Dreaming of starting your healthcare career in Dubai?
Passing the DHA Exam — the mandatory licensing test conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals is the essential first step to making that dream a reality. This exam ensures that all medical practitioners in Dubai meet global standards in knowledge, ethics, and patient care. As Dubai continues to expand its world-class healthcare sector, thousands of professionals worldwide are pursuing this opportunity.
In this guide, we will explain the DHA exam fees, eligibility criteria, syllabus, and the complete application process in simple, easy-to-understand language, helping you prepare clearly and confidently.
%20Exam%20Pattern,%20Syllabus,%20Fee%20&%20Eligibility.png) |
| Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Exam |
What is the DHA Exam?
The DHA Exam is a licensing test administered by the Dubai Health Authority for individuals who wish to practice in the healthcare sector in Dubai. Whether you are a nurse, doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or allied health professional, you must pass the DHA Exam (or an equivalent licensing test) to obtain a DHA licence.
The exam evaluates your clinical knowledge, professional skills, understanding of UAE healthcare regulations, and readiness to work within the Dubai healthcare system.
DHA Exam Eligibility
Before applying, you must confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria. Requirements differ depending on your profession, but the general conditions include:
A recognized qualification in your field (e.g., MBBS/MD for doctors, BSc Nursing for nurses).
A valid licence or registration from your home country or previous workplace, along with a Good Standing Certificate confirming no disciplinary issues.
A minimum required period of clinical experience (commonly around 2 years post-qualification for many professions).
Necessary documentation, such as degree certificates, professional licences, work experience letters, and in some cases, a logbook (especially for surgical specialties).
For some categories, you must complete a self-assessment through the DHA Sheryan portal and submit your documents for Primary Source Verification (PSV) via DataFlow Group.
DHA Exam Fees
DHA Exam fees vary depending on your profession — whether you are a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, or allied health professional. All fees are charged in UAE Dirhams (AED) and may change based on test location or DHA updates.
Below is a simplified overview of the approximate DHA Exam Fees:
| Category | Exam Fee (AED) | DataFlow / Verification Fee (AED) | Oral Assessment Fee (AED) | License Activation Fee (AED) | Approx. Total Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctors (General Practitioners) | 1,100–1,200 | 1,200–1,500 | 500–1,000 (if applicable) | 2,500–3,000 | 5,000–6,000 |
| Specialist Doctors | 1,200–1,500 | 1,500–2,000 | 1,000–2,000 | 3,000+ | 6,000–7,000 |
| Nurses | 800–1,000 | 1,200 | 250–500 | 1,500 | 3,000–3,500 |
| Pharmacists | 1,000 | 1,200 | Not Required | 1,500 | 3,000–3,200 |
| Dentists | 1,500–2,000 | 1,200–1,500 | 500–1,000 | 2,000 | 4,500–5,000 |
| Allied Health Professionals | 800–1,000 | 1,000 | 250–500 | 1,500 | 3,000–3,200 |
Note: These fees are approximate and may change. Always check the latest amounts on the official DHA Sheryan Portal before applying.
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Exam Syllabus & Pattern
To become a licensed healthcare professional in Dubai, you must pass the DHA Exam. This exam measures your knowledge, competency, and understanding of medical practices according to international and UAE standards. Although the pattern and syllabus differ slightly by profession, the core structure remains similar.
Let’s take a closer look at the exam format and the key topics you should prepare for.
DHA Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 100–150 (varies by profession) |
| Exam Duration | 2–3 hours |
| Passing Marks | Around 60% |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Prometric Centers) |
| Attempts Allowed | Up to 3 times a year |
| Result Time | 5–10 working days |
Tip: Since there is no negative marking, attempt all questions — smart guessing can help you score a few extra marks!
DHA Syllabus by Profession
| Profession | Main Subjects | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors / General Practitioners | Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, ENT, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry | Diagnosis, treatment, safety, ethics |
| Nurses | Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Maternity, Psychiatric, Management | Patient care, infection control, ethics, leadership |
| Dentists | Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Orthodontics, Endodontics, Radiology, Ethics | Dental procedures, anesthesia, communication |
| Pharmacists | Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics, Toxicology, Pharmacy Law | Drug interactions, dosage, counseling |
| Lab Technicians | Hematology, Microbiology, Pathology, Biochemistry | Lab methods, safety, interpretation |
| Physiotherapists / Allied Health | Anatomy, Physiology, Therapy & Rehabilitation | Assessment, treatment planning, documentation |
Application Process: How to Apply for the DHA Exam
The application process is straightforward and entirely online through the DHA Sheryan Portal. To avoid delays, follow each step carefully:
Step 1: Create a DHA Sheryan Account
Visit the official portal and register using your email ID. Once your account is created, you can track your applications and updates.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Enter your personal, educational, and professional details accurately. Choose your category (Doctor, Nurse, Pharmacist, or Allied Health Professional).
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Submit clear, attested copies of:
Passport
Passport-sized photo
Educational certificates
Professional licence/registration
Work experience certificates
Good Standing Certificate (issued within 6 months)
Step 4: Pay the DHA Exam Fees
After uploading your documents, pay the fees online. The total application fee typically ranges between 7,000–9,000 AED, depending on the profession.
Step 5: Primary Source Verification (PSV)
DataFlow Group will verify your documents to ensure authenticity. This mandatory process usually costs ₹12,000–₹15,000 INR. Incomplete or incorrect documents may lead to rejection.
Step 6: Schedule Your DHA Prometric Exam
Once your verification is cleared, you can book your test through Prometric. Choose the nearest center along with your preferred date and time.
Step 7: Take the DHA Exam
Appear for the computer-based test (CBT). The exam consists of MCQs covering clinical knowledge and medical ethics.
Step 8: Check Your Results & Apply for Your DHA Licence
Results are usually available within a few days. After passing, you can proceed with the licensing process to officially obtain your DHA Professional Licence, allowing you to practice legally in Dubai.
Conclusion
The DHA Exam opens the door to a rewarding healthcare career in Dubai. It ensures that doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals meet the quality standards established by the Dubai Health Authority.
Before applying, make sure you understand the eligibility requirements, review the exam syllabus, and stay updated on the latest DHA exam fees. Apply through the official DHA Sheryan portal and prepare thoroughly for the CBT.
Successfully passing the DHA Exam will not only grant you a professional licence but also help you secure excellent career opportunities in Dubai’s rapidly growing healthcare sector. Start now and take the first step toward your dream medical career in Dubai!