RDA Practice Test
Updated for October 2026What changed for the RDA exam in 2026
- California RDA licensure (Dental Board of California) requires ONE exam: the Registered Dental Assistant Combined Written and Law and Ethics Examination, administered by PSI. There is no separate practical exam and no initial license fee beyond the application and exam fees. (source)
- The California RDA application fee is $120 (nonrefundable), submitted online through BreEZe or by mail; standard processing time is up to 30 days. (source)
- Effective January 1, 2025, the PSI fee for the RDA General and Law and Ethics Written Exam is $46.59 per registration, paid directly to PSI for first attempts and repeats alike. (source)
- Effective July 1, 2025 (SB 1453), California added three new licensure pathways (DANB Certified Dental Assistant, Alternative Dental Assisting Program, Preceptorship in Dental Assisting), requires a Pit and Fissure Sealants course certificate with every application, and applies expiration windows to course certificates (Dental Practice Act and Infection Control within 2 years; Coronal Polishing, Pit and Fissure Sealants, Ultrasonic Scaling within 5 years; Radiation Safety within 10 years). (source)
- California eligibility pathways include a Board-approved RDA program or at least 15 months and 1,280 hours of dental-assistant work experience; every applicant also needs Board-approved courses in Radiation Safety (32 hours), Coronal Polishing (12 hours), Pit and Fissure Sealants (16 hours), California Dental Practice Act (2 hours), Infection Control (8 hours) and current hands-on Basic Life Support. (source)
- Written exam results are given as pass/fail at the PSI test site immediately after the exam; the numeric score is not released. Candidates who fail can contact PSI to reschedule in 7-10 business days without filing a new application. (source)
- The current (2023) RDA exam outline weights Assessment and Diagnostic Records at 15% and Dental Procedures at 50% of the Combined Written and Law and Ethics Examination. (source)
- California RDA licenses renew every two years online via BreEZe: renewal fee $100, delinquent fee $50 (30 days after expiration), and 25 CE units including a 2-unit Infection Control course and a 2-unit California Dental Practice Act course (CE is not required for the first renewal). (source)
- Texas RDA registration (TSBDE) requires a TSBDE-approved course and exam, or a current DANB certificate plus the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment, plus hands-on BLS and (since October 1, 2021) a human-trafficking-prevention course; renewal is biennial with 12 CE hours, 6 of them clinical. (source)
- DANB’s 2026 Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam is 245 questions in 195 minutes across the GC, RHS and ICE components; the 2026 fee is $450 (includes the $75 nonrefundable application fee) and applications are accepted through December 31, 2026. (source)
Last verified: September 17, 2026 against the Dental Board of California, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, and DANB.
Note: RDA Requirements and exam details can vary by state. Always verify specific regulations with your state's dental board or the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
RDA Exam Flashcards
Quick review of essential RDA concepts
🦷What is coronal polishing?
Coronal polishing is a procedure used to remove stain and plaque from the enamel surfaces of the teeth. It is a common duty for an RDA.
START RDA PRACTICE TEST☢️What is the purpose of a lead apron?
A lead apron is used to protect the patient's reproductive and blood-forming tissues from scatter radiation during dental x-ray procedures.
GET RDA EXAM PREP🧼What is sterilization?
Sterilization is the process that kills all forms of life, including bacterial spores, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It is critical in dental settings.
REVIEW RDA QUESTIONS📋What does HIPAA protect?
HIPAA protects the privacy and security of a patient's health information. An RDA must ensure patient records are kept confidential.
TRY RDA MOCK EXAM💉What is the bevel of a needle?
The bevel is the slanted tip of the needle that penetrates the soft tissues. Correct orientation is important for patient comfort during injections.
ACCESS RDA STUDY GUIDE⚖️What is direct supervision?
Direct supervision means the dentist has delegated a specific procedure to be performed for a patient of record and is physically present in the office.
PRACTICE RDA TEST NOWRDA Exam Study Guide
This RDA Study Guide breaks down the core components of the examination. Understanding these basics is crucial for passing the RDA License test and starting your career in dental assisting.
- Topics: Disinfection, waste management, protocols.
- Questions: ~20-40 Questions
RDA Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the RDA - Registered Dental Assistant exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
RDA Assisting with Administration of Anest...
RDA Exam Questions covering Assisting with Administration of Anesthesia and Sedation Questions and Answers. Master RDA Test concepts for certification prep.
