What the AFK Exam Is

The Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK) is the first of three equivalency exams administered by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB). It evaluates a candidate’s understanding of basic and clinical dental sciences equivalent to the knowledge level of a Canadian dental graduate.

 

The AFK exam is critical because passing it allows candidates to proceed to the next stages: the Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ) and the Assessment of Clinical Skills (ACS/NDECC). Without success in AFK, one cannot advance within the equivalency process.

 

Who It’s For

 

This exam is designed for internationally trained dentists who earned their dental degrees outside Canada, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland (non-accredited programs). Common participant origins include India, Iran, Egypt, the Philippines, and Pakistan, representing diverse educational backgrounds and clinical experiences.

 

Official Requirements

 

– Completion of an approved dental degree from a non-accredited institution

– Submission and verification of academic credentials through NDEB

– Registration for the AFK through the NDEB online portal

– Payment of the 2025 exam fee: $1,000 CAD

– Adherence to NDEB examination rules and identification requirements

 

For official eligibility details, refer to the NDEB Candidate Eligibility Guidelines

AFK Exam Structure and Content

Total Questions: 150 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions

Duration: 4 hours (single session)

Delivery: Computer-based format at approved testing centers

Scoring: Standardized scaled score (75 = pass threshold)

The exam comprehensively evaluates understanding of biomedical, dental, and clinical sciences relevant to general dentistry.

Content Coverage (Core Domains)

Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology – 10%

Microbiology & Pharmacology – 12%

Dental Anatomy & Occlusion – 8%

Operative Dentistry & Restorative Sciences – 12%

Prosthodontics (Fixed & Removable) – 10%

Periodontology – 10%

Oral Surgery & Radiology – 8%

Pediatric Dentistry – 5%

Orthodontics – 5%

Oral Medicine & Diagnosis – 10%

Ethics & Professionalism – 10%

Difficulty Analysis

According to NDEB data (2024), the national AFK first-attempt pass rate is 63%. The challenge lies not in unfamiliar topics but in depth and standardization. Many candidates struggle with:

Time management (150 questions in 240 minutes)

Integration of biomedical and clinical reasoning

Adapting to Canadian terminology and exam style

What Makes the AFK Exam Unique

Unlike dental school exams abroad, AFK emphasizes concept integration and evidence-based practice, not rote memorization. Candidates must apply reasoning to select the most appropriate answer, even when multiple options seem correct.

Suggested Visual:

 

Section 3: Preparation Strategy — How to Master the AFK

 

ConfiDentist’s Proven Preparation Framework

 

Over a decade of data from 1,200+ successful candidates shows that structured preparation—combining lectures, mock exams, and guided mentorship—significantly improves outcomes.

 

Core Pillars of ConfiDentist’s Approach:

Comprehensive Concept Review: 200+ hours of structured lectures across all 11 subject domains.

Diagnostic Testing: Initial baseline mock to identify knowledge gaps.

Targeted Reinforcement: Focused study sessions on weak subjects.

Weekly Mock Exams: 6 full-length tests under timed conditions.

Personalized Feedback: Detailed analytics on performance trends.

Mentorship & Accountability: Weekly group discussions and instructor Q&A sessions.

 

Timeline and Process

Realistic Preparation Timeline

 

Most candidates require 4–6 months of dedicated study (20–25 hours weekly). Candidates working part-time may extend preparation to 8 months.

Month-by-Month Roadmap:

 

 

Month 1: Diagnostic mock + basic sciences review

Month 2: Dental anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology

Month 3: Restorative, prosthodontics, and perio focus

Month 4: Case integration + full mocks

Month 5: Final review + stress management

Month 6: Exam readiness simulation

After AFK Success

 

After passing AFK, candidates proceed to the Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ), followed by the Clinical Skills/NDECC exam. Successful completion qualifies candidates for the NDEB certification and provincial licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions (AFK Exam Study Guide)

Who is eligible for the AFK exam?

– Internationally trained dentists from non-accredited programs who have completed degree verification with NDEB.

 

How long does preparation take?

– On average, 4–6 months of structured study.

 

How difficult is the AFK exam?

– It’s academically rigorous; only about 63% pass on the first attempt nationally.

 

How often is the AFK offered?

– Typically twice per year (spring and fall sessions).

 

Can I prepare on my own?

– Yes, but structured guidance increases success rates significantly.

 

What resources are best for AFK preparation?

– ConfiDentist notes, NDEB reference textbooks, and high-quality MCQ practice.

 

Can I work while studying?

– Yes, part-time work is manageable with consistent scheduling.

 

How do I register?

– Via the official NDEB Online Portal

 

What score do I need to pass?

– A scaled score of 75 or higher.

 

What happens if I fail?

– You may re-apply; ConfiDentist offers repeat-attempt support.

 

Is AFK the same as the NDEB written exam?

– No, it’s the first equivalency assessment for non-accredited graduates.

 

What’s after AFK?

– You progress to ACJ and NDECC before final certification.

 

Can I use international textbooks?

– Yes, but ensure they align with NDEB references.

 

Is there negative marking?

– No, each question carries equal weight.

 

How can ConfiDentist help?

– Through structured study plans, mentorship, and high-yield mock exams proven to boost first-attempt success.