If you’re a healthcare professional aiming to work in the United Arab Emirates, you’ll need to clear a licensing exam before you can practice. The two most common are the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) and MOH (Ministry of Health and Prevention) exams.
These exams are designed to assess whether foreign-trained doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals meet the UAE’s standards for medical practice. While the process may seem complicated at first, understanding the differences between each licensing authority and their requirements makes the journey much smoother.
Below is a clear, step-by-step guide covering everything you need to know about the DHA and MOH exams — from eligibility to preparation and what happens after you pass.
Overview: Difference Between DHA, MOH, and HAAD Exams
Healthcare in the UAE is regulated by different authorities depending on the emirate you plan to work in. Although the exams have similar objectives, each one applies to a specific region.
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DHA (Dubai Health Authority) – This license allows you to work within Dubai. If you pass the DHA exam, you can only practice in healthcare facilities that are under Dubai’s jurisdiction.
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MOH (Ministry of Health and Prevention) – This license is valid for all northern emirates, including Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain.
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HAAD (Health Authority Abu Dhabi) – Now known as the Department of Health (DOH) Abu Dhabi, this license covers Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
So, if you plan to work in Dubai, go for DHA. If your goal is to work in Sharjah or Ajman, take the MOH exam. And if you’re targeting Abu Dhabi, you’ll need to go through the HAAD/DOH process.
It’s important to note that these licenses are not interchangeable. However, if you want to move between emirates later, you can apply for a license transfer after meeting certain experience and Dataflow verification requirements.
Who Is Eligible for DHA and MOH Licensing Exams?
Eligibility criteria vary slightly depending on your profession and qualification, but the general requirements are similar across both DHA and MOH.
To qualify for either exam, you must:
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Hold a recognized degree or diploma in your field (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, etc.).
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Have a valid professional license from your home country or the country where you currently work.
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Meet the minimum work experience requirement — usually:
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Doctors: 2–3 years post-internship experience
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Nurses: 2 years of clinical experience
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Pharmacists: 2 years of experience
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Technicians: 2 years of experience in a relevant department
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Have your credentials verified through the Dataflow Primary Source Verification (PSV) process.
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Provide a Good Standing Certificate from your current licensing authority, valid for at least six months.
For Indian healthcare professionals, this means your degrees, registration (from MCI, DCI, PCI, or State Nursing Councils), and experience certificates will all be verified directly from India.
How to Apply for DHA and MOH Exams Online
Both exams follow a similar online application process. Here’s how to apply step-by-step:
For DHA Exam:
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Create a Sheryan Account
Go to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) website and register on the Sheryan portal, which is the official licensing platform. -
Submit Your Documents for Dataflow Verification
Upload your educational, professional, and identification documents. Dataflow will verify their authenticity through Primary Source Verification (PSV). -
Eligibility Review
Once verification is complete, DHA reviews your application and issues an eligibility ID, allowing you to book your exam. -
Book Your Exam Through Prometric
DHA exams are conducted by Prometric, an international testing agency. You can choose your nearest test center and preferred date. -
Take the Exam
The exam is computer-based, and you’ll receive your result within a few days.
For MOH Exam:
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Register on the MOHAP Website
Visit the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) portal and create an account. -
Submit Your Dataflow Application
Similar to DHA, you’ll go through the PSV verification process through Dataflow. -
Get the Eligibility Approval
After your credentials are approved, you’ll receive an eligibility letter from MOH. -
Book Your Exam with Prometric
The MOH exam is also conducted by Prometric, available in several countries including India and the UAE. -
Appear for the Exam and Await Results
You’ll receive your exam result through the portal or email.
Exam Format and Syllabus for DHA and MOH Exams
The DHA and MOH exams are both computer-based tests (CBT) conducted by Prometric. Each exam is designed to evaluate your theoretical and practical knowledge in your specific healthcare field.
General Exam Details:
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Duration: 2 to 3 hours depending on the specialty
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Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
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Number of Questions: Usually 70–100
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Passing Score: Around 60–70%, depending on the specialty and authority
For Doctors:
Covers subjects such as internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and general practice, along with ethics and clinical scenarios.
For Nurses:
Focuses on nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, patient safety, and infection control.
For Pharmacists:
Includes topics like pharmacology, drug classifications, pharmacy law, dosage calculations, and clinical pharmacy.
