DHA Exam Syllabus: What to Study for Dubai’s Healthcare Licensing Exam

If you’re a healthcare professional planning to practice in Dubai, clearing the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam is a mandatory requirement. But before you start preparing, it’s essential to understand the DHA exam syllabus—what topics are covered, how the exam is structured, and what resources you need to succeed.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through a detailed overview of the DHA exam syllabus for various healthcare roles including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.

What is the DHA Exam?

The DHA exam is a computer-based test designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and clinical competence of healthcare professionals who want to work in Dubai. It is conducted via Prometric and includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) specific to your professional field.

Once you pass the exam and complete all formalities, you receive a DHA license, allowing you to work legally in public or private healthcare settings in Dubai.

Why the DHA Exam Syllabus Matters

Understanding the DHA exam syllabus is the foundation of your preparation. It helps you:

• Focus on relevant topics

• Avoid studying unnecessary content

• Practice the right kind of questions

• Manage your study time effectively

DHA Exam Syllabus by Profession

✅ 1. General Practitioners (GPs)

Core Topics:

• General Medicine

• Surgery

• Pediatrics

• Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Psychiatry

• Emergency Medicine

• Medical Ethics and Laws

Exam Pattern:

• 100 MCQs

• Duration: 2.5 hours

• Focus: Diagnosis, treatment, and case-based scenarios

✅ 2. Specialist Doctors

Syllabus Based on Specialty, e.g.:

Internal Medicine:

• Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, etc.
  Dermatology:

• Clinical diagnosis, treatment protocols, and cosmetic dermatology
  Orthopedics:

• Trauma care, surgical techniques, rehabilitation

Exam Pattern:

• 70–100 MCQs

• Emphasis on clinical judgment and specialty-specific practices

✅ 3. Nurses (RN/Assistant Nurse)

Core Topics:

• Fundamentals of Nursing

• Medical-Surgical Nursing

• Maternal and Child Health

• Psychiatric Nursing

• Infection Control

• Patient Safety and Ethics

Exam Format:

• 70 MCQs

• 2 hours duration

• Case-based and situational judgment questions included

✅ 4. Pharmacists

Syllabus Includes:

• Pharmacology

• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

• Drug Interactions and Side Effects

• Dispensing and Dosage Calculations

• Pharmacy Law and Ethics (UAE-specific)

Exam Format:

• 70–100 MCQs

• Multiple answer and scenario-based questions included

✅ 5. Dentists

Key Areas:

• Oral Diagnosis

• Operative Dentistry

• Endodontics

• Periodontics

• Prosthodontics

• Oral Surgery

• Radiology

• Infection Control

Exam Format:

• 100 MCQs

• Duration: 2.5 hours

• Patient management and treatment planning scenarios included

✅ 6. Allied Health Professionals

(Such as Lab Technicians, Radiographers, Physiotherapists)

Each specialty has its own DHA syllabus, usually covering:

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Equipment handling and procedures

• Emergency protocols

• Infection control

• Ethical and professional practice

MCQ-based exam tailored to the specialty

How to Access the DHA Exam Syllabus

You can download the official syllabus for your category from the DHA official website or through your Sheryan portal account once registered. The DHA syllabus PDF includes detailed topics, references, and exam guidelines.

Tips for Using the DHA Syllabus in Your Preparation

• ✅ Break down the syllabus into weekly study goals

• ✅ Focus on frequently asked topics first

• ✅ Practice MCQs after finishing each section

• ✅ Use trusted DHA preparation books and online portals

• ✅ Join online study groups to exchange resources

Final Thoughts

Knowing the DHA exam syllabus is the first step in planning a focused and successful preparation strategy. By studying the right topics, practicing exam-style questions, and following a consistent plan, you’ll be well on your way to passing the exam and securing your DHA license.

Whether you’re a nurse in India, a doctor in Egypt, or a pharmacist in the Philippines, understanding the syllabus gives you a roadmap to one of the most sought-after healthcare careers in the UAE.