If you need help studying for the DANB Infection Control (ICE) exam or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free DANB ICE practice test!
About the Exam
The DANB Infection Control exam is just one part of the overall DANB CDA exam (as well as the NELDA and COA exams). To obtain your CDA certification, you’ll need to pass this exam AND the other two components:
What’s on the Exam?
There are 80 questions on the exam, which are grouped into four sections, and the time limit is 1 hour.
Let’s take a closer look at each section of the exam:
1. PREVENTION OF DISEASE TRANSMISSION
20% of the exam
- Infectious diseases
- Reviewing medical histories for transmissible diseases
- Hand hygiene
- PPE
- Minimizing aerosol, droplet, and spatter contact
2. PREVENTION OF CROSS-CONTAMINATION
34% of the exam
- Cleaning/disinfecting treatment areas and labs
- Prepping and using chemical disinfectants
- Using surface barriers
- Prepping tray setups
- Dental unit water lines
- Cleaning/disinfecting equipment
- Disinfecting impressions and appliances
- Disposing of biohazardous waste
3. PROCESS INSTRUMENTS AND DEVICES
26% of the exam
- Processing instruments and devices
- Monitoring and maintaining processing equipment
4. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ADMINISTRATION PROTOCOLS
20% of the exam
- Occupational safety regulations, guidelines, and standards,
- Maintaining and documenting programs for infection prevention control and safety
Computer-Adaptive Testing (CAT)
The DANB ICE exam is a computer-adaptive test. Basically, this means that the questions will become harder or easier as you go through the exam, based on how well you’re answering the questions.
For example, say you answered the first question correctly. The first question is of medium difficulty, so the next question will be slightly harder. Then, let’s say you answered the second question incorrectly. The next question would then be a medium question.
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam!
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application on DANB’s website. The application will ask you for your contact information and any documentation to prove your eligibility (among other things). When you submit the application, you’ll also need to submit the application fee, which is $75.
As soon as you receive authorization to test, you can register to take the exam. You’ll need to pay the $270 testing fee as part of the registration process.
Exam Scores
The DANB ICE exam is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
You will need a score of 400 to pass the exam.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the exams is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the exam as many times as you need.
FAQs
How many questions are on the DANB ICE exam?
The exam contains 80 questions.
What is the time limit for the DANB ICE exam?
The exam is timed at 1 hour.
What is the passing score for the DANB ICE exam?
You’ll need to get a final score of at least 400 to pass.
How much does the DANB ICE exam cost?
The exam fee is $270.