RDA Dental Charting, Tooth Morphology, and...
Free RDA Practice Test featuring Dental Charting, Tooth Morphology, and Occlusion Questions and Answers. Improve your RDA Exam score with mock test prep.
RDA Dental Instruments and Tray Setups Que...
RDA Mock Exam on Dental Instruments and Tray Setups Questions and Answers. RDA Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
RDA Instrument Processing, Sterilization, ...
RDA Test Prep for Instrument Processing, Sterilization, and Monitoring Questions and Answers. Practice RDA Quiz questions and boost your score.
RDA Radiographic Techniques and Errors Que...
RDA Questions and Answers on Radiographic Techniques and Errors Questions and Answers. Free RDA practice for exam readiness.
RDA Recognition and Management of Medical ...
RDA Mock Test covering Recognition and Management of Medical Emergencies Questions and Answers. Online RDA Test practice with instant feedback.
RDA Restorative and Impression Materials Q...
Free RDA Quiz on Restorative and Impression Materials Questions and Answers. RDA Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
RDA State Dental Practice Act and Legal/Et...
RDA Practice Questions for State Dental Practice Act and Legal/Ethical Responsibilities Questions and Answers. Build confidence for your RDA certification exam.
RDA Assisting with Administration of Anest...
RDA Test Online for Assisting with Administration of Anesthesia and Sedation. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
RDA Dental Charting, Tooth Morphology, and...
RDA Study Material on Dental Charting, Tooth Morphology, and Occlusion. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
RDA Dental Instruments and Tray Setups
Free RDA Test covering Dental Instruments and Tray Setups. Practice and track your RDA exam readiness.
RDA Dental Pharmacology and Pain Management
RDA Exam Questions covering Dental Pharmacology and Pain Management. Master RDA Test concepts for certification prep.
RDA Dental Specialties Assisting (Orthodon...
Free RDA Practice Test featuring Dental Specialties Assisting (Orthodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery, Endodontics, and Prosthodontics). Improve your RDA Exam score with mock test prep.
RDA Head, Neck, and Oral Anatomy
RDA Mock Exam on Head, Neck, and Oral Anatomy. RDA Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
RDA Infection Control and Barrier Techniques
RDA Test Prep for Infection Control and Barrier Techniques. Practice RDA Quiz questions and boost your score.
RDA Instrument Processing, Sterilization, ...
RDA Questions and Answers on Instrument Processing, Sterilization, and Monitoring. Free RDA practice for exam readiness.
RDA Job Responsibilities and Duties
RDA Mock Test covering Job Responsibilities and Duties. Online RDA Test practice with instant feedback.
RDA Preventive Dentistry and Patient Educa...
Free RDA Quiz on Preventive Dentistry and Patient Education. RDA Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
RDA Radiation Safety, Protection, and Physics
RDA Practice Questions for Radiation Safety, Protection, and Physics. Build confidence for your RDA certification exam.
RDA Radiographic Techniques and Errors
RDA Test Online for Radiographic Techniques and Errors. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
RDA Recognition and Management of Medical ...
RDA Study Material on Recognition and Management of Medical Emergencies. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
RDA Restorative and Impression Materials
Free RDA Test covering Restorative and Impression Materials. Practice and track your RDA exam readiness.
RDA Skills and Personal Attributes
RDA Exam Questions covering Skills and Personal Attributes. Master RDA Test concepts for certification prep.
RDA State Dental Practice Act and Legal/Et...
Free RDA Practice Test featuring State Dental Practice Act and Legal/Ethical Responsibilities. Improve your RDA Exam score with mock test prep.
Focus heavily on Infection Control and Law and Ethics. These are critical pass/fail components in almost every state's RDA Exam requirements.
RDA Score Calculator
Excluding tuition, expect to spend around $500 to $800 on application and testing fees to obtain your RDA Certification. Financial aid is often available for accredited programs.
RDA Career Specialties
Explore different paths for a Registered Dental Assistant.
Pediatric RDA
Specialize in dental care for children and adolescents. Requires patience and behavior management skills.
Orthodontic RDA
Assist with braces and aligners. Often requires an Orthodontic Assistant Permit (OAP).
Oral
Surgery RDAAssist in surgical procedures like extractions and implants. May require sedation monitoring certification.
