Table of Contents
ToggleKey Takeaways
- The Dubai Health Authority Test (DHA exam) is compulsory for professionals in the healthcare industry who are looking for a license to practice in Dubai.
- The eligibility criteria include minimum work experience, educational qualifications and a valid good-standing certificate.
- The registration for the DHA exam is completed online through the Sheryan portals with proper document verification via DataFlow.
- The exam fees in Dubai differ by profession (nurse, doctor, pharmacist and allied health).
- The entire exam is conducted globally through Prometric centres.
- A smart DHA exam preparation, including mock tests, MCQs, and reference materials, improves the chances of passing.
What is the Dubai Health Authority Test?
The DHA exam is a certification examination that measures the healthcare professional’s knowledge of medicine, clinical decision-making and the observance of ethical practices. Those who do well will be given a DHA license without which it is not possible to work in healthcare facilities in Dubai.- Mode: Computer-based (Prometric)
- Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- Duration: Pharmacist CBT: 150 MCQs — 165 minutes
- Pass Score: 65% (DHA CBT Guideline)
- Result: It will be released within 5–10 working days
- Attempts Allowed: DHA allows three (3) assessment attempts
Quick Overview of DHA Exam 2025
Aspect | Information |
---|---|
Purpose of Exam | Healthcare professionals must practice in the country of Dubai |
Regulatory Authority | Dubai Health Authority (DHA) |
Testing Partner | Prometric Testing Services (Global centres available) |
Exam Structure | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Question Format | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Medium of Exam | Only English |
Duration | 150 MCQs, ~165 minutes |
Minimum Passing Score | 65% (DHA CBT Guideline) |
License Validity | 1 year (must be activated for practice) |
Exam Sessions | Multiple cycles per year (varies by schedule) |
Eligibility Criteria | Recognised degree, work experience, Good Standing, DataFlow verification |
DHA Exam Eligibility Criteria (2025)
To take the DHA test, the applicants should meet the following criteria:- Educational Qualification: A degree in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, or allied health sciences from a recognised university.
- Work Experience: The applicant should have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience.
- Good Standing Certificate: Statement issued by the applicant’s present licensing authority.
- Documents for Identity: A Passport that is valid and an ID issued by the government.
- Self-Assessment Tool: The candidates must check Sheryan before moving forward to the application.
DHA Exam Registration Process
DHA exam registration is very simple and can be easily managed through the Sheryan portal:- Complete the Self-Assessment Tool by Sheryan to check whether or not your credentials match the Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR).
- Create Sheryan account & upload documents
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months of validity)
- Passport-size photo with a white background
- Pharmacy degree and transcript
- Professional license from the home country
- Good standing certificate (issued within last 6 months)
- 2 years of work experience required
DataFlow Verification (PSV):
- Choose a Regular (25 working days)
- Express (14 working days) option.
- PSV transfer: 5 days (if report already exists).
- Become Registered: After your registration candidate approved registration for one year will be issued if you qualify.
- Book an exam slot with Prometric: After registration with Prometric, fix the date and time of your CBT exam and pay the fees.
- Get ready for the exam day: Only your original passport and a confirmation print-out are needed. Results (Pass/Fail) are made available within 2-5 working days.
- Activate Professional Licence: You can only start practising after the professional license has been activated by the facility where you were hired.
DHA Exam Fees in Dubai (Pharmacist, 2025)
Fee Component | Cost (AED) | Cost (Approx. USD) |
---|---|---|
Prometric Exam Fee (Pharmacist) | 880 | 240 |
PSV – Primary Source Verification | AED 900–1,200 | 250–325 |
Credentialing / Evaluation Fee | AED 200 | 55 |
Good Standing Certificate | AED 500 | 135 |
License Activation (1 year, full-time, Allied/Pharmacist) | AED 1,000 | 270 |
Pharmacist Specific Additions Below Guide 2025
If you are applying for the first time, the DHA exam registration process might seem like an unbearable mountain to climb but when it is broken down into simple steps. However, if you move through each step one at a time, you will find out it is doable. The whole method is taken through the Sheryan portal, which is the licensing system by DHA. Below is a complete walkthrough:Step 1: Create Your Sheryan Account
- Visit the DHA Sheryan portal and sign up with your details.
- Fill up the form with your personal information, professional category and contact details.
- Make sure the information (name, passport number and date of birth) provided by you is matched to your official documents.
- Just a little mistake and your application may be frozen at the time of the confirmation process.
Step 2: Upload Required Documents
You will be asked to upload a set of documents after registering. All these usually includes:- Passport copy (must be valid for at least 6 months)
- A passport size photograph with a white background.
- Required Educational Qualifications (diploma, transcripts, degree).
- A professional license from your country.
- Need a good standing certificate that is issued within the past 6 months.
- Minimum 2 years of work experience letters.
Step 3: Primary Source Verification (DataFlow)
- DHA requires DataFlow Group to verify and confirm all of your documents. This is called Primary Source Verification (PSV).
- DataFlow inquires your university, licensing authority and employers directly to confirm your credentials.
- Mostly, the average time for handling is 30–45 working days but it can be extended if the institutions are delayed in responding.
- By having your case ID, you can check the status of your DataFlow account.
Step 4: Eligibility Assessment by DHA
Once DHA has done the verification, it checks your profile. There are three possible results:- Eligible – All required criteria are met and you are allowed to continue with the exam booking.
