Dubai’s beauty and wellness industry is growing fast. Spas, clinics, and aesthetic centers want licensed professionals who can work safely and confidently with clients. For most clinical-level beauty and aesthetic work in Dubai, including advanced skin treatments, lasers, injectables, and similar services, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license is mandatory.
Without a DHA license, you can’t practice legally in Dubai’s regulated healthcare and aesthetic sector.
What the DHA License Means for Beauty Therapists
The DHA license isn’t just a test. It’s a professional credential that shows you meet Dubai’s standards for safety, skill, and clinical knowledge. For beauty therapists from India, clearing the DHA exam opens doors to better pay, international experience, and a chance to grow your career in one of the most dynamic markets in the Middle East.
Dubai’s licensing system evaluates:
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Your education and training background
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Hands-on experience
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Knowledge of safety standards
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Understanding of clinical and regulatory best practices
Depending on your exact role (for example, laser therapist, aesthetic practitioner, skin specialist, or cosmetic injector), you might need additional certification beyond a basic diploma, like laser safety training or advanced aesthetic courses.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Take the DHA Exam from India
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before anything else, make sure you meet the core requirements:
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A relevant certificate, diploma, or degree in beauty therapy or a related field.
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Practical experience, usually at least 1–2 years in aesthetic or clinical settings.
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Good standing with your training institute or professional body.
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Any additional professional certifications that DHA may require (especially for lasers or injectables).
Getting your paperwork in order early will save time later.
2. Create Your DHA Profile on the Sheryan Portal
The Sheryan portal is DHA’s official platform for applications. Once you set up your profile and upload your documents, the real work begins. You’ll need:
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Scanned educational certificates
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Experience letters
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Passport copy and photo
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Proof of training or specialty certification
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Good standing or reference letters
This is also where you’ll pay your application fee and submit your request to sit for the exam.
3. Undergo Primary Source Verification Through DataFlow
DHA requires DataFlow verification of your credentials. This means your education, license, and experience certificates are checked directly with the institutions that issued them. If anything is missing or unclear, your application can be delayed.
DataFlow can take several weeks, so start this process early.
4. Schedule Your Exam with Prometric
Once your documents are verified and approved, you’ll get an eligibility ID. With that ID, you log in to the Prometric site to book your exam slot.
Good news for Indian candidates: you don’t have to travel to Dubai to sit the test. Prometric has centers in major Indian cities like:
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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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Kochi
Choose a convenient date and location. Slots fill up fast, especially between February and June, so book ahead.
5. Take the Exam
The DHA exam is typically an MCQ format delivered on a computer. It tests clinical knowledge, safety standards, and professional judgment:
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The questions are designed to see how you apply what you know—not just memorise facts.
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In some cases (especially for laser or device‑based roles), you may be asked for additional evidence of hands‑on experience or attend an interview/assessment.
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You’ll usually get your results in a few days.
If you pass, DHA will issue an Eligibility Letter that’s valid for a year. With that letter, you can apply for jobs in Dubai and have your employer activate your license.
You get up to three attempts in a year, so plan your preparation wisely.
How to Prepare and Pass the DHA Exam
Passing the DHA exam is about focused, consistent effort. Here’s how to get it right:
Know the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Understand what topics are covered. For aesthetic roles, focus on:
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Safety protocols and infection control
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Anatomy and physiology
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Skin science and treatment knowledge
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Device operation and safety (like lasers)
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Professional ethics specific to UAE standards
Even though it’s called a “beauty exam,” the DHA test is clinical in nature, so you need to be comfortable with medical terminology and safety standards.
Use the Right Study Materials
Indian candidates often use a mix of:
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Prometric MCQ books tailored to DHA
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Clinical guides that explain applied knowledge
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Practice tests that mirror the real exam format
Mock tests help you gauge readiness and manage time under test conditions.
Create a Study Routine
Consistency beats cramming. A realistic plan might include:
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2–3 hours a day of focused study
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Weekly mock tests
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Notes and flashcards for quick review
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Targeting weak areas first
Staying disciplined and balanced in your preparation will make the process less stressful and more effective.
Take Care of Yourself
Study intensity matters, but so does your wellbeing:
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Get good rest before exam day
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Eat well and stay hydrated
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Arrive at the test center early with all required documents
A calm mind helps you perform at your best.
How Montgo Health Can Help
For many Indian beauty therapists and allied professionals, navigating the DHA exam process can feel overwhelming. That’s where Montgo Health comes in.
Montgo Health offers:
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End‑to‑end guidance on the DHA application process
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Help with DataFlow verification and document support
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Access to DHA‑focused study materials and mock tests
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One‑on‑one mentoring tailored to your profession
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Tips on exam strategy and career planning
Working with experts who understand the DHA system can reduce delays, avoid common mistakes, and improve your chances of passing on the first try.
Final Thoughts
Clearing the DHA beauty or aesthetic exam from India is achievable with planning, preparation, and persistence. It’s not just about passing a test—it’s about proving you’re ready to work safely and effectively in Dubai’s high‑standard beauty and wellness sector.
Start early. Organise your documents. Study smart. And if you need support, partners like Montgo Health can make the journey smoother.
Faqs
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What is the DHA Beauty Therapist Exam?
It’s a licensing test by the Dubai Health Authority to certify beauty therapists for clinical and aesthetic practice in Dubai. -
Can Indian beauty therapists take the DHA exam?
Yes, Indian professionals with relevant qualifications and experience can apply and appear at Prometric centers in India. -
What are the eligibility requirements?
Relevant diploma/degree, 1–2 years’ experience, professional certifications, and verified documents through DataFlow. -
How do I apply for the DHA exam?
Create a profile on the DHA Sheryan portal, submit documents, complete DataFlow verification, and schedule the exam via Prometric. -
What is the exam format?
It’s a computer-based MCQ test covering safety, anatomy, skin treatments, devices, and professional ethics. -
How can Montgo Health help?
Montgo Health provides guidance for application, document verification, study materials, mock tests, and personalized mentorship.