DHA Exam: Your Complete Guide to Licensing for Healthcare Jobs in Dubai

Article Summary

• The DHA examination is a mandatory computer-based licensing test administered by the Dubai Health Authority for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, who wish to practice in Dubai.
• Eligibility for this exam requires a minimum of 2 years of experience for nurses and allied health professionals, and 3 years for general practitioners, along with Primary Source Verification through DataFlow and a Good Standing Certificate from the licensing authority of your home country.
• The total costs range from AED 2,200 to AED 4,000 for registration, PSV verification, the CBT exam, and license activation, with strict no-refund policies and a 3-attempt limit before a mandatory 2-year waiting period.

If you are a healthcare professional aiming to work in Dubai, the DHA exam is the first step in your journey. This computer-based licensing test, administered by the Dubai Health Authority, assesses whether you meet Dubai’s clinical standards and regulatory requirements.

Dubai’s healthcare sector offers significant career growth, but you cannot practise legally without a Dubai Health Authority license. That license begins with passing the DHA exam, which allows you to join the Dubai Medical Registry and apply for jobs.

In this guide, we have covered details such as eligibility, registration, fees and syllabus, so that you can clear the exam and activate your license.

What is the DHA Exam?

DHA stands for Dubai Health Authority. The DHA exam is a mandatory licensing examination conducted by the Dubai Health Authority for healthcare professionals who wish to practise in the city.

The exam is administered globally by Prometric Testing Services, a computer-based assessment company with a network of 8,000 test centres in more than 160 countries. This means you can appear for the exam in India, the Philippines, Pakistan, or almost any country, without needing to travel to Dubai first.

DHA Exam vs DHA License: What is the Difference?

The DHA exam is the assessment, and the DHA license is the legal outcome. Once you pass the exam and complete all verification steps, you receive a DHA registration, which confirms you fulfil the requirements for your applied position and speciality. This registration remains valid for one year and allows you to become part of the Dubai Medical Registry.

However, you can only start practising after a healthcare facility activates your registration into a full professional license. The next steps after passing the DHA exam include:

• Completing Primary Source Verification of documents
• Filling out the application form
• Submitting all required documents
• Paying the license fees
• Activating the license through the medical facility that hires you

For Which Country is the DHA Exam Required?

The DHA exam is exclusively meant for healthcare professionals who wish to practise in the Emirate of Dubai, UAE. The DHA license is only valid in Dubai. If you want to work in Abu Dhabi, you need a separate DOH license. For the Northern Emirates, you need an MOH license.

However, the computer-based exam can be taken at Prometric centres worldwide, not just in Dubai, giving you the flexibility to complete the assessment from your home country before relocating.

Eligibility Requirements for the DHA Exam

Now, let’s take a look at the eligibility requirements for the DHA Examination.

Academic and Experience Qualifications

Your eligibility depends on your profession and qualifications. You must be at least 18 years of age. The experience requirements vary depending on the role.

• Pharmacists, nurses, general practitioners, and other allied healthcare professionals need at least 2 years of experience, while specialists need at least 3 years.
• Nursing applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing from a recognised university, with a programme duration of at least three years.
• A Diploma in Nursing may be considered if it is from a highly ranked programme and followed by extensive experience, but a BSc is the standard.
• As per the updated Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) of 2025, registered nurses who graduated within the last 2 years can now apply without the traditional 2-year experience requirement. Older qualifications still require experience.
• Pharmacy applicants should hold a B.Pharm or PharmD degree and have at least 2 years of experience in retail and hospital pharmacy. Also, you must be a registered pharmacist in your home country.

If you are still evaluating whether to study in Dubai or move directly for work, it helps to compare both options carefully.

Primary Source Verification (PSV)

The Primary Source Verification (PSV) of DataFlow is the step in which your documents are checked directly with the original issuing authorities to confirm that your degree, license, and experience records are genuine and valid. Usually, this process takes around 20 to 40 working days.

You can begin the process through the DataFlow portal using your DHA ID. The fee depends on your:

• Profession
• Document count
• Country of verification

Therefore, consider checking the latest amount on the portal before applying. Once the review is complete, your report is typically marked as “Verified”, “Unable to Verify”, or “Discrepancy”. After that, you need to upload the PSV report to your Sheryan account before moving ahead with exam booking.

