Assessment of Clinical Judgment Exam (ACJ 2025)
You’ve already proven your dental skills abroad — now it’s time to demonstrate your clinical judgment in Canada. For internationally trained dentists, the Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ) exam is one of the most challenging and decisive stages in the NDEB Equivalency Process.
Every year, thousands of qualified dentists attempt the ACJ, yet only a fraction succeed on their first try. Why? Because this exam tests far more than knowledge — it assesses how you think like a Canadian dentist.
The Assessment of Clinical Judgment exam (ACJ exam) is a written, case-based assessment administered by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB). It evaluates a candidate’s ability to apply dental knowledge, interpret diagnostic information, and make sound treatment decisions according to Canadian standards of care.
The ACJ consists of two booklets totaling 100–120 case-based questions that integrate radiographic interpretation, diagnosis, ethics, and treatment planning scenarios.
Quick Facts at a Glance
Understanding the Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ) Exam
Why the ACJ Exam Matters
For internationally trained dentists, the ACJ is the bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world clinical application. Passing it confirms that you can make diagnostic and treatment decisions aligned with Canadian dental practice standards.
It’s the second major exam in the NDEB equivalency process, following the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK) and preceding the NDECC (practical exam).
Who This Is For:
-Dentists from non-accredited dental schools (e.g., India, Iran, Philippines, Egypt, Pakistan, Brazil)
-Candidates who have successfully passed the AFK exam
-Dentists seeking eligibility for the NDECC or NDEB certification pathway
Official Requirements (2025)
According to the NDEB, candidates must:
1- Have passed the AFK exam.
2- Hold verified educational credentials recognized by NDEB.
3- Register for the ACJ via their NDEB online portal.
📎 Reference: Official NDEB Candidate Manual (2025 Edition)
Related Resource:
👉 Learn more about the complete NDEB Equivalency Process Guide
According to ConfiDentist instructor Dr. Mehdi Adibrad (DDS, NDEB Certified):
“The ACJ isn’t about memorization, it’s about clinical reasoning under time pressure. Every case demands justification, not guesswork.”
Difficulty Analysis
The ACJ exam is statistically one of the toughest NDEB assessments, with a national first-attempt pass rate of 65%. Most candidates lose marks in:
– Misinterpreting radiographs
– Overlooking ethics-based questions
– Failing to prioritize treatment steps correctly
By contrast, ConfiDentist-trained students achieve 89% success on their first attempt, thanks to immersive, case-based simulation and individualized feedback sessions.
Study Timeline and Milestones
Recommended Duration: 4–6 months of structured preparation
Month 1–2: Core review and theory consolidation (15–20 hrs/week)
Month 3–4: Advanced case studies and radiograph interpretation
Month 5: Practice exams and targeted review
Month 6: Final review, mock test analysis, and readiness assessment
Essential Resources and Materials
ConfiDentist provides:
– 1,200+ practice questions and full-length mock exams
– Case library with 500+ clinical scenarios
– Live instructor-led workshops
– Access to online resource portal
– Progress tracking dashboard
Common Preparation Mistakes
– Focusing only on theory – NDEB exams test reasoning, not rote recall.
– Neglecting mock exams – Realistic simulation is critical for timing and accuracy.
– Underestimating ACJ complexity – Requires radiograph interpretation and ethics integration.
– Poor time management – Leads to incomplete booklets.
– Self-study isolation – Lack of peer feedback delays progress.
Expert Tips from ConfiDentist Instructors
Focus on concept clusters, not isolated facts.
Practice radiograph analysis daily for ACJ.
Treat each mock exam as the real thing.
Review all incorrect answers within 24 hours.
Use Pomodoro study blocks (50/10 minutes).
Keep a “clinical reasoning journal” to track patterns of errors.
How to Prepare for the ACJ Exam – Expert Strategy
Recommended Duration: 4–6 months of structured preparation
Month 1–2: Core review and theory consolidation (15–20 hrs/week)
Month 3–4: Advanced case studies and radiograph interpretation
Month 5: Practice exams and targeted review
Month 6: Final review, mock test analysis, and readiness assessment
Essential Resources and Materials
ConfiDentist provides:
– 1,200+ practice questions and full-length mock exams
– Case library with 500+ clinical scenarios
– Live instructor-led workshops
– Access to online resource portal
– Progress tracking dashboard
Common Preparation Mistakes
Focusing only on theory – NDEB exams test reasoning, not rote recall.
Neglecting mock exams – Realistic simulation is critical for timing and accuracy.
Underestimating ACJ complexity – Requires radiograph interpretation and ethics integration.
Poor time management – Leads to incomplete booklets.
Self-study isolation – Lack of peer feedback delays progress.
Expert Tips from ConfiDentist Instructors
– Focus on concept clusters, not isolated facts.
– Practice radiograph analysis daily for ACJ.
– Treat each mock exam as the real thing.
– Review all incorrect answers within 24 hours.
– Use Pomodoro study blocks (50/10 minutes).
– Keep a “clinical reasoning journal” to track patterns of errors.