ADC Written Exam Pass Mark & Scoring Explained
One of the most common questions candidates ask is "what's the pass mark for the ADC Written Exam?" — and the honest answer is more nuanced than a single percentage. Understanding how the exam is actually scored changes how you should approach it.
There is no fixed percentage pass mark
The ADC Written Examination is standard-set rather than graded on a fixed "you need 70%" line. The pass standard is established against the level expected of a competent graduating dentist, and raw scores are converted to a scaled score. In practice this means you should aim to be comfortably competent across the whole blueprint rather than chasing an exact number.
Scored vs unscored questions
Not every question on the paper counts towards your result. A block of questions are unscored pilot items being trialled for future exams. They are deliberately indistinguishable from scored questions — so the only safe strategy is to answer every question as though it counts and never spend disproportionate time hunting for "the trick."
What this means for your strategy
- Aim for broad competence across all domains, not a narrow spike — weak areas drag a scaled score down.
- Never leave a question blank; there is no negative marking, so an educated guess can only help.
- Practise pacing: across four timed parts over two days, time management is part of the skill being tested.
- Use full-length, timed mock exams to calibrate where your scaled performance actually sits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for the ADC Written Exam?
There is no fixed percentage pass mark. The exam is standard-set against the competence expected of a graduating dentist and reported as a scaled score, so aim for solid competence across the entire blueprint rather than a specific percentage.
Is there negative marking on the ADC Written Exam?
No. There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so you should attempt every question — an educated guess can only help your score.
Do unscored questions count?
No, pilot/unscored questions do not count towards your result, but they are indistinguishable from scored questions, so you should treat every question as if it counts.
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