The AFK exam: format, blueprint and preparation
Last reviewed 2026-09-27
The Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge is the first exam of the NDEB Equivalency Process. It checks that your biomedical and clinical science knowledge meets Canadian standards.
Format at a glance
| Questions | 200, single best answer (one correct option out of 5), 1 mark each |
|---|---|
| Timing | 2 parts, 2 hours each: about 72 seconds per question |
| Delivery | Computer-based at Prometric test centres (booklet format at select sites) |
| Sittings | February and August. Check NDEB's dates page for deadlines |
| Passing standard | Test-equated, re-scaled score of 75 or more |
| Attempts | Maximum 3 |
| Fee | $1,000 |
Older protocols described two books of 150 questions each. Many prep sites still quote that. Go by the current protocol.
The AFK blueprint
Questions are distributed across eight areas. Weighting your study time by this table, and by where you are weakest, is the most efficient plan.
| Blueprint area | Weight | ≈ Qs of 200 |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacology & therapeutics, local anesthesia, medical emergencies, medicine incl. physiology | 24% | ≈48 |
| Oral medicine / oral pathology incl. histology; oral radiology | 17% | ≈34 |
| Cariology incl. microbiology & biochemistry; restorative; prosthodontics; implants | 16% | ≈32 |
| Orthodontics, pediatric, geriatric & special-needs dentistry incl. oral embryology, growth & development | 10% | ≈20 |
| Periodontics incl. microbiology & immunology | 10% | ≈20 |
| Oral surgery, trauma, orofacial pain, dental emergencies incl. applied anatomy | 10% | ≈20 |
| Evidence-based dentistry, prevention, infection control, ethics & jurisprudence | 7% | ≈14 |
| Endodontics | 6% | ≈12 |
Practise by blueprint area
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How to prepare
- Work from the reference texts. NDEB publishes a reference-text list, for example Cohen's Pathways of the Pulp, Newman and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology, Malamed's Handbook of Local Anesthesia, Little & Falace, Neville's Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, and Proffit's Contemporary Orthodontics.
- Train the pace. 72 seconds a question sounds generous until the second part. Take at least one timed mock in two parts.
- Review misses on a schedule. Spaced repetition beats rereading. Revisit missed questions after 1, 3, 7, 14 and 30 days.
- Weight by blueprint. Pharmacology, medicine and emergencies alone make up about a quarter of the exam.
- Avoid "recalls". Reproducing NDEB questions breaches NDEB's rules and can cost you your eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the AFK?
The current AFK has 200 single-answer multiple-choice questions delivered in 2 parts. Always confirm in the current NDEB protocol.
What score do I need to pass the AFK?
A test-equated, re-scaled score of 75 or higher is a pass. It is an equated scale score, not a raw percentage.
How many times can I take the AFK?
A maximum of 3 times.
Which AFK topic carries the most weight?
Pharmacology and therapeutics, local anesthesia, medical emergencies and medicine (including physiology), at about 24% of the exam.