ACJ – Everything You Need to Know

The Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ) is the second exam that you must complete if you are an internationally qualified dentist working towards equivalency in Canada. The ACJ is preceded by the AFK and followed by the NDECC exam and the OSCE exam. To be permitted to take the ACJ exam, you must pass the AFK exam. In this blog, you will find everything that you need to know about the ACJ exam.  

What will you be Tested on?

This exam will assess your knowledge and skills in doing the following:

• Forming treatment plans 
• Interpreting radiographic images 
• Demonstrating clinical decision-making skills 
• Diagnosing within the scope of practice

Format and Structure 

• In this exam, you must complete 120 to 150 multiple-choice questions consisting of single-answer choices and multiple-answer choices. 
• The ACJ exam consists of two booklets, with one scheduled break separating each section. 
• The first booklet will test your knowledge of formulating diagnoses and successfully assessing and interpreting dental charts, case histories, and photographs included in the exam to reach the correct clinical conclusions in dental practice.
• The second booklet will test your knowledge of oral radiology and your ability to interpret and come up with an appropriate diagnosis by analyzing the provided radiographic images. 
• This is a computer-based assessment. 

Time Allotted

 You will have 5.5 hours to complete both sections of this exam. Note that this time includes the scheduled break.

Where is ACJ Exam offered?

 ACJ exam is offered at prometric testing facilities and other designated facilities. 

Passing Score

 The test-equated passing mark for this exam is 75%.  

Attempts Permitted 

 You are only permitted to attempt ACJ three times.

When can this exam be taken?

 Candidates can take this exam in May and November of each year. 

ACJ Exam Fees 

Eligibility 

To be eligible to write the ACJ exam, you must have passed the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK).

How to Register for the NDEB ACJ Exam in Three Steps 

1. Register for your NDEB examination by accessing your NDEB account and paying any applicable examination fees. 
2. Await for an email from the NDEB that provides instructions on how to schedule your exam with prometric. 
3. Visit Prometric’s website to schedule your examination.

Five Tips to Excel 

1. Maximize your exam preparation by getting a head start and managing your time most effectively. 
2. Reorienting your way to approach the ACJ exam.
3. Ensure that you designate enough time to review difficult concepts and topics. 
4. Apply concepts that you learned by utilizing practice questions and mock exams to monitor your progress. 
5. Form or join a study group to remain motivated by peer candidates who are working towards the same goal. 
6. Refrain from spending excessive time studying, as this will lead to burnout. The key to success is finding the right balance to help you organize your work, studying, breaks, and other activities that you may do throughout the day. 

If you are interested in enrolling in the course for exam preparation, check out the ACJ Prep Doctors course.