Endodontic RDA
Focus on root canal therapy and microscopic dentistry. Requires precision and attention to detail.
General
Practice RDAProvide comprehensive care in a general dentist's office, handling a variety of procedures daily.
RDA Test Day Checklist
- ✓Valid Government ID
- ✓Exam Confirmation Email
- ✓Arrive 30 Mins Early
- ✓Leave Electronics in Car
- ✓Review Exam Center Rules
- ✓Wear Comfortable Clothes
- ✓Review the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin
- ✓Hydrate & Eat Beforehand
Ready to Pass Your RDA Exam?
Get instant access to our complete RDA Practice Test library, including 950+ expert questions, detailed answers, and performance tracking.
RDA License Renewal
Renewal Period Every
2 Years
CE Hours
25 Hours
Renewal Fee
$100
Ensure your RDA License Renewal is completed on time. In states like California, specific courses in infection control and dental practice act are mandatory for every renewal cycle.
RDA: Pros and Cons
- +rda — rDA exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains
- +Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients
- +Study materials and practice tests are widely available
- +Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers
- +Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively
- −Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it
- −Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date
- −Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods
- −Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials
- −Testing center availability may require advance scheduling
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| rda — rDA exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains | Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it |
| Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients | Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date |
| Study materials and practice tests are widely available | Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods |
| Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers | Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials |
| Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively | Testing center availability may require advance scheduling |
Sample Registered Dental Assistant Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free Registered Dental Assistant practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a Registered Dental Assistant during a dental procedure?
- A. Performing root canals
- B. Handing instruments to the dentist
- C. Diagnosing dental conditions
- D. Administering anesthesia
Answer: B. Handing instruments to the dentist
During a dental procedure, a primary responsibility of a Registered Dental Assistant is to assist the dentist chairside, which includes efficiently handing instruments. This role requires excellent manual dexterity and anticipation of the dentist's needs to ensure smooth and timely treatment. RDAs also prepare materials, suction fluids, and ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure.
The State Dental Board has the authority to take which action against a dental assistant who violates the Dental Practice Act?
- A. File a criminal indictment
- B. Suspend or revoke the assistant's license or certificate
- C. Impose prison sentences
- D. Order the employer to terminate the assistant
Answer: B. Suspend or revoke the assistant's license or certificate
The State Dental Board can suspend, revoke, or place conditions on a dental assistant's license or certificate for violations of the Dental Practice Act.
What is the minimum education required to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)?
- A. Bachelor’s degree in Dental Science
- B. Associate’s degree in any field
- C. High school diploma or equivalent
- D. Master’s degree in Dental Hygiene
Answer: C. High school diploma or equivalent
To become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), a high school diploma or its equivalent is generally the minimum educational prerequisite. While many pursue post-secondary dental assisting programs, this foundational education is sufficient to begin training. Specific state requirements may vary, but a high school diploma is universally accepted as the basic entry-level education.
Which of the following is a typical lab duty for a Registered Dental Assistant?
- A. Fabricating dental implants
- B. Creating temporary crowns or impressions
- C. Administering fluoride treatments
- D. Cleaning the patient's teeth
Answer: B. Creating temporary crowns or impressions
A typical lab duty for a Registered Dental Assistant involves creating temporary crowns or taking impressions. These tasks require precision and knowledge of dental materials to ensure proper fit and function for the patient. RDAs often prepare models from impressions for various dental appliances or restorations.
Take the full Registered Dental Assistant practice test
You can continue preparing with the rda practice test, which includes answer explanations for every question.
RDA Questions and Answers
Official Resources
- DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) — the national body behind the CDA credential; verify current exam eligibility paths, fees, and content outlines directly from DANB before relying on any third-party summary.
- Dental Board of California — the licensing authority for California RDAs; check official RDA application requirements, current fees, and PSI exam scheduling here.
- Texas State Board of Dental Examiners — the licensing authority for Texas RDAs; confirm current registration requirements, approved courses, and renewal rules for your state.
About the Author
Registered Nurse & Healthcare Educator
Johns Hopkins University School of NursingDr. Sarah Mitchell is a board-certified registered nurse with over 15 years of clinical and academic experience. She completed her PhD in Nursing Science at Johns Hopkins University and has taught NCLEX preparation and clinical skills courses for nursing students across the United States. Her research focuses on evidence-based exam preparation strategies for healthcare certification candidates.
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