The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is responsible for ensuring that all healthcare professionals working within Dubai meet the required standards of practice. If you are a healthcare worker looking to pursue a career in Dubai, obtaining a DHA license is mandatory. This license is acquired by successfully passing the DHA Dubai Health Authority licensing exam. Whether you are a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional, the DHA exam is a critical step in your career journey in Dubai, validating your skills and qualifications to provide safe and effective care.
In this blog, we’ll cover all aspects of the DHA exam, including its rules, the requirements to qualify, and how to apply for it.
DHA Exam Rules
Before you embark on the journey of taking the DHA exam, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations governing the exam process. These rules are designed to maintain the integrity of the exam and ensure that candidates are well-prepared.
- Eligibility Criteria: You must meet the basic eligibility criteria before applying for the DHA exam. This includes holding the appropriate educational qualifications and work experience in your home country.
- Exam Attempts: Candidates are allowed up to three attempts to pass the DHA exam. If you fail after three attempts, you will need to undergo additional training or education before being eligible to apply again.
- Registration Validity: Once you register for the exam, the registration is valid for one year. During this period, you must schedule and take the exam; otherwise, you will need to reapply.
- Conduct During the Exam: Candidates are required to adhere to a strict code of conduct during the exam. Cheating, copying, or using unauthorized materials can result in disqualification and a ban from retaking the exam.
- Exam Rescheduling and Cancellations: You are allowed to reschedule or cancel your exam; however, it must be done within the timeframe provided by the DHA. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows may lead to penalties.
Understanding these basic rules is crucial before applying for the DHA exam. Being aware of them ensures that you are fully prepared and can avoid unnecessary mistakes during the application and exam process.
What is the DHA Exam in Dubai?
The DHA exam is a licensing examination that healthcare professionals must pass to practice legally within Dubai. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulates healthcare professionals and ensures that only those who meet its standards are granted a license to work.
The exam is designed to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities of healthcare professionals in their respective fields. Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, or allied health professional, the exam ensures that you are competent to provide healthcare services in line with international standards.
There are various exam formats depending on your profession:
- For Physicians: The exam may include multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering clinical practice, diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
- For Nurses: The DHA exam for nurses includes questions on patient care, medical procedures, and healthcare protocols.
- For Pharmacists: Pharmacists are tested on medication management, pharmaceutical ethics, and patient counseling.
The DHA exam is an essential part of the licensing process for any healthcare professional seeking employment in Dubai, ensuring that only qualified individuals practice within the emirate.
DHA License Exam Requirements
Before you can apply for the DHA exam, you must meet several requirements that ensure you are eligible to sit for the exam. These requirements vary depending on the healthcare profession you are applying for, but the following are common prerequisites:
- Educational Qualifications: Candidates must hold an accredited degree in their respective field of healthcare. This could be a medical degree for physicians, a nursing diploma for nurses, or a pharmacy degree for pharmacists. The degree must be recognized by the Dubai Health Authority.
- Work Experience: Healthcare professionals are generally required to have a minimum amount of work experience. For nurses, this is typically 2 years of clinical practice, while for doctors, it may vary between 2 to 5 years, depending on the specialization.
- Documents: You will need to submit several documents to complete your application. These typically include:
- A copy of your educational certificates (degree/diploma)
- Your work experience certificate
- A copy of your passport
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- A copy of your Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (for nurses and doctors)
- English Language Proficiency: For non-native English speakers, proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL scores) is often required to ensure you can communicate effectively in an international healthcare environment.
- Good Standing Certificate: A Certificate of Good Standing from the medical council or licensing authority in your home country is mandatory. This proves that you have no prior issues or misconduct in your previous employment.
How to Take DHA Exam in Dubai
Taking the DHA exam involves several steps, from verifying your eligibility to scheduling the test. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to take the exam:
- Create a Sheryan Account
The first step in applying for the DHA exam is to create an account on the Sheryan online portal, the official DHA licensing system. This account will allow you to apply for exams, upload documents, and track your application status.
