DHA Exam: Your Complete Guide to Practicing Healthcare in Dubai

Dubai is one of the fastest-growing healthcare hubs in the world, offering world-class facilities and attractive career opportunities for healthcare professionals. However, before you can practice legally in Dubai, you must pass the DHA Exam—a mandatory licensing test administered by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or allied health professional, this blog will guide you through everything you need to know about the DHA Exam, including eligibility, exam pattern, registration, and preparation tips.

What is the DHA Exam?

The DHA Exam is a licensing examination required for healthcare professionals who want to work in Dubai. It assesses your professional knowledge and ensures you meet the standards of healthcare practice in the UAE.

Once you pass the DHA exam and receive your eligibility letter, you can apply for jobs in hospitals, clinics, or any licensed healthcare facility in Dubai.

Who Needs to Take the DHA Exam?

The DHA Exam is required for the following professionals:

• Doctors (General Practitioners, Specialists, Consultants)

• Nurses and Midwives

• Dentists

• Pharmacists

• Laboratory Technicians

• Radiographers

• Physiotherapists

• Allied Healthcare Professionals (e.g., Dietitians, Occupational Therapists)

Each category has its own exam content and eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for DHA Exam

To be eligible, candidates must:

• Hold a relevant degree from an accredited institution

• Have valid professional experience (usually 2+ years, depending on the position)

• Provide license/registration from their home country or previous practice location

• Demonstrate English proficiency, often with IELTS or TOEFL (for non-native speakers)

All documents must be verified through DataFlow Group, a primary source verification (PSV) agency partnered with DHA.

DHA Exam Application Process

The application process includes the following steps:

1. Create a Sheryan Account on the DHA website (https://services.dha.gov.ae)

2. Submit Required Documents including passport, qualifications, experience certificates, and license

3. Pay DataFlow Fees for document verification

4. Book the Exam via Prometric (the global testing agency that conducts DHA exams)

5. Take the Computer-Based Test (CBT) at a Prometric center in your home country or Dubai

6. Receive Results and Eligibility Letter if you pass

DHA Exam Pattern

The exam format depends on your profession. For example:

General Practitioners:

• Duration: 2 hours

• Questions: 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

• Topics: Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology

Nurses:

• Duration: 2 hours

• Questions: 100 MCQs

• Topics: Nursing fundamentals, Patient care, Pharmacology, Infection control

Passing Score: Typically 60% or above (may vary)

All exams are computer-based and conducted at authorized Prometric test centers globally.

Tips to Prepare for the DHA Exam

1. Understand the Syllabus: Download the exam blueprint from the official DHA website.

2. Use DHA-Specific Study Materials: Choose books and question banks aligned with the DHA curriculum.

3. Take Practice Tests: Simulate exam conditions to improve speed and accuracy.

4. Enroll in Online Coaching: Several platforms offer DHA preparation courses with mock tests and study plans.

5. Stay Updated: Familiarize yourself with recent guidelines, especially in pharmacology and infection control.

DHA Exam Fees

• DataFlow Verification: Approx. AED 1000–1500

• Prometric Exam Fee: Approx. USD 260 (varies by location)

• Application and Registration Fees: Additional charges may apply on the DHA portal

What Happens After You Pass?

Once you pass the DHA Exam:

• You receive an Eligibility Letter valid for 1 year

• You can apply for healthcare jobs in Dubai

• After securing a job offer, your employer will help you complete licensing and visa formalities

If you don’t pass, you may reappear for the exam after a cooling period (typically 3 months).

Final Thoughts

The DHA Exam is your passport to a rewarding healthcare career in Dubai, one of the most modern and well-paying healthcare destinations globally. With proper preparation, verified credentials, and dedication, you can secure your license and begin practicing in a thriving and multicultural environment.

Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, or allied health professional, this exam is your first step toward building a successful medical career in the UAE.