Why is the DHA Exam Important?
Dubai is a major metropolitan with a robust healthcare system. Working there as a healthcare professional is proof of your calibre. With nearly 80% of its healthcare workforce being foreign professionals, Dubai is a city of opportunities. But how are the different educational and work backgrounds assessed?
This is where the DHA exam comes into play.
- It ensures the competency of pharmacists practicing in Dubai.
- Standardize the different qualifications of pharmacists from across the world.
- Ensure patient safety and public health in the city.
- Boosts career opportunities.
- Regulates the healthcare system in Dubai.
- Required for licensing and registration.
Who Needs to Take the DHA Pharmacists Exam?
This exam is for any pharmacist who wants to legally work within Dubai’s Healthcare System.
- Fresh pharmacy graduate from Dubai.
- Experienced overseas pharmacist wanting to work in Dubai.
- Licensed pharmacists from other countries.
- Pharmacists shifting base to Dubai from anywhere else in the UAE.
DHA Pharmacists Exam: A Snapshot
Before getting into the application process, here is a brief introduction to the exam.
| Exam Particulars | Details |
| Purpose | Licensing Exam |
| Mode | Computer based test (CBT) |
| Frequency | 4 times a year |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Marking | No negative marking |
| Number of Questions | 150 |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Pass Marks | 60% |
| Exam Application Fees | 2400 AED (INR 56,000) |
| Oral Assessment Fees | 250 AED (INR 5,750) |
Now, let us proceed with the application process.
How to Apply for the DHA Pharmacist Exam?
Step 1. Determine Your Eligibility
Check your eligibility before starting the application process.
Eligibility Criteria for the DHA Pharmacist’s Exam:
- Educational Qualification:
Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy- BPharm
Master’s degree in Pharmacy- M.Pharm
Doctor of Pharmacy- PharmD
- Work Experience: 2 years of relevant professional experience
- Professional License: Registered as a pharmacist in the home country or any other country.
Other Considerations:
- Good Standing Certificate
- No major professional malpractice
- Fluency in English (IELTS or TOEFL)
Step 2. Create a Sheryan Account
All DHA exam processes are handled through the Sheryan portal. You’ll need to create an account to start your application.
Steps to Create a Sheryan Account:
Step 3. Submit Your Documents
Upload your documents after registering on the Sheryan portal. Ensure that all documents are in the correct format and certified.
Required Documents:
- Passport Copy
- Recent Passport-Sized Photos
- Pharmacy Degree Certificate
- Transcript of Records
- Experience Certificates from previous employers
- Good Standing Certificate (recent)
- Professional License Copy
- CV/Resume
All documents should be clear and legible. Ensure they are either in English or translated officially.
Step 4. Primary Source Verification (PSV) through DataFlow
How to Apply for PSV:
- Log in to your Sheryan account.
- Follow the instructions to submit your documents for DataFlow verification.
- Pay the PSV fees online.
- Document verification can take 2-4 weeks.
- Fee: AED 1000–1200 (INR 23,000- INR 27,600)
- Status: Positive, Negative, or Unable to Verify
Step 4: Schedule the DHA Exam
- After receiving a “Positive” DataFlow report, apply for the DHA pharmacists exam.
- Exam booking through the Prometric portal
- Select date, time, and test center
- Exam fee: AED 1000 or INR 23,000
Step 5. Prepare for the Exam
The DHA pharmacists’ exam covers clinical and theoretical knowledge. A few of the subjects covered in the exam are:
- Pharmacy Calculation and Compounding
- Pharmacokinetics and biopharmaceutics
- Pharmaceutical Care and Disease State Management
- Medication Safety
- OTC Medication
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics.
Use study materials such as:
- Review books,
- Online courses
- Practice questions
- Mock Exams
Step 6. Take the DHA Exam
On the exam day, be mindful of a few things:
- Arrive at the exam center early.
- Carry necessary identification and required documents.
- Do not bring any unnecessary material.
- Remain calm.
- Do not attempt last-minute memorization.
What Happens After the DHA Exam?
Now that you have taken the exam, the major part of your work is done. Let us see what’s next in store.
Receive Your Exam Results
DHA is a qualifying exam. The result will only tell you if you passed or failed.
- Results are usually available within 5-7 business days.
- You can check your results on the Sheryan portal.
- If passed, you’ll receive a DHA Eligibility Letter. With this, you can apply for jobs.
- If you don’t pass, you can reapply and retake the exam.
Note: The eligibility letter is valid only for one year.
Do you need to take the DHA Oral Assessment?
The DHA oral assessment is an extra step for pharmacists that has been recently added. But do not worry. Oral assessment is not a mandatory step for all candidates.
You’ll be invited for the assessment only if DHA finds the educational and professional credentials lacking.
The steps to apply for this assessment are simple.
- Select the preferred dates from the available ones.
- Pay the fees.
- Get confirmation on the date.
- Take the oral assessment.
- Receive the result on the Sheryan portal.
Licensing and License Activation
Once you get a job offer and facility sponsorship:
- Submit documents for license activation.
- Your employer will help with this step.
Voilà! You’ve just become a licensed DHA pharmacist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Process
Although the process is simple, be cautious of making these common mistakes.
- Uploading low-resolution or unclear documents.
- Not following naming conventions for files.
- Missing internship or experience certificate.
- Not monitoring DataFlow verification status.
- Waiting until the last minute to schedule the exam.
What can you expect from Academically?
Complete DHA Syllabus-Covering Course
AI-Adaptive Practice Platform
Mentorship from DHA-Cleared Experts
Application & Licensing Guidance
Mock Exams with Feedback
Peer Group Support
1-on-1 Doubt-Clearing Sessions
Final Words
The DHA exam process may seem lengthy, but it is well-structured. With correct documentation and planning, it’s a smooth journey.
With a DHA pharmacist license in hand, high-paying job opportunities are open to you.
Seek expert guidance if you're unsure. From application to preparation, Academically is here to guide you.