DHA Exam Fee 2025 Syllabus, Application, Dates & Eligibility

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been a preferred destination for healthcare professionals from India. Among the emirates, Dubai offers some of the best healthcare infrastructure and career prospects. However, to legally practice in Dubai, medical professionals must clear the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) licensing exam.

Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, or allied health professional, this detailed guide will help you understand everything about the DHA exam 2025 – from fees to eligibility, important dates to syllabus, and much more.

Let’s break it all down step by step.

What is the DHA Exam?

The DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam is a mandatory licensing examination designed to certify and authorize qualified healthcare professionals to legally practice within the emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Administered under the guidance of the Dubai Health Authority, the exam is a crucial part of the professional licensure process for anyone aiming to pursue a healthcare career in the region.

This examination ensures that only individuals who meet the required clinical competence, ethical standards, and professional knowledge benchmarks are permitted to work in Dubai’s regulated healthcare system. The DHA exam is applicable to a wide range of healthcare roles, including doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, lab technicians, radiographers, and several other allied health professionals.

Key Highlights:

• Conducted by: The exam is conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in collaboration with Prometric, a globally recognized provider of testing and assessment services. Prometric manages the test delivery at approved examination centers worldwide, including multiple locations across India.
• Mode of Examination: The test is held in an online format, referred to as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Candidates are required to attend the exam at designated Prometric test centers, where they will complete the assessment using a secure digital interface.
• Question Format: The DHA exam primarily consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). These questions are designed to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and practical application skills within the candidate’s specific healthcare domain. The structure of the exam may differ slightly depending on the profession or specialty.
• Medium of Language: The entire examination is conducted in English, which is the official language for healthcare communication in Dubai. Therefore, candidates must possess a reasonable level of English language proficiency to understand the questions and respond accurately.
• Profession-Specific Requirement: The DHA exam is required for a broad range of healthcare categories. These include:
  • General Physicians and Medical Specialists (e.g., surgeons, pediatricians, internists)
  • Dentists and Dental Specialists
  • Nurses (including general, critical care, and midwifery)
  • Pharmacists
  • Medical Laboratory Technicians
  • Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists
  • Radiographers and Imaging Technicians
  • Allied Health Professionals (such as speech therapists, optometrists, nutritionists, etc.)
    

Each category has its own tailored exam content, duration, and number of questions, aligned with international medical standards and Dubai-specific healthcare regulations.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Applicants

General Requirements:

1. Educational Qualification: You must hold a recognized degree in your field (e.g., MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing, BPharm).
2. Work Experience:
   • Doctors: Minimum 2 years post-internship experience.
   • Specialists: 3+ years.
   • Consultants: 5+ years.
   • Nurses, Pharmacists, Allied Professionals: 2 years of clinical experience.
3. Valid Registration: Registration or license from the respective Indian medical/nursing/pharmacy council.
4. Good Standing Certificate: Issued within the last 6 months from your current or previous regulatory authority.
5. Language: Proficiency in English is required. Though not mandatory for all, having IELTS/TOEFL scores may help.
6. No Legal or Disciplinary Action: Must have a clean professional record.
   

Documents Required:

• Passport copy
• Passport-size photograph
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Experience letters
• Good Standing Certificate
• Council Registration Certificate (MCI/NMC, PCI, INC, etc.)
• Internship certificate (for doctors)
  

DHA Exam Fee for Indian Candidates (2025)

The total cost of obtaining your DHA license includes several components, from document verification to examination and license issuance.

Fee Component	Approximate Cost (INR)
DataFlow Verification	₹23,000 – ₹28,000
DHA Application Fee	₹4,500 – ₹6,000
Prometric Exam Fee	₹6,500 – ₹12,000
Oral Assessment (if applicable)	₹5,000 – ₹45,000
License Activation Fee	₹23,000 – ₹70,000
Total Estimated Cost	₹70,000 – ₹1.3 Lakhs

Note: Fees vary based on the healthcare category, profession, and urgency (standard vs. fast track).

DHA Exam Dates 2025 (For Indian Candidates)

Unlike national-level competitive exams such as NEET or UPSC, which follow a strictly defined annual schedule, the DHA exam operates on a flexible, candidate-friendly timeline. There are no fixed national dates or centralized entrance windows. Instead, the exam is designed to be available year-round, allowing candidates to apply, prepare, and appear for the test at their own pace based on their readiness and personal circumstances.

