NDECC 2026 Exam Calendar – Registration Deadlines, Dates & Withdrawal Policy

1. Understanding the NDECC Calendar – How to Read It

The NDECC is delivered year-round at the NDEB’s dedicated Test Centre in Ottawa. Unlike the AFK or ACJ, which have fixed exam dates, the NDECC operates in extended evaluation periods. These are not single-day exams; they are windows during which the NDEB schedules candidates for their two-day assessment.

When you register, you select a preferred date within a session, but that date is tentative until registration closes. The NDEB then confirms the exact date and notifies you via email. This means you cannot book non-refundable travel until you receive confirmation.

To view upcoming sessions, use the NDECC calendar on the NDEB website. Clicking on a session reveals the associated registration window, evaluation period, and deadline details.

2. Full 2026 NDECC Session Calendar

The NDEB has published the 2026 NDECC sessions on its Examination Dates and Locations page. Below is the complete calendar.

January – March 2026 Session

Registration for this session opened on September 9, 2025. If you missed this window, you cannot register retroactively.

March – June 2026 Session

June – September 2026 Session

September – November 2026 Session

All deadlines are Eastern Time. The NDEB adheres strictly to these cut-offs; late registrations are not accepted.

3. Registration Windows and Tiered Access

The NDECC registration process has three tiers, designed to prioritise candidates who have recently passed the ACJ and those with established status in Canada.

Tier 1 – First-Attempt Offer

Immediately after you pass the ACJ, the NDEB offers you registration for the NDECC for your first attempt. If you accept, you bypass the standard registration queue. If you decline, you become eligible to register as a Tier 2 or Tier 3 candidate in future windows.

Tier 2 – 9:00 AM ET Registration

Candidates who have submitted approved proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency can log in and register at 9:00 AM ET on the scheduled registration date.

Tier 3 – 10:00 AM ET Registration

All other eligible candidates register at 10:00 AM ET. This includes most internationally trained dentists without Canadian PR or citizenship.

4. The Withdrawal Policy – 50% Fee Penalty

If you register for an NDECC session and later decide to withdraw, there is a financial penalty. Withdrawals that take place during the registration window are subject to a 50% fee.

Example: You register for the full NDECC exam at $6,500 CAD. If you withdraw during the registration window, you forfeit $3,250 CAD and receive a refund of the remaining $3,250 CAD.

Withdrawals after the registration window closes may result in forfeiting the entire registration fee. The NDEB advises all candidates to consult the withdrawal policies before registering.

If you are uncertain about your ability to attend a specific session, it is better to wait for the next registration window rather than pay the 50% penalty.

5. Results Release Timeline – Eight Weeks After Evaluation

The NDEB typically releases NDECC results eight weeks after the evaluation session ends. You will receive an email notification when your results are available in your NDEBConnect online profile.

This timeline applies to both components of the NDECC. For the March–June 2026 session, which ends on June 4, you can expect results approximately in early August 2026.

During the eight-week period, the NDEB is grading the Clinical Skills Component, reviewing the Situational Judgement Component, and conducting quality assurance. Results are not released early under any circumstances.

6. How to Register – Step-by-Step

Registering for the NDECC requires preparation. The NDEB recommends watching the “Being Registration Ready” video before registration day.

Step 1 – Confirm your eligibility

You must have passed the ACJ and received your pass notification. Your NDEBConnect dashboard will show your eligibility status.

Step 2 – Update your online profile

Ensure your language preference (English or French) and left/right handedness are correctly set in your NDEBConnect profile. These cannot be changed after registration.

Step 3 – Prepare for registration day

Know your tier’s registration time (9:00 AM ET for Tier 2, 10:00 AM ET for Tier 3). Log in at least 15 minutes early. Have your payment method ready.

Step 4 – Select your preferred exam date

You will see all available sessions in the registration window. Select your preferred date. The date is tentative until registration closes.