Documents Required for DHA Exam

You will need several documents to complete your DHA application. Required documents typically include:

• A passport copy (must be valid for at least 6 months)
• A passport-size photograph with a white background
• Your educational qualifications (diploma, transcripts, degree)
• A professional license from your home country
• A Good Standing Certificate issued within the past 6 months

The Good Standing Certificate (CGS) is particularly important. This is a letter issued by your country’s medical or nursing council confirming you are a registered professional in good standing with no disciplinary actions or malpractice cases against you. It is usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and you must request it directly from your licensing authority.

Eligibility Restrictions

The DHA enforces a strict three-attempt rule. All applicants receive 3 attempts to pass the assessment modality; failing which, they are blocked from reapplying for 2 years. This limit applies across all UAE health authorities (DHA, DOH Abu Dhabi, MOH). After three unsuccessful attempts, an applicant usually needs evidence of additional training, clinical experience, or education before reapplying.

The DHA also screens applicants for prior violations and blacklist-related issues. According to the official DHA licensing manual, DHA may take action on an application with a history of suspension, revocation, blacklisting, falsified documents, or a negative PSV report.

The DHA prefers continuous clinical experience. If an applicant has an employment gap of more than 6 months to a year, the person may be required to provide a detailed justification or evidence of continuing medical education (CME) during that period.

While the DHA exam is in English, there is currently no mandatory English language test, such as IELTS or OET, for most applicants as a prerequisite for the exam itself. However, proficiency is expected, and some employers may require it for hiring.

A self-check table for applicants:

Eligibility Checkpoint	What to Verify
Attempt limit	You have not exhausted the allowed attempts across DHA, DOH Abu Dhabi, and MOH
Professional record	You have no undeclared disciplinary case, suspension, or violation
Clinical recency	Your recent professional experience matches DHA eligibility norms
Supporting proof	You can provide valid documents for qualifications, registration, and good standing
Official criteria	Your profession matches the latest PQR guidelines

DHA Exam Registration Process 2026

Have a look at the registration process for the DHA Exam in 2026.

Step-by-Step Registration Flow

The entire DHA registration process is handled through the Sheryan portal. Here is the complete sequence.

Step 1: Complete the Self-Assessment Tool

The self-assessment is free of cost. If the system rejects an applicant but the person believes that he or she meets the criteria, a manual review by a DHA officer will cost AED 200.

Step 2: Primary Source Verification (PSV) via DataFlow

The PSV confirms the authenticity of your educational qualifications and work experience through DataFlow. The fixed package costs AED 1,235 for doctors and AED 935 for nurses or allied healthcare. Complete your PSV through DataFlow and create a valid DHA account.

Step 3: CBT Booking with Prometric

Once your PSV is underway, you can schedule your exam date by logging into the Prometric website. Next, follow these steps:

• Choose your profession
• Select a date and test centre
• Pay the required fees

The platform allows you to perform your DataFlow verification and CBT Assessment in parallel, which saves time.

Step 4: Oral Assessment (profession-specific)

Depending on your professional position, DHA may require an oral assessment. If your application is approved and you pass the oral assessment (if required), your registration will be issued, and you will automatically become part of the Dubai Medical Registry.

Step 5: License Activation

You can only start practising after the professional license has been activated by the facility where you were hired.

Pro Tips for Registration

Draft applications that remain inactive for over 6 months will be cleared from the account. A 15-day reminder is sent to your registered email. DHA updated its Sheryan Portal in May 2025, with streamlined application workflows and faster processing times. The following tips for registration will streamline your process.

• Save all application reference numbers and confirmation emails
• Set up email alerts for status updates
• Verify document formats before uploading to avoid delays

If you need help navigating the Sheryan portal, booking your exam, or preparing your documents correctly, connect with Leverage Edu for step-by-step guidance and free resources.

DHA Exam Format and Question Pattern

The DHA Exam is a compulsory computer-based multiple-choice test administered by the Dubai Health Authority through Prometric for healthcare professionals. There is no penalty for incorrect answers. Your score is based entirely on correct responses, so always attempt every question. The exam is conducted in English.

Questions, Duration, and Passing Scores by Profession

The number of questions, time limits, and passing scores vary by profession. The DHA exam comprises 100-150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), depending on the professional categories. Take a look at the particulars like the number of questions, time limit to answer them, and the score to pass the examination for different professions.

