DOH/HAAD Pediatric Specialist Eligibility Requirements 2026
DOH Pediatric Specialist Quick Summary
To work as a pediatrician in Abu Dhabi you need a pediatric specialty qualification listed in the Unified PQR, DataFlow verification addressed to DOH, good standing, and a pass in the DOH Pediatrics exam unless you meet an exemption. Pediatrics is a written title for specialists and consultants: a computer-based test of 100 MCQs in 2 hours at a Pearson VUE centre, reported as PASS or FAIL in TAMM.
Pediatricians who want to practise in Abu Dhabi are licensed by the Department of Health (DOH, formerly HAAD). Most of them sit the DOH Pediatrics exam through Pearson VUE. A smaller group is exempt. This page puts the three things pediatricians ask us about in one place: who is eligible, who is exempt, and how the licence route and exam work in 2026.
The rules come from the DOH Licensing Procedural Manual (Circular 151/2024) and the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) that DOH, DHA and MOHAP share. For all specialties together, see DOH licensing exam for GPs and specialists.
What are the DOH Pediatric specialist eligibility requirements?
You must meet all of these before DOH will approve you for the exam:
The old version of this page said every pediatric specialist needs 2 years of experience. That is not the current rule: under the PQR the experience depends on the tier of your qualification, as above.
Specialist or consultant pediatrician: which title?
| Title | Qualification | Experience after the qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Pediatrician | Tier 1 or Tier 2 | None |
| Specialist Pediatrician | Tier 3 | 3 years (1 year for UAE nationals) |
| Consultant Pediatrician | Tier 1 | 2 years |
| Consultant Pediatrician | Tier 2 | 5 years |
The exam is the same for both titles. A specialist who later meets the consultant rule applies again in TAMM for the consultant title with proof of the extra experience, and DOH says during that review whether a new assessment is needed. Subspecialties such as neonatology or pediatric cardiology need their own recognised qualification, and pediatric emergency is covered on our DOH pediatric emergency exam page.
What is DOH Pediatric exam format?
| Item | DOH Pediatrics exam |
|---|---|
| Titles | Specialist and Consultant Pediatrics (same format) |
| Exam type | Computer-based test (CBT) only, no oral |
| Questions | 100 MCQs, single best answer, mostly clinical scenarios |
| Time | 2 hours |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE test centres in the UAE and abroad, in English, booked through the link in TAMM |
| Result | PASS or FAIL in TAMM, usually within 24 hours; no score breakdown |
| Booking window | 6 months from DOH approval; free reschedule up to 72 hours before |
| Attempts | 3 attempts in total across DOH, DHA and MOHAP; no waiting time between attempts inside your approval window |
Pediatrics is one of the eight DOH specialties with a CBT for specialists and consultants (the others are Anesthesia, Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, ENT, General Surgery and Obs & Gyn). Specialties outside that list sit a 45 to 60 minute oral exam instead, and a doctor sits one or the other, never both. The earlier figures on this page (100 to 150 MCQs, 2.5 hours, a 60% to 70% pass mark) are out of date; DOH sets its own cut score and does not publish a percentage. See DOH exam passing score.
DOH /HAAD exemption criteria for Pediatric doctor
A postgraduate degree on its own does not exempt you. MD Pediatrics, FCPS or an Arab Board makes you eligible to sit the exam; it does not replace it. DOH exempts a pediatrician only in these cases:
| Exemption route | What it means for a pediatrician |
|---|---|
| PQR equivalency, Criteria 1 | A Tier 1 pediatrics specialty certificate from one of the countries listed in the PQR (for example the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Germany or the Nordic countries) |
| PQR equivalency, Criteria 2 | All of: a Tier 2 certificate, subspecialty training, more than 10 years in the specialty including 2 years in a senior post in teaching hospitals, an academic role, a valid licence and publications or research |
| UAE nationals | UAE nationals and children of Emirati mothers |
| Licence from another UAE authority | A valid DHA or MOHAP licence in the same title, or one that ended within the last 6 months, in good standing |
| Previous DOH licence or pass | A DOH licence in the same title cancelled within the last 5 years, or a DOH pass in the same title within 5 years |
The PQR exemptions do not apply when you have a gap in practice of more than 2 years (UAE nationals excepted). Exemption only removes the exam. Your qualification, experience and verification are still checked.
Do I need to apply for the exemption, or is it automatic?
You request it. In your TAMM licensing application you select the exam exemption option and upload the evidence: the specialty certificate, licence, experience letters and, for Criteria 2, proof of the academic post and publications. DOH decides during the application review and shows the outcome in TAMM. If DOH does not accept the exemption, you are approved to sit the exam instead. The full list with examples is on DOH exemption and experience criteria.
How to get a DOH /HAAD licence as a specialist pediatrician
Start early. Translation, attestation and verification of old certificates are what slow most pediatricians down, not the exam. Keep every certificate in English or Arabic, or with a certified translation.
What are the tips for candidates applying as Pediatrician?
