DHA Exam 2025: Medical Professionals Need to Know to Work in Dubai

DHA Exam 2025 is important for medical professionals planning to work in Dubai. Learn everything candidates need to know about eligibility, syllabus, application process, fees, required documents, preparation tips, and licensing.
authorImageJiya Tyagi7 Jul, 2025
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DHA Exam

DHA Exam 2025: Dubai Health Authority (DHA) plays an important role in regulating and licensing healthcare professionals who want to work in Dubai. To confirm the skills and qualifications of foreign professionals, DHA conducts a standardised test known as the DHA Exam.

DHA Exam 2025 is mandatory for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and other health professionals looking to practice in Dubai. It helps that professionals meet UAE’s high standards of medical knowledge and patient care. Clearing the DHA exam grants candidates DHA license, which is important for employment in any Dubai-based healthcare facility. Check the section below for all updated information about DHA Exam 2025:

DHA Exam 2025

DHA Exam is a licensing examination conducted under the authority of the Dubai Health Authority to determine the knowledge and clinical skills of healthcare professionals. The exam is administered by Prometric, a globally recognized testing provider.

Passing this exam allows candidates to apply for DHA professional license, which is mandatory for legal employment in Dubai’s healthcare sector.

Who Needs to Take the DHA Exam?

Healthcare professionals from various specializations must take the DHA exam if they are looking to work in Dubai's medical sector. This exam makes sure that only qualified and competent individuals are granted the license to practice. Check the points below for who needs to take the DHA exam:

  • General practitioners

  • Specialist doctors

  • Nurses and midwives

  • Dentists and dental hygienists

  • Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians

  • Physiotherapists

  • Lab technologists

  • Radiographers

  • Medical imaging technicians

  • Allied health professionals

Advantages of Clearing the DHA Exam

Clearing the DHA Exam offers a wide range of professional benefits in Dubai's strong healthcare sector. It not only provides legal authorization to practice but also positions candidates for better pay, advanced medical infrastructure, and opportunities for career progression. Below are the top reasons why passing the DHA exam:

  • Get licensed to work in hospitals, clinics, and medical centers in Dubai

  • Attractive salary packages and tax-free income

  • International exposure and high-end infrastructure

  • Recognition across the UAE and GCC countries

  • Possibility of license conversion (DHA to MOH/DOH)

DHA Exam 2025 Key Dates

DHA Exam is generally held four times a year in January, April, July, and October. Applications for the first exam slot typically open in January. However, these dates are not fixed and may change at the choice of the authorities. Therefore, applicants are required to regularly visit the official DHA website for the latest updates. For specific information regarding test scheduling and locations, candidates can also refer to the Prometric website.

Eligibility Criteria for DHA Exam 2025

To apply for DHA Exam 2025, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements based on their professional category. These requirements ensure that applicants have the necessary educational background, clinical experience, and professional credentials to practice safely and competently in the Dubai healthcare system. Below are DHA Exam 2025 eligibility criteria:

DHA Exam 2025 Eligiblity Criteria

Requirement Type

Details

Academic Qualification

Recognized degree/diploma in the relevant healthcare field; attested documents required

Work Experience

Doctors: 2 years post-internship, Nurses & Allied Health: 2 years clinical practice

Professional License

Valid and active license to practice in the home country

Good Standing Certificate

Issued within the last 6 months by the medical council or regulatory authority

Language Proficiency

IELTS or TOEFL required in some cases (as per DHA guidelines)

Documents Required for DHA Exam Application

To apply for DHA Exam 2025, candidates must prepare and submit a set of important documents. hese documents help validate a candidate's identity, academic credentials, work experience, and current professional status. All documents must be scanned clearly and submitted in the formats accepted by DHA and the DataFlow Group. Below are documents required for DHA Exam Application:

  1. Passport-size photograph (white background)

  2. Passport copy (valid for 6 months)

  3. Academic certificates (degree/diploma)

  4. Transcript of records

  5. Internship certificate (if applicable)

  6. Valid professional license

  7. Good Standing Certificate

  8. Work experience certificates (last 2 years minimum)

  9. Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate (for nurses/doctors)

  10. Updated CV/Resume

DHA Exam Registration Process

Registering for the DHA Exam involves a well-defined multi-stage process. From creating a candidate's profile on the official DHA Sheryan portal to booking the exam slot through Prometric, each step must be completed carefully. Below is a step-by-step DHA exam registration process:

Step 1: Visit the DHA Sheryan Portal and register yourself.

Step 2: Use the Self-Assessment Tool available on the Sheryan portal to check the eligibility.

Step 3: Once eligible, fulfill the service requirements and submit the online application along with the necessary documents to DataFlow for verification.

Step 4: Choose a preferred exam date and center from the available options.

Step 5: Pay the DHA exam fee.

After successfully applying, candidates will receive a DHA Unique ID, which can be used to track their application status. The average processing time for DHA registration is typically 5-10 working days. Based on the application review, DHA may also request an oral assessment if necessary.

DHA Exam Fees 2025

Before applying for the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam, it's important to understand the cost involved. The total expense includes application fees, exam fees, and license fees. These charges vary depending on the healthcare profession. Below is a table showing the estimated DHA exam fees:

DHA Exam Fees 2025

DHA Exam Category

Application Fees (INR)

Exam Fees (INR)

License Fees (INR)

Total Estimated Cost (INR)

General Practitioners

INR 23,000 – INR 25,300

INR 23,000 – INR 27,600

INR 23,000 – INR 25,300

INR 69,000 – INR 78,200

Dentists

INR 23,000 – INR 25,300

INR 27,600

INR 23,000 – INR 25,300

INR 73,600 – INR 78,200

Pharmacists

INR 23,000 – INR 25,300

INR 23,000 – INR 27,600

INR 18,400 – INR 20,700

INR 64,400 – INR 73,600

Nurses

INR 18,400 – INR 23,000

INR 18,400 – INR 20,700

INR 13,800 – INR 16,100

INR 50,600 – INR 59,800

Allied Health Professionals

INR 16,100 – INR 20,700

INR 16,100 – INR 20,700

INR 13,800 – INR 16,100

INR 46,000 – INR 57,500

DHA Exam Pattern 2025

Understanding the exam pattern is important to prepare for the DHA Exam 2025 effectively. Each healthcare profession has a different format in terms of the number of questions, duration, and passing criteria. The exam is conducted in a computer-based format and follows a multiple-choice question (MCQ) style, designed to evaluate the candidate's important knowledge and decision-making skills.

                       DHA Exam Pattern 2025

Profession

Questions

Duration

Passing Marks

General Practitioner

150 MCQs

165 mins

60–70%

Nurse

150 MCQs

90 mins

60%

Dentist

150 MCQs

150 mins

65%

Pharmacist

120 MCQs

90 mins

60%

Lab Technicians

100 MCQs

150 mins

55%

DHA Exam Syllabus 2025

DHA Exam syllabus varies depending on the healthcare profession and is designed to test the core knowledge, important skills, and ethical understanding of candidates. A detailed syllabus helps applicants focus on subject-specific topics important for success in the exam. It is recommended to follow the official DHA Exam Syllabus 2025:

For Doctors (General Practitioners)

  • Internal Medicine

  • Pediatrics

  • Surgery

  • Emergency Care

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

  • Ethics and Medical Law

For Nurses

  • Fundamentals of Nursing

  • Medical-Surgical Nursing

  • Pediatric and Maternity Care

  • Pharmacology

  • Infection Control

For Pharmacists

  • Pharmacokinetics

  • Pharmacology

  • Drug Interactions

  • Drug Dispensation

  • Prescription Analysis

For Dentists

  • Operative Dentistry

  • Oral Surgery

  • Endodontics

  • Dental Anatomy

  • Prosthodontics

How to Prepare for DHA Exam 2025

Preparing effectively for DHA Exam 2025 is important to ensure success in one attempt. As the exam is specific to the profession and assesses clinical knowledge through multiple-choice questions, developing a strategic study plan, engaging in regular practice, and becoming familiar with the exam format are important. Below are some key preparation strategies:

1. Study DHA Syllabus

  • Begin preparation based on DHA blueprint

  • Focus on high-weightage topics

2. Practice MCQs

  • Solve multiple-choice questions in Prometric format

  • Time yourself during practice tests

3. Refer to Reliable Books

  • Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine

  • Kaplan Medical

  • Mosby’s Review for Nurses

  • Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics for pharmacists

4. Enroll in Online Courses

  • Websites like PrometricGuru, GulfMedicalMCQ, and MediExam offer targeted courses

DHA Exam Result & Scoring

Understanding how candidates' performance is evaluated is an important aspect of DHA Exam preparation. The exam is scored on a pass/fail basis, and detailed scores are not shared with candidates. Knowing the timeline for result declaration and the number of allowed attempts can help candidates plan their next steps confidently.

  • Result Declaration: Within 5-10 working days via email and the Sheryan portal

  • Pass/Fail only; no detailed score is shared

  • Candidates can retake the exam if they fail (usually up to 3 attempts allowed)

DHA License Activation Process

After successfully passing the DHA Exam, the final step is to activate the candidate's professional license. This process involves submitting the required documents and paying the license activation fee via the DHA Sheryan portal. Once activated, the license permits candidates to legally work in Dubai’s healthcare sector. Below is a breakdown of the steps involved:

After passing the exam:

  1. Submit a license activation request in Sheryan

  2. Upload final documents and pay the license fee

  3. Wait 4–6 weeks for license approval

  4. Download DHA license and start the job application

DHA Exam 2025 is an important key to making a successful healthcare career in Dubai. With the increasing demand for skilled medical professionals in the UAE, now is the right time to take the exam. Though the process may seem long, proper planning, documentation, and preparation will help candidates clear it smoothly.

 

DHA Exam 2025 FAQs

Is DHA Exam conducted in India?

DHA Exam can be taken in Prometric centers across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

How many attempts are allowed for DHA Exam?

Generally, candidates are allowed up to 3 attempts.

Is DataFlow mandatory for the DHA Exam?

Yes, Primary Source Verification (PSV) via DataFlow is a compulsory step in the application process.

Can DHA license be converted to MOH or HAAD?

Yes, License conversions are possible but require meeting the target authority’s eligibility.
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