The Ultimate Guide to the Dubai Health Authority Test in 2025

If you're a healthcare professional aspiring to work in Dubai, passing the Dubai Health Authority test is the essential next step. Administered by the Dubai Health Authority and delivered via Prometric test centers globally, this computer-based test evaluates your knowledge and readiness to practice in Dubai’s healthcare system.

What is the Dubai Health Authority Test?

The Dubai Health Authority test is a licensure exam for healthcare professionals—including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, lab technicians, and allied professionals—seeking permission to practice in Dubai. It's conducted entirely online through Prometric centers, either in Dubai or internationally.

Who’s Eligible?

Eligibility varies by profession, but general requirements include:

• A recognized academic degree (e.g., MBBS, B.Sc. Nursing).
  
  

• Post-qualification clinical experience: usually 2 years for MBBS grads, 3 years post-PG.
  
  

• Valid professional license in your home country.
  
  

• Official documents: degree certificates, transcripts, license, and experience letters.
  
  

• These must be verified via DataFlow (Primary Source Verification) as part of credentialing.
  
  

Dubai Health Authority Test Pattern & Structure (2025)

Here’s a snapshot of the current exam structure:

• 
  The Dubai Health Authority test is multiple-choice, computer-based, and usually 2–3 hours long.
  
  

• Retakes: You’re limited to 3 attempts per year; failing all means gaining additional experience before reapplying.
  
  

What’s Tested?

Core areas assessed in the Dubai Health Authority test include:

1. Clinical knowledge — anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, etc.
   
   

2. Professional skills — patient communication, ethics, decision-making.
   
   

3. UAE-specific knowledge — healthcare protocols, regulations, national guidelines.
   
   

For instance, nurses are tested on infection control, paediatrics, medical-surgical care; lab technicians answer on microbiology, biochemistry, blood banking.

Important Fees & Timeline (approx.)

• Application & PSV (DataFlow): AED 720–1,235
  
  

• Exam booking (Prometric): AED 260–300
  
  

• Urgent exam processing: ~AED 2,010
  
  

• License issuance: ~AED 3,000 (often paid by employer)
  
  

• Results delivered: within 2–10 working days
  
  

Step-by-Step Process

1. Create a Sheryan account on the DHA portal and upload documents for verification.
   
   

2. Pay credentialing fees and complete DataFlow verification.
   
   

3. Book your Dubai Health Authority test through Prometric using your DHA ID.
   
   

4. Appear for the test at an authorized center.
   
   

5. Upon passing, download your DHA Eligibility Letter—required to apply for jobs.
   
   

6. Secure a job offer, upload labor card, and complete your license process.
   
   

Tips to Prepare Effectively

• Study using the official DHA syllabus, customized by profession.
  
  

• Build a weekly study plan focusing on key modules and high-weightage topics.
  
  

• Practice with mock tests and past MCQs—many questions get repeated in the actual exam.
  
  

• Use reference materials like USMLE STEP 2 CK or NCLEX for nurses.
  
  

• Join a coaching program or online study group if self-study isn't sufficient.
  
  

• Simulate real-time exams to master time management and reduce anxiety.
  
  

Real Experiences

• Some candidates pass the Dubai Health Authority test after 2–3 months of serious preparation.
  
  

• Several reported that around 60–70% of questions were based on previous exams or repeated concepts.
  
  

• Many find the test easier than international licensing exams like NCLEX or USMLE, provided the preparation is focused and structured.
  
  

After You Pass

• Your DHA Eligibility Letter remains valid for up to a year—use this time to find employment in Dubai.
  
  

• The licensing process takes around 4–6 weeks, once you receive an offer.
  
  

• Salaries vary: MBBS doctors may earn AED 10k–20k/month; PG specialists AED 20k–35k/month; nurses AED 5k–12k/month depending on qualifications and experience.
  
  

Final Thoughts

The Dubai Health Authority test is a crucial requirement for healthcare professionals looking to build a successful career in Dubai’s growing healthcare sector. With proper planning, verified documents, and consistent preparation, passing this exam is an achievable goal. Take the first step toward your medical future in Dubai—start preparing for the Dubai Health Authority test