For Indian doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health workers, Dubai has long been a hub of opportunity. With advanced healthcare facilities, attractive salaries, and international exposure, it is no surprise that thousands of Indian professionals aim to work in Dubai every year.
The first step toward securing a healthcare job in Dubai is clearing the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Examination, often referred to as the Dubai Health Authority Test. This exam ensures that medical professionals meet Dubai’s high standards of care and are fully qualified to practice in the emirate.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything Indian applicants need to know, including the DHA medical test for visas, exam centers in India, eligibility requirements, exam validity, and how to check your application status.
Dubai Health Authority Medical Test for Visa
In addition to the DHA licensing exam, healthcare professionals moving to Dubai must undergo a medical test for residency visa purposes. This test is mandatory for all expatriates and ensures that only medically fit individuals can live and work in the UAE.
The DHA medical test usually includes:
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Blood Tests – Screening for infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and Syphilis.
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Chest X-ray – Conducted to detect tuberculosis (TB).
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General Physical Check-up – To ensure overall fitness.
If you are a healthcare worker (doctor, nurse, lab technician, etc.), an additional Hepatitis B vaccination or immunity check may be required.
Why this matters:
Without clearing the DHA medical test, you cannot obtain or renew your Dubai work visa, even if you pass the DHA examination. Therefore, both the licensing exam and the medical visa test are crucial steps in the process.
Dubai Health Authority Exam in India
The good news for Indian applicants is that the DHA exam can be taken in India itself. You don’t need to travel to Dubai just for the test.
The DHA exam is conducted by Prometric, a global testing company with centers across major Indian cities. The exam is computer-based and consists of multiple-choice questions tailored to your profession.
Who needs to take the DHA exam?
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Doctors (General Practitioners, Specialists, Consultants)
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Nurses (Registered Nurses, Midwives, Specialists)
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Pharmacists
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Allied Health Professionals (Radiographers, Physiotherapists, Lab Technicians, etc.)
The exam ensures that healthcare workers from India are well-trained and capable of providing care that meets Dubai’s medical standards.
Dubai Health Authority Exam Centers in India
Prometric test centers in India are spread across the country, giving candidates flexibility in choosing where to sit for the exam.
Popular DHA Exam Centers in India include:
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New Delhi
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Mumbai
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Bangalore
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Chennai
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Hyderabad
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Cochin
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Trivandrum
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Pune
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Ahmedabad
When applying, candidates can select their preferred city while booking the exam through the Prometric website. Since exam slots fill quickly, it is recommended to schedule well in advance.
Dubai Health Authority Exam Eligibility for Indians
Not every healthcare professional is automatically eligible to sit for the DHA exam. The Dubai Health Authority has set eligibility requirements based on education and work experience.
General Eligibility Criteria for Indian Candidates:
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Educational Qualifications – A degree in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, or allied health sciences from a recognized university.
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Work Experience –
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Doctors: Minimum 2 years of clinical experience after internship.
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Nurses: 2 years of post-registration experience.
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Pharmacists: At least 2 years of professional practice.
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Allied Health Professionals: Requirements vary by specialty.
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Good Standing Certificate – Issued by the Medical Council of India (or State Medical Council), Nursing Council, or relevant authority.
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DataFlow Verification – All documents (degree, transcripts, experience certificates) must be verified through the DataFlow Group to ensure authenticity.
Note: If there are gaps in your career, you may be required to provide additional proof of training or practice.
Dubai Health Authority Exam Validity
Once you pass the DHA exam, your result is valid for a certain period.
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Exam Result Validity: 5 years.
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License Validity: Once you secure a job and your employer sponsors you, the DHA license itself is usually valid for 1 year and can be renewed annually.
This means if you pass the exam today but don’t immediately find a job in Dubai, your passing result remains valid for five years, giving you plenty of time to secure employment.
Dubai Health Authority Status Check
After applying for the DHA exam and licensing, you may want to track your progress. The DHA has made this process simple through its online portal.
Steps to Check Your DHA Application Status:
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Go to the DHA Sheryan Portal (official DHA licensing platform).
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Log in with your credentials.
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Enter your application reference number.
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Check real-time updates on verification, exam eligibility, and exam results.
If you’ve already taken the exam, results are usually available within 3–5 business days on the same portal.
Why the DHA Exam is Important for Indian Professionals
The DHA exam is more than just a requirement—it is a gateway to better opportunities.
Benefits for Indian healthcare professionals:
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Access to high-paying jobs in Dubai’s top hospitals.
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Recognition of your skills in an international healthcare system.
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Opportunity to work in advanced facilities with modern technologies.
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Career growth across the Gulf, as many countries respect DHA standards.
Dubai continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for healthcare professionals, and the DHA exam ensures that only qualified, competent practitioners serve its diverse population.
Preparation Tips for the DHA Exam
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Understand the Syllabus – Check the DHA exam outline for your specialty.
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Practice MCQs – Time-based practice is crucial since the exam is computer-based.
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Join Coaching Programs – Many Indian institutes offer DHA preparation courses.
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Use Official Guides – DHA and Prometric provide sample questions.
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Stay Updated – Review the latest clinical guidelines and treatment protocols.
For Indian doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied healthcare workers, the Dubai Health Authority Test is the first step toward building a rewarding career in Dubai. With exam centers available in India, clear eligibility criteria, and straightforward online status tracking, the process is now more accessible than ever.
By preparing well, ensuring proper documentation, and clearing both the licensing exam and medical fitness test, Indian professionals can confidently step into Dubai’s healthcare system, opening doors to international opportunities and professional growth. Contact Montgo Health
Frequently Ask Questions
1. What is the Dubai Health Authority Test?
The DHA Test is a licensing exam for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals who want to work in Dubai’s healthcare sector.
2. Can I take the DHA Exam in India?
Yes. Indian candidates can sit for the DHA Exam at Prometric centers in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
3. What are the eligibility requirements for Indians?
You need a recognized degree, professional experience (usually 2 years), a Good Standing Certificate, and DataFlow verification of your documents.
4. How long is the DHA Exam valid?
The exam result is valid for 5 years. Once employed, your DHA license is typically valid for 1 year and can be renewed with your employer’s sponsorship.
5. Is there a medical test after the DHA Exam?
Yes. All applicants must undergo a DHA medical fitness test in Dubai, including blood tests, chest X-ray, and screening for infectious diseases.
6. How can I check my DHA Exam status?
You can track your application and results through the DHA Sheryan Portal by logging in with your reference number and checking updates online.