Prepare from a standard pediatrics text (Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics is the usual reference) and current guidelines, then do timed question blocks. 100 questions in 2 hours gives you 72 seconds each, so practise at that pace. The high-yield areas are neonatology, growth and development, immunisation, infectious disease, emergencies and fluids, and the common chronic conditions in clinic. Give extra time to conditions common in the Gulf, such as G6PD deficiency, sickle cell disease and thalassaemia.
Readers who are also applying in Dubai or the Northern Emirates can use the DHA Pediatrics QBank and the MOH UAE Pediatrics QBank. The MOHAP rules are on MOHAP pediatric exam structure.
DOH Pediatrics sample practice MCQs
Two questions in the clinical style of the exam. Tap a question to see the answer.
Question 1: Infant with projectile vomiting
A 5-week-old boy has had non-bilious projectile vomiting after every feed for 6 days. He is hungry after vomiting and has lost weight. He is mildly dehydrated. Capillary gas: pH 7.53, bicarbonate 35 mmol/L, chloride 86 mmol/L, potassium 2.9 mmol/L, sodium 131 mmol/L. Ultrasound shows a pyloric muscle thickness of 5 mm and a pyloric channel length of 19 mm. What is the most appropriate next step?
A) Pyloromyotomy on the next available operating list today
B) IV fluids with 0.9% saline and 5% dextrose, adding potassium once he passes urine, until chloride and bicarbonate are normal
C) Oral rehydration solution and review in clinic in 48 hours
D) IV erythromycin as a prokinetic and repeat the ultrasound in one week
Correct answer: B) IV fluids with 0.9% saline and 5% dextrose, adding potassium once he passes urine, until chloride and bicarbonate are normal
Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis causes hypochloraemic, hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis from loss of gastric acid. Pyloromyotomy is never an emergency. Operating before the alkalosis is corrected raises the risk of postoperative apnoea, because the alkalotic infant compensates by hypoventilating. Rehydrate with isotonic saline plus dextrose, add potassium once urine output is established, and operate when chloride and bicarbonate are back in the normal range. Oral fluids will not correct the deficit while he keeps vomiting, and erythromycin is not first-line treatment.
Question 2: Rash, joint pain and abdominal pain
A 6-year-old girl has a 4-day history of a raised purpuric rash over her buttocks and the backs of her legs, swollen painful ankles and colicky abdominal pain. She had a sore throat 2 weeks ago. Platelet count and clotting are normal. Blood pressure is normal and urine dipstick is negative for blood and protein. Her pain settles with paracetamol. Which follow-up plan is most appropriate?
A) Weekly platelet counts until the rash fades
B) Regular urinalysis and blood pressure checks for at least 6 months
C) Oral prednisolone for 2 weeks to prevent kidney involvement
D) Bone marrow examination before discharge
Correct answer: B) Regular urinalysis and blood pressure checks for at least 6 months
This is IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein purpura): palpable purpura with a normal platelet count, arthritis and abdominal pain after an upper respiratory infection. Kidney involvement is the main long-term risk and may appear weeks after the rash. Most cases show up within 4 to 6 weeks and nearly all within 6 months, so urine and blood pressure are checked regularly for 6 months, with referral if proteinuria, hypertension or reduced kidney function develops. Early steroids help severe abdominal pain but do not prevent nephritis. A normal platelet count rules out ITP, so marrow examination is not needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DOH Pediatrics exam written or oral?
Written. Pediatrics is one of the eight DOH specialties with a computer-based test for both specialists and consultants: 100 MCQs in 2 hours at a Pearson VUE centre. There is no oral for pediatrics.
How much experience does a pediatrician need for DOH?
It depends on the PQR tier of your qualification. Specialists need no experience after a Tier 1 or Tier 2 qualification and 3 years after a Tier 3 one. Consultants need 2 years after Tier 1 or 5 years after Tier 2.
Does MD Pediatrics or a board certificate exempt me from the DOH exam?
Not by itself. Exemption needs a Tier 1 certificate from a PQR-listed country, the stricter Criteria 2 route, a DHA or MOHAP licence in the same title, a previous DOH licence or pass within 5 years, or UAE nationality. You request it in TAMM and DOH decides.
Can I use the DataFlow report I made for the Saudi Council?
Usually not. DOH accepts DataFlow reports addressed to DOH, so a report made for another regulator normally has to be redone for DOH. TAMM tells you what is needed during the application.
How do I upgrade from specialist to consultant pediatrician at DOH?
When your experience after the qualification meets the consultant rule (2 years after Tier 1 or 5 years after Tier 2), apply in TAMM for the consultant title with updated experience certificates. The new experience is verified, and DOH confirms the title and tells you if an assessment is required.
What is the passing score for the DOH Pediatrics exam?
DOH does not publish a percentage. It sets a cut score and reports only PASS or FAIL in TAMM, usually within 24 hours.
Your Comments
Readers have asked us these questions over time. Tap any question to open it and read our reply.
