How Hard Is the DANB ICE Exam? Complete 2025 Guide to Passing the Infection Control Exam
How Hard Is the DANB ICE Exam? Complete 2025 Guide to Passing the Infection Control Exam
If you’re planning to become a certified dental assistant, you’ll need to take the DANB ICE exam—short for the Infection Control Exam. Many candidates wonder: How hard is the ICE exam? The truth is that while the test is challenging and detail-oriented, it’s very passable with the right preparation. Here’s a complete breakdown of its difficulty, structure, and how you can succeed.
Understanding the ICE Exam
The ICE exam is one of the three components of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential, alongside the RHS (Radiation Health and Safety) exam and the GC (General Chairside Assisting) exam.
Format: About 100 multiple-choice questions.
Length: 75–90 minutes.
Passing score: Scaled score of 400 or higher (DANB does not publish a set percentage).
Questions test your ability to apply real-world infection control knowledge, not just memorize facts.
How Difficult Is the ICE Exam?
Moderately Hard: Most candidates say it’s not the toughest DANB test, but it’s not easy either.
Detail-Oriented: Many struggle with small but important details like sterilization times, correct PPE order, and OSHA standards.
Heavily Practical: It focuses on how you’d manage infection control in a real dental office, so hands-on experience helps.
Compared to other DANB exams, the ICE is often considered easier than RHS but harder than some state-level infection control tests.
Common Challenges on the ICE Exam
OSHA and CDC Guidelines – Specifics on Bloodborne Pathogens, Hazard Communication, and post-exposure protocols.
Sterilization Methods – Autoclave cycles, spore testing, and dry heat sterilization details.
PPE and Standard Precautions – Correct order for donning and doffing, hand hygiene rules.
Disease Transmission – Understanding infection chains and how to break them.
Waste Management – Proper disposal of sharps, biohazards, and chemical waste.
Pass Rates and Preparation
Pass Rates: DANB reports that the majority of well-prepared candidates pass the ICE exam on their first attempt.
Preparation Time: Most students need 2–4 weeks of steady study to feel confident.
Best Resources: DANB study guides, DALE Foundation review courses, practice tests, and CDC/OSHA guidelines.
Tips to Make the ICE Exam Easier
Follow a Study Plan – Break preparation into 3–4 weeks of daily study.
Use Practice Tests – DALE Foundation and Mometrix offer realistic exam simulations.
Focus on High-Yield Topics – Sterilization, OSHA/CDC rules, and PPE procedures.
Teach Back – Explain infection control steps out loud as if training a coworker.
Stay Current – Make sure you review the latest CDC and OSHA standards, since the test reflects real-world guidelines.
Final Verdict: How Hard Is the ICE Exam?
The DANB ICE exam is not extremely hard, but it is detail-focused and practical. If you study consistently, use practice resources, and understand infection control protocols, you should be able to pass on your first attempt. With preparation, this exam is very manageable and an important milestone toward your CDA credential or state licensure.
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