What is the ADC Part 1 (Written) Exam? Format, Subjects & Fees

The ADC written examination (commonly called "ADC Part 1") is the first assessment overseas-trained dentists must pass on the Australian Dental Council pathway to registering and practising as a dentist in Australia. It tests the scientific and clinical knowledge expected of a newly graduated Australian dentist.

Exam format at a glance

• 280 multiple-choice questions in total, single best answer
• Delivered by computer over two consecutive days (Pearson VUE test centres)
• 4 sections of 70 questions — two sections per day, 2 hours per section
• Questions are scenario-based: each clinical vignette carries around 5 related questions (roughly 56 scenarios across the exam)

The application fee is substantial (around AUD $2,100 at the time of writing — always confirm the current fee on adc.org.au), which is exactly why most candidates want to pass on their first attempt.

What subjects are covered?

The exam draws on all areas of dentistry, weighted approximately as follows:

This weighting matters: a candidate who is strong in endodontics but weak in oral surgery is leaving the biggest block of marks on the table. Smart preparation targets your weakest high-weight subjects first.

How should you prepare?

1. Diagnose your gaps first. Don't start reading page one of a textbook — find out which subjects are actually costing you marks.
2. Practise scenario-based MCQs — the real exam is case-driven, so isolated fact recall isn't enough.
3. Sit full-length timed simulations. 140 questions in a day is a stamina event; you need to have experienced it before exam day.