INBDE
INBDE 2026: Format, Passing Score, Cost and Retakes
Last updated · Facts checked against the JCNDE INBDE Candidate Guide (updated 08/04/2026)
Per the JCNDE, the INBDE is 500 multiple-choice items over two days. Results are reported as pass or fail. Behind them is a scale score from 49 to 99, with 75 as the minimum passing score. The fee is $890 when purchased individually. Retakes need at least 60 days between unsuccessful attempts; other limits apply (below).
| Detail | Official answer |
|---|---|
| Who runs it | The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE), an agency of the American Dental Association; administered by Prometric in the United States and Canada.Source: INBDE 2026 Candidate Guide (PDF) (opens in a new tab) (Overview) |
| Format | 500 multiple-choice items over two days: three sections of 100 standalone items, then case-based sections of 60, 70 and 70 items. Each item has one correct or best answer.Source: INBDE 2026 Candidate Guide (PDF) (opens in a new tab) (Administration Schedule; Sample Item Formats) |
| Testing time | Day 1: 8 hours 15 minutes. Day 2: 4 hours 15 minutes (12 hours 30 minutes in total, including the optional tutorials, breaks and survey). Both days at the same test center, the second within 7 days of the first.Source: INBDE 2026 Candidate Guide (PDF) (opens in a new tab) (Administration Schedule); JCNDE INBDE page (opens in a new tab) |
| Passing score | Results are reported as pass or fail. Behind them is a scale score from 49 to 99, with 75 as the minimum passing score; a scale score is not the number of questions answered correctly.Source: INBDE 2026 Candidate Guide (PDF) (opens in a new tab) (Scoring) |
| Exam fee | $890 when purchased individually (US dollars, non-refundable).Source: INBDE 2026 Candidate Guide (PDF) (opens in a new tab) (Examination Fees) |
| Retakes | At least 60 days between unsuccessful attempts, with at most 4 attempts in any 12-month period. Candidates must pass within five years of their first attempt or five attempts, whichever comes first; after that, one attempt every six months. A passed exam cannot be retaken unless a dental board requires it.Source: INBDE 2026 Candidate Guide (PDF) (opens in a new tab) (Retesting Policy and Additional Eligibility Considerations) |
Source: JCNDE INBDE 2026 Candidate Guide. Confirm current details at jcnde.ada.org.
What is the INBDE and who runs it?
The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE), an agency of the American Dental Association; administered by Prometric in the United States and Canada.
How many questions are on the INBDE?
500 multiple-choice items over two days: three sections of 100 standalone items, then case-based sections of 60, 70 and 70 items. Each item has one correct or best answer.
How long is the INBDE?
Day 1: 8 hours 15 minutes. Day 2: 4 hours 15 minutes (12 hours 30 minutes in total, including the optional tutorials, breaks and survey). Both days at the same test center, the second within 7 days of the first.
What score do you need to pass the INBDE?
Results are reported as pass or fail. Behind them is a scale score from 49 to 99, with 75 as the minimum passing score; a scale score is not the number of questions answered correctly.
How much does the INBDE cost?
$890 when purchased individually (US dollars, non-refundable).
How many times can you take the INBDE?
At least 60 days between unsuccessful attempts, with at most 4 attempts in any 12-month period. Candidates must pass within five years of their first attempt or five attempts, whichever comes first; after that, one attempt every six months. A passed exam cannot be retaken unless a dental board requires it.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
Exam details can change: confirm them with the JCNDE before you register.