- Submit Your Application
Once your account is created, you can start your application by filling in the required details about your education, work experience, and personal information. You will also need to upload the necessary documents, including your degree, work certificates, and passport.
- Credential Verification (DataFlow)
DHA requires a Primary Source Verification (PSV) process, which is done through DataFlow. This is an independent verification service that checks the authenticity of your educational and professional credentials.
- Application Approval
After submitting your documents, DHA will review your application. If everything meets the standards, your application will be approved, and you can proceed to schedule your exam.
- Scheduling the Exam
Once approved, you can schedule your DHA exam through Prometric, the official testing partner for DHA. The exam can be taken at various locations around the world, or at testing centers within Dubai.
- Taking the Exam
On the day of the exam, arrive at the testing center with proper identification (passport) and follow the instructions provided by the exam supervisors. The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that must be completed within the allotted time.
- Receiving Results
After completing the exam, results are usually available within a few weeks. If you pass, you can proceed with applying for your DHA license.
DHA Exam Requirements
To successfully pass the DHA exam and obtain your license, you must meet the following requirements:
- Preparation: Proper preparation is key to passing the DHA exam. Familiarize yourself with the content and format specific to your healthcare profession. There are various resources and study guides available to help you prepare, including online courses and practice exams.
- Knowledge of Clinical Guidelines: Make sure you are up-to-date with the latest clinical guidelines and best practices in your field. The DHA exam tests your competency in providing safe and effective healthcare.
- Passing Score: You must achieve the minimum passing score required for your specific healthcare profession. This varies depending on the role, but typically ranges from 60% to 70%.
- DHA License: Once you have passed the exam, you can proceed to apply for your DHA license. This license is mandatory for practicing healthcare professionals in Dubai and must be renewed periodically.
DHA Exam Rules and Regulations
To ensure a smooth exam process, the DHA has established several rules and regulations that all candidates must follow:
- Identification: You must bring valid identification (such as a passport) to the exam center. Failure to provide proper ID may result in being denied entry to the exam.
- No Personal Belongings: Personal belongings, such as mobile phones, bags, and study materials, are not allowed in the exam room. Lockers are typically provided for storing personal items.
- Punctuality: Arrive at the exam center well before the scheduled time. Late arrivals may not be permitted to take the exam.
- Adherence to Exam Rules: Follow all instructions provided by the exam supervisor. Violating exam rules, such as talking during the exam or cheating, will result in immediate disqualification.
- No Re-entry: Once you have started the exam, you cannot leave and re-enter the exam room. Make sure to use the restroom and take care of any other personal needs before the exam begins.
Frequently Ask Question
- How difficult is the Dubai Health Authority exam?
A. The DHA exam can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the local healthcare standards. It requires a strong grasp of medical knowledge, clinical practices, and updated guidelines in your field. Proper preparation, including study materials and mock tests, can greatly improve your chances of passing. - Who is eligible for DHA exam in Dubai?
A. Healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health workers with a recognized degree and relevant work experience are eligible for the DHA exam. Candidates must also meet the minimum required years of experience for their profession. - How much is the DHA Licence exam fee?
A. The DHA license exam fee typically ranges from AED 210 to AED 270 depending on the profession and exam type. Additional fees may apply for the DataFlow verification and other administrative processes. - Which book is best for the DHA exam?
A. Books such as the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine and NCLEX-RN review materials are highly recommended for nurses and other healthcare professionals. These books cover essential topics and practice questions aligned with DHA exam standards. - What type of questions are asked in the DHA exam?
A. The DHA exam includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering clinical knowledge, diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient care. The questions vary based on your specific healthcare profession, testing both theoretical knowledge and practical application. - What is the passing score for the DHA exam?
A. The passing score for the DHA exam generally ranges from 60% to 70%, depending on the profession and exam type. Achieving this score is necessary to qualify for the DHA license.
