The NDEB Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge runs twice per year, with sittings typically in March and September. This page covers the schedule, registration process, and preparation timeline.
Sitting pattern
The AFK is delivered at Prometric test centres across Canada and at selected international centres. The March sitting is usually the larger of the two, coinciding with the start of the academic year cycle for internationally trained dentists seeking to enter Canadian practice.
Registration opens approximately three to four months before each sitting through the NDEB online portal. The process requires verification of your dental degree and transcripts, which can take several weeks — start the registration process early to avoid missing the application window.
Fees
The AFK exam fee is approximately CAD $1,200 to $1,500 including the registration and administration charges. This is a significant investment, and the high failure rate (32 to 63 per cent historically) means that many candidates pay this fee more than once. Structured preparation that improves your first-time pass probability has a direct financial return.
Preparation timeline
For the March sitting, begin structured revision in October or November — this gives you four to five months of preparation. For the September sitting, begin in April or May.
The first month should focus on biomedical sciences (anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology) — the 20 per cent of the exam that most practising dentists neglect. Months two and three should cover clinical dental sciences systematically. Month four should focus on behavioural sciences, timed practice, and mock exams.
iatroX's NDEB AFK question bank contains over 1,500 questions framed in Canadian dental context. The adaptive algorithm targets your weakest domains. All included at £29 per month or £99 per year — the same subscription covers ORE Part 1 and MFDS Part 1 for candidates considering multiple jurisdictions.