When is the NDHCE, and when do applications close?
Missing a registration deadline is the easiest mistake to avoid. Knowing the sittings and their deadlines early gives you room to plan your study time.
These are the NDHCE dates the FDHRC has published, with the deadlines that matter.
Short answer
The NDHCE is offered three times a year, typically in or around January, May and September. The 2027 sittings are January 20 and 21, May 19 and 20, and September 22 and 23.
Applications close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, two months before each sitting. The FDHRC lists a short, paid late window after that.
Payment alone doesn't register you. The FDHRC confirms registration one to two weeks after the deadline.
The 2027 sittings
The FDHRC, the Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators of Canada, runs the exam and publishes the dates. This is its 2027 schedule. The number of exam days can vary at some centres, depending on how many candidates there are and how many seats are available.
| Sitting | Exam days | Apply by (11:59 p.m. ET) |
|---|---|---|
| January 2027 | January 20 and 21, 2027 | Nov 20, 2026 |
| May 2027 | May 19 and 20, 2027 | Mar 19, 2027 |
| September 2027 | September 22 and 23, 2027 | Jul 22, 2027 |
Each deadline is two calendar months (61 or 62 days) before the first exam day. All three sittings are listed as held at test centres only, not by virtual proctoring. The FDHRC reserves the right to change exam dates or the way the exam is offered.
If you miss the deadline
The FDHRC fee schedule lists late registration for registrations received after the regular deadline. It's available for approximately seven calendar days after it and costs $150 plus tax, and that fee does not include the exam fee. The [cost guide](/ndhce/exam-cost) has the full fee list.
Withdrawal deadlines
If you apply and then need to withdraw, the FDHRC sets a withdrawal deadline and a later late withdrawal deadline for each sitting.
| Sitting | Withdrawal deadline | Late withdrawal deadline |
|---|---|---|
| January 2027 | Dec 28, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 |
| May 2027 | Apr 26, 2027 | May 13, 2027 |
| September 2027 | Aug 30, 2027 | Sep 17, 2027 |
What you get back depends on when you withdraw. Fifteen business days or more before the exam, the exam fee is refunded less a non-refundable application fee. Less than 15 business days but more than 2 before it, you're refunded less a withdrawal fee. Two business days or less before it, or if you don't show up, there's no refund. In all three cases you don't forfeit an attempt. The fee amounts are in the guide to what the NDHCE costs.
Illness and bereavement are handled separately. If you withdraw less than 15 business days before the exam because of illness (doctor's certificate required) or a death in your immediate family (death certificate required), you can be refunded the exam fee less the non-refundable application fee once the FDHRC approves it.
What you need to apply
- A new application every time you want to be tested. Once registration opens, the form is online on the FDHRC website.
- Your legal name, as it appears on your government-issued ID. Your certificate is issued in the name on the application.
- The exam fee. The FDHRC doesn't accept cash or personal cheques.
- A natural, unfiltered, unaltered digital photo taken within the last six months.
- Everything received on or before the application deadline date.
On exam day you'll also show a separate piece of government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence or passport, to the proctor at sign-in.
Paid doesn't mean registered
Paying doesn't register you. The payment confirmation doesn't mean you're registered yet. The FDHRC sends a registration confirmation one to two weeks after the application deadline, once your dental hygiene program director has confirmed you're eligible.
The FDHRC says the application form goes online once registration opens, but its dates page doesn't give an opening date. Check the FDHRC site for when the form for your sitting is live.
Put the registration and withdrawal deadlines in your calendar now, and remember that paying is not the same as being registered.
If you are not sure you qualify yet, read the eligibility guide before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
How often is the NDHCE offered?
Three times a year, typically in or around January, May and September.
What is the deadline to apply for the January 2027 NDHCE?
November 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The exam is on January 20 and 21, 2027.
Can I still apply after the deadline?
The FDHRC fee schedule lists late registration for approximately seven calendar days after the regular deadline, at $150 plus tax on top of the exam fee. Confirm that the late window is open for your sitting before you count on it.
Do I lose an attempt if I withdraw?
No. The FDHRC says a candidate who withdraws does not forfeit an attempt, whether they withdraw early, late or don't show up. Refunds are different and depend on timing.
Am I registered once I've paid?
Not yet. The payment confirmation doesn't mean you're registered. You'll receive a registration confirmation one to two weeks after the application deadline, after your program director confirms your eligibility.
Sources
- FDHRC: NDHCE Datesoffered three times per year, typically in or around the months of January, May, and SeptemberChecked October 18, 2026
- FDHRC: NDHCE Application InformationAn application must be received on or before the application deadline dateChecked October 18, 2026
- FDHRC: NDHCE FAQThe payment confirmation does not mean you are registered for the exam yetChecked October 18, 2026
- FDHRC: 2026 Fee ScheduleLate registration is available for approximately seven (7) calendar daysChecked October 18, 2026