Qualifying Examination Structure
The Qualifying Examination (QE) is based upon internationally recognized testing standards and procedures. The examination is designed to ensure that each candidate is afforded an optimal, standardized assessment and that the examination is valid, objective and defensible.
The QE consists of two (2) components:
- Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) Written Examination
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
All eligible candidates must successfully complete
both parts of the Qualifying Examination before becoming eligible to apply for a Certificate of Registration (COR) to become a Denturist in Ontario.
1. MCQ - Written Examination
The MCQ examination is administered in two (2) three (3)-hour sessions. This is a closed book, online remote-proctored examination, which consists of 220 multiple choice questions. The number of questions in each competency area follows the MCQ Exam Blueprint.
2. OSCE - Clinical Examination
The OSCE is designed to assess a candidate’s application of clinical knowledge, communication and problem solving skills. This examination consists of a series of stations through which all QE candidates rotate. At each station, the candidate is faced with a simulated task or clinical problem and is required to perform specific functions to complete the task or address the problem. The OSCE stations can be interactive with live, standardized patients or non-interactive. The number of stations addressing a particular competency area follows the OSCE Exam Blueprint.
Familiarize Yourself with the OSCE:
OSCE: Qualifying Examination Orientation (Video Link)
For individuals who are unfamiliar with the OSCE, this video provides a detailed overview of the process from beginning to end.
OSCE: Sample Interactive Station (Video Link)
This video presents an example of a station that a candidate may encounter during the OSCE. It demonstrates what is expected of a candidate inside an interactive station.
Examination Attempts
As of September 13, 2025, the Registration Regulation (O. Reg. 183/25) under the Denturism Act, 1991 places a limit of three (3) attempts at the Qualifying Examination.
Attempts at the Qualifying Examination will start counting for the February 2026 administration onwards. Any previous attempts at the Qualifying Examination (prior to and including the June 2025 administration) do not count towards a candidate's total number of attempts.
When a Candidate fails a QE component on their third attempt, they are not eligible to apply to take that component of the QE again until:
- They successfully complete an additional training or remediation program specified by the Registration Committee (e.g. self-study plan of competency gaps, mentorship, attending a course/webinar, etc.); or
- They successfully complete another post-secondary program in denturism or equivalent.