MOHAP UAE Specialist General Surgery Oral and Written Exam 2026
MOHAP General Surgery Exam Quick Summary
MOHAP assesses specialist general surgeons with one Prometric computer-based written exam of clinical MCQs, marked Pass or Fail with a 60% minimum and a maximum of 3 attempts. MOHAP's current evaluation pages list no oral or viva stage. What surgeons must add, unlike most other specialists, is a surgical record (logbook) with the application.
This page used to say that MOHAP runs a written exam and then an oral or viva for general surgeons. We checked MOHAP's current Health Professional Evaluation pages and that is no longer what they describe. They list the Prometric exam only, with a surgical record required for surgical specialties. So the realistic plan for a surgeon applying to the northern emirates is one written exam, prepared for properly, and a well-documented logbook.
Eligibility for every specialist title (PQR tiers, experience, documents) is on our MOHAP specialist doctors eligibility page. Here we stay with general surgery.
Is there both an oral and a written exam for MOHAP general surgery?
No. For specialists, MOHAP lists a Prometric computer-based exam to assess specialty competency, and its evaluation officer decides if you need it at all or qualify for an exemption under the PQR. There is no separate oral, viva or clinical stage on MOHAP's current pages. If you are ever asked to attend an interview, that comes from an employer, not from the licensing evaluation.
This is one area where the three UAE authorities differ in detail. DOH in Abu Dhabi also examines general surgeons by CBT (see our DOH General Surgery exam page), while some other surgical titles there are assessed orally.
What is the MOHAP general surgery written exam like?
| Item | MOHAP specialist General Surgery |
|---|---|
| Delivery | Prometric computer-based test, at centres in the UAE and abroad |
| Question type | Single best answer MCQs, mostly clinical scenarios |
| Number of questions and time | Not published by MOHAP; your Prometric confirmation shows the appointment length |
| Result | Pass or Fail, minimum passing score 60% |
| Attempts | Maximum 3; a cancelled or missed booking counts as an attempt |
| Oral or viva | None listed by MOHAP for specialists |
| Extra document for surgeons | Surgical record of procedures performed |
The general MOHAP exam rules, booking and timing reports are on MOHAP exam pattern and MOHAP Prometric exam eligibility, fees and syllabus.
What does the surgical record need to show?
MOHAP asks for a surgical record for surgical specialties only. It does not publish a template, so make it easy to verify:
- One line per procedure: date, procedure, your role (primary surgeon, first assistant, supervised) and the hospital.
- Group the totals by area: hernia and abdominal wall, hepatobiliary, colorectal, upper GI, breast, endocrine, trauma and emergency laparotomy.
- Cover the period that matches the experience certificates DataFlow will verify.
- Have it signed and stamped by the head of department or medical director.
Surgeons from small private or rural units often worry that their numbers look thin. Honest, signed numbers are far better than a padded list that does not match your experience letters.
MOHAP general surgery syllabus: what to revise
The list follows the general surgery scope and what candidates report; MOHAP publishes no blueprint. The DHA General Surgery syllabus covers the same ground and works as a checklist for MOHAP too.
How to prepare for the MOHAP general surgery exam
MOHAP General Surgery sample practice MCQs
Two questions in the style of the exam. They are not real exam questions. Tap a question to see the answer.
Question 1: Large bowel obstruction
An 82-year-old man from a care home has had abdominal distension, constipation and vomiting for 2 days. His abdomen is grossly distended but soft, with no guarding. Lactate is normal. Abdominal X-ray shows a large inverted U-shaped loop of colon arising from the pelvis. What is the most appropriate initial management?
A) Emergency laparotomy and sigmoid colectomy
B) Flexible sigmoidoscopic decompression with a flatus tube
C) Gastrografin enema and discharge if it resolves
D) Colonic stent insertion
Correct answer: B) Flexible sigmoidoscopic decompression with a flatus tube
The coffee bean sign in an elderly patient points to sigmoid volvulus. Without peritonitis or signs of ischaemia, the first step is endoscopic decompression with a flatus tube left in place, which also lets you inspect the mucosa for ischaemia. Because recurrence is common, sigmoid colectomy is usually advised during the same admission if the patient is fit. Emergency surgery is for peritonitis, perforation, gangrene or failed decompression. Stents are for malignant obstruction.
Question 2: Oesophageal emergency
A 45-year-old man develops severe retrosternal and upper abdominal pain after forceful vomiting following a heavy meal and alcohol. He is tachycardic, and there is crepitus in the neck. ECG and troponin are normal. Chest X-ray shows pneumomediastinum and a small left pleural effusion. Which investigation best confirms the diagnosis?
A) Barium swallow
B) CT of the chest with water-soluble oral contrast
C) Upper GI endoscopy
D) Repeat troponin at 6 hours
Correct answer: B) CT of the chest with water-soluble oral contrast
Vomiting followed by chest pain and surgical emphysema is Boerhaave syndrome, a full-thickness oesophageal rupture, usually on the left distal side. CT with water-soluble oral contrast (or a water-soluble contrast swallow) confirms the leak and shows mediastinal and pleural contamination. Barium is avoided first because it causes mediastinitis if it leaks. Endoscopy can enlarge the tear and is not the first test. Management is nil by mouth, broad-spectrum antibiotics, antifungals, drainage and early surgical or endoscopic repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an oral exam for MOHAP specialist general surgery?
