The DHA exam is among the key examination tests that healthcare professionals take to get licensed for working in Dubai. The main purpose of this test is to verify the qualification of the candidates in terms of medical standards and qualifications.
This comprehensive guide to DHA Exam 2026 explains all aspects, from exam fees to exam schedule, including syllabus and eligibility.
What Is the DHA Exam?
The DHA Exam is a professional licensing test administered by the Dubai Health Authority. It is intended to measure the level of expertise of health care providers from abroad.
Passing the DHA exam qualifies the candidate to take the DHA License, which is required to work in:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Healthcare centres in Dubai
It is a crucial step for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals aiming to build a career in Dubai.
DHA Exam 2026 – Important Dates (Expected)
| DHA Exam 2026 | |
| Event | DHA Exam 2026 Date (Tentative) |
| Start of DHA Exam Registration | January 2026 |
| Verification of Documents (DataFlow) | Ongoing |
| Booking Test Date Slots | After eligibility approval |
| DHA Test Date | After eligibility approval |
| Declaration of Result | 2–5 working days |
| License Application | After passing |
Candidates are free to take the test anytime after eligibility.
DHA Exam Fees 2026
The cost of the DHA exam depends on your profession and the verification process.
Here is the fee structure for the DHA exam.
| DHA Exam Fees | |
|---|---|
| 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+ |
Costs may vary depending on your role and document verification requirements.
DHA Exam Eligibility Criteria
DHA exam eligibility depends on your profession. General requirements include:
- Well-known medical or healthcare qualification
- Minimum clinical experience
- Valid professional registration from the home country
- Completed DataFlow verification
Meeting the eligibility criteria is mandatory before booking the exam.
DHA Exam Pattern 2026 (High-Ranking Section)
The process of application is quite easy, yet it should be taken with great care.
The exam pattern of DHA is standardized.
| 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 exam focuses heavily on clinical judgment, patient safety and real life scenarios.
DHA Exam Syllabus 2026
Here is the exam syllabus according to the profession.
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
- Clinical knowledge
- Proper use of equipment
- Patient Safety
- Case scenario based on role
DHA Exam Application Process 2026 (Step-by-Step)
DHA exam step-by-step application process:
- Register for a DHA Sheryan account
- Submit all educational and professional credentials
- Pass the DataFlow verification process
- Get eligibility confirmation
- Pay the DHA exam fee
- Book exam slot
- Appear for the exam and receive results
Results are usually declared 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
Upon clearing the exam, the candidates are eligible to apply for DHA licensing to begin practising in Dubai.
- Clinical case-based MCQs
- Time management
- Guidelines for clinical practices in Dubai
- Question bank for the DHA exam
- Patient ethics and safety
Conclusion
To conclude, preparing for the DHA Exam 2026 is an important milestone for healthcare professionals intending to establish a successful career in Dubai. With the information provided about the cost, syllabus, eligibility, exam pattern, and registration procedure for the DHA Exam 2026, the applicants would find it easier to prepare for the 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.
2. Who is eligible to take the DHA Exam?
Eligibility for the DHA exam includes:
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?
DHA exam costs 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.