Once a candidate has completed the initial application process and received eligibility confirmation from the Dubai Health Authority via the Sheryan portal, they are allowed to proceed with booking their exam slot. This is done through Prometric, the official global testing partner of DHA. Prometric offers computer-based test centers in multiple cities across India and internationally.

What makes the DHA exam particularly convenient is the ability for candidates to choose both the date and location of their exam, subject to availability. This means you can select a time slot that aligns with your preparation level, work schedule, or travel convenience. In high-demand regions or peak application seasons, it is advisable to book well in advance to ensure you get your preferred date and center.

This year-round availability not only reduces the stress of rigid deadlines but also supports working professionals who may need additional time to prepare or coordinate their exam around existing commitments. It gives Indian healthcare professionals the flexibility to plan strategically, whether they are preparing while employed in India or transitioning to a career abroad.

Tentative Timeline:

Cycle	Registration	Exam Window
Cycle 1	January	February – March
Cycle 2	April	May – June
Cycle 3	July	August – September
Cycle 4	October	November – December

DHA Exam Centers in India:

• New Delhi
• Mumbai
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Bangalore
• Kochi
• Ahmedabad
• Kolkata
  

It is advisable to book 2 months in advance as slots fill up quickly.

Step-by-Step DHA Application Process for Indian Candidates

The process of applying for the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) license exam is structured, thorough, and digital. It ensures that only qualified and ethically sound healthcare professionals are granted the license to practice in Dubai. Below is a detailed breakdown of each step involved in the application process for Indian applicants:

 

Step 1: Create a DHA Sheryan Account

The first step in your DHA journey is to create an account on the official Sheryan portal, which is the Dubai Health Authority’s online licensing and registration platform. Sheryan acts as your personal dashboard for the entire licensing process—right from uploading documents, submitting applications, paying fees, to tracking the status of your exam and license.

To create your account, you’ll need:

• A valid email address
• A scanned passport copy
• A clear passport-size photo (with white background)
• Your personal and professional details
  

Once registered, you’ll receive a unique Sheryan ID, which will be used throughout your application and professional licensing process.

Step 2: Self-Assessment

Before officially applying, the DHA recommends using the Self-Assessment Tool available within the Sheryan portal. This tool is designed to pre-screen your qualifications, experience, and eligibility for the specific healthcare category you intend to apply for (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, etc.).

By answering a few questions about:

• Your educational background
• Work experience duration and setting
• Professional licenses held in India
• Country of education and practice
  

The tool will give you a preliminary indication of whether you meet the minimum criteria set by DHA. Although this tool does not guarantee acceptance, it helps avoid wasting time and money on ineligible applications.

Step 3: DataFlow Verification (Primary Source Verification – PSV)

Once your eligibility is confirmed through the self-assessment, the next crucial step is to undergo Primary Source Verification (PSV) through the DataFlow Group. This is a mandatory step and a core requirement for all healthcare professionals applying for the DHA exam.

DataFlow’s role is to independently verify the authenticity of your:

• Educational qualifications
• Professional license/registration
• Work experience certificates
• Good Standing Certificate
  

You will be required to upload scanned copies of all the relevant documents to the DataFlow portal. These documents are then sent to the original issuing authorities (e.g., university, medical council, hospital) for cross-verification.

➤ Duration:

• The DataFlow verification process typically takes 30 to 45 working days.
• In some cases, delays may occur if additional clarification or re-verification is needed from the issuing authority.
  

➤ Cost:

• The cost varies based on the number of documents, profession, and the complexity of verification.
• For most Indian applicants, the average cost ranges between ₹23,000 and ₹28,000.
• Fast-track verification options may be available at an additional cost, but they are not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
  

➤ Important Notes:

• Make sure all your documents are clear, legible, and officially translated into English if originally issued in another language.
• Double-check that your name, dates, and institutional details match across all documents.
• Inconsistent or fraudulent information will lead to disqualification and a permanent ban from applying.
  

Once your documents are verified successfully, you will receive a Positive DataFlow Report, which is essential to proceed to the next step in the DHA application process.

Step 4: Eligibility Application

After verification, you’ll receive an eligibility ID. Use it to apply for the DHA exam.

• Cost: ₹4,500 – ₹6,000
  

Step 5: Book Your Exam (Prometric)

Choose a date and Prometric test center near you. Complete the payment and download your test permit.

• Exam fee: ₹6,500 – ₹12,000 depending on profession
  

Step 6: Attend the DHA Exam

Carry valid ID and reach the Prometric center on time. Your exam result is generally declared within 5–10 business days.

