No, the MFDS is not computer-adaptive. Its written component is a linear, fixed-form exam in which the difficulty does not respond to your answers, and every candidate sitting a paper faces the same questions.
What the MFDS format actually is
The Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery has a written component using single-best-answer and extended matching questions, and in some parts short answer questions, testing knowledge for early dental practice. It is a fixed set of questions, so everyone sitting a paper faces the same items, unlike an adaptive test. Confirm current question counts and timings with the relevant surgical college.
How the pass mark is set
The MFDS written component is standard-set to a defined level of competence, so the raw mark needed can vary between sittings while the standard stays constant. For how this compares across exams, see how medical exam pass marks are set.
What would be different if it were adaptive
If the MFDS were adaptive, it would select each question based on your running ability and every candidate would see a different paper, as in the AMC CAT, explained in how computer-adaptive testing works. The MFDS written component is a fixed paper measured against a standard.
How to prepare
With a fixed paper, target your weak areas and space your revision. iatroX offers adaptive MFDS practice, with free sample questions to try at iatroX.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MFDS adaptive? No. Its written component is a linear, fixed-form exam of single-best-answer and extended matching questions. Difficulty does not change based on your answers.
What question types does the MFDS use? Single-best-answer and extended matching questions, and in some parts short answer questions, testing knowledge for early dental practice.
How is the MFDS marked? By criterion-referenced standard-setting to a defined competence level, so the mark needed can vary between sittings while the standard is constant.