Profession	Number of Questions	Time Limit	Passing Score
General Practitioners	150	180 minutes	60%
Dentists	150	180 minutes	60%
Registered Nurse/Registered Midwife	150	165 minutes	50%
Assistant Nurse/Assistant Midwife	150	165 minutes	45%
Pharmacists	150	180 minutes	60%
Lab Technicians	100	120 minutes	45%

DHA may change these without prior notice. Therefore, it’s always important to verify current requirements before your exam. For pharmacists, each answer is worth 1 mark, with no negative marking for incorrect answers.

Scoring and Results

Results are made available within 2-5 working days. DHA scores are available to you via your registered email and the Sheryan portal.

The results of the DHA exam show pass/fail status with detailed performance breakdowns. If you pass, you can proceed with licensing. However, if any student fails, they may retake the exam up to 3 times.

The exam is valid for 5 years, and you are allowed a total of 3 attempts. In general, you can reapply for another attempt after your result is published, with no waiting period. If you reach the maximum number of attempts, you may need to meet additional requirements, such as a new qualification or additional experience, before reapplying. Always check the latest assessment policy in your Sheryan account.

Detailed DHA Exam Syllabus by Profession

DHA publishes detailed blueprints for each healthcare category. Common topics across all professions include:

• UAE healthcare regulations
• Medical ethics
• Infection control
• Professional standards

The exact syllabus varies significantly based on profession. Therefore, consider downloading the latest blueprint PDF from the official DHA portal to guide your preparation.

Sample Syllabus: Nursing

Key nursing topics include:

• Pharmacology: Drug classifications, mechanisms of action, side effects, and safe administration
• Emergency Nursing Care: Triage, first aid protocols, and nursing response in emergencies
• Ethics and Legal Aspects: Confidentiality, patient rights, and professional accountability
• Health Education and Promotion: Patient counselling, disease prevention, and lifestyle education
• Documentation and Reporting: Accurate record-keeping, incident reporting, and handover procedures

Clinical subjects such as Medicine or Medical-Surgical Nursing usually hold the highest weightage. You can expect approximately 5-10% of the exam (7-15 questions) to cover pharmacology, with a significant portion involving dosage calculations.

Topic Area	Estimated Weightage
Medical-Surgical Nursing	High (25–30%)
Pharmacology	5–10%
Emergency Nursing Care	10–15%
Ethics and Legal Aspects	5–10%
Health Education and Promotion	5–10%
Documentation and Reporting	5–10%
Maternal-Child Health	10–15%
Psychiatric Nursing	5–10%

Sample Syllabus: Pharmacy

The DHA syllabus for pharmacists includes topics like:

• Pharmaceutical Care and Disease Management (35%)
• Compounding and Pharmacy Calculations (15%)
• Pharmacy Law, Ethics, Safety, and OTC meds (rest of the exam)

The DHA Exam syllabus for Pharmacists consists of 10 topics, with a focus on Pharmaceutical Care, Disease State Management, and Pharmacy Calculation and Compounding. Some of the key areas include:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Pharmacy Practice
• Clinical Pharmacy
• Pharmaceutical Management
• Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence

High-weightage pharmacy areas include pharmacology, clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical calculations, laws and ethics, and OTC/drug interactions.

Topic Area	Estimated Weightage
Pharmaceutical Care and Disease State Management	35%
Pharmacy Calculation and Compounding	15%
Pharmacology	10–15%
Clinical Pharmacy	10–15%
Pharmaceutical Management	5–10%
Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence (UAE Law)	5–10%
OTC Medications and Drug Interactions	5–10%

Study Strategy Based on Weightage

Focus your preparation time on high-weight topics first.

• For nursing, that means prioritising Medical-Surgical Nursing, Emergency Nursing, and Pharmacology.
• For pharmacy, spend the most time on Pharmaceutical Care and Disease Management, followed by Calculations and Compounding.

Always download the latest blueprint PDF from the official DHA portal, as syllabi are updated periodically. Verify you have the current version before starting your preparation.

DHA Exam Fees, Payment Stages and License Costs

The total cost of obtaining a DHA license adds up across multiple stages. Here is the complete breakdown.