Step 7: (If Required) Oral / Practical Assessment

Certain professions (like dentistry, surgery, anesthesiology) may require an oral or hands-on practical exam.

• Cost: ₹5,000 (standard) – ₹45,000 (urgent)
  

Step 8: DHA License Activation

Once you pass, apply for professional license activation. You’ll need an offer letter from a DHA-approved employer and UAE residency documents.

• License validity: 1–2 years (renewable)
• Fee: ₹23,000 – ₹70,000 based on profession
  

DHA Exam Format and Syllabus (2025)

Common Structure:

• Mode: Online, Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Number of Questions:
  • Doctors and Specialists: 150 MCQs
  • Nurses and Allied: 100–120 MCQs
    

Pass Mark:

• General benchmark: 60%
• Varies by profession
  

General Syllabus Coverage:

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Pathology
• Medical Ethics
• Patient Safety
• Infection Control
• Evidence-Based Practice
• UAE Healthcare System Overview
  

Profession-Specific Topics:

Nurses:

• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
• Maternity and Newborn Care
• Psychiatric Nursing
• Leadership & Management
  

Doctors:

• Specialty-specific (e.g., Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics)
• Case Studies and Clinical Scenarios
• Emergency Protocols
• Prescribing Guidelines
  

Dentists:

• Oral Pathology
• Restorative Dentistry
• Periodontology
• Oral Surgery
• Radiology
  

Pharmacists:

• Pharmaceutics
• Drug Mechanisms
• Patient Counseling
• Medication Safety
  

How to Prepare for the DHA Exam

Preparing for the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam is a significant milestone for Indian healthcare professionals planning to work in Dubai. It demands strategic preparation, discipline, and focused study to ensure you meet the clinical and ethical standards expected by the Dubai Health Authority. While the exam is not extremely difficult, it covers a broad range of clinical concepts, many of which align with international medical practice guidelines.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare thoroughly and boost your chances of success:

✅ 1. Create a Study Plan

Start by setting a realistic study schedule, ideally beginning your preparation at least 8 to 10 weeks before your intended exam date. Allocate 1–2 hours on weekdays and 3–4 hours on weekends to maintain consistency and avoid burnout.

• Divide your study plan into weekly goals—covering theory, MCQs, and revision.
• Prioritize high-yield topics specific to your profession (e.g., pharmacology for pharmacists, infection control for nurses).
• Maintain a balance between core subjects and clinical scenarios to build both foundational knowledge and practical understanding.
  

📝 Tip: Use a planner or digital calendar to track your daily progress, set milestones, and adjust your plan if needed.

✅ 2. Use Standard Reference Books

Unlike many entrance tests in India, the DHA exam is aligned with international standards of medical education. Therefore, it’s important to study from globally accepted medical and clinical textbooks. Some of the most recommended resources include:

• For Doctors:
  • Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine
  • Kumar and Clark’s Clinical Medicine
  • Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine
• For Nurses:
  • Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing
  • Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice
  • Fundamentals of Nursing by Potter and Perry
• For Pharmacists & Allied Health:
  • Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy
  • Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics by Walker and Whittlesea

Focus on chapters dealing with clinical procedures, diagnostics, emergency protocols, patient care, and disease management. Also, ensure that your materials are up to date and reflect current clinical guidelines.

✅ 3. Practice MCQs Extensively

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are the core of the DHA exam format. To build confidence and speed, you must solve at least 500–1000 MCQs before your test day.

• Use DHA-specific MCQ books or online platforms that mimic the Prometric testing style.
• Focus on clinical reasoning, case-based questions, and scenario analysis, rather than rote memorization.
• After answering, always review the explanations—this will help correct misconceptions and reinforce learning.
  

📝 Tip: Keep a notebook for tricky questions and topics you got wrong. Revisit it regularly during revision.

✅ 4. Take Mock Tests

Mock tests are a crucial part of your preparation strategy. They help simulate the real exam environment, especially in terms of timing, pressure, and navigation through the online platform.

• Schedule 1 full mock test every week during the last month of your preparation.
• Use Prometric-style online platforms where possible.
• Review the results in detail—analyze your performance, identify weak areas, and work on time management.
  

Mock tests also help you get familiar with computer-based testing, which is essential if you haven’t taken online exams before.

✅ 5. Revise Clinical Guidelines

Across all healthcare professions, the DHA exam gives significant importance to clinical safety, patient care ethics, and international best practices.

