The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) ensures that residents and visitors in the Emirate of Dubai receive the highest standards of healthcare services. All international healthcare professionals must have a DHA license to practice healthcare anywhere in Dubai, including physicians, dentists, allied healthcare, nurses/midwives, and those working in traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine.
Although the license exam may be daunting, passing it brings you one step closer to becoming a healthcare professional in the Emirate. With preparation and guidance, you can confidently approach the exam with an understanding of the requirements and improve your chances of success. This blog shares all the necessary DHA exam requirements and tips to prepare applicants for the assessment day.
📌 What is the DHA License Exam?
The exam is an approximate 2-hour computer-based test (CBT) managed and run by DHA’s partner, Prometric, an independent examination board. The assessment tests applicants’ medical knowledge of their field across 100–150 questions to prove they can safely practice healthcare.
Exam results are scored on a pass or failed grade based on the Unified Healthcare Professional Requirements (PQR) criteria and the DHA Licensing Healthcare Professionals policy. Applicants will need a minimum score of 60%–70% (depending on the test) to pass. Fortunately, applicants are allowed 3 attempts for the exam.
🖥️ How To Apply for the Exam
- Step 1 – Self Assessment: Before registering, applicants must use the free Self Assessment Tool on the Sheryan portal to check eligibility. If not eligible, you may request a review of your qualifications.
- Step 2 – Document Submission & DataFlow PSV: Submit your qualifications and experience documents and apply for Primary Source Verification (PSV) with DataFlow.
- Doctors: 1,235 AED
- Nurses/Allied Healthcare: 935 AED
- Additional certificates may have extra charges.
The PSV process takes 15–24 working days. Draft applications inactive for 6 months are deleted by DHA.
- Step 3 – Exam Scheduling: While submitting PSV, applicants can schedule their exam via Prometric. Fees range between 220–280 USD. With 8,000+ test centers across 160 countries, applicants can often sit the exam in their home country. Note: Exams are only in English.
📚 How To Ace the DHA License Exam
- You must study: Prepare with online research, study materials, and recall your clinical experience. You can also join our coaching academy: Prometric Dental Learning.
- Look at previous exams: Practicing past DHA exams helps identify weak areas. Set a timer to simulate exam conditions. Access our +3000 MCQs bank here: MCQ Bank.
- Take a mock practice exam: Test your readiness with 3 full mock exams on our platform. They highlight your strengths and weaknesses.
🗓️ Prepare for Assessment Day
- Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time.
- Double-check ID and required documents.
- Review guidelines for allowed materials.
- Sleep well the night before to stay focused.
✅ Conclusion
The DHA exam is essential for international healthcare professionals to get licensed in Dubai. Once you pass the exam and receive your DataFlow PSV report, you can complete your registration and obtain your DHA license. With preparation, practice, and proper guidance, you’ll be ready to build a rewarding career in one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
🚀 Ready to take your healthcare career to Dubai?
👉 Start today with Prometric Dental Learning and boost your chances of passing on the first try.
