When is the next NDAEB Theory Exam, and when do applications close?
The NDAEB Theory Exam has fixed sittings and deadlines, and it is easy to miss the one that fits your plans.
These are the sittings, their deadlines and what counts as on time.
Short answer
The NDAEB schedule lists four sittings a year, in March, June, September and December, each with a three-day window of exam dates.
Applications close at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, about seven weeks before the first exam day. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
Registration for the 2027 sittings opens on January 4, 2027.
The sittings and their deadlines
This is what the NDAEB's schedule page listed when we checked, with the application deadline next to each sitting.
| Sitting | Exam days | Apply by (4:30 p.m. ET) |
|---|---|---|
| December 2026 | December 9 to 11, 2026 | Oct 19, 2026 |
| March 2027 | March 23 to 25, 2027 | Feb 1, 2027 |
| June 2027 | June 23 to 25, 2027 | May 3, 2027 |
| September 2027 | September 22 to 24, 2027 | Jul 30, 2027 |
| December 2027 | December 8 to 10, 2027 | Oct 18, 2027 |
Every deadline falls 50 to 54 days before the first exam day, which is roughly seven weeks ahead.
When registration opens
Registration for the 2027 exams opens on Monday, January 4, 2027, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Registrations are processed first come, first served, and availability is limited. That's a reason not to leave it to deadline day if you have a particular sitting in mind.
What counts as on time
Your online application, the required documents and your payment all have to be in by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date. Incomplete or late applications are not accepted.
If you haven't finished your program and don't yet have a final diploma or transcript, you'll need a Letter of Enrolment from your school. It has to be dated within the last three months, so ask for it close to when you apply.
If you need to move to another sitting
You can transfer to another sitting in the same calendar year without a financial penalty, as long as you ask before the application deadline.
After the deadline you can ask for a one-time transfer to the next sitting in the same calendar year, no later than 15 calendar days before the first day of your exam. For a December sitting there is no later sitting in that year. Withdrawing is different and has fees, which the cost guide covers.
Choose a sitting early, put its deadline in your calendar, and read the rules for moving to another sitting.
Dates can change, so confirm them on the official site.
Frequently asked questions
How many sittings a year does the NDAEB Theory Exam have?
The 2027 schedule lists four sittings: March, June, September and December. Each has a three-day window of exam dates.
Can I apply after the deadline?
No. The application, documents and payment must be received by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date, and late applications are not accepted.
When does registration for the 2027 exams open?
On Monday, January 4, 2027, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Can I switch to a different sitting?
Within the same calendar year you can transfer to another sitting without a financial penalty if you ask before the application deadline. After the deadline you can request a one-time transfer to the next sitting in the same year, no later than 15 calendar days before your exam starts.
Sources
- NDAEB: Theory Exam ScheduleMonday, October 19, 2026 (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time)Checked October 18, 2026
- NDAEB: Theory Exam Candidate Handbook (2026)Incomplete or late applications will not be acceptedChecked October 18, 2026