Dubai is calling healthcare professionals trained outside of Dubai. If you are a healthcare professional, this is your opportunity to register and work in Dubai, earning a salary of around 2.5 Lakh per month. All you need to do is clear the DHA exam.
However, clearing the exam begins with understanding it better. In this article, we will delve into the details of the DHA examination, including eligibility, documents, steps, pattern, fees, and more. So let’s get started.
What is the DHA exam?
Dubai Health Authority tests the competence of healthcare professionals who have not completed their studies in Dubai through the DHA exam. This exam is designed for foreign-trained healthcare professionals seeking to work in Dubai. Through the exam, the DHA makes sure that the professionals are capable of working in Dubai.
The DHA licensing exam consists of a computer-based test with multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Sometimes, professionals are also asked to take an oral assessment.
DHA Exam Eligibility 2025
Here’s what you need to be eligible for the DHA exam-
- A valid medical or healthcare degree from an institute that the DHA recognises.
- A clinical experience of 2 years or more.
- A valid license to practice your healthcare profession in your home country.
If you fulfill these criteria, you can take the DHA exam and become a register practitioner in Dubai. These eligibility criteria are for all healthcare professions, including pharmacists, doctors, dentists, nurses, physiotherapists and more.
Steps to DHA Exam Registration in 2025
At first, the DHA registration process may seem daunting. With all the formalities like creating your Sheryan account and meeting eligibility requirements, it may be a little difficult. However, with the help of experts, you can complete the process easily. Here are the steps involved-
- Visit the Sheryan portal by the Dubai Health Authority.
- Create your account and complete the Self-Assessment Tool.
- Upload the documents mentioned above and send them for verification. The DHA will get them verified via DataFlow.
- Upon successful verification, schedule your exam date and choose the nearest Prometric exam centre.
- Pay the DHA exam fees. Continue to track your application status on the portal using your DHA Unique ID.
At Academically, our career counsellors help you apply for DHA registration, prepare for the DHA exam, and become a registered healthcare professional in Dubai.
DHA Exam Fees
The fee for the DHA exam depends on the profession you are applying for. Here’s an approximate value highlighting the DHA fee for the year 2025 according to the profession.
Profession | Application + Exam + License Fees (AED) |
| Doctors | AED 3,000 – 3,400 |
| Dentists | AED 3,200 – 3,400 |
| Pharmacists | AED 2,800 – 3,200 |
| Nurses | AED 2,200 – 2,600 |
| Allied Health Professionals | AED 2,000 – 2,500 |
Note: You can pay the fee from your home country via credit/debit cards, bank transfers or certified cheques.
The DHA exam does not have a fixed date for each year. When you choose to book a slot for the exam in your nearest Prometric centre, you can access information about the DHA exam dates on the Sheryan portal. Generally, the exam is conducted on multiple dates in January, April, July, and October.
DHA Exam Pattern and Passing Score
The Dubai Health Authority Exam is a computer-based test. It consists of MCQ questions ranging from 100-150 in number. The passing score for each exam varies based on the profession. Here are more details-
| Profession | No. of Questions | Time | Passing Score |
| General Practitioners | 150 MCQs | 165 mins | 60% |
| Nurses | 150 MCQs | 165 mins | 60% |
| Dentists | 150 MCQs | 180 mins | 60% |
| Pharmacists | 120 MCQs | 165 mins | 60% |
| Lab Technicians | 100 MCQs | 150 mins | 55% |
DHA Exam Preparation Tips
Gearing up for the upcoming DHA exam? No matter what your profession is, here are some tips that can help you excel in the exam!
- Review DHA-specific study material- It is important to study using the best books related to your profession. However, you must try to learn using DHA-specific study material. It can help you prepare for Dubai’s healthcare setup and its standards.
- Practice previous-year questions- Take as many mock tests and practice as many previous-year papers as possible. This will sharpen your brain so that you can adapt to the structure of the DHA exam.
- Learn about Dubai-specific healthcare guidelines- Ensure that your answers are in line with Dubai’s healthcare guidelines. For that, you need to learn the important healthcare guidelines and rules in Dubai, especially those relevant to your profession.
- Seek help from a coaching- Online platforms like Academically offer exclusive coaching, especially for pharmacists, dentists, and lab technicians who want to clear the DHA exam. With the right study material and help from experts who have cleared the DHA exam themselves, you can too ace the exam on your first attempt!
Final Words
Working in Dubai is like a dream, and thus, it is important that you work hard and achieve the milestones that come your way. By clearing the DHA exam, you prove that you are capable of working in Dubai’s well-established healthcare industry and contribute to the health of Dubai’s citizens.
If you are dedicated to turning this dream into a reality, sign up for a free counselling session with Academically. We can create a personalised roadmap for you to prepare for and clear the DHA exam on your first attempt, without leaving your full-time job!
