Key Takeaways:
- Overseas candidates who clear the DHA pharmacist exam ensure that they have the Dubai healthcare standard of knowledge and skills.
- Candidates with a pharmacy degree, active registration, and two years of experience are eligible to attempt this exam.
- Clinical pharmacy, pharmacology, therapeutics, and patient care are the main topics covered in the DHA pharmacist exam.
- Candidates can attempt the exam from all over the world. There are recognized testing centers for DHA worldwide.
- Pharmacy graduates from India must complete the DHA registration, pass the PSV verification by Dataflow, and successfully pass the DHA pharmacist exam to obtain a license in Dubai.
Introduction:
For overseas healthcare professionals, Dubai has become one of the most attractive destinations. This developing country offers an advanced medical sector, income-tax-free salaries, and a multicultural working atmosphere. Pharmacists who wish to work in Dubai must pass the licensure exam conducted by the Dubai Health Ministry. This exam is known as the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam for pharmacists. This exam ensures that candidates meet international healthcare standards and have a strong knowledge of the clinical and regulatory details of the Dubai Healthcare sector, which is essential to provide safe and effective pharmacy services. This article provides a complete overview of this exam in 2025. We will discuss eligibility, syllabus, cost, and preparation strategies, especially for Indian pharmacists who wish to work in Dubai.What are the Eligibility criteria for the DHA pharmacist exam in 2025?
Candidates preparing for the exam should have a clear understanding of the eligibility requirements. They are:- Minimum a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy as an educational qualification
- Must be registered with the home pharmacy council as a licensed pharmacist
- At least 2 years of mandatory work experience after registration
- A good standing certificate issued by the pharmacy council. It should be issued within the last 6 months.
- Candidates must apply for the Dataflow verification through the Sheryan portal. Submit all the necessary documents and get the credentials verified through the DHA-approved system.
What is the syllabus for the DHA pharmacist exam in 2025?
The DHA Pharmacist exam is conducted to evaluate the overseas pharmacists knowledge and skills. This exam ensures that they have the standards to work in Dubai. This exam solely focuses on the core topic of pharmacy, such as:| Topic 1 | Topic 2 |
|---|---|
| Toxicology | Pharmacokinetics |
| Medicinal Chemistry | Pharmaceutical Care and Disease Management |
| Sterile and Non-Sterile | Medication Safety |
| Biopharmaceutics | Over-the-Counter Medication |
| Pharmacognosy & Dietary Supplements | Pharmacy Law & Ethics |
| Clinical Pharmacogenomics | Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutic Decision Making |
| Pharmacy Calculation & Compounding | Infection Control |
What is the Exam format and fees for the DHA pharmacist exam 2025?
The exam is designed to assess the professional competency of an overseas pharmacist against that of Dubai healthcare standards. As it’s a favourite destination for students worldwide, especially Indians, understanding the format and fees is significant. Proper preparation and budgeting will help the candidates to clear this journey smoothly.| Exam Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Computer-based online exam |
| Questions | 150 Multiple choice questions |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 60% |
| Frequency of Examination | 4 times a year |
| DHA Pharmacist Exam Fees | USD 240.00 (AED 882.00 as per Sept 2025) |
| Primary Source Verification (PSV) Fees | AED 935.00 |
Step-by-step process of DHA Pharmacist licensing in Dubai
- Eligibility check
- Start preparing for the DHA pharmacist examination
- Complete the primary source of verification (PSV)
- Apply and attempt the DHA exam
- Get the DHA eligibility letter
- Search for a pharmacist job in Dubai through Naukri, Indeed, LinkedIn, etc
- Secure a job and apply for a visa (the employer will sponsor the skillful employee)
- Move to Dubai and start a rewarding career
DHA Exam for Indian Pharmacist
Dubai is always a top choice for Indians to work and settle. A multicultural working atmosphere with a tax-free income attracts them the most. Especially for Indians, Dubai is culturally very close to the Indian community. They feel Dubai is like a home away from home. For a pharmacist who wishes to work in Dubai from India:- Must have at least a degree in Pharmacy
- Pharmacy registration from the PCI or the state pharmacy council as a registered pharmacist
- At least two years of experience in community or hospital pharmacy
- Good standing certificate from PCI or the state pharmacy council
- Exams are conducted by Pearson’s VUE centers in major cities like Kochi, Delhi, Bangalore, Mangalore, Hyderabad, and more.
- Fees can be paid through international cards, which will reduce the conversion cost for pharmacists from India.
What are the Career Opportunities after the DHA pharmacist Exam?
After passing the DHA Pharmacists exam, a variety of job opportunities are opened for the licensed pharmacists. They can work in various sectors in Dubai legally.- As a registered hospital pharmacist, in government as well as private hospitals, plenty of vacancies are available for registered pharmacists.
- As a community pharmacist, they can manage the retail outlets by dispensing and counselling patients. It offers significant career growth in retail pharmacies.
- A role of clinical pharmacist: Dubai is one of the fastest-growing healthcare sectors, with a high demand for skillful clinical professionals for patient care
- Pharmaceutical industry: various jobs in regulatory affairs, drug safety, and medical affairs with top pharma companies
Conclusion:
The DHA pharmacist exam is the primary step for overseas pharmacists who wish to work in Dubai as a registered pharmacist. If you clear the eligibility requirements and PSV verification, make a proper strategic plan for preparation, and excel in your journey. Join relevant coaching or training institutes for expert-led guidance and support. With an accurate verification process and proper predation, candidates can easily become a registered pharmacist in one of the fastest-growing healthcare sectors.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the DHA Pharmacist Exam
Pharmacists with a B.Pharm, PharmD, or equivalent degree and at least 2 years of post-registration experience.
Applications are submitted via the DHA Sheryan portal, followed by Dataflow verification.
The passing score is set by DHA, usually around 60–65%.
Candidates typically get 3 attempts to clear the exam.
Yes, the exam is conducted at Pearson VUE centers across India.
The license is valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually.
Degree certificates, transcripts, passport, experience letters, and Good Standing Certificate.
No, a minimum of 2 years’ experience is mandatory.
Approx. ₹1–1.2 lakh including all fees.
You can reapply and retake the exam, but the number of attempts is limited.
