AFK · NDEB (Canada)
Assessment of
Fundamental Knowledge.
Free 20-question AFK diagnostic, built from real exam-style items. See exactly where you stand across all 12 domains in about 30 minutes — no signup to start, instant topic-gap report.
20 questions · ~30 min · no signup to start · instant topic-gap report
Mock variants
4 ways to sit AFK.
Blueprint · topic weights
12 topics, honestly weighted.
Diagnostic and mock items are sampled in proportion to the published NDEB (Canada) competency document — never random.
01Biomedical SciencesAnatomy, biochemistry, biomaterials, cariology, growth and development, histology, immunology, microbiology, oral embryology, physiology. (10 NDEB Domain 1 sub-disciplines per the 2026 AFK Protocol; pathology lives in Domain 3.)14%
02PharmacologyDrug classes, mechanisms, dental-relevant interactions and adverse effects.10%
03Operative DentistryRestorative materials, cavity prep principles, isolation, finishing.10%
04EndodonticsPulpal diagnosis, canal anatomy, instrumentation, obturation.10%
05PeriodonticsPeriodontal classification, etiology, non-surgical therapy, maintenance.10%
06ProsthodonticsFixed and removable prosthodontics, occlusion, impression principles.10%
07Oral SurgeryExodontia, complications, infection control, medical emergencies.10%
08Oral Medicine & PathologySoft-tissue lesions, differential diagnosis, systemic-oral links, oral pathology.10%
09Oral RadiologyImage interpretation principles, normal anatomy, pathology recognition.5%
10Pediatric DentistryBehaviour management, primary dentition, eruption, trauma.5%
11OrthodonticsMalocclusion classification, growth, interceptive treatment.5%
12Ethics & JurisprudenceProfessional conduct, consent, confidentiality, scope of practice. (Group also covers Evidence-Based Dentistry, Prevention, and Infection Control sub-areas per NDEB Domain 9.)5%
FAQ
Everything candidates ask about AFK.
- Who is eligible to write the NDEB AFK?
- The Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK) is the first exam in the NDEB Equivalency Process for graduates of non-accredited dental programs whose degrees aren't recognized by CDAC. An approved Equivalency Process application is required before registration.
- What is the AFK exam format?
- 200 single-answer MCQs in two 2-hour parts (4 hours total, one scheduled break). FDI tooth numbering throughout. The 2026 NDEB blueprint splits items across nine domains: Applied Biomedical Sciences (20%); Restorative/Prosthodontics/Implants (16%); Oral Medicine/Pathology/Radiology (15%); Pharmacology/Anesthesia/Emergencies (14%); Ortho/Pedo/Geri/Special Needs (8%); Periodontics (8%); Oral Surgery/Trauma/Pain (8%); Endodontics (6%); EBD/Prevention/IC/Ethics (5%). Lumen's 12-topic breakdown further subdivides these nine domains for targeted study.
- What is the AFK passing score?
- Results are reported as Pass/Fail. The NDEB uses test equating and re-scaling against a reference examination, so the passing score is a fixed scaled value of 75. Candidates scoring below 75 also receive their test-equated re-scaled score. Each item is worth one point and there is no penalty for wrong answers — always answer every question.
- How long should I study for the AFK?
- Most candidates allocate 10 to 14 weeks of focused study, layering content review with timed mocks. The heaviest weighted domains are Applied Biomedical Sciences (20%), Restorative/Prosthodontics/Implants (16%), and Oral Medicine/Oral Pathology/Oral Radiology (15%) — concentrate the most hours there. The lighter Evidence-Based Dentistry, Prevention, Infection Control, Ethics & Jurisprudence band (5%) is high-leverage to drill late.
- How often can I retake the AFK?
- The NDEB allows a maximum of three AFK attempts. The exam is offered twice a year (February and August). After a failed attempt you wait for the next scheduled sitting.
- How much does the AFK cost?
- The 2026 AFK fee is CAD $1000, set by the NDEB and published on the NDEB fees page. Separate fees apply for the Equivalency Process application (CAD $900, one-time) and the ACJ (CAD $1350). Lumen's diagnostic and topic gap analysis are free; full mocks unlock with one-time credit purchases.
- Does Lumen cover the AFK 2026 blueprint?
- Yes. Our AFK content is aligned to the 2026 AFK Protocol (effective January 19, 2026) nine-domain blueprint with NDEB-verbatim group titles and midpoint percentages (each domain has a ±5% tolerance per the protocol). Item weighting in our full-length mocks matches the official 200-item distribution.
- How do I sign up for Lumen?
- You can take the free diagnostic without an account. To save attempts, see rationales, and unlock full mocks, sign in with email — we send a magic link, no password to forget.
- Are rationales reviewed by clinicians?
- Yes. Every item ships with a clinician-written rationale that cites the published competency guideline it maps to. Items flagged by users get re-reviewed within a business day.
From the blog
Further reading.
Why Lumen for AFK
Built by clinicians, priced for students.
01
Blueprint-aligned items.
Topic weights match the published competency document. No guessing what the test cares about.
02
Every rationale signed.
A licensed clinician wrote, reviewed, and cited every explanation. Flag one and we re-review within a day.
03
Diagnostic before you pay.
Free 20-item diagnostic with full topic gap analysis. No credit card. Decide if we’re right for you, then upgrade.
Independent study tool. Not endorsed by NDEB, ADA, or JCNDE. We do not promise passing scores. All items are exam-style and based on publicly available competency guidelines.