For candidates preparing for high-stakes dental licensing examinations in Canada, the scoring system can seem confusing—especially when you hear that a passing score is a “test equated rescaled score of 75.” Naturally, many candidates interpret this as meaning they must answer 75% of the questions correctly to pass. However, this assumption, while understandable, is not accurate.
In reality, the number “75” in this context does not directly equate to answering 75 out of every 100 questions correctly. Instead, it refers to a scaled score, derived through a process called test equating and statistical rescaling. These scoring methods are designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and accuracy across multiple versions of the exam—even when different candidates face slightly different sets of questions. This blog will break down what a rescaled score of 75 truly means, how it is calculated, and how you can prepare effectively without falling into the common trap of focusing on percentages.
What Is a Rescaled Score?
To fully understand the meaning of a rescaled score of 75, we first need to explain what “rescaling” and “equating” are in the context of standardized testing.
Rescaling
Rescaling is the process of converting raw scores (the number of questions you got right) into a standardized scale. This scale allows scores from different versions of the test to be compared fairly.
Why is this important? Not every version of an exam has exactly the same difficulty level. Some may include slightly harder or easier questions. Rescaling helps to adjust for these differences, so that all candidates are evaluated by the same performance standard.
Test Equating
Equating ensures that the difficulty level of different test forms does not unfairly impact your final score. If one test form is slightly harder than another, the raw scores may be adjusted accordingly to reflect the true level of competency.
So What Does the Score of 75 Represent?
A test equated rescaled score of 75 is the minimum score required to pass the exam. It is not a raw score, nor is it a direct percentage. Rather, it is a score derived from complex psychometric calculations that reflect both:
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The number of correct responses you provided (your raw score), and
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Adjustments based on the difficulty of your particular test form.
This scoring scale typically ranges from 0 to 100, with 75 set as the pass mark. Importantly:
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You may pass with fewer than 75% correct answers if your test form is statistically more difficult.
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You may need more than 75% correct answers if your test form is slightly easier than average.
This means that two candidates who answer a different number of questions correctly could still end up with the same rescaled score, depending on the test form and the statistical adjustments applied.
Why Is This Method Used?
Using a test equated and rescaled scoring method has several important benefits:
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Fairness Across Test Versions
Not all exam forms are perfectly identical. Rescaling ensures that no candidate is disadvantaged simply because their test form had slightly harder questions. -
Standardization
This system allows for a consistent, nationally accepted benchmark for dental competency, regardless of when or where the exam is taken. -
Accuracy in Evaluating Competence
The scoring system focuses on identifying whether a candidate meets the required standard of dental knowledge and clinical reasoning, rather than simply measuring test-taking ability.
How Is the Score Calculated?
Though the specific psychometric formulas are not publicly disclosed in full detail, the process generally follows these steps:
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Your raw score is calculated based on how many correct answers you provided.
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Equating is applied to adjust for the relative difficulty of your specific test version.
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The adjusted score is then rescaled to a standardized scale—often from 0 to 100.
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Your final score on this scale is what determines whether you pass. A score of 75 or higher is passing.
Remember, you do not receive a raw percentage. The number you see is your rescaled score—so interpreting it as a simple percentage can be misleading.
Preparing for the Exam: What Should You Focus On?
Since there’s no fixed number of questions you must answer correctly to pass, the best approach is to maximize your overall performance rather than aiming for a specific percentage.
1. Understand the Exam Blueprint
Become familiar with the competencies being tested. Focus on areas that carry higher weight in the exam and ensure your knowledge is well-rounded.
2. Practice Critical Thinking and Clinical Reasoning
The exam tests more than just rote memorization. Practise applying your knowledge in clinical scenarios and focus on interpreting diagnostic information, making evidence-based decisions, and prioritizing patient safety.
3. Use Practice Exams Strategically
While mock tests and practice questions are useful, don’t focus solely on achieving a specific percentage. Instead, analyze your mistakes, identify weak areas, and track your progress over time.
4. Avoid Getting Obsessed with the Number 75
Fixating on achieving exactly 75% correct answers can distract you from the broader goal: demonstrating competence. Since the rescaled score doesn’t work as a direct percentage, your real goal should be to perform as confidently and thoroughly as possible.
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