Stage	Fee (AED)
Self-Assessment Tool (Sheryan)	Free
Manual Review (if self-assessment fails)	200
Application Processing Fee (Sheryan registration)	~200
PSV/DataFlow – Doctors	1,235
PSV/DataFlow – Nurses / Allied Health	935
CBT Exam Fee (Prometric)	USD 240–280 (profession-dependent)
Oral Assessment	250–500
License Activation	1,000–4,000

You should treat the total cost as a multi-stage expense rather than a single exam fee, because the amount varies based on your profession, the complexity of verification, and whether an oral assessment or license activation is required. A registration fee of AED 200 applies, while other charges, such as PSV, CBT, and activation, depend on the selected service.

Stage	What to know
Registration	The official DHA registration fee is AED 200
PSV / DataFlow	Varies by document count, country, and profession
CBT exam	Profession-specific and paid at booking stage
Oral assessment	Applies only to selected categories
License activation	Depends on license type and validity period

Payment Rules

DHA exam fees are non-refundable. Reapplication requires full repayment. Cash payments are not accepted for exam registration. Bank transfers or cheques are also not accepted for the fees.

Before making any payment, always cross-check the latest amount on the official Sheryan portal because DHA service fees can change by category and application type. It is also safer to avoid quoting one universal refund or rescheduling rule unless the exact condition is shown on your booking screen or in the official service instructions.

Rescheduling your exam appointment costs approximately USD 80-100, depending on the notice period. Both Prometric and DHA maintain a strict no-refund policy. Refunds will not be issued under any circumstances related to personal hardship, illness, or name discrepancies. Rescheduling can be considered under strict terms.

License Validity and Renewal

DHA licenses are valid for 1-2 years and must be renewed before expiry. The DHA license renewal fee is AED 200 for most categories, with late penalties applied monthly. Start the renewal process 60 days before expiry to avoid the AED 200 monthly late penalty.

Check the license’s validity and associated fees in the table below.

License Duration	Full-time	Part-time	Trainee
1 year	AED 1,000 to AED 3,000	AED 1,000 to AED 3,000	AED 1,000 to AED 3,000
2 years	AED 1,500 to AED 5,000	Not found on the official website	Not found on the official website
3 years	AED 2,500 to AED 7,500	Not found on the official website	Not found on the official website

Also read: Cost of Living in Dubai

Preparing for the DHA Exam: Study Resources and Tips

Here are some of the recommended study resources for aspirants.

• Start with the official DHA blueprint and syllabus PDF for your profession, available from the DHA portal.
• Use reference textbooks specific to your speciality.
• Online MCQ practice banks are critical; solving thousands of practice questions in timed conditions is the single best predictor of exam success.
• Join past candidate experience forums and study groups to share resources and strategies.
• Students must consider professional coaching if they struggle with self-directed study or have failed a previous attempt.

Now, take a look at this comprehensive 6-week study schedule that should help you brace up for the examination.

6-Week Sample Study Schedule

• Weeks 1-2: Review the blueprint thoroughly, identify weak areas, and gather all study resources. Create a detailed topic list and prioritise high-weightage areas.
• Weeks 3-4: Engage in intensive topic study focusing on high-weightage areas first. Use active recall and spaced repetition. Aim for 1-3 hours of focused study each day.
• Week 5: Practice MCQs daily, simulate timed tests, and review the latest UAE healthcare regulations. Analyse every wrong answer to understand the gap.
• Week 6: This is the time for final revision. Review all flagged errors, focus on ethics and professional standards, and reduce study intensity in the final 48 hours to avoid burnout.

DHA Exam Preparation Best Practices

We would also recommend best practices to help you prepare for the examination with confidence.

• Join peer study groups or consider professional coaching if you are struggling with certain topics.
• Simulate timed-test conditions regularly to build stamina and time-management skills.
• The exam is long, and mental fatigue is a real factor. Focus extra attention on UAE-specific regulations and ethics, as these often trip up international candidates.
• Maintain a healthy sleep schedule and stress management routine during your preparation period.
• Take regular breaks to avoid burnout. Research shows that 4-6 weeks of intensive study (1-3 hours daily) is the minimum recommended timeline for first-attempt success.

Exam-Day Rules and What to Bring

Here’s the final checklist of the rules you must follow on the day of the examination. Also, find the list of what to bring and what not to carry.

• Arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Students who arrive beyond the grace period will be denied entry, with no refund of exam fees.
• You must carry the exact ID documents listed in your exam confirmation email. Any mismatch can lead to immediate denial of entry.
• Your ID name must match the name on your Prometric appointment details. Expired passports, digital copies, or laminated photocopies of IDs are not accepted. Bring your original passport.
• Prometric has a neutral dress code policy focused on safety and identification. Wear simple, comfortable clothing. Prohibited items must be kept in the centre’s locker.
• You can bring your phone to the centre but it must be switched off and stored before entering the exam hall.
• Strictly banned items include mobile phones, smartwatches, bags, books, notes, calculators, fitness bands, Bluetooth devices, cameras, wallets, and any communication devices. If you bring any of these items, they must be stored in lockers. Failure to comply may result in exam cancellation.
• Once inside the exam room, follow all DHA Prometric rules without exception.
• Comply with the proctor’s instructions on seating and timing.
• Do not use hand gestures or speak to other candidates. Only the on-screen calculator and note board provided by Prometric can be used.
• If you need assistance, raise your hand to call the proctor.

All activities are monitored through CCTV and live proctors. That’s why, it’s recommended to adhere to the best practises.

DHA Exam Result and Score Validity

DHA scores are available within 3-5 business days through the registered email and the Sheryan portal. DHA exam results show pass/fail status with detailed performance breakdowns. If you pass the exam, you can proceed with licensing. However, any student who fails the examination remains eligible to retake it up to three times. The validity of the exam is 5 years.

Number of Attempts Allowed in DHA Exam

All applicants receive 3 attempts to pass the assessment modality; failing which, they are blocked from reapplying for 2 years. The Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) grant 3 attempts across the Authorities. After three failures, additional training or qualifications are generally required before a fourth attempt.

After three unsuccessful attempts, a student must provide evidence of additional training, clinical experience, or education before reapplying.

DHA Exam vs MOH Exam vs HAAD Exam: Key Differences

If you are considering working in different emirates of the UAE, it is crucial to understand the differences between DHA, DOH (formerly HAAD), and MOH.

Your DataFlow PSV report does not need to be redone for each authority. One completed DataFlow report can be linked across DOH, DHA, and MOH, saving significant time and money if you apply for multiple licenses. The table below compares DHA with DOH and MOH.

Feature	DHA	DOH (formerly HAAD)	MOH
Issuing Authority	Dubai Health Authority	Dept. of Health, Abu Dhabi	Ministry of Health and Prevention
Valid In	Dubai only	Abu Dhabi, Al Ain	Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, RAK, UAQ
Exam Format	MCQ-only, CBT (Prometric)	MCQ and case-based (Pearson VUE)	MCQ and viva/practical
Language	English	English	English / Arabic
Registration Fee	AED 200	AED 250–300	Variable
Experience Required	Min. 2 yrs (GPs: 3 yrs)	Min. 3 yrs	Min. 2 yrs

Career Opportunities After Passing DHA Exam

Passing the DHA exam opens the door to Dubai’s thriving healthcare sector. Founded in 2007, the Dubai Health Authority has been dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare services. It successfully operates 4 hospitals (Dubai, Hatta, Rashid, and Latifa Women and Children Hospital) as well as 13 health centres.

Salary data for healthcare professionals in Dubai varies, depending on the role and experience.

• Nurses earn approximately AED 8,340 to AED 12,980 per month
• Doctors have the potential to earn AED 20,560 to over AED 50,120 per month
• Pharmacists can earn AED 10,110 to AED 15,860 on a monthly basis
• Lab technicians, on the other hand, can earn AED 7,400 to AED 12,030 each month

You can also check this detailed guide on Pharmacist Salary in Dubai to compare salaries across experience levels and job profiles.

Doctors’ salaries depend on experience, specialisation, and employer. The income is completely tax-free, making it more financially advantageous than in many Western countries.

If you are planning a medical career path, this guide on MBBS Doctor Salary in Dubai can help you understand the role-wise earning potential better.

The Sheryan portal also bridges the gap between health facilities and talented professionals in Dubai. It is designed for health providers to post vacancies and for job seekers to discover a wide array of healthcare sector roles in one centralised hub.

If you are exploring dental roles as well, check out the Dentist Salary in Dubai UAE for a detailed overview.

Conclusion

Passing the DHA exam is the first major step towards a rewarding healthcare career in Dubai. The process involves multiple stages, from document verification and exam registration to appearing for the CBT and eventually activating your license through your employer. If you plan ahead, budget correctly, and prepare systematically, you stand a high chance of success.

If you are weighing your options between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other UAE emirates, or if you want personalised support with your DHA exam preparation, reach out to Leverage Edu for expert counselling and tailored study strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions