DHA Exam 2026: Full Form, Fees, Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus
Talk to Expert
The full form of the DHA exam is the Dubai Health Authority Exam. This is designed for various healthcare roles, and other allied health professionals who want to get a license to work in Dubai can take DHA exam. Check DHA exam structure, eligibility criteria, and other important details.
The DHA exam is the licensing examination conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for healthcare professionals who want to practice in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is mandatory for all medical professionals, like doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health workers, who want to get a license to work in Dubai.
The DHA exam is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted through Prometric testing centers worldwide. Candidates can appear for the exam from their home country without traveling to Dubai. It is an MCQ-type exam, and there is no negative marking. There are no fixed DHA exam dates. Candidates must schedule the DHA exam date 2026 according to their own time. Normally, the exam happens four times a year, in January, April, July, and October. The DHA exam 2026 is held in authorised test centers in Dubai and can also be booked online.
Passing this DHA exam is very important because without it, you cannot get a medical license in Dubai. With the license, you can work legally in the Dubai healthcare sector. For preparation, candidates should check the DHA exam syllabus, solve practice tests, and study properly.
- DHA Exam Overview
- What is the DHA Exam In India?
- DHA Exam Dates 2026
- DHA Exam Eligibility 2026
- How to Register for DHA Exam 2026
- DHA Exam Fees
- DHA Exam Pattern
- DHA Exam Syllabus
- Is the DHA Exam Difficult?
- DHA Prometric Exam India Test Center Rules
- How to Reschedule DHA Exam and Fees
- DHA Exam Result
- DHA License Fees 2026
- What Happens After Passing the DHA Exam?
- What is the difference between DHA and MOH exam?
DHA Exam Overview
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose |
To assess the qualifications and competency of healthcare professionals to work in Dubai. |
| Conducting Authority |
Dubai Health Authority (DHA). |
| Eligibility |
|
| Exam Format |
Computer-Based Test (CBT). |
| Exam Provider |
Prometric Testing Services. |
| Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). |
| Language |
English. |
| Duration |
2-3 hours (depending on the profession). |
| DHA Passing Score |
60%-75% (varies by profession and specialty). |
| Exam Topics |
Varies by profession (e.g., medical knowledge, clinical skills, ethics, UAE laws). |
| Validity of License |
1 year (renewable). |
| Result Timeline |
2-5 working days after the exam. |
What is the DHA Exam In India?
The DHA Exam (full form: Dubai Health Authority Exam) is a mandatory licensing examination for healthcare professionals who want to practice in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is not an "Indian" exam but is highly popular among Indian doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and allied health professionals seeking opportunities in Dubai's advanced healthcare sector.
Many candidates from India prepare for and take the DHA exam while based in India. The test is conducted globally through Prometric test centers, and India has multiple authorized centers where you can appear for it. Indian healthcare professionals (especially from MBBS, BDS, B.Pharm, B.Sc Nursing backgrounds) often pursue the DHA license for better career prospects, tax-free salaries, and international exposure in Dubai.
What is the Purpose of the DHA Exam?
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is the regulatory body that sets healthcare standards and issues licenses in Dubai. The DHA Exam evaluates whether a candidate has the necessary clinical knowledge, skills, and understanding of professional ethics to practice safely in Dubai. Passing it is a key step toward obtaining a DHA professional license, which allows you to work in hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, or other healthcare facilities in Dubai.
Who Should Take the DHA Exam?
The DHA exam is required for healthcare professionals who want to legally work in Dubai hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities.
- Doctors
- Dentists
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Physiotherapists
- Lab technicians
- Radiographers
- Other allied health professionals
DHA Exam Dates 2026
Many candidates search for fixed DHA exam dates 2026, but the exam does not follow a fixed annual calendar like NEET, IELTS, or government recruitment exams. The DHA Prometric exam is conducted throughout the year based on slot availability at authorised Prometric test centres in India and other countries.
Once candidates complete their DHA eligibility review through the Sheryan portal and finish DataFlow Primary Source Verification (PSV), they can log in to the Prometric website and choose an available test date, city, and exam centre based on their convenience. The DHA Exam happens 4 times a year: January, April, July, and October. You can start applying in January for the first exam. The dates of DHA exam sometimes change, so check the DHA official website for the latest updates. You can also see the Prometric website for the exam schedule and places.
Popular Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kochi often witness high booking demand. Candidates are advised to schedule their exam at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance to get their preferred slot.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Frequency | Year-round |
| Booking Platform | Prometric |
| Eligibility Requirement | DHA approval + DataFlow verification |
| Popular Test Cities | Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore |
Always verify the latest slot availability on the official DHA Sheryan portal and Prometric website before booking your exam.
DHA Exam Eligibility 2026
To sit for the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam in 2026 and obtain a professional license to practice in Dubai, candidates must meet the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) outlined by the DHA. These criteria vary by profession (e.g., physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, allied health professionals), but general eligibility applies across categories.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
- Educational Qualification: A recognized degree or diploma in the relevant healthcare field from an accredited institution (recognized by the UAE Ministry of Health or equivalent). This includes MBBS/MD for physicians, BDS for dentists, Bachelor’s/Diploma in Nursing, pharmacy degrees, or equivalent for allied health roles.
- Internship/Training Completion: Mandatory completion of any required internship or foundation training applicable to your qualification.
- Clinical Experience (post-qualification/post-internship):
- Nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, and similar roles: Minimum 2 years.
- General Practitioners (GPs): Typically minimum 2–3 years.
- Specialists: Recognized postgraduate qualification + at least 3 years of relevant experience.
- Consultants: Often 5+ years of postgraduate experience.
- Note: Fresh graduates in certain categories (e.g., some nursing pathways) may have reduced or no experience requirements in recent updates, but this depends on the specific title; always verify via the Sheryan portal.
| Requirement Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Must have a recognized medical or healthcare degree/diploma |
| Work Experience | Usually a minimum of 2 years after qualification (varies by post) |
| Internship | Must complete required internship if applicable |
| DataFlow Verification | All documents must be verified through DataFlow |
| Professional License | Should have a valid license from the home country (if required) |
| Passport | Must have a valid passport |
| Good Standing Certificate | Should be issued by the concerned authority (if needed) |
| Age Criteria | Must meet DHA age rules for the applied category |
Note: There will be different requirements for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
Documents Required for DHA Exam
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Valid passport copy
- Educational qualifications
- Experience certificates
- License/registration
- Good Standing Certificate (GSC)
- Logbook for surgical specialties
Healthcare is definitely a big industry in Dubai, but it's good to know what else is happening in the market. Before you move, you should have an idea about the popular job sectors in UAE for International Students.
How to Register for DHA Exam 2026
Candidates should note that the DHA exam is conducted for various healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, midwives, and allied health professionals. While the exam pattern and eligibility criteria may differ depending on the profession, the registration process for the DHA exam 2026 remains largely the same for all applicants seeking a license.
The following are the steps to complete the DHA exam registration process in 2026.
DHA License Exam Application Process
The steps to apply for the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam 2026 are given below:
| Steps | Registration Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit the official DHA Sheryan portal and create a personal account. This account is used to access all services related to eligibility, document verification, and exam booking. |
| Step 2 | Log in to your Sheryan account and use the Self-Assessment Tool to check whether you meet the Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) for your category. |
| Step 3 | Complete Primary Source Verification (PSV) through DataFlow Group by uploading all required documents. DHA reviews your application after the verification report is submitted. |
| Step 4 | Once your eligibility is approved, download your Eligibility Letter from Sheryan. This letter contains the Eligibility ID required to book your exam. |
| Step 5 | Schedule your exam through Prometric by selecting your preferred test centre and available exam date. The DHA exam is conducted throughout the year, so there are no fixed exam dates. |
| Step 6 | Pay the applicable DHA exam and registration fees online to confirm your booking successfully. Fees vary depending on the profession and category selected. |
The DHA Sheryan portal is the official platform used for registration and eligibility services, while the Prometric website is used to schedule and pay for the licensing exam.
After you register, you can use your DHA Unique ID to see how your application is going. Usually, it takes 5 to 10 working days to process. Sometimes, DHA may ask you for a small talk or an oral test. Passing the DHA exam is the first step to a great life in Dubai. Everyone knows that medical professionals earn a lot of money there. If you look at the top 10 highest-paying jobs in Dubai, you will see that doctors and healthcare experts are always on the list.
DHA Exam Fees
The Dubai Health Authority exam fee for healthcare professionals UAE depends on the category of the applicant, such as nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals. The DHA exam fee for nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals typically ranges from AED 700 to AED 1,200 for the Prometric assessment itself, with total licensing costs higher when including verification and other fees.
What is the fee for DHA exam for nurses? Nurses and midwives often face DHA exam fees around AED 800–1,000 for the exam portion, with total estimated costs (including PSV at AED 935 and license fees) ranging from AED 2,200 to 2,600.
For doctors (general practitioners or specialists) and dentists, the Dubai Health Authority fee is higher, with exam fees approximately AED 1,000-1,200, PSV packages around AED 1,235, and overall costs reaching AED 3,000–6,000 or more depending on specialty and additional assessments. Allied health professionals generally pay DHA exam fees in the AED 700–1,000 range for testing, with total packages around AED 2,000-2,500.
The complete fee structure of the DHA exam 2026 is given below for all international aspirants:
- Self Assessment Fee: Free of cost
- Manual Review: AED 200
- Primary Source Verification (PSV)
- The fixed package for doctors: AED 1235
- The fixed package for nurses or allied healthcare: AED 935
- DHA Exam: USD 220 to USD 280
- Registration: AED 200
- Oral Assessment: AED 250
- Activation of Professional Licence: AED 1000 AED 4000
| DHA Exam Category |
Application Fees (AED) |
Exam Fees (AED) |
License Fees (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Practitioners |
1,000 - 1,100 |
1,000 - 1,200 |
1,000 - 1,100 |
| Dentists |
1,000 - 1,100 |
1,200 |
1,000 - 1,100 |
| Pharmacists |
1,000 - 1,100 |
1,000 - 1,200 |
800 - 900 |
| Nurses |
800 - 1,000 |
800 - 900 |
600 - 700 |
| Allied Health Professionals |
700 - 900 |
700 - 900 |
600 - 700 |
DHA Test Fee Payment Methods
The DHA exam fees are typically paid in UAE Dirhams (AED), and applicants can make payments through various methods, including major credit cards, certified bank checks, money orders, or wire transfers for certain programmes. There are various cheap MBBS colleges abroad where one can study without spending much. Check the MBBS colleges abroad with a low fee structure to understand how much medical studies cost abroad.
DHA Exam Pattern
The DHA Exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT). It has about 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The time for the test is 2-3 hours depends on your profession. The test is in English. Each question has 4 options, and you pick one correct answer. Total questions can change depending on the type of profession.
| DHA Exam Category |
Number of Questions |
Time Duration |
Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Practitioners |
150 MCQs |
165 minutes |
60% |
| Nurses |
150 MCQs |
165 minutes |
60% |
| Dentists |
150 MCQs |
180 minutes |
60% |
| Pharmacists |
120 MCQs |
165 minutes |
60% |
| Lab Technicians |
100 MCQs |
150 minutes |
55% |
An MBBS degree is challenging and takes a long time to complete. If you want a faster or more flexible career path in the medical field, you might want to explore other options. Here are the top 10 easiest courses in the world to help you get started in a different direction.
DHA Exam Syllabus
The DHA exam checks how much students know about healthcare and also their practical skills. The topics are:
- Clinical Knowledge: Anatomy, body systems, medicine, germs, x-ray etc.
- Professional Skills: Rules and law of doctors in UAE.
- Guidelines: How to do treatment in right way.
- DHA Rules: License, hospital standards, patient safety.
- UAE Health System: Money for health, insurance, hospital people role.
- English: Need to know English language also.
This exam is for many type of medical students and workers.
DHA Exam Syllabus for Nurses
| Profession |
Topics |
Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Nurses |
Fundamentals of Nursing |
25% |
| Pediatric Nursing |
18% |
|
| Adult Nursing |
20% |
|
| Maternal Health |
15% |
|
| Unit Management and Leadership |
22% |
DHA Exam Syllabus for General Practitioners
| Profession |
Topics |
|---|---|
| General Practitioners |
Chronic Diseases |
| Acute/Common Medical Problems |
|
| Common Pediatric Problems |
|
| Women’s Health |
|
| Emergency Problems |
|
| Common Surgical Problems |
|
| Common Psychiatric Problems |
|
| Common Eye and ENT Problems |
|
| Common Dermatological Problems |
|
| Basic Epidemiology and EBM Concepts |
|
| Family Medicine Concepts |
|
| Screening & Periodic Health Exams |
DHA Exam Syllabus for Pharmacists
| Profession |
Topics |
Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacists |
Toxicology |
5% |
| Pregnancy and Lactation |
5% |
|
| Pediatrics |
5% |
|
| Geriatrics |
5% |
|
| Pharmacy Calculation and Compounding |
15% |
|
| Pharmacokinetics |
5% |
|
| Pharmaceutical Care and Disease Management |
35% |
|
| Medication Safety |
5% |
|
| Counter Medication |
10% |
|
| Pharmacy Law and Ethics |
10% |
DHA Exam Syllabus for Lab Technicians
| Profession |
Topics |
|---|---|
| Lab Technicians |
Safety and Quality Control |
| Bacteriology |
|
| Virology |
|
| Immunology |
|
| Parasitology |
|
| Hematology |
|
| Blood Bank |
|
| Biochemistry |
|
| Hormones |
|
| Urinalysis |
|
| Mycology |
DHA Exam Syllabus for Dentists
| Profession |
Topics |
|---|---|
| Dentists |
Anesthesia and Pain Management |
| Trauma |
|
| Temporomandibular Joint |
|
| Dentoalveolar Surgery |
|
| Implant Surgery |
|
| Reconstruction |
|
| Cosmetic Procedures |
|
| Deformities and Orthognathic Surgery |
|
| Patient Education |
|
| Ethics |
Language barriers can be a concern for many international students. If studying in an English-speaking environment is a priority, check out the top 10 English-speaking countries in the world for your MBBS studies.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Is the DHA Exam Difficult?
The DHA exam is generally considered moderately difficult, but the difficulty level depends on your profession, clinical experience, and preparation strategy. Doctors, dentists, and specialists usually face more advanced clinical questions compared to nurses and allied healthcare professionals.
Most candidates struggle because they underestimate the exam format and fail to practice enough MCQs before test day. Since the exam is computer-based and time-limited, speed and accuracy are extremely important.
Candidates who regularly solve mock tests, revise core clinical concepts, and understand DHA guidelines usually have a much higher chance of clearing the exam in their first attempt.
DHA Prometric Exam India Test Center Rules
If you are taking the DHA Prometric Exam India, you need to follow these strict rules on the test day:
-
Arrive Early: Be at the center 30 minutes before your time. If you are late, you cannot enter and you will lose your money.
-
Personal Items: You can't take anything inside the room. They will give you a locker for your phone and bag.
-
The Passport: Take your original physical passport. A photo or xerox will not work.
How to Reschedule DHA Exam and Fees
Life happens, and sometimes you need to change your date. You can reschedule the DHA Exam easily on the Prometric website, but follow these points:
-
You must change it at least 5 days before the exam date.
-
There is a Reschedule fee of about $40 (around 3,300 INR).
-
You can only try the same exam 3 times in one year, so don't waste your attempts if you are not ready.
DHA Exam Result
The DHA Exam Result is released by the Dubai Health Authority after the exam evaluation process is completed. Candidates can check their results online by logging in to the official DHA Sheryan portal using their application number and password. The DHA exam result is usually declared within 2 to 5 working days after the exam date. In some cases, it may take a little longer due to document verification or a high number of candidates. There is no fixed result date, so candidates are advised to check the portal regularly. If you pass, you can proceed with the DHA license application and start applying for healthcare jobs in Dubai. If you fail, you can reappear for the exam after the mandatory waiting period as per DHA guidelines.
DHA License Fees 2026
The total cost of obtaining a DHA license includes multiple stages, such as eligibility review, DataFlow verification, exam booking, and final license activation. Many candidates only calculate the exam fee and forget additional licensing costs. Your total expenses may vary depending on whether you are applying as a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, or allied health professional.
| License Type |
Nurse and Midwife/Allied Health/T&CM |
Physician/Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time 1 Year |
AED 1000 |
AED 3000 |
| Full-time 2 Years |
AED 1500 |
AED 5000 |
| Full-time 3 Years |
AED 2500 |
AED 7500 |
| Part-time |
AED 1000 |
AED 3000 |
| Trainee |
AED 1000 |
AED 3000 |
The final amount depends on your profession and whether additional oral assessments or document reviews are required during the licensing process.
What Happens After Passing the DHA Exam?
Passing the DHA exam does not automatically allow candidates to start working in Dubai. After clearing the exam, healthcare professionals must complete several additional licensing steps before they can legally practice in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities in Dubai.
Many candidates mistakenly believe that the exam is the final stage, but licensing activation and job placement are equally important parts of the process.
- Receive your DHA exam result
- Complete final document verification
- Get your DHA eligibility letter
- Apply for healthcare jobs in Dubai
- Receive employer sponsorship
- Activate your professional license
The DHA eligibility letter is generally valid for one year, giving candidates enough time to search for healthcare jobs in Dubai after passing the exam. Along with the DHA license, you should check the post-study work options in UAE.
What is the difference between DHA and MOH exam?
The main difference between the DHA exam and MOH exam is where your medical license is valid in the UAE. The DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam is required if you want to work in hospitals or clinics in Dubai only. The MOH (Ministry of Health and Prevention) exam is required for healthcare jobs in other UAE emirates such as Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. Both exams check your medical knowledge, require document verification through DataFlow, and are mandatory for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and allied health professionals. Choose the exam based on the emirate where you want to work.
| Feature |
DHA (Dubai Health Authority) |
MOH (Ministry of Health UAE) |
|---|---|---|
| Where it is valid |
Only in Dubai |
Other Emirates like Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Fujairah |
| Type of exam |
Only the MCQ-based test (Prometric) |
May have written, oral, and practical tests |
| Who conducts it |
DHA |
UAE MOH |
| License validity |
Only for working in Dubai |
For all Emirates except Dubai and Abu Dhabi |
| Difficulty level |
Moderate |
Easier than DHA |
| Cost |
More expensive |
Usually cheaper than DHA |
So, if you want to work in Dubai, you must go for DHA exam. But if you want to work in other parts of UAE, then choose the MOH exam.
Commonly asked questions
The difficulty of the DHA exam can change for each person based on their preparation and experience. Some people find it hard because it has theory questions and practical tasks. But with the right study materials and proper preparation plan, most candidates can pass the DHA exam.
The DHA exam cost is not fixed, but usually it is between INR 30,000 to INR 50,000 (around $400 to $600). This fee also covers registration and some other administrative charges for giving the DHA exam.
The DHA exam passing mark is different for each profession. In general, you need at least 60% to pass. For some jobs like lab technicians, the passing score can be a bit lower, around 55%.
Yes, DHA exam is reuired to get a licence to work as a Nurse in Dubai. The DHA exam has a different syllabus for Nurses and the exam has to be attempted in CBT mode.
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae