If you’re a healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, or allied health worker) and dreaming of working in Dubai’s healthcare sector, then one of your first big steps is passing the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licensing exam. This exam is designed to make sure that all healthcare practitioners have the knowledge, skills, and clinical reasoning expected to safely care for patients under Dubai’s health regulations and standards..

Format of the DHA Exam

Computer‑Based Test (CBT)

The DHA exam is held online in a computer‑based testing format at authorized Prometric centers worldwide. You need to register on the official DHA portal (called Sheryan) and book your exam date once your eligibility is verified.

There’s no paper‑pen test; it’s fully digital. This makes the experience smoother, and most people find it easier to keep track of time.

What the Exam Looks Like

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

The exam is almost entirely made up of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Each question typically presents a scenario and four possible answers, and you must select the best one.

There is no negative marking, which means you won’t lose marks for wrong answers so it’s best to attempt every question.

Number of Questions & Time

The number of questions and exam duration varies depending on your profession. Generally:

Depending on your field, the exam generally lasts 2 to 3 hours.

Passing Score

The passing score is usually around 60% (meaning you must answer roughly 60% of the questions correctly), though this can vary slightly by profession. For example, nurses and pharmacists might have slightly different passing criteria.

You usually receive a Pass or Fail outcome; the exact marks are not always shared.

What Topics Does the Exam Cover?

The DHA exam checks not just textbook theory but your ability to apply knowledge in real clinical situations. Most of the questions test:

Core Medical Knowledge

• Anatomy & Physiology

• Pathology

• Pharmacology

• Disease diagnosis and treatment

• Clinical procedures

• Patient management
  

Healthcare Practice Skills

• Patient safety and infection control

• UAE and DHA healthcare rules

• Medical ethics and professional behavior

• Clinical reasoning and decision‑making
  

Each profession has a profession‑specific syllabus for example, nurses will be tested on nursing care and leadership, pharmacists on drug therapy and counselling, and doctors on clinical medicine and specialties relevant to their field.

Exam Attempts and Scheduling

Once you’re eligible, you can usually book your test date throughout the year via the Prometric portal. The DHA exam isn’t limited to fixed yearly dates; you can choose a slot that fits your preparation schedule.

If you don’t pass on the first try, most candidates are allowed up to three attempts to pass the exam.

Final Tips Before You Go In

• Study using DHA syllabus guides and topic lists

• Practice with mock tests and past MCQs

• Understand real‑world clinical scenarios, not just theory

• Time management on exam day is crucial
  

Conclusion

The DHA Exam in 2026 is a computer‑based MCQ test with a profession‑specific structure. It checks your core medical knowledge, practical skills, and readiness to practice in Dubai’s healthcare system. Though challenging, the pattern is clear and predictable and with the right preparation, you can pass and take a big step toward your healthcare career in Dubai.

Faqs

• Who needs to take the DHA exam?
  Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals who want to work in Dubai must pass it for licensure.

• What is the exam format?
  Most exams are computer-based multiple-choice tests, depending on the profession and specialty.

• Where can I take the DHA exam?
  It is conducted through authorized testing centers, often via Prometric, in various countries.

• How do I apply for the DHA exam?
  You must create an account on the DHA Sheryan portal, submit required documents, and receive eligibility approval.

• What score is required to pass?
  The passing score varies by profession, but candidates must meet DHA’s minimum competency standard.

• How long is the DHA eligibility valid?
  Eligibility is typically valid for one year from the approval date.