Make sure to review guidelines related to:

• Infection control protocols
• Patient safety policies
• Ethical principles in clinical care
• Documentation standards
• Emergency procedures (e.g., CPR, ACLS, BLS)
  

You can refer to international sources like WHO guidelines, CDC, and NHS handbooks, or DHA-specific handbooks if available. These topics are frequently tested across all categories.

📝 Tip: Summarize key points into quick-reference sheets that you can revise in the last week.

✅ 6. Join Study Groups or Enroll in Coaching Programs

Many Indian healthcare professionals benefit from peer study groups or specialized coaching programs tailored for the DHA exam. These can offer:

• Structured study schedules
• Access to exclusive question banks
• Faculty-led revision sessions
• Doubt clearing and exam strategy tips
  

In India, several coaching centers offer DHA, MOH, and HAAD preparation courses, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, and Hyderabad. These include both offline and online formats, with recorded lectures, live classes, and mentorship support.

If self-study is challenging, joining a coaching center or online program can provide the structure and accountability needed for success.

💡 Bonus Tips:

• Stay updated with the latest DHA guidelines through their official website and announcements.
• Avoid cramming the night before the exam—get a good night’s sleep to stay alert and focused.
• Make a “last-week revision schedule” to go over high-yield notes, key facts, and MCQs.
  

📌 Summary:

Preparation Component	Recommended Action
Study Timeline	8–10 weeks minimum
Daily Study Hours	1–2 hours (weekdays), 3–4 hours (weekends)
Reference Books	Internationally recognized clinical texts
MCQs	Solve 500–1000 questions
Mock Tests	At least 4–5 full tests
Key Topics	Ethics, patient safety, infection control
Coaching	Optional, but helpful for structure

 

With consistent effort, smart planning, and access to the right resources, cracking the DHA exam is very achievable for Indian healthcare professionals. It opens the door to lucrative job opportunities in Dubai’s modern healthcare system and sets the foundation for an international medical career.

License Validity and Renewal

Once you’ve successfully cleared the DHA examination and completed all the required formalities, you will be issued a professional license by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). This license is your official authorization to work legally within the Dubai healthcare system, whether you’re employed in a hospital, clinic, pharmacy, or any other healthcare institution.

✅ License Validity:

The initial validity of the DHA license typically ranges between 1 to 2 years, depending on your job role, employment type, and the nature of your contract with your healthcare employer in Dubai.

• For full-time employees, the license is usually valid for 2 years.
• For part-time or locum professionals, the license may be valid for 1 year, after which it needs to be renewed.
• Some categories, such as consultants or visiting specialists, might have licenses with shorter or more specific validity based on their work duration.
  

During the validity period, your license is tied to your current employer. If you change jobs, your license needs to be re-linked to your new employer through the DHA’s licensing system.

🔁 Renewal Process:

The DHA license is renewable, provided you meet the following criteria:

1. Active Employment: You must be currently employed by a DHA-approved healthcare facility at the time of renewal.
2. CME Requirements: You are required to complete a certain number of Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours during each license cycle. CME is essential to ensure that healthcare professionals stay updated with the latest clinical knowledge, technologies, and ethical standards in the medical field.
   • Doctors and specialists may need 20–40 CME hours annually, depending on specialty.
   • Nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals generally need 10–20 CME hours per year.
3. Updated Good Standing: You may be asked to submit a fresh Good Standing Certificate from the DHA or your previous employers if you had a gap in practice.
4. Document Compliance: All personal and professional documents (passport, Emirates ID, qualification certificates, etc.) must be valid and up to date.
   

The renewal request is typically submitted via the Sheryan portal, along with payment of the renewal fee. Processing time for renewal is usually 5 to 10 working days, provided all requirements are met.

🔄 Transfer and Geographic Limitations:

One important point to remember is that the DHA license is geographically restricted. It is valid only within the jurisdiction of Dubai and cannot be used to practice in other Emirates.

If you wish to work in a different Emirate such as:

• Abu Dhabi – You will need to apply for a license under Department of Health (DOH), formerly HAAD.
• Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain – You must obtain a license from the Ministry of Health (MOH).
  

Each licensing authority has its own exam, documentation requirements, and procedures, though some qualifications may be transferable through the Unified Healthcare Licensing system in the UAE. Still, a new application must be filed, and in most cases, professionals must pass another assessment or verification process.

📌 Important Reminders for DHA License Holders

Successfully obtaining your DHA license is just the beginning. To maintain your right to practice in Dubai, it’s crucial to understand and comply with certain professional responsibilities. These reminders help you avoid legal complications, fines, or disruptions in your career.

