DAT exam day guide
The DAT takes 5 hours 15 minutes at a Prometric test center, including an optional tutorial, an optional 30-minute break and a survey. Arrive at least 30 minutes early with two original IDs that match your application exactly; everything else goes in a locker.
Source: ADA, DAT 2026 Candidate Guide (updated August 4, 2026). Checked October 12, 2026.
The schedule
| Section | Time |
|---|---|
| Tutorial (optional) | 15 minutes |
| Survey of the Natural Sciences | 90 minutes |
| Perceptual Ability Test | 60 minutes |
| Scheduled break (optional) | 30 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 60 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 45 minutes |
| Post-test survey (optional) | 15 minutes |
| Total | 5 hours 15 minutes |
From the ADA’s DAT administration schedule.
The break after the first two sections is the only scheduled one, and the test resumes automatically after 30 minutes. If you take any other break, you can’t touch your locker, phone, food or notes, or leave the building.
What to bring
- A primary ID: government-issued, with your photo, name and signature, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- A secondary ID: with your name and signature, such as a debit or credit card.
- Both must be original and current. Expired, digital or photocopied IDs aren’t accepted, and the names must match your DENTPIN record exactly.
What you can’t take in
Phones, watches, bags, notes, pens and pencils, calculators, food and drink, outerwear, jewelry other than wedding and engagement rings, and good-luck items all go in a locker. The center gives you two note boards and markers, and an on-screen calculator is available in Quantitative Reasoning.
Common questions
What if I'm late?
No. If you arrive more than 30 minutes after your start time and are refused, you lose the full fee.
Do I get my score at the test center?
Not on the day. Scores go to you and your chosen schools within three to four weeks.
What if I'm ill on the day?
Email testingproblems@ADA.org within five business days with documentation, such as a doctor’s note for illness on the day.