If you are a healthcare professional in India and planning to work in the UAE, you may have heard about exams like DOH and DHA. These exams are required to get a professional license to work legally in different Emirates of the UAE.
This blog will explain what the DOH exam is, what DHA is, and how both are different, in very simple language.
What Is the DOH Exam?
DOH stands for Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
The DOH exam is a licensing exam for healthcare professionals who want to work in Abu Dhabi and nearby regions.
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!
Who Needs the DOH Exam?
Healthcare professionals such as:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Lab technicians
- Radiographers
- Other allied health professionals
Purpose of the DOH Exam
- To check your medical knowledge and skills
- To ensure you meet Abu Dhabi’s healthcare standards
- To allow you to work legally in Abu Dhabi hospitals and clinics
What Is the DHA Exam?
DHA stands for Dubai Health Authority.
The DHA exam is required for healthcare professionals who want to work in Dubai.
Who Needs the DHA Exam?
Same professionals as DOH:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Allied health workers
Purpose of the DHA Exam
- To evaluate your professional competency
- To maintain high healthcare standards in Dubai
- To issue a Dubai work license
Difference Between DOH and DHA (Simple Comparison)
| Feature | DOH Exam | DHA Exam |
| Full Form | Department of Health | Dubai Health Authority |
| Work Location | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
| Exam Authority | Abu Dhabi Government | Dubai Government |
| Who Can Apply | Doctors, nurses, allied staff | Doctors, nurses, allied staff |
| Exam Type | Computer-based | Computer-based |
| Validity Area | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
- Important:
If you pass DOH, you can work in Abu Dhabi only.
- If you pass DHA, you can work in Dubai only.
Which Exam Should Indian Candidates Choose?
It depends on where you want to work:
- Choose DOH if your job offer or goal is Abu Dhabi
- Choose DHA if you want to work in Dubai
Many Indian professionals choose based on:
- Job availability
- Salary packages
- Lifestyle preference
- Hospital or clinic demand
Is the Syllabus the Same for DOH and DHA?
Yes, mostly similar.
Both exams test:
- Professional knowledge
- Clinical practice
- Safety and ethics
- Patient care standards
However, exam patterns and difficulty level may vary slightly.
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!
Can One Exam Be Converted Into Another?
In some cases, licenses can be converted (for example, DHA to DOH or vice versa), but:
- It depends on experience
- Approval from authorities is required
- Rules change from time to time
Always check the latest guidelines before applying.
Is the DOH exam harder than the DHA exam?
Many candidates feel the DOH exam is slightly harder than the DHA exam because it has more case-based and clinical questions. However, the difficulty really depends on your preparation and experience.
Are DOH and DHA exams computer-based?
Yes, both DOH and DHA exams are computer-based. They are conducted at Prometric testing centers, where candidates answer multiple-choice questions on a computer. The exams follow a standardized format, and results are usually available after completion or within a short time, depending on the authority.
Conclusion
For Indian healthcare professionals, both DOH and DHA exams are great opportunities to build a career in the UAE.
- DOH → Work in Abu Dhabi
- DHA → Work in Dubai
Choose wisely based on your career goals, job offers, and preferred location.
Faqs
-
What is the DOH exam?
The DOH exam is a licensing test for healthcare professionals to practice in Abu Dhabi, issued by the Department of Health. -
Who must take the DOH exam?
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals seeking to work in Abu Dhabi are required to pass the exam. -
What types of DOH exams are available?
Exams include written tests, computer-based assessments, and practical evaluations, depending on the profession. -
How do I apply for the DOH exam?
Applications are submitted online through the DOH portal, including document uploads, fee payment, and scheduling the exam. -
What are the eligibility criteria for the DOH exam?
Candidates must hold recognized healthcare qualifications, meet experience requirements, and demonstrate English proficiency. -
How long does it take to get results for the DOH exam?
Results are usually released within a few days to a couple of weeks after the exam, depending on the exam type and processing time.