Step 5 – Complete payment

Pay the registration fee ($6,500 full exam, $3,250 per component). The seat is not reserved until payment is confirmed.

Step 6 – Wait for confirmation

After registration closes, the NDEB will confirm your exact exam date and send a confirmation email. At that point, you can book travel and accommodation.

7. Planning Around Tentative Exam Dates

The “tentative” status of your exam date is the single most misunderstood aspect of NDECC registration. When you select a date, it is provisional until the registration window closes and the NDEB finalises the schedule.

What this means for travel planning:

Do not book flights or accommodation before receiving your confirmation email.
If you book non-refundable travel and your date changes, you will bear the financial loss.
The NDEB does not reimburse candidates for travel or accommodation costs.

What you can do in the meantime:

Research flights and hotels without booking.
Book refundable or flexible-date options at a premium.
Plan for a 3–4 night stay in Ottawa (the exam spans two days, plus travel days).

Once your date is confirmed, book immediately. Ottawa hotels near the test centre at 340 Albert Street fill up quickly.

8. Missed a Registration Deadline? What to Do

Registration deadlines are strict. The NDEB does not accept late registrations under any circumstances. If you miss a deadline, you must wait for the next registration window.

Example: The registration deadline for the March–June 2026 session is February 9, 2026 at 21:00 ET. If you miss this, you cannot register for that session. Your next opportunity is the April 27, 2026 deadline for the June–September session.

For Tier 3 candidates: Missing a deadline is particularly painful because competition for seats is fierce. Mark all deadlines on your calendar. Set reminders one week, three days, and one day before each deadline.

The NDEB publishes all deadlines on the Examination Dates and Locations page. Check it regularly for updates.

9. AFK and ACJ 2026 Dates – A Quick Reference

While this article focuses on the NDECC, the Equivalency Process includes the AFK and ACJ. Here are their 2026 dates for reference.

AFK 2026 Sessions:

Registration for the February 2026 AFK opened on September 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET.

ACJ 2026 Sessions:

The NDECC is administered at the NDEB office in Ottawa throughout the year, while the AFK and ACJ are available at Prometric centres across Canada and select international locations.

10. Frequently Asked Questions – NDECC Calendar

Q: Can I change my exam date after registration?

A: You may withdraw and re-register for a different session, but you will incur the 50% withdrawal fee if you cancel during the registration window. Withdrawals after the window closes may forfeit the entire fee.

Q: What happens if the NDEB changes my exam date?

A: The NDEB reserves the right to adjust the schedule. If your date changes, you will be notified via email. You cannot withdraw without penalty for an NDEB-initiated change unless the new date is significantly different.

Q: How many NDECC sessions are there in 2026?

A: There are four scheduled sessions: January–March, March–June, June–September, and September–November. Additional sessions may be added based on demand and test centre capacity.

Q: Can I take the NDECC in a different city?

A: No. The NDECC is administered exclusively at the NDEB Test Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. All candidates must travel to Ottawa.

Q: When should I start preparing for registration?

A: Immediately after you pass the ACJ. Update your online profile, confirm your language and handedness, and set calendar reminders for the next registration deadline. For Tier 3 candidates, prepare for the possibility of multiple registration attempts.

Related NDECC articles

References

• National Dental Examining Board of Canada | Official 2026 exam dates and registration deadlines for NDECC, AFK, ACJ, and Virtual OSCE
• National Dental Examining Board of Canada | January–March 2026 NDECC session details – evaluation period January 5 – March 12, 2026, registration opens September 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET
• National Dental Examining Board of Canada | Registration process – 9:00 AM ET for Tier 2, 10:00 AM ET for Tier 3; tentative exam dates; 50% withdrawal fee; results timeline
• National Dental Examining Board of Canada | AFK registration – February 2026 registration opens September 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET
• National Dental Examining Board of Canada | Results typically released eight weeks after evaluation session
• FACTS Verify | NDECC Test Centre address and location details (340 Albert Street, 12th Floor, Ottawa)