For Dentists:
Covers oral diagnosis, restorative dentistry, periodontics, orthodontics, and dental ethics.
For Allied Health Professionals:
Includes questions relevant to your specialization — lab technology, physiotherapy, radiology, or other technical areas.
All exams are open globally, meaning you can take them at authorized Prometric centers in India, the UAE, or other countries.
Preparation Tips and Study Resources
Preparing for the DHA and MOH exams requires consistent study and familiarity with international healthcare standards. Here are some practical tips to help you succeed:
1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Start by downloading the latest syllabus for your category from the official DHA or MOH website. This helps you focus on the right topics.
2. Use Reliable Study Materials
Refer to textbooks and review materials that align with international standards, such as:
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Doctors: Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine, USMLE Step 2 CK resources
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Nurses: Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN
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Pharmacists: Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences, MCQs in Pharmacy Practice
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Dentists: Dental Decks, Mosby’s Review for the NBDE
3. Join Online Study Groups
There are several online communities and Telegram or WhatsApp groups where DHA and MOH aspirants share study notes, past questions, and tips.
4. Take Practice Tests
Prometric-style mock tests are available online. These help you get familiar with the question format and time management.
5. Review Past Questions
While question banks change often, practicing past or sample questions helps you understand how concepts are tested.
6. Focus on Time Management
During the exam, each question carries equal marks. Avoid spending too much time on difficult questions; move on and return to them later.
7. Take Care of Licensing Documents in Advance
Don’t wait until the last minute to start your Dataflow process. Completing document verification early ensures you can schedule your exam without delay.
What Happens After You Pass the DHA or MOH Exam?
Passing the exam is a big milestone, but it’s not the final step. Once you pass, you’ll need to complete the licensing process to legally practice in the UAE.
Here’s what to do next:
1. Get Your Eligibility Letter
After passing the Prometric exam, you’ll receive an eligibility letter confirming that you’re qualified to work in that emirate.
2. Find an Employer or Facility Sponsor
In the UAE, you can’t activate your license without a sponsor. Your hospital, clinic, or healthcare facility will apply for your license activation through their account.
3. Upload Additional Documents
Your employer may ask for additional paperwork like your visa, offer letter, and Good Standing Certificate.
4. License Activation
Once the authority reviews and approves everything, your DHA or MOH license becomes active, and you can legally start working.
5. License Transfer (Optional)
If you later want to move from Dubai (DHA) to another emirate (MOH or DOH), you can apply for a license transfer. You’ll need at least 6 months to 1 year of experience under your existing license before transferring.
The DHA and MOH exams are key steps for healthcare professionals who want to advance their careers in the UAE. While the process involves detailed documentation and verification, the outcome — a recognized UAE medical license — opens the door to excellent opportunities in one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the region.
If you plan carefully, prepare strategically, and follow each step with attention to detail, you can complete the process without unnecessary delays.
For healthcare professionals from India and other countries, getting expert help can make the process easier. Montgo Health specializes in guiding applicants through every stage — from Dataflow verification to exam booking and final licensing. Their experienced team ensures that your documents, applications, and exam registration meet all DHA and MOH requirements, helping you reach your career goals faster and with confidence.
Frequently Ask Questions
1. What is the DHA and MOH exam for Indian healthcare professionals?
The DHA and MOH exams are licensing tests that allow Indian doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers to practice legally in Dubai and the northern emirates of the UAE.
2. Who can apply for the DHA or MOH exam from India?
Indian healthcare professionals with recognized degrees, a valid registration from the Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, or Nursing Council of India, and at least two years of clinical experience are eligible to apply.
3. How can I apply for the DHA and MOH exams from India?
You can apply online through the DHA Sheryan portal or the MOHAP website. Both require you to complete Dataflow verification, submit documents, and book your Prometric exam slot.
4. Where can I take the DHA or MOH exam in India?
Prometric test centers for DHA and MOH exams are available in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, allowing you to take the exam without traveling abroad.
5. What is the passing score for the DHA and MOH exams?
The passing score usually ranges between 60% and 70%, depending on your profession and specialty. Results are released within a few days of completing the exam.
6. What happens after I pass the DHA or MOH exam?
After passing, you’ll receive an eligibility letter. Once you get a job offer from a licensed healthcare facility in the UAE, your employer will activate your DHA or MOH license so you can start working legally.