- Conditionally Eligible – More supporting documents or explanations are needed by DHA.
- Rejected – Your educational background or work experience is not up to the standards of DHA.
Step 5: Book Your Exam Slot with Prometric
- To schedule a test at Prometric after logging in to your Sheryan account, and then you will be able to access the Prometric scheduling option.
- Choose a date, time and venue that suits you best. There are Prometric centres located all over the world, so you are not required to go to Dubai to take the exam.
- Securely make your payment for the exam through the online platform.
- After your transaction is successful, an email confirming your test details and candidate ID will be sent to you.
Step 6: Sit for the Exam
- Try to arrive at the Prometric centre at least 30 minutes early on the exam day.
- Bring your exam confirmation email and original passport with you.
- The exam is fully computer based and closely monitored.
- You’ll receive your results on your Sheryan account within 5 to 10 days.
Step 7: Apply for a Professional License
Just passing the examination does not automatically give you a professional license. You are still required to submit your application for it.- Submit your job offer letter, Emirates ID and healthcare information from the UAE.
- Pay the license issuance fee (approximately $150–200).
- In the next few days, your DHA professional license will be activated in your Sheryan account.
DHA Exam Format & Syllabus
The Prometric DHA exam in Dubai is conducted using a computer-based standardised testing format.- Number of Questions: 150 MCQs
- Duration: 165 minutes (as specified for pharmacist assessment).
- Achieving Score: 65%
- Result display: DHA publishes Pass/Fail only (the numeric score is not released to candidates).
DHA Exam Preparation Guide 2025
Preparation is a necessary aspect that should be given utmost priority in the DHA exam to be able to pass it with considerable success. Candidates who get down to it way ahead of time and adhere to a well-grounded study plan always show an excellent performance.Preparation Tips For General
Practice the sample question papers open to all in the respective category of the examination.- Get a hold of popular science reference books ideal for international medical, nursing, and pharmaceutical studies (i.e., Harrison for medicine, Katzung for pharmacology, Brunner & Suddarth for nursing).
- Daily practice of MCQ is very helpful as it makes the candidate familiar with the style of questions of Prometric exams.
- Weekly mock exams should be taken to experience the real test environment.
- Revise regularly — allocate the last 2 weeks exclusively for revision.
- Keep yourself informed about recent guidelines and ethical practices.
For getting more guidance step-by-step method, get the Elite Expertise DHA Exam Preparation Course. There are:
- Structured study modules
- Lectures live as well as recorded
- Mock exams with comprehensive feedback
- Personalized mentoring
Top Tips to Pass the DHA Exam
- Try to be 3-6 months in advance with your preparations.
- Plan your weekly timetable and follow or stick to it.
- Make sure that you will not miss the chapter concerning patient safety and ethics.
- Practice at least 3–4 full-length mock exams before doing the real test.
- Do not do a last-minute cramming — concentrate on understanding the study material.
- Be calm on the day of the exam and use your time wisely.
What Happens After Passing the DHA Exam?
Passing the test is a big achievement, but you cannot yet practice the profession until these few steps are taken:- Result Declaration: Your Sheryan account gets updated with results within 5–10 days.
- Job Offer: To go ahead with the authorisation, you require a work permit from a healthcare institution recognised by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
- Final Documentation: Upload Emirates ID, health insurance and job offer letter.
- License Issuance: Make the last license payment; the license is issued to your Sheryan profile.
- Start Practice: Using your DHA license you can now work legally in Dubai.
Benefits of Clearing the DHA Exam
- Legal Recognition: It is impossible for you to professionally conduct your work without a DHA license.
- Career Opportunities: Get a job in the best hospitals and clinics in Dubai.
- Attractive Salaries: Pharmacists, doctors, nurses in Dubai get very well paid.
- International Recognition: A DHA license is usually recognized in other GCC countries.
- Professional Growth: Access to advanced healthcare technology and practices.
Is the DHA Exam Worth It?
Yes, definitely. The method takes time, money and effort. The rewards are significant. All the successful candidates gain:- Well-paid jobs in a tax-free income environment.
- Opportunities for contemporary healthcare systems and advanced hospitals.
- Stability and safety for their professional career.
- Being acknowledged by the other Gulf countries, so the doors of further opportunities become open.
Final Words
The DHA Examination 2025 of Dubai Health Authority is the gateway to the fantastic healthcare industry of Dubai. By a methodical approach to the conditions of eligibility, registration procedure, examination format, and preparation guidelines, you can be sure to ace the test. It is your turn now after many foreign professionals who have passed the DHA exam. Plan your study today and take your career to the next level.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the DHA Exam
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam is a licensing test for healthcare professionals who want to practice legally in Dubai.
Pharmacists are required to clear the DHA e-exam before practising in Dubai.
The DHA Pharmacist exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions, to be completed within 165 minutes.
DHA exam results are typically published in Sheryan within 2–5 working days after the test.
Candidates are allowed up to 3 attempts for the DHA Pharmacist exam.
PSV - DataFlow Verification: AED 900–1,200 (USD 250–325)
Prometric exam fees: AED 880 (USD 240)
License activation (1 year, Allied/Pharmacist): AED 1,000 (USD 270)
Candidates must hold a BSc in Pharmacy or PharmD, have at least 2 years of experience, and possess a Good Standing Certificate from their licensing authority.
The exam can be taken at Prometric test centres worldwide. Candidates do not need to travel to Dubai to take the exam.