Step-by-Step Guide for the DHA License Exam in Dubai

Did you know that nearly 80% of Dubai’s healthcare sector is made up of overseas professionals? Dubai has consistently been the highest-paying destination for healthcare professionals. The high packages, with zero tax, and the lifestyle of the country are just some of the reasons for this. If you’re also looking into moving to Dubai to kickstart your healthcare career, you need to know about the Dubai Health Authority exams.

What Is the DHA License?

The DHA license ensures that professionals are skilled according to Dubai’s healthcare standards. It encompasses their competency in terms of qualifications, ethical conduct, and clinical skills. If you want to practice within Dubai’s healthcare system, you need to be licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The DHA Exam is a mandatory licensing test conducted to ensure medical practitioners meet the required knowledge and skills.

Who Needs to Take the DHA Exam?

The DHA exams apply to all healthcare professionals, both foreign-trained and local, who want to work in any healthcare setting under the Dubai Health Authority. You must apply for a DHA license exam if you are planning to work as a:

• Doctors: General Practitioners, Specialists, and Consultants.
• Dentists
• Nurses and Midwives
• Pharmacists
• Allied Healthcare Professionals: Lab Techs, Radiographers, Physiotherapists, Optometrists, and Occupational Therapists.
• Psychologists and Mental Health Professionals

Eligibility Criteria for the DHA Exam

Before applying for the exam, candidates must check the eligibility criteria based on education, work experience, and specialization. General requirements include:

• A recognized bachelor’s or diploma degree in your healthcare field.
• The degree must be awarded by a recognized university or institution listed in the UAE unified health regulatory body (PQR – Professional Qualification Requirements).
• Language Proficiency: English proficiency is mandatory (IELTS/TOEFL for certain categories).

Professional Work Experience Requirements

The following table outlines the minimum work experience required for various professions:

Profession	Work Experience Requirement
Doctors	Minimum 2 years post-internship experience
Dentists	Minimum 2 years clinical experience
Nurses	Minimum 2 years clinical experience
Pharmacists	Minimum 2 years of experience
Optometrists	Two (2) years of experience post qualification
Consultants and Specialists	May require more; varies by specialization

Documents Required for the DHA Exam

You’ll need to submit clear scanned copies of the following documents. Note that all the documents must be in English or Arabic; if not, they must be officially translated and attested:

• Valid passport copy and passport-size photograph.
• Educational certificates and transcripts.
• Professional license from home country.
• Good Standing Certificate (valid within the last 6 months).
• Work experience certificates and an updated CV/Resume.
• Proof of English proficiency (if applicable).

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Create an Account on DHA Sheryan Portal

Visit the official DHA License Page to create a professional account. Fill in your personal and professional details and upload scanned documents. Ensure that your name and details are as per your passport. Within the DHA website, you can use the Self Assessment Test to promptly ascertain your eligibility status.

Step 2: Credential Verification via DataFlow

Before you can be approved to sit for the exam, DHA requires Primary Source Verification (PSV) of your qualifications via DataFlow Group. DataFlow ensures that all submitted documents are genuine and valid. You’ll be redirected to the DHA-DataFlow portal to upload documents and pay the fee. The fee is between AED 1000–1,500, and it can take 2-6 weeks for the verification process to complete.

Step 3: Apply for the DHA Prometric Exam

Once DataFlow verification is successful, you’ll receive an eligibility notification to book the Prometric exam. Visit the official site of Prometric, choose the Dubai Health Authority option, and select your exam type and center. The total number of Questions in DHA Examination is 150 MCQs, and the total duration is 3 Hours.

Step 4: Receive DHA Exam Results

Results are available within 2–5 business days. If you pass, the status will change to "Eligible" on the Sheryan portal, allowing you to receive a DHA Professional License to work in hospitals and clinics in Dubai. If you fail, you may reapply, though the number of reattempts is different for different exams.