Q. Will scrap paper and a mouse be provided?
A. No. Test centres do not provide scrap paper or whiteboards.
Q. Is the NDSE offered once per year?
A. Yes, the NDSE occurs once per year. For further information on Examination dates, please see the Dates and Deadlines page on the NDSE website (https://ndse-ensd.ca/en/dates-deadlines/).

Q. Where is the NDSE administered?
A. The examination is administered in person at examination test centres across Canada and the United States.
Q. Can I choose my examination city?
A. Candidates select a preferred city during application process. The final examination test centre location assignments are confirmed 30 days prior to the examination date.

Q. When are results released?
A. Results are released within 10 weeks following the examination administration date.
Q. Is there a limit on the number of attempts?
A. At present there is no limit on the number of NDSE attempts.
Q. Are pass rates published?
A. Aggregate pass rates are published in the annual NDSE Technical Report for specialties where candidate confidentiality can be maintained.
Q. Are examination scores curved?
A. No. Pass marks are established using a rigorous psychometric standard-setting process.

Q. Will a reference list be provided?
A. Yes. Specialty-specific reference lists are published before the examination cycle, and candidates are notified through the NDSE communications.
Q. Are study guides or practice examinations available?
A.  No. The primary preparation resources are the specialty blueprints, NDSE Protocol and reference lists. No official practice examination is provided.

Q. What is the fee structure for the NDSE?
A. Fees for the NDSE can be found on the website https://ndse-ensd.ca/en/fees/.
Q. How do I request test accommodations?
A. Accommodation requests must be submitted through the NDSE application process in accordance with the NDSE Policies and Procedures (https://ndse-ensd.ca/en/policies-and-procedures/)
Q. Can I pay using methods other than a credit card?
A. Credit card is the preferred payment method. Candidates requiring alternative payment arrangements should contact the NDSE office at NDSE@rcdc.ca.

Q. Does passing the NDSE allow me to practice as a specialist?
A. The NDSE is one component of specialist licensure. Candidates should contact the dental regulatory authority in the province where they intend to practice for complete licensure requirements.