No. MOHAP's current evaluation pages describe only the Prometric computer-based exam for specialists, with no oral or viva. Surgical specialties must also submit a surgical record of procedures with the application.
What is the passing score for the MOHAP general surgery exam?
MOHAP states a minimum passing score of 60%, and the result is shown as Pass or Fail. You have a maximum of 3 attempts, and a cancelled or missed Prometric booking counts as one of them.
Who can apply as a specialist general surgeon with MOHAP?
A doctor with a recognised general surgery qualification from a programme of at least 3 years, an active licence and the experience required for the PQR tier of the qualification: none for Tier 1 or 2 Specialists and 3 years for Tier 3. DataFlow verifies the qualification, licence and experience.
Is MRCS enough for the MOHAP specialist general surgery title?
MRCS on its own is an intermediate membership taken during training, so it is not usually treated as a completed specialty qualification. Surgeons generally apply with their completed specialty qualification such as an MS, FCPS or fellowship, and MRCS supports the file. Check how the PQR lists your exact qualifications before you apply.
Where can I take the MOHAP general surgery exam?
At Prometric test centres in the UAE and in many other countries. You choose the centre and date yourself after MOHAP approves your evaluation; there are no fixed exam sessions.
Your Comments
Readers have asked us these questions over time. Tap any question to open it and read our reply.
VIQAR (India): is there both a Prometric and an oral exam for MOHAP general surgery?
"Is there both Prometric and oral examination for MOHAP UAE specialist general surgery license. Need MOHAP general surgery study material for written exam. "
VIQAR
Medical Qualification: MBBS,MS(general surgery), MRCS Ed
City, Country: india
Dr Hira Zulfiqar (Hyderabad, Pakistan): procedure for the MOHAP test in Pakistan and how often it runs
"what is complete procedue to give MOHAP test in Pakistan? and how many times in a year this test is conducted in Pakistan? "
Dr Hira Zulfiqar
Medical Qualification: MBBS
City, Country: Hyderabad, Pakistan
Dr Azhar Halim (Islamabad, Pakistan): exam requirements and material for dermatologists
"Respected Sir/ Ms, Assalam O Aalaikum, I would like to know regarding Exams requirements, material for preparation for Dermatologists license for UAE. Kindly help. Thanks & Regards "
Dr Azhar Halim
Medical Qualification: M.D, Diploma In Dermatology from Thailand. MPH
City, Country: Islamabad- Pakistan
Sikandar ali (Mirpurkhas): retired chest specialist aged 57, MPH or specialist exam?
"Iam of 57 volunterly retired from sindh health ministry as chief chest specialist BPS20inaugust2015 can itake specialist mph exam or go and how can prepare for mph under your organisation pl guide me THANKS "
Sikandar ali
Medical Qualification: MBBS,DTCD
City, Country: Mirpurkhas
Barikisu Adamu (Ghana): can I write the MOHAP exam with a health care certificate?
"Please I want to know if I will be allowed to write the mohap exams because I completed health care in private sector.Thank you "
Barikisu Adamu
Medical Qualification: Certificate in health care under private sector
City, Country: Ghana
abdul basit (Mardan, Pakistan): microbiology material for the SLE
"plz if some one have microbiology material for SLE plz mail to me ...it will be very kindness... "
abdul basit
Medical Qualification: BS(Hons)Microbiology
City, Country: Mardan ,Pakistan
Daniellle B (Campians, Brazil): does a physical therapist need a MOHAP licence?
"Does a Physical Therapist need the MOHAP license to work in UAE? I didnt see my profession listed above. Kind regards Daniellle "
Daniellle B
Medical Qualification: Physical Therapist
City, Country: Campians,Brazil
ajmal khalil (Abbottabad, Pakistan): previous DOH and DHA MCQs
"Keenly interested to work in UAE so need previous mcqs of DOH. DHA for guidance. "
ajmal khalil
Medical Qualification: MBBS FCPS( trained)
City, Country: pakistan Abbot abad
Aman Gupta (Lucknow, India): working in Dubai as a cardiology technician
"hey there... i want to work in dubai... how can i get MOHAP license from india.. plz kindly suggest me to do so..."
Aman Gupta
Medical Qualification: diploma in cardiology technician
City, Country: Lucknow, India
Farida (Karachi): MOHAP exam as a personal assistant in dentistry
"I want to give Mohap examination for personal assistant so do not hav problem to find a job as a personal assistant in dentistry?i want to know all details and Wht type of questions or pattern paper will cm? "
Farida
Medical Qualification: Inter +teaching diploma and now personal assistant got certificate?
City, Country: Karachi
ATIF AHMED FAROOQUI (Hyderabad, India): can I sit the MOHAP exam before finishing my graduation?
"I am persueing Bsc final year after passed my intermediate I had done Diploma in Dialysis in 2011, I got 4 and half year experience working in Dialysis Unit in Global hospital. My question is shall I be appear for MOHAP exam before completing Graduation? "
ATIF AHMED FAROOQUI
Medical Qualification: graduation final year & Diploma in Dialysis
City, Country: Hyderabad, India
Pass the MOHAP General Surgery exam
Clinical general surgery MCQs with explanations and timed Prometric-style mocks. Applying in Dubai or Abu Dhabi too? Try the DHA General Surgery QBank or the DOH General Surgery QBank.
Enroll in MOH UAE General Surgery QBank