NEBDN Exam Dates 2026 & 2027: Key Dates and Deadlines for Dental Nursing Students
If you’re working towards the NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF), knowing your assessment dates and deadlines in advance is an important part of staying on track.
It’s easy to focus on the date of your Knowledge Test or Professional Discussion, but there are other important deadlines that come much earlier. These include registration closing dates, Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) submission deadlines and the NEBDN Exam Preparation Session.
Planning around these dates can help you avoid last-minute pressure and make sure you know exactly what you’re working towards.
How is the NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing assessed?
The Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) includes:
- a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
- an online Knowledge Test
- an online Professional Discussion
If you want to know more about what the assessments involve, you can read our separate guide to NEBDN Dental Nursing Assessments: Knowledge Test and Professional Discussion.
This guide focuses specifically on the important dates and deadlines you need to know.
NEBDN Level 3 Diploma assessment dates for 2026
For learners working towards the remaining 2026 assessment window:
November 2026 Knowledge Test
- PoE submission/defer deadline: 9 October 2026
- Exam Preparation Session window: 30 October–3 November 2026
- Knowledge Test: 6 November 2026
If you are due to sit this assessment, make sure you follow the information provided by NEBDN and your training provider regarding your individual assessment arrangements.
NEBDN Level 3 Diploma assessment dates for 2027
NEBDN has published the following dates for learners working towards assessments in 2027.
January 2027 Professional Discussion
- PoE submission/defer deadline: 11 December 2026
- Professional Discussion window: 8–24 January 2027
April 2027 Knowledge Test
- Registration closing date: 30 June 2026
- PoE submission/defer deadline: 26 January 2027
- Login for Exam Preparation Session issued: 31 March 2027
- Exam Preparation Session window: 2–6 April 2027
- Knowledge Test: 9 April 2027
June 2027 Professional Discussion
- PoE submission/defer deadline: 7 May 2027
- Professional Discussion window: 4–20 June 2027
November 2027 Knowledge Test
- Registration closing date: 26 January 2027
- PoE submission/defer deadline: 24 August 2027
- Login for Exam Preparation Session issued: 27 October 2027
- Exam Preparation Session window: 29 October–2 November 2027
- Knowledge Test: 5 November 2027
NEBDN advises that deferrals made after the relevant PoE submission/defer deadline incur a higher charge.
Why is the registration closing date important?
One date that can easily be overlooked is the registration closing date.
This can be many months before the Knowledge Test itself.
For example, although the April 2027 Knowledge Test takes place on 9 April 2027, the registration closing date for that assessment window was 30 June 2026.
For the November 2027 Knowledge Test, registration closes at midnight on 26 January 2027.
This means you shouldn’t assume that you can simply choose the next available assessment date later in your course.
Your intended assessment window should form part of your course planning from much earlier on.
What is the PoE submission/defer deadline?
The Portfolio of Evidence submission/defer deadline is another key date to have in your calendar.
Your PoE demonstrates the knowledge, skills and experience you have developed during your training and needs to be completed in line with the requirements of your qualification.
NEBDN's schedule also identifies the deadline by which a learner can defer before a higher deferral charge applies.
This is why keeping on top of your portfolio throughout your course is so important. Leaving large amounts of outstanding evidence until close to your assessment deadline can create unnecessary pressure and may affect your intended assessment plans.
Don’t forget the NEBDN Exam Preparation Session
Before the Knowledge Test, learners also need to complete the NEBDN Exam Preparation Session.
The session is provided by NEBDN and takes place during a specified window shortly before the Knowledge Test.
For example, learners sitting the April 2027 Knowledge Test have an Exam Preparation Session window of 2–6 April 2027, while those sitting the November 2027 Knowledge Test have a window of 29 October–2 November 2027.
We’ll cover the NEBDN Exam Preparation Session in a separate guide, including what it involves and what learners need to know.
Why should you plan backwards from your assessment date?
Knowing your assessment date gives you a clear point to work towards, but it is the deadlines before that date that should shape your planning.
Rather than simply thinking:
“My Knowledge Test is in November.”
Work backwards:
When is my Knowledge Test?
↓
When is my PoE submission deadline?
↓
What portfolio work do I still need to complete?
↓
What should I be completing each month to stay on target?
Breaking your qualification down into smaller targets makes it much easier to see whether you are progressing as expected.
It also gives you time to speak to your assessor and take action if you begin to fall behind, rather than discovering close to your assessment that you have more outstanding work than you expected.
When should I start revising for the NEBDN Knowledge Test?
Revision is much easier when it is an ongoing process rather than something you begin immediately before your Knowledge Test.
Throughout your Level 3 Diploma, you will develop knowledge across the different areas of dental nursing covered by the qualification. Regularly revisiting previous topics can help keep that knowledge fresh.
As your Knowledge Test approaches, a structured revision plan can help you:
- organise your revision time
- identify topics that need more attention
- keep track of what you have covered
- break revision into manageable sections
- avoid trying to revise everything at once
Free revision support for trainee dental nurses
Free revision support for trainee dental nurses
If you’re preparing for your NEBDN assessments, our free Study Companion includes practical resources to support your learning, revision and exam preparation, including our revision planner to help you organise your revision and keep track of your progress.
Studying for your NEBDN Level 3 Diploma?
At Infills Academy, our learners receive dedicated assessor support, regular progress reviews and individual targets throughout their programme.
This means you know what you should be working towards at each stage of your qualification and can monitor your progress towards your intended assessment window.
We deliver the NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) through flexible online learning designed to fit around your role in practice.
If you are already employed as a trainee dental nurse and are looking for a training provider, find out more about studying your Level 3 Diploma with Infills Academy.
Please note: Assessment dates and requirements are set by NEBDN and may be subject to change. Always refer to the latest information issued by NEBDN and your training provider.