Understanding the Fee Structure of the DHA Exam and Licence

May 24, 2024 3 min read
Fee Structure of DHA Exam

Key Takeaway:

  • DHA License opens doors to exciting career opportunities and growth prospects in the healthcare sector of the United Arab Emirates.
  • The fee structure of the DHA exam for healthcare professionals includes various components, such as the application fee, examination fee, processing fee, etc.
  • Adhering to specified payment timelines is essential to avoid delays or complications in the exam registration process. Ensuring punctual payments will help maintain a smooth exam journey.

Introduction

Although building a career as a healthcare professional in Dubai is an incredible opportunity, it requires passing the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam. Aspiring healthcare professionals often have questions about the exam's fee structure and associated costs.

Let us understand the fee structure of the DHA exam for healthcare professionals and the expenses involved in pursuing this important licence.

Breaking Down the Fee Structure of the DHA Exam and Licence

The DHA exam fee structure for medical laboratory technicians typically includes various components. It's essential to be aware of these costs to plan your budget accordingly.

To be eligible for the DHA licence to practise as a healthcare professional in Dubai, the qualifications and skills of the candidate must meet the requirements of the Dubai Health Authority. 

The Dubai Health Authority ensures that the candidates who apply are fit for providing quality healthcare services to the residents of Dubai. 

For this, the candidates have to pass the skill tests and assessments on the way. 

Self Assessment 

This is the first and foremost step in obtaining the licence issued by the Dubai Health Authority. This licence is mandatory for healthcare professionals who plan to work in Dubai. This initial self-assessment can be done through the Sheryan self-assessment portal on the DHA website. 

An account has to be created and the candidate has to answer the self-assessment questions. The login details can be used to obtain the results.

This process can be completed free of cost.

Manual Review

After the self-assessment has been completed, the portal will declare if the candidate is eligible to join the Dubai Medical Registry or not.

If eligible, he/she can proceed to the next step. If not, a manual review can be done. To apply for the manual review, an online application consisting of the required details and documents has to be submitted by the candidate.

  • This process costs a fee of AED 200

Primary Source Verification (PSV)

Primary source verification is the process of verifying the educational qualification and work experience of the candidate. This can be done with the help of DataFlow. 

  • The fixed package for doctors costs AED 1235
  • The fixed package for nurses or allied healthcare costs AED 935

DHA Exam

The applicant must schedule the DHA exam which can be a computer-based test or oral assessment depending on the professional speciality of the candidate. 

  • Based on the test taken by the candidate, the fee can range from USD 220 to USD 280.

Registration

To formally proceed with the licence application, the candidate must register on the DHA Sheryan. After providing the required information and submitting the necessary documents, the registration fee is to be paid.

  • This process costs a fee of AED 200

Oral Assessment 

Certain positions in the healthcare profession applied by the candidate may require an oral assessment. A date for the oral assessment should be scheduled and the fee should be paid. 

  • This process costs AED 250.
  • If it is an urgent assessment, it will cost AED 2000

Activation of Professional Licence

Once the assessment is successful, the candidate will be officially registered as a DHA professional. This requires the activation of their professional licence.

An online application for the same should be submitted via the Sheryan account. After the application is approved by the respective authority, the licence activation fee has to be paid. 

  • This process can cost AED 1000 AED 4000

DHA Licence Fee Structure

Given below are the fees required for different purposes of the DHA licence.

Registration and Application

Although the self-assessment tests are free of cost, the credentialing fee for all healthcare professionals costs AED 200

Licence Activation Fee

Full-time Licence Fee

The activation fee required if the licence type is full-time is as given below.

  • Physician/Dentist: AED 3000
  • Nurse/Allied Health/TCAM: AED 1000

Part-time Licence Fee

The activation fee required if the licence type is part-time is as given below.

  • Physician/Dentist: AED 4000
  • Nurse/Allied Health/TCAM: AED 4000

Trainee Licence Fee

The activation fee required if the licence type is Trainee is as given below.

  • Physician/Dentist: AED 3000
  • Nurse/Allied Health/TCAM: AED 1000

Convert to Full-time Licence Fee

The activation fee required if the licence type is Convert to Full-time is as given below.

  • Physician/Dentist: AED 200
  • Nurse/Allied Health/TCAM: AED 200

Licence Renewal Fee

Full-time Licence Fee

The renewal fee required if the licence type is full-time is as given below.

  • Physician/Dentist: AED 3000
  • Nurse and Midwife/Allied Health/TCAM: AED 1000

Part-time Licence Fee

The renewal fee required if the licence type is part-time is as given below.

  • Physician/Dentist: AED 4000
  • Nurse and Midwife/Allied Health/TCAM: AED 4000

Trainee Licence Fee

The renewal fee required if the licence type is Trainee is as given below.

  • Physician/Dentist: AED 3000
  • Nurse and Midwife/Allied Health/TCAM: AED 1000

Oral Assessment Fee

Normal Assessment Fee

The oral assessment fee if the assessment type is Normal is as given below.

  • Physician/Dentist: AED 500
  • Nurse/Allied Health/TCAM: AED 250

Urgent Assessment Fee

The oral assessment fee if the assessment type is Urgent is as given below.

  • Physician/Dentist: AED 2000
  • Nurse/Allied Health/TCAM: AED 2000

Payment Methods and Currency

The DHA exam fees are typically paid in UAE Dirhams (AED). Applicants can make payments through various methods, including major credit cards, and even certified bank checks, money orders, or wire transfers for certain programs.

It is crucial to ensure that all payments are made within the specified timelines to avoid any delays or complications in the exam registration process.

Conclusion

Obtaining the DHA licence as a healthcare professional is a significant milestone in your career journey. While the fee structure for the DHA exam may involve several components, it is a worthy investment in your professional development and future success in Dubai's healthcare industry. Understanding the costs involved and planning your budget accordingly will help you approach the exam with confidence and dedication.

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Dr. Akram Ahmad
Dr. Akram Ahmad
about the author

Dr. Akram Ahmad is a clinical pharmacist and lecturer with over 10 years of teaching and research experience across various subjects of medicine in India, Malaysia and Australia. He is an educationist and a medpreneur with extensive knowledge of the global healthcare diaspora. Through his articles, videos and engaging sessions, he always aims to impart unexplored knowledge about the healthcare world to interested students and professionals.