
DHA Prometric Exam General Guidelines 2026: Test-Day Rules, Validity & Attempts
DHA Exam General Guidelines Quick Summary
The DHA exam is a computer-based test taken at any Prometric centre after Sheryan issues your Eligibility ID. Arrive 30 minutes early with the original passport that matches your Sheryan name, leave all personal items in the locker, reschedule or cancel at least 5 calendar days before the exam, and note that you get 3 attempts per position and fees are non-refundable.
Every healthcare professional who wants to practise in the Emirate of Dubai must be assessed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). For most people that means a Prometric computer-based test (CBT); some titles have an oral assessment instead. Eligibility requirements differ by category (physician, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, allied health), but the exam rules, test-day procedure, attempt limits and validity rules are largely the same for everyone. This page covers those general rules; for dates and booking, see our DHA exam schedule page.
DHA exam eligibility requirements for healthcare professionals
Before you can book the exam, DHA must confirm that you meet the Unified Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) for your title. In general you need:
- Educational qualification: a degree or diploma accepted under the PQR for the title you are applying for.
- Working experience: the minimum clinical experience set by the PQR for your category and title (it differs for GPs, specialists, nurses, pharmacists and allied health). Internship is assessed separately from post-qualification experience (see clinical experience required for DHA GP).
- Valid professional licence from your country of origin or last employment, where applicable.
- Good Standing Certificate not older than 6 months at the time you submit your registration application.
- Primary Source Verification (PSV) of your documents through DataFlow; registration cannot be completed without a PSV report.
Your exact category, title and assessment type (CBT, oral, or exemption) are shown by the Sheryan self-assessment tool. Some qualifications are exempt from the exam under the DHA exam exemption policy, but exemption never removes PSV or experience requirements.
DHA exam general rules at a glance
| Rule | What DHA requires |
|---|---|
| Exam type | Computer-based test (CBT) at a Prometric centre, or an oral assessment (panel interview) depending on your title |
| Where | Any Prometric test centre worldwide; oral assessments are usually virtual, and DHA may ask for attendance in Dubai |
| Booking | On Prometric’s DHA page using the Eligibility ID issued in your Sheryan account |
| ID on exam day | Valid original passport matching the name in your Sheryan registration |
| Arrival | 30 minutes before your appointment for check-in |
| Reschedule / cancel | At least 5 calendar days before the exam, through the Prometric website (Prometric charges a fee) |
| Refunds | Exam fees are non-refundable, including for rescheduling, cancellation or no-show |
| Attempts | 3 attempts per position; no minimum waiting time between attempts |
| Result | Pass or Fail only (no score), uploaded to Sheryan. DHA states within 2 working days for CBT |
What to bring to the DHA Prometric exam?
Prometric checks ID and belongings strictly. Bring only what you need:
What happens on DHA exam day? Step-by-step test-day procedure
DHA Prometric exam conduct rules
- Do not talk to other candidates or look at their screens or materials.
- Sign out every time you leave the test room and repeat the security checks when you return; repeated or long absences are reported.
- Never copy, record, share or post exam content. DHA and Prometric treat this as a serious breach and may take legal action.
- Notes or electronic devices found in the room are confiscated.
DHA treats cheating as unethical conduct: the result is recorded as a Fail, and DHA may bar the candidate from future attempts, blacklist them or act on their Sheryan account or licence.
Rules for the DHA oral assessment
If your title requires an oral assessment, it is a panel interview conducted in English, usually online. Join 15 minutes early, show your passport or official ID, sit alone in a closed room, show the room on camera when asked, keep your face and hands visible, and keep phones, smartwatches and notes away. Recording is not allowed. Read more about the DHA oral exam.
How to reschedule or cancel the DHA exam?
- CBT (Prometric): reschedule or cancel on the Prometric website at least 5 calendar days before your exam. Prometric charges a fee for changes; inside 5 days changes are not possible.
- No-show or cancellation: it is not counted as a failed attempt, but the fee is not refunded and you will need to book and pay again.
- Change of venue: works the same way. You reschedule and pick a new centre and date, subject to availability.
- Oral assessment: DHA allows one reschedule without extra fee only if requested early (within the 5-working-day window given in DHA’s manual); later requests are not accepted and a missed session is a no-show.
Step-by-step screens are explained in our guide on how to reschedule or cancel your DHA exam, and new slots can be found using our DHA exam schedule and booking guide.
How many attempts are allowed in the DHA exam?
DHA allows 3 attempts per position, with no minimum waiting period between attempts. In cases of a major competency gap DHA may reduce the number of attempts. After three failures, further attempts are restricted. You may then need a new qualification, at least two years of licensed experience since the last attempt, or a lower title. See DHA exam total attempts for details.
How to avoid DHA application delay and rejection?
Small errors in the Sheryan application are a common cause of delay. Before you submit, check these points:
- Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport. It must also match your Prometric booking.
- Upload clear scans in the format requested (normally JPEG or PDF) in the correct fields.
- Name each file after the document (for example “Passport”, “Photo”, “Experience Certificate”), not 1, 2, 3.
- Surgeons and other procedural specialties should upload a logbook with their experience documents.
- If a required document (for example a Good Standing Certificate or licence) is unavailable, upload a signed explanation letter in its place.
- If PSV through DataFlow is already done, upload the report or receipt; PSV reports from DOH, MOHAP or SHA can be accepted.
- If you have previously passed a DHA exam, upload the proof under Additional Documents.
- Respond promptly to any “additional documents” request in Sheryan. Unanswered requests delay or stop the application.
See the full checklists for physicians and dentists.
How is the DHA eligibility letter (registration certificate) issued?
When you pass, the result is added to your Sheryan application and, once PSV and other requirements are complete, DHA issues your registration, which most people call the “eligibility letter”. It is valid for one year and lets you apply for jobs in Dubai, but it is not a permit to practise. Learn more about DHA results and the eligibility letter.
How to get the DHA medical licence after passing?
For conversion details see DHA eligibility letter conversion.
How long does a DHA exam pass remain valid?
A pass is linked to your registration and to continuous practice. Under DHA’s current licensing manual, a pass from the last 2 years with no practice gap is accepted without a new assessment, while an older pass generally requires reassessment. Professionals whose DHA licence was cancelled may return to the same title within 5 years if there is no practice gap. A “practice gap” means an interruption of more than 2 years. Check your own case in Sheryan before applying.
How long is the DHA eligibility letter valid?
The registration (eligibility letter) is valid for one year from issue. It can be renewed up to 90 days before it expires; if it lapses, you may need to apply again through the self-assessment tool, and depending on how old your pass is, re-sit the exam.
How long is the DHA medical licence valid?
A DHA licence can be activated and renewed for 1, 2 or 3 years. Renewal is applied for by your facility, and you must meet annual CPD requirements (for example 40 CPD hours a year for physicians and dentists, 20 for nurses and pharmacists). Read the DHA licence renewal procedure.
Tips to pass the DHA exam on the first attempt
- Understand the DHA exam pattern, passing criteria and timing.
- Prepare according to the “DHA syllabus” for your category, not random topics.
- Practise MCQs daily with a high-yield DHA exam Qbank and timed mock tests.
- Book your exam date only when your mock scores are consistently good. Rescheduling costs money.
Official references: Sheryan FAQs and Prometric DHA page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the DHA exam outside Dubai?
Yes. The DHA computer-based test can be taken at any Prometric test centre in the world, including centres in Pakistan, India, the Philippines and Africa. Oral assessments are usually conducted online. Use Prometric’s test-centre locator on the DHA page to see centres near you.
What ID do I need on DHA exam day?
You need your valid original passport, and the name must match your Sheryan registration exactly. If there is any mismatch, contact DHA at least 5 days before the exam. Copies, expired passports or other documents may lead to being refused entry.
Can I change my DHA exam date or venue after booking?
Yes, on the Prometric website, at least 5 calendar days before the exam. Prometric charges a rescheduling fee. Within 5 days you cannot change the booking, and a no-show means losing the fee, although it is not counted as a failed attempt.
How many times can I take the DHA exam?
DHA allows 3 attempts per position, and there is no minimum waiting period between attempts. After three failures, further attempts are restricted and usually need a new qualification, more licensed experience or a lower title.
How long is the DHA eligibility letter valid?
The registration (eligibility letter) issued after passing is valid for one year. You must find a job and have the licence activated by a DHA-licensed facility in that time or renew the registration; it is not a permit to practise on its own.
Can I take the DHA exam before completing my degree or internship?
No. You must hold the qualification required by the PQR for your title before DHA issues an Eligibility ID. Students should finish their degree, internship and required experience first, then check eligibility in the Sheryan self-assessment tool.
Your Comments
These are questions readers have sent us over the years. Tap any one to read our reply.
Lovely (Dagupan City, Philippines): what is the DHA oral exam and how long does it take?
"Hello. I am for oral examination in Dubai. I have already passed the DHA-Rn exam and the DHA required me to take an oral exam. Could anyone tell me about this exam? What is it about? How long the examination goes? and tips or pointers for the examination. Thank you very much."
