The DHA Exam 2026 is a computer-based licensing examination conducted by the Dubai Health Authority for healthcare professionals seeking employment in Dubai. It includes application, DataFlow verification, exam booking, and license activation. The exam covers profession-specific clinical knowledge, has no negative marking, requires a minimum passing score of 60%, and remains valid for two years. This guide explains DHA exam fees, syllabus, eligibility, exam pattern, and preparation tips.
The DHA Exam 2026 is a mandatory licensing examination conducted by the Dubai Health Authority for healthcare professionals who want to work in Dubai. This exam is required for doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and allied health professionals planning to practice in Dubai’s healthcare system.
This keyword-dominant DHA exam guide covers DHA exam fees, syllabus, eligibility, application process, exam pattern, passing score, and important dates, helping candidates rank-ready answers for all major DHA-related searches.
What Is the DHA Exam?
The DHA licensing exam evaluates whether foreign-trained healthcare professionals meet Dubai’s clinical and professional standards. Clearing the DHA exam allows candidates to apply for DHA professional license, which is required to work in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centres in Dubai.
DHA Exam 2026 – Important Dates (Expected)
| Event | DHA Exam 2026 Date (Tentative) |
| DHA Exam Registration Start | January 2026 |
| Document Verification (DataFlow) | Ongoing |
| Exam Slot Booking | After eligibility approval |
| DHA Exam Date | Throughout 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 2–5 working days |
| License Application | After passing |
DHA exam has no fixed annual date. Candidates can book the exam throughout the year after eligibility approval.
DHA Exam Fees 2026
| Fee Type | Approximate Cost |
| DHA Application Fee | AED 200 |
| DHA Exam Fee | AED 260 – 300 |
| DataFlow Verification | AED 1,200 – 1,500 |
| License Activation Fee | AED 1,000+ |
Fees may vary depending on profession and credential verification requirements.
DHA Exam Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility depends on your profession, but general requirements include:
- Recognised medical or healthcare qualification
- Minimum clinical experience (varies by role)
- Valid professional registration from home country
- Completed DataFlow verification
DHA Exam Pattern 2026 (High-Ranking Section)
| Component | Details |
| Exam Mode | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| Question Type | Clinical scenario-based |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Passing Score | 60% (varies by profession) |
| Exam Language | English |
The DHA exam pattern focuses on clinical judgment, patient safety, and applied knowledge.
DHA Exam Syllabus 2026 (Profession-Wise)
DHA Exam Syllabus for Doctors
- Internal medicine
- Surgery fundamentals
- Emergency medicine
- Clinical diagnostics
- Ethics and patient safety
DHA Exam Syllabus for Nurses
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Patient care management
- Infection control
- Medication administration
- Professional ethics
DHA Exam Syllabus for Dentists
- General dentistry
- Oral pathology
- Prosthodontics & orthodontics
- Clinical case management
DHA Exam Syllabus for Allied Health Professionals
- Core clinical knowledge
- Equipment handling
- Safety protocols
- Role-based case scenarios
DHA Exam Application Process 2026 (Step-by-Step)
- Create account on DHA Sheryan portal
- Upload academic and professional documents
- Complete DataFlow verification
- Receive eligibility approval
- Pay DHA exam fee
- Book exam slot
- Appear for exam and receive results
DHA exam results are usually released within 2–5 working days.
DHA Exam Passing Score & Validity
- Passing Score: 60% (may vary by profession)
- Validity: DHA exam result is valid for 2 years
- Attempts: Maximum 3 attempts allowed
DHA Exam Preparation Tips
- Focus on clinical case-based MCQs
- Practice time management
- Study Dubai clinical guidelines
- Use DHA exam question banks
- Revise ethics and patient safety
Conclusion
The DHA Exam 2026 is a critical step for healthcare professionals aiming to build a career in Dubai. With clear understanding of exam fees, syllabus, eligibility, exam pattern, and application process, candidates can prepare confidently and avoid delays. Early planning, correct documentation, and focused preparation significantly improve success chances in the DHA licensing exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the DHA Exam?
The DHA Exam is a professional licensing test required for healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, to work in Dubai. It assesses theoretical knowledge and practical skills to ensure candidates meet Dubai’s healthcare standards.
2. Who is eligible to take the DHA Exam?
Eligible candidates include:
1. Doctors: General practitioners, specialists, and consultants.
2. Pharmacists: Community, hospital, and clinical pharmacists.
3. Nurses: Registered nurses and midwives.
4. Allied Healthcare Professionals: Such as physiotherapists, radiographers, and lab technicians.3. What is the validity of a DHA license?
The DHA license is valid for one year.
4. How much does the DHA Exam cost?
Total cost including verification can range between AED 1,500–2,000.
5. How do I apply for the DHA Exam?
Follow these steps:
1. Create a Sheryan account on the DHA platform.
2. Upload required documents like qualifications and ID.
3. Pay for the Dataflow verification.
4. Book your exam and pay the fees.
5. Prepare and appear for the test.6. What is the mode of the DHA exam?
The test is conducted online and includes multiple-choice questions and case scenarios.
7. How difficult is it to pass the DHA exam?
The difficulty depends on your preparation and familiarity with the syllabus. The exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and candidates often find it challenging if they lack sufficient preparation or experience.
8. How often is the DHA exam conducted?
The DHA exam is offered year-round with multiple slots available, depending on the candidate’s chosen category and availability at testing centers.
9. Is the DHA exam easy or difficult?
The difficulty of the DHA exam depends on the candidate’s preparation level and understanding of the syllabus. It is manageable with thorough preparation, but neglecting study efforts can make it challenging.
10. How much is the fee for the DHA exam?
The fee varies by profession but generally falls between $230 and $320 for the exam itself. Additional costs for applications and licensing also apply.
11. Who is eligible for the DHA exam for specialist doctors?
Specialist doctors must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Hold a medical degree from a recognized institution.
2. Have completed postgraduate training in their specialty.
3. Possess the required years of experience as stipulated by DHA (varies by specialty).
Provide supporting documentation, including certifications, experience letters, and licenses from previous employment.12. What happens if I fail the exam?
Candidates are allowed up to three retake attempts.
13. Why should I take the DHA Exam?
Passing the DHA Exam opens opportunities to work in Dubai’s healthcare sector, offering a rewarding career with global recognition.