Here’s a deeper look at the key things every Indian healthcare professional must remember once licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA):

🔄 1. Apply for Renewal Well in Advance (At Least 1–2 Months Before Expiry)

The DHA license renewal process is straightforward but time-sensitive. If you wait until the last moment, you may face unnecessary delays, interruptions in your employment status, or even penalties.

• Ideally, initiate the renewal process 60 days before the expiry date of your current license.
• This allows sufficient time for processing your application, uploading updated documents, and earning last-minute CME (Continuing Medical Education) credits if needed.
• Delays may also occur due to system maintenance, verification backlogs, or issues with your employer’s facility license—so early action is always safer.
  

⛔ If your license expires, you will be unable to practice legally and may even lose your current job offer or employment contract.

🎓 2. Ensure CME Credits Are DHA-Approved and Profession-Specific

DHA requires all licensed healthcare professionals to continuously upgrade their clinical knowledge and skills through CME activities. However, not all CME certificates are accepted.

• Ensure that your CME activities are recognized by DHA or internationally accredited bodies such as the AMA (American Medical Association), MOHAP, DOH, or WHO.
• Courses must be relevant to your specialty—e.g., an orthopedic surgeon should attend courses on bone health, trauma management, or surgical innovation, not just general health topics.
• DHA usually mandates 10 to 40 CME hours per license cycle, depending on your professional category (doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, etc.).
  

You can accumulate CME hours through:

• Online webinars and e-learning
• Hands-on clinical workshops
• Accredited medical conferences
• Hospital in-service education programs
  

📁 Keep your CME certificates organized and upload them on your Sheryan profile during license renewal.

🔁 3. Planning to Change Employers? Transfer Your License Before You Switch

If you’re offered a new job in Dubai, you cannot begin working at the new facility until your license has been officially transferred to your new employer’s account in the DHA system.

• The facility you are leaving must approve the transfer request.
• Your new employer must initiate the license transfer through their end of the Sheryan portal.
• You’ll also need updated employment documents such as an offer letter or contract.
  

📌 Working at a new facility without a completed license transfer is considered a serious violation and can lead to:

• Suspension of your license
• Fines for both you and the hiring facility
• Potential ban from reapplying for licensure in the UAE
  

❌ 4. Expired License = No Legal Right to Practice + Heavy Penalties

Allowing your DHA license to expire—even for a short period—can have serious legal and professional consequences.

• You cannot work, consult, or offer clinical services under an expired license.
• Practicing without a valid license is treated as a breach of UAE health regulations, which may result in:
  • Monetary fines
  • Employment termination
  • Blacklist from DHA or even other licensing bodies in the UAE
    

In some severe cases, healthcare professionals with expired licenses have had to restart the application process from scratch, including resubmitting DataFlow verifications and retaking the exam.

🛑 Never assume that your employer is handling the renewal for you—stay informed and take personal responsibility for your license status.

Final Tips for Indian Aspirants

• Start early: Document verification can take up to 45 days.
• Ensure all certificates are translated (if not in English) and attested.
• Don’t wait till the last minute to book your exam—slots in India are limited.
• Focus on clinical practice and UAE-specific regulations.
  

About Montgo Health

Montgo Health is a leading support platform for Indian healthcare professionals preparing for the DHA exam. They assist with documentation, DataFlow verification, application support, and exam preparation strategies. Their step-by-step mentorship ensures Indian aspirants can smoothly transition into healthcare careers in Dubai.

Conclusion

Clearing the DHA exam is the gateway to a high-paying and rewarding medical career in Dubai. With the right strategy, early preparation, and thorough understanding of the process, Indian healthcare professionals can successfully navigate the DHA licensing journey in 2025.

Stay focused, stay updated—and good luck with your career abroad!

 

 

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FAQs – Quick Answers

1. Can I apply for DHA exam from India?
   Yes, the entire process can be completed from India, including verification, application, and examination.
2. What if I fail the DHA exam?
   You are allowed 3 attempts per year. After that, you may need additional experience or retraining.
3. How long does the full process take?
   Approximately 2–4 months, depending on document verification and availability of exam slots.
4. Is it compulsory to have a job offer before applying for a license?
   No. You can pass the exam and hold an “eligibility letter.” But you need a job offer to activate your professional license.
5. Is the DHA exam difficult?
   With proper preparation and understanding of your field, it is very doable. It focuses more on clinical reasoning and safety than rote memorization.