NEBDN Exam Preparation Session: What Dental Nursing Students Need to Know
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If you're preparing for your NEBDN dental nursing examination or knowledge test, you may have been told that you need to complete an Exam/Test Preparation Session before exam day.
But what actually happens during the session? Do you need to revise for it? And what happens if you don't complete it?
Here's what learners preparing for the November 2026 NEBDN examination/test need to know.
What is the NEBDN Exam Preparation Session?
The Exam/Test Preparation Session is a mandatory part of the NEBDN examination process.
It isn't a revision lesson or an additional assessment of your dental nursing knowledge.
Instead, the session gives you the opportunity to become familiar with the software you'll use for your examination/test and make sure everything is correctly set up before exam day.
NEBDN provides a specific window in which the session must be completed. Learners can choose when to complete it during that timeframe.
Is the Exam Preparation Session mandatory?
Yes.
NEBDN requires learners entered for the examination/test to complete the preparation session.
For the November 2026 examination/test, NEBDN has advised that learners who do not complete the required session will be removed from the November sitting and deferred to the April 2027 examination/test, subject to the validity of their Record of Experience (RoE) or Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).
So this is one deadline you definitely don't want to miss.
When will I receive my login details?
Learners sitting the November 2026 examination/test are due to receive their Exam/Test Preparation Session login details on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
Your training provider will also communicate the relevant information and guidance provided by NEBDN, so keep an eye on your emails as the preparation window approaches.
What happens during the session?
The session is designed to make sure you're familiar with the examination system before the real thing.
It includes:
- A tutorial
- An opportunity to practise using the exam/test software
- Validation of your ID
- Practice questions
The practice questions allow you to experience using the system before your actual examination/test.
This means exam day shouldn't be the first time you've had to navigate the software.
What is the MaxExam App?
NEBDN examinations/tests use the MaxExam App, which learners will need to download onto the computer or laptop they'll be using.
NEBDN provides learners with guidance covering the app download process, hardware requirements and computer health checks.
There is also a video demonstrating the MaxExam App download process.
It's important to read the information you're sent carefully rather than leaving the technical setup until the last minute.
Use the SAME computer or laptop for your exam
This is particularly important.
You need to use the same computer or laptop for both your Exam/Test Preparation Session and your written examination/knowledge test.
NEBDN has advised that there will not be another preparation session or opportunity to download the app onto a different device before the examination/test.
So before completing your preparation session, make sure you're using the device you intend to use on exam day.
What about resit learners?
If you're resitting your examination/test, you are also required to redownload the app.
This is because the software has recently been updated, so don't assume that having the app from your previous examination means you're already set up.
Can I have my phone or smartwatch with me?
NEBDN advises that mobile phones and smartwatches are only permitted so that learners can contact NEBDN if assistance is required.
Devices should otherwise be switched off. NEBDN recommends switching them off completely rather than simply placing them on silent.
Make sure you read the current examination guidance and Learner Conduct Policy before your assessment so you understand exactly what is expected.
NEBDN Learner Conduct Policy and other policies
What if I have a technical problem?
Support will be available if you experience problems during the Exam/Test Preparation Session, with full support details provided alongside your login information.
The whole point of completing the preparation process is to identify and resolve potential issues before the actual examination/test.
What should I do before my preparation session?
Before you begin:
- Read the hardware guidelines, computer health-check information and app download instructions sent to you.
- Decide which computer or laptop you will use for your actual examination/test.
- Make sure that's the device you use for the preparation session.
- Follow the MaxExam download instructions carefully.
- Have the required identification available for the ID-validation process.
- Complete the session within the timeframe provided by NEBDN.
And don't leave it until the final opportunity in the window if you can avoid it. Giving yourself some breathing room means there's time to seek support if you encounter a technical problem.
One less unknown before exam day
Preparing for your dental nursing examination can already feel nerve-racking without worrying about unfamiliar software or technical problems.
The NEBDN Exam/Test Preparation Session gives you the chance to get familiar with the system, check your setup and understand how the process works before exam day arrives.
If you're an Infills Academy learner entered for the November 2026 examination/test, we'll make sure you receive the relevant NEBDN information and guidance you need for your preparation session.
And once the technical preparation is sorted, you can concentrate on the important bit — your revision
Once your device is set up and you’ve completed the mandatory NEBDN Exam/Test Preparation Session, you can turn your attention back to preparing your knowledge for exam day. If you’re not sure where to start, our free Dental Nursing Study Companion is designed to help you organise your revision, identify areas you may need to revisit and feel more prepared as your exam approaches.