How Is the Canadian DAT Scored?

If you are unsure about how the Canadian DAT is scored, then we have you covered! In this article, we will be looking at how the CDA scores the Canadian DAT.

I. Scaled Scoring System

The Canadian DAT is a standardized test with a scale ranging between 1-30. It is composed of multiple sections: Biology (BIO), General Chemistry (GC), Perceptual Ability (PAT), Reading Comprehension (RC), and Manual Dexterity Test (MDT – Optional section). Each of these sections will be scored between 1 through 30 based on how many questions you answer correctly. You will also have a Total Science (TS) score and Academic Average (AA). Your Total Science score is also based on how many questions you get correct overall in the entire science section, whereas your Academic Average is the average of all your sections, excluding the PAT score.

The score you receive at the end of the test is reported as a standard score and is based on:

• How many questions you answered correctly
• Your performance compared to other students
• The difficulty of the exam version you had

Since the scores are standard scores, this scoring system is not a linear score system. For example, a Biology score of 20 does not mean that you answered only 67% of questions correctly. Similarly, if you answered 20/40 questions correctly in the Biology section, it does not mean you will receive a standard score of 15. The CDA takes into account all the factors mentioned above when determining your standard score. Keep in mind, since the score distribution is a bell-curve model, answering even 1 or 2 questions incorrectly can change your score substantially if you’re almost at a perfect score.

With that said, below are the various sections covered on the Canadian DAT:

As shown above, the Biology and Chemistry sections are written together. However, each section is scored independently. When you receive your score report, it will contain your standard score /30 for each of the following sections shown below.

• Manual Dexterity Test (MDT)
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Perceptual Ability Test (PAT)
• Reading Comprehension (RC)
• Science Total (TS)
• Academic Average (AA)

II. Omitted Questions

The Canadian DAT does have some experimental questions that are omitted from the evaluation. These questions are in the perceptual ability section of the exam, and it is impossible to know which questions will be omitted. Our recommendation is to not worry about which questions will and won’t be scored and to do this section to the best of your abilities.

With that said, it is very possible to get a great score on the Canadian DAT! Now that you know how the Canadian DAT is scored, you are one step closer to getting into the dental school of your dreams!