# how to pass the California RDA exam

Answer: The California RDA exam is one combined written test — the Registered Dental Assistant Combined Written and Law and Ethics Examination — of 125 items (100 scored plus 25 unscored pretest) in 3 hours at a PSI center. There is no practical exam and no fixed 75% pass mark: scoring is criterion-referenced under 16 CCR §1081 (§1031 is the dentist exam's regulation), and results are reported pass/fail only — the Board does not publish a fixed passing percentage. The Board's June 2026 report shows 72% passing overall, but 62% on the work-experience pathway against 79% for board-approved-program graduates, and 38% for repeat testers. Budget the $120 Board application fee plus a PSI fee, and mind the certificate recency clocks: the Dental Practice Act and infection control courses expire in 2 years, polishing and sealants in 5.

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Answer intent ID: `california-rda-exam-guide`
Cluster: California RDH and RDA exams
Last verified: 2026-07-24
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## Direct answer

The California RDA exam is one combined written test — the Registered Dental Assistant Combined Written and Law and Ethics Examination — of 125 items (100 scored plus 25 unscored pretest) in 3 hours at a PSI center. There is no practical exam and no fixed 75% pass mark: scoring is criterion-referenced under 16 CCR §1081 (§1031 is the dentist exam's regulation), and results are reported pass/fail only — the Board does not publish a fixed passing percentage. The Board's June 2026 report shows 72% passing overall, but 62% on the work-experience pathway against 79% for board-approved-program graduates, and 38% for repeat testers. Budget the $120 Board application fee plus a PSI fee, and mind the certificate recency clocks: the Dental Practice Act and infection control courses expire in 2 years, polishing and sealants in 5.

## Query patterns

- how to pass the California RDA exam
- California RDA exam study guide
- RDA combined written and law and ethics examination
- California RDA exam requirements
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Source citations:
- `DBC-RDA-OUTLINE` Dental Board of California — RDA Combined Written and Law and Ethics Examination Outline. <https://www.dbc.ca.gov/formspubs/rda_exam_outline.pdf>
- `DBC-RDA-STATS-0626` Dental Board of California — RDA examination statistics, June 2026. <https://www.dbc.ca.gov/formspubs/rda_062026.pdf>

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