For aspiring dental professionals, completing the National Dental Examination Clinical Competency (NDECC) is one of the most significant steps toward earning certification in Canada. After months—or even years—of preparation, completing the exam can feel like reaching the summit of a long, uphill journey. But once the exam is behind you, another phase begins: waiting for the results.
A common and very reasonable question that follows is, “How long after I take the NDECC can I expect to receive my results?” This blog provides a detailed answer, outlining what happens after the exam, when you can expect your results, what influences the timeline, and how to prepare for what comes next.
Understanding the NDECC Evaluation Process
Before diving into timelines, it’s important to understand the nature of the NDECC. This exam assesses both clinical judgment and clinical skills, and the evaluation is far more involved than automated, multiple-choice grading. Each component is carefully reviewed to ensure that candidates are judged fairly and consistently based on established criteria.
Unlike standardized written tests that can be machine-scored almost instantly, clinical exams require manual, detailed evaluation. Clinical tasks are scored by trained examiners, and each candidate’s performance is reviewed for accuracy, precision, and adherence to professional standards.
Expected Timeframe for Results
In most cases, candidates can expect to receive their NDECC results approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the exam date. However, this timeframe is not fixed and may vary depending on several factors.
Here is a general breakdown of what happens during this period:
Week 1–2: Post-Exam Processing
After the exam concludes, all candidate data and materials—including responses, clinical work, and typodont submissions—are securely collected and organized for evaluation.
Week 3–6: Evaluation and Scoring
Qualified examiners, often experienced dental professionals trained in standardized assessment, begin reviewing candidate performances. The evaluation process includes:
-
Detailed analysis of your clinical procedures
-
Scoring based on specific benchmarks and criteria
-
Cross-checking between multiple examiners to ensure fairness
In some cases, a candidate’s work may be reviewed by more than one examiner to confirm consistency in scoring.
Week 7–8: Final Verification and Release of Results
Once scoring is complete, the examination board undertakes a quality assurance review to ensure that all results are accurate, unbiased, and in compliance with assessment standards. After this internal verification, the official results are uploaded to each candidate’s secure online account or sent via email notification, depending on the organization’s communication policies.
What Might Affect the Timeline?
Although 6 to 8 weeks is the standard estimate, certain factors can influence how quickly or slowly results are released:
1. High Volume of Candidates
Exams held during peak times (such as after graduation season or during major testing windows) may involve hundreds of candidates. Larger cohorts require more time for processing and evaluation.
2. Technical Review Requirements
If a discrepancy or inconsistency is noticed in your exam materials, your results might be flagged for additional review. This can extend your wait time slightly but helps ensure accuracy and fairness.
3. Holidays and Office Closures
The timeline may be affected by national holidays or examination board closures, especially during year-end or summer breaks.
4. Manual vs. Digital Scoring Systems
Some elements of the exam—like written responses—may be digitized and scored faster, while others, such as clinical skills tasks, require hands-on, visual evaluation, which takes more time.
How Will You Be Notified?
Once the results are finalized, candidates typically receive notification through their registered email address or examination portal login. The results may include:
-
Your pass/fail status
-
Score breakdowns by component (if available)
-
Instructions for next steps, especially if a retake is necessary
-
Official certification documentation or timelines for delivery
Make sure that your contact information on file is up to date and that you regularly check your email and exam portal during the post-exam period.
What to Do While Waiting
The waiting period can feel long and uncertain, but you can use this time wisely:
A. Review Your Next Steps
If you’re confident in your performance, begin reviewing the licensure requirements in the province where you intend to practise. Certification is the prerequisite for licensure, and many provincial regulatory bodies require additional steps such as jurisprudence exams or documentation checks.
B. Plan Financially and Logistically
You might need to prepare for relocation, licensing fees, or additional documentation once your results are released. Begin collecting and organizing these materials ahead of time to avoid delays.
C. Prepare for Retake (If Needed)
Though it’s best to remain optimistic, it’s also smart to review your preparation materials and consider how you might strengthen your skills in case a retake becomes necessary.
D. Stay Informed
Keep an eye on official announcements, bulletins, or news related to exam scoring timelines, typodont changes, or new guidelines that could affect future scheduling.
What Happens After You Receive Your Results?
If You Pass
Congratulations! This means you’ve met the clinical competency requirements and can now proceed with your application for certification, followed by licensure in the province of your choice.
Your official certificate and supporting documentation will usually be available shortly after results are posted. From this point, you are eligible to begin the next phase of your professional career in Canada.
If You Do Not Pass
If you do not pass one or both components of the exam, don’t lose heart. Many candidates pass on their second or even third attempts. The modular nature of the exam means you only need to retake the component(s) you failed, not the entire exam. Review your performance, seek professional guidance if needed, and begin preparing for the next attempt.
Our Services – FACTS Transcripts
We at FACTS Transcripts assist in various services, including:
- Mark Sheet Transcripts
- E-Transcripts
- Duplicate Mark Sheets & Degree Certificates
- Medium of Instructions Certificates
- Attestations
- HRD Attestation / Apostille Services
- ECA (Educational Credentials Assessment)
Trusted by leading global verification organizations, including WES, IQAS, PEBC, NDEB, NASBA, CAPR, NZQA, ICAS, NCESS, ICES, ECE, eduPASS, ACEI, GCEUS, Comparative Education Services, NNAS, NCA, SAQA, QMAS, FORAC, Australian Pharmacy Council, and more.
FACTS Transcripts – The preferred choice for university document verification worldwide. We ensure a hassle-free process for obtaining your transcripts.
