How INBDE scoring and results work

The INBDE reports only pass or fail. Behind that result is a scale score with a fixed minimum passing value of 75.

Pass or fail

• Results are reported as pass or fail. Candidates who pass receive only a pass result.
• The decision is based only on the overall scale score, not on the sub-area scores.
• Scale scores run from 49 to 99, and 75 is the minimum passing score.

Scale scores are not percentages

A scale score is not the number of questions you got right. Many exam forms exist, and statistical equating makes a score of 75 mean the same thing on every form. Scoring also takes into account each question’s difficulty, quality and susceptibility to guessing. A score of 74 does not mean you were one question short.

Guessing and unscored items

• There is no penalty for guessing, so answer every item.
• Some items are experimental and unscored. They look like any other item, so treat every question seriously.

If you do not pass

Candidates who fail receive their overall scale score and performance information for the three clinical content areas and ten foundation knowledge areas, to guide remediation. All previous attempts are reported with the result.

When do results arrive?

The program aims to report within four weeks of your test date, and in most cases results arrive within three weeks. You view them by signing in to your DENTPIN account.

Results audits

Results are audited before release. You can request an additional audit within 30 days of the reporting date (fee applies). It takes about four to six weeks.

Source: JCNDE 2026 INBDE Candidate Guide (updated December 2025). Rules and fees change, so always confirm on the official INBDE site before you apply.