Dreaming of building a healthcare career in Dubai?
Clearing the DHA Exam is the first and most important step toward turning that dream into reality. Conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), this mandatory licensing exam is required for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals who wish to work in Dubai. The exam ensures that all practitioners meet international standards of medical knowledge, ethics, and patient care.
As Dubai continues to expand as a global healthcare hub, thousands of medical professionals from around the world are pursuing this opportunity. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the DHA Exam—including exam fees, eligibility criteria, syllabus, and the complete application process—explained in simple and easy-to-understand language to help you prepare with clarity and confidence.
What is the DHA Exam?
The DHA Exam is a mandatory licensing examination conducted by the Dubai Health Authority for healthcare professionals who wish to work in the Emirate of Dubai. Anyone aiming to practice in Dubai’s healthcare sector—whether as a nurse, doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or allied health professional—must pass the DHA Exam (or an equivalent approved licensing exam) to obtain a DHA license.
The exam assesses your clinical knowledge, professional skills, understanding of UAE healthcare laws and regulations, and overall readiness to work safely and effectively within Dubai’s healthcare system.
DHA Exam Eligibility
Before applying, it’s important to confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for the DHA Exam. While the criteria vary by profession such as doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, or allied health professional—there are some general requirements most applicants must fulfill:
A recognized professional qualification in your field (for example, MBBS/MD for doctors or a BSc in Nursing for nurses) from an approved institution.
A valid professional license or registration from your home country or previous country of practice, along with a Good Standing Certificate confirming no disciplinary issues.
A minimum amount of clinical experience after qualification (commonly around two years for many professions, though this can vary).
Required documentation, including degree certificates, professional registration or license, experience certificates, and in some cases a logbook (especially for surgical specialties), along with other supporting credentials.
Read Also: Medical Universities in Dubai
DHA Exam Fees
The DHA Exam fees vary depending on your profession—whether you are a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, or an allied health professional. All fees are charged in UAE Dirhams (AED) and may change slightly from time to time based on the testing location and updates issued by the Dubai Health Authority.
| 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 AED |
| Specialist Doctors | 1,200 – 1,500 | 1,500 – 2,000 | 1,000 – 2,000 | 3,000+ | 6,000 – 7,000 AED |
| Nurses | 800 – 1,000 | 1,200 | 250 – 500 | 1,500 | 3,000 – 3,500 AED |
| Pharmacists | 1,000 | 1,200 | Not Required | 1,500 | 3,000 – 3,200 AED |
| Dentists | 1,500 – 2,000 | 1,200 – 1,500 | 500 – 1,000 | 2,000 | 4,500 – 5,000 AED |
| Allied Health Professionals | 800 – 1,000 | 1,000 | 250 – 500 | 1,500 | 3,000 – 3,200 AED |
Note: Fees are indicative and subject to change. Always verify the latest amounts on the official DHA Sheryan portal before applying.
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Exam Syllabus & Pattern
To work as a healthcare professional in Dubai, passing the DHA Exam is mandatory. This exam assesses your clinical knowledge, professional skills, and understanding of medical practices in line with both international and UAE healthcare standards. While the DHA Exam pattern and syllabus differ by profession, the overall structure of the exam remains largely the same.
Let’s take a closer look at how the exam is structured and the key topics you need to prepare for.
DHA Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Type | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 100 to 150 (varies by profession) |
| Exam Duration | Around 2 to 3 hours |
| Passing Marks | Around 60% |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Mode of Exam | Online through Prometric Centers |
| Attempts Allowed | Up to 3 times in a year |
| Result Time | Within 5–10 working days |
Tip: Since there is no negative marking, try to attempt all questions; you might get a few right by smart guessing!
DHA Exam Syllabus for Different Professions
The DHA Exam Syllabus is based on your qualification and job position. Here is a brief description of what each category contains:
| Profession | Main Subjects | Focus Areas |
| Doctors / General Practitioners | Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, ENT, Eye, Psychiatry | Diagnosis, treatment, patient safety, and ethics |
| Nurses | Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Maternity, Psychiatric, Management | Patient care, infection control, nursing ethics, leadership |
| Dentists | Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Orthodontics, Endodontics, Radiology, Dental Ethics | Dental procedures, anesthesia, and patient communication |
| Pharmacists | Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics, Toxicology, Pharmacy Law | Drug interactions, dosage calculation, and patient counseling |
| Lab Technicians | Hematology, Microbiology, Pathology, Biochemistry | Testing methods, lab safety, and result interpretation |
| Physiotherapists / Allied Health | Anatomy, Physiology, Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation | Patient assessment, therapy planning, and documentation |
Application Process: How to Apply for the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Exam
The DHA Exam application process is straightforward and completed entirely online through the Dubai Health Authority’s Sheryan Portal. To avoid delays in approval, candidates should carefully follow each step. Below is a step-by-step guide to applying for the DHA Exam:
Step 1: Create a DHA Sheryan Account
Visit the official DHA Sheryan Portal and register using your email ID. Once your account is created, you can manage your application, uploads, and status updates through this platform.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill in your personal, educational, and professional details accurately. Choose your healthcare category—Doctor, Nurse, Pharmacist, or Allied Health Professional—based on your qualifications.
Step 3: Upload the Required Documents
Upload clear, attested copies of the following documents:
Passport copy
Passport-sized photograph
Educational certificates (degree or diploma)
Professional license or registration
Work experience certificates
Good Standing Certificate (issued within the last six months)
Step 4: Pay the DHA Exam Application Fees
After uploading all the required documents, proceed to pay the DHA Exam fees online. The application fee generally ranges between 7,000 and 9,000, depending on your professional category.
Step 5: Primary Source Verification (PSV)
Your documents are verified through the DataFlow Group to confirm the authenticity of your credentials. This is a mandatory step and usually costs around INR 12,000 to 15,000. Make sure all documents are accurate and complete, as any discrepancy may lead to rejection.
Step 6: Schedule the DHA Exam (Prometric Test)
Once your documents are approved by the DHA, you can book your exam slot through Prometric. Choose a convenient test center, date, and time that best suits your schedule.
Step 7: Appear for the DHA Exam
Attend the Computer-Based Test (CBT) at your selected Prometric test center. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) focused on your professional specialty and medical ethics.
Step 8: Check Results and Obtain the DHA License
Exam results are usually released within a few days. Upon passing, you can move forward with applying for your DHA Professional License, which allows you to legally work in Dubai’s healthcare sector.
Conclusion
The DHA Exam opens the door to a rewarding healthcare career in Dubai by ensuring that doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals meet the international standards set by the Dubai Health Authority.
Before applying, make sure you clearly understand the DHA Exam eligibility criteria, review the syllabus relevant to your profession, and stay updated on the applicable DHA Exam fees. Submit your application through the official DHA Sheryan portal and prepare thoroughly for the computer-based test.
Successfully passing the DHA Exam not only grants you a professional license but also helps you access attractive job opportunities in the rapidly growing healthcare sector of the UAE. Start your journey today and take the first step toward your dream medical career in Dubai.