FENNY (Hyderabad, Pakistan): Saudi DataFlow for DOH, and the best pediatric study source
"I am a specialist pediatrician from India working in Jeddah for past 10 yrs. I have done Data Flow verification of my certificates for Saudi licence. Now I am planning to appear for HAAD/DOH. The same Data Flow used for Saudi licence can be used for DOH?,if so how? What is the best study source for DOH Pediatric exam. Kindly advise Thank you Fenny"
FENNY
Medical Qualification: MD.(PEDIATRICS)
City Country:hyderabad pakistan
soumya (Kerala, India): DataFlow shows completed, how do I get an exam date?
"my DOH data flow on processing, in my status they show completed but i did not get any information through mail, what can i do ,how can i get exam date.they will provide or we can choose"
soumya
Medical Qualification: bsc Nursing
City Country:kerala,India
Murugan Velayutham (Salem, India): appeared twice, now cannot get an appointment
"Already two times appeared in DOH.But now unable to get appointment.kindly let me know the procedure pls.."
Murugan Velayutham
Medical Qualification:MPT-Physiotherapy
City Country: salem&tamilnadu
Anand (Gondia, India): DataFlow completed, how to register step by step
"My dataflow process is completed.Please guide me how to register myself for DOH Exam ? Please guide step by step."
Anand
Medical Qualification: MBBS,MD (Anaesthesia)
City Country:gondia,india
dr manish kumar aggarwal (Delhi, India): UK GMC registered consultant, do I need an exam?
"I am also registered with UK GMC. would like to work in UAE. Currently I am practising as consultant in Respiaratory medicine and ICU. Do I need to pass any exam in order to get register with the medical council. Regards."
dr manish kumar aggarwal
Medical Qualification: mbbs,md
City Country:delhi,India
Gita (Hyderabad, Pakistan): can a fresh nursing graduate apply for DOH?
"Do we fresher can apply for DOH license? I have no experience, can i apply for it? I heard that for DOH exam,only 2+ experience nurse can applty..is it true? Is there any scheme for freshers? Plz let me know.."
Gita
Medical Qualification: Basic Bsc nursing
City Country:hyderabad pakistan
atish (Jodhpur, India): asked for a sponsor on the DOH dentist form
"i want to clear DOH exam gp dentist but when i fill the form i have been asked for sponsor,how should i arrange for a sponsor."
atish
Medical Qualification:B.D.S
City Country:jodhpur,india
Dr. Javed Ahmad Khan (Nepal): MS Orthopedics from Nepal, specialist licence in UAE
"I am a Nepali Doctor had master degree from Nepal Tribhuvan University in the year 2005. I have been working as consultant in Nepal. What is the provision for me to get specialist license in UAE"
Dr. Javed Ahmad Khan
Medical Qualification: MS. Orthopedics
City Country:Nepal
joseph (Abu Dhabi, UAE): study material for radiologic technologists
"Hi can someon share or help mo about the study materials or mcq for rad. Tech.? Im planning to get dha or doh.. need your help..thank you..pls email to me links or suggestions.."
joseph
Medical Qualification: radio technologist
City Country: abu dhabi, u.a.e
Nedal (Hyderabad, Pakistan): is a Saudi Council DataFlow enough for DOH?
"I have data flow from Saudi council is this sufficient for the exam,"
Nedal
Medical Qualification: Bachelor of medicine
City Country:hyderabad pakistan
Nupur (UK): UK registered dentist with a 6-year career break, eligible for DOH?
"I am qualified Female Dentist from India in 1994. Completed overseas Registration Examination in the UK and now fully registered with the General dental council uk. Currently Doing MSC in oral Pathology from the uk. I have Clinical experience of 7 years in India Not in work since last 6 years due to family commitment. Am I eligible for DOH Exam? After completing the exam successfully what are the job opportunities for me in Abu Dhabi. Thanks for the information. Looking forward to hearing from you. Kind regards."
Nupur
Medical Qualification: BDS from India, Registered dentist in the Uk
City Country:Uk
dr sadia (Hyderabad, Pakistan): jobs and higher studies in Germany
"I want to know about jobs opprtunties in germany and also want to know the highr stdy programs in germany.kindly tell me??"
dr sadia
Medical Qualification: BDS
City Country:hyderabad pakistan
dr mary cris (Cebu, Philippines): DOH exam content, cost and schedule for nurses
"I would like to take the DOH Examination here in the Philippines, particularly in Cebu. May I know some information and contents regarding the examination for me to be able to have some review materials. My plan will be this coming December. How much would be the cost for the exam and where can I possibly search for the exam schedule and registration. Thank You."
dr mary cris
Medical Qualification: Registered Nurse
City Country:Cebu, Philippines
Pass the DOH Pediatrics exam
Clinical pediatrics MCQs with explanations, subject-wise practice and timed mock exams in the Pearson VUE format.
Enroll in DOH Pediatrics QBank