Many Indian doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals dream of working in modern hospitals and clinics in Dubai, UAE. But before you can practice there, you must get a professional license from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). A key step in this process is passing the DHA exam, which checks if you are capable of safe and professional healthcare.
Below is a simple and complete breakdown of what you must do to be eligible for this exam especially if you’re applying from India.
1. What Is the DHA Exam?
The DHA exam is a computer‑based test used to evaluate whether healthcare professionals meet the standards required to practice in Dubai. It usually consists of multiple‑choice questions (MCQs) covering clinical knowledge and professional practice.
Passing this exam is a mandatory step before you can obtain your DHA license and start working in Dubai.
2. Educational Qualifications (Must‑Have)
To be eligible for the DHA exam, you must have the right educational qualification for your profession:
- Doctors: MBBS degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university.
- Nurses: BSc Nursing or an equivalent diploma recognized by Indian nursing councils.
- Pharmacists: BPharm or PharmD degree.
- Allied Health Professionals (e.g., physiotherapists, lab techs): Physiotherapists and lab technicians are examples of allied health professionals who need a relevant bachelor’s degree.
Your degree must be recognised and accredited otherwise, you won’t be allowed to sit for the exam.
Ready to Start Your Medical Career in UAE?
Have questions about your medical license or facility setup? Contact us today and let’s make your journey seamless!
- Valid License / Registration in India
DHA requires you to have a current, valid license from your home country’s regulatory body:
- Doctors: Registered with the Medical Council of India (now National Medical Commission) or respective State Medical Council.
- Nurses: Registered with the Indian Nursing Council or State Nursing Council.
- Pharmacists: Registered with the Pharmacy Council of India.
This shows that you are legally allowed to practice in India and helps confirm your professional status.
4. Work Experience Requirements
Experience is a very important criterion for DHA exam eligibility. Your experience must be clinical and after your final qualification (internship does not count as full experience).
Here’s a simplified experience chart:
| Profession | Required Experience |
| General Practitioner Doctor | Minimum 2 years clinical experience after internship |
| Specialist Doctor | Usually 3+ years after postgraduate training |
| Nurses | At least 2 years clinical experience |
| Pharmacists | Typically 2 years professional practice |
| Allied Health Professionals | Usually 2 years or more depending on specialty |
These years must be hands-on jobs in hospitals or clinics not just observerships or voluntary work.
5. Good Standing Certificate (GSC)
A Good Standing Certificate is mandatory. This is a letter from the Indian licensing authority confirming:
- You have no disciplinary action against you
- You’re in good professional standing
- It’s issued recently (usually within the last 6 months)
Without this certificate, the DHA won’t allow you to sit for the exam.
6. Primary Source Verification (PSV)
Before you can book the exam, you must go through Primary Source Verification (PSV) (also called DataFlow verification). This means:
- DHA checks your degree, license, and experience directly with the issuing authorities.
- This step confirms that your documents are real and meets the DHA standards.
This process may take several weeks, so start early!
Ready to Start Your Medical Career in UAE?
Have questions about your medical license or facility setup? Contact us today and let’s make your journey seamless!
7. English Language Skills
The DHA exam and healthcare practice in Dubai rely heavily on English communication. While DHA does not always require official English test scores for all candidates, you must be comfortable in English to pass the exam and work in hospitals. Some professionals may still need to prove their English skills.
8. Booking & Taking the DHA Exam
Once all eligibility steps are completed:
- You can book the exam online through DHA’s portal.
- The exam is taken at a Prometric centre in India.
- You usually receive your result soon after completing the exam.
If you pass, DHA will issue an Eligibility Letter that lets you start applying for jobs in Dubai.
Conclusion
Getting ready for the DHA exam may seem like a long journey but it’s a very rewarding step if you want to practice in one of the world’s fastest‑growing healthcare systems. You must:
- Have the right degree
- Be licensed and in good standing in India
- Have sufficient clinical experience
- Complete document verification
- Pass the DHA licensing exam
Once you succeed, you unlock exciting job opportunities in Dubai’s modern healthcare sector!
Faqs
-
What are the eligibility criteria for the DHA exam?
Candidates must hold relevant healthcare qualifications, meet licensing requirements, and have required work experience. -
Do I need work experience to take the DHA exam?
Yes, most healthcare professions require a minimum amount of clinical or professional experience, usually 1–2 years. -
Which qualifications are accepted for the DHA exam?
Only degrees or certifications recognized by the DHA and relevant to your profession are accepted. -
Is there an age limit for the DHA exam?
There is no strict age limit, but applicants must meet professional and educational requirements. -
Are there language requirements for the DHA exam?
Yes, proficiency in English is required, and some exams may require documentation of language skills. -
Can I apply if my qualification is from outside the UAE?
Yes, but your degree or certificate must be verified and recognized by the DHA before applying.
