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.
All eligible candidates must successfully complete both parts of the Qualifying Examination before they can become a registered Denturist in Ontario.
The QE consists of two components:
- Part I: a written exam consisting of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Part II: an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
Part I: MCQ - Written Examination
The MCQ examination is administered in two, 3 hour sessions. This is a closed book, online remote proctored examination, and consists of 240 independent multiple choice questions. The MCQ portion of the Qualifying Examination is multi-jurisdictional - candidates will be attempting the examination simultaneously along with candidates from British Columbia and Alberta.
The number of questions in each competency area follows the blueprint below:
Competency Area - 240 Questions Total |
% of Questions |
1. Clinical Practice |
35% |
2. Laboratory |
26% |
3. Professional Collaboration |
13% |
4. Practice Management |
16% |
5. Jurisprudence, Ethics and Professional Responsibilities |
10% |
TOTALS |
100% |
Part II: 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 blueprint below:
Competency Area |
Competency Weighting |
# of
Stations |
1. Clinical Practice |
31.25% |
5 |
2. Laboratory |
25% |
4 |
3. Professional Collaboration |
12.5% |
2 |
4. Practice Management |
6.25% |
1 |
5. Jurisprudence, Ethics and Professional Responsibilities |
12.5% |
2 |
6. Communication |
12.5% |
2 |
TOTALS |
100% |
16 |
Familiarize Yourself with the OSCE:
Part II-OSCE: Qualifying Examination Orientation (Video Link)
For individuals who are unfamiliar with the OSCE examination, this video clip provides a detailed overview of the process from beginning to end.
OSCE: Sample Interactive Station (Video Link)
This video clip presents an example of a sample station that a candidate may encounter during the OSCE. It demonstrates what is expected of a candidate inside an interactive station.