Lovely
Medical Qualification: Registered Nurse
City, Country: Dagupan City Philippines
dr.zahida (Karachi, Pakistan): registration date for gynaecologist and GP exams?
"what is the registration date of dha exam for gynaecologist as well as for general practioner in 2015."
dr.zahida
Medical Qualification: M.B.B.S,M.C.P.S,F.C.P.S
City, Country: karachi,pakistan
MENCY GEORGE (Sharjah, UAE): when is the next date, where do I go and how do I apply?
"i would like to take dha exam as soon as possible.when is the available date?where shall i go?how to apply."
MENCY GEORGE
Medical Qualification: diploma in nursing
City, Country: sharjah uae
Dr Jameel (Buraida, Saudi Arabia): specialist ophthalmologist with FRCS (Glasgow) wanting to work in Dubai
"I Have been working as specialist ophthalmologist in Saudi since 10 years and recently passed FRCS (Glasgow)exam. i want to apply for job in dubai,uae."
Dr Jameel
Medical Qualification: MBBS,DOMS,ICO,FRCS(Ophthalmology,Glasgow,UK)
City, Country: Buraida, Saudi Arabia
Mubeena (Erode, India): educational details page only shows Bachelor/PG, I have a diploma
"I apply for the DHA Exam,The educational Details Page include only Bachulaor/PG degree, Now i finished only Diploma Degree.How Can I proceed that,Please help me. "
Mubeena
Medical Qualification: DMLT
City, Country: Erode,Tamil Nadu,India
sadia (Islamabad, Pakistan): can I take the DHA test in 4th year of MBBS? What is the syllabus?
"hi..i am medical student.now in 4th year of mbbs..may i try for DHA test now.before my mbbs degree complt.and 2nd questions what is syallabus for DHA? "
sadia
Medical Qualification: mbbs now in 4th year
City, Country: islambad,pakistan
DR.Aqsa (Islamabad, Pakistan): Pharm-D graduate asking about test criteria, fees and eligibility
"I have completed my pharm-D degree in Dec 2015 and also i have registration with PCP as category A pharmacist .now i want to apply in Dubai pls give me information about complete test criteria and test fees and either i am eligible or not for this.and how many opportunity in Dubai for pharmacist especially for females pls. "
DR.Aqsa
Medical Qualification: pharm-D
City, Country: Islamabad, Pakistan
nawaz (Islamabad, Pakistan): medical dispenser asking for DHA exam details
"i want give dha exam, please let me know anyone the required details for the dha exam in 2017"
nawaz
Medical Qualification: medical dispenser
City, Country: islamabad pakistan
Imran Aslam (Lahore, Pakistan): no credit card, can my brother pay with his card?
"I am interested to appear in DHA online exam for "Medical Laboratory Technologist". Since I don't have a credit card. I need to know that, is there any other way to pay online? Or can my brother pay on my behalf through his credit card ? he is living in Canada. Hope to receive prompt response at your end. Thank you. ."
Imran Aslam
Medical Qualification: Graduate
City, Country: Lahore, Pakistan
M. Naeem Tahir (Sialkot, Pakistan): procedure of DHA test submission
"Tell me about procedure of DHA test submission because I interested to attend the exam."
M. Naeem Tahir
Medical Qualification: Pharm. D
City, Country: Sialkot Pakistan
Muhammad Akhtar (Lahore, Pakistan): cath lab manager and technician wanting to apply
"Cath Lab Manager and Technician. I want to apply for this exam."
Muhammad Akhtar
Medical Qualification: years Diploma in Radiography and Imaging Technology (RIT)
City, Country: Lahore Pakistan
Qamar Azeem (Dubai, UAE): nurse with diploma and 8 years’ experience asking if Pakistan has DHA
"My dear sir/mis i want some info bcz my wife is nurse from Pakistan have with duplma for nursing with 8 years expressions so just tell Pakistan have DHA or not ."
Qamar Azeem
Medical Qualification: FSC
City, Country: UAE dubai
Dr Mehwish (Karachi, Pakistan): FCPS training done, which documents are required and what is the Eligibility ID?
"I want to apply for DHA exam.i have completed 4 years training for Fcps plz tell me the requirements of documents from Pakistan and what is eligible ID from where I can get this? "
Dr Mehwish
Medical Qualification: MBBS, FCPS Trainee
City, Country: Karachi Pakistan
Dr sundia (Tando Allahyar, Pakistan): required details for the DHA exam
"I want give dha exam .please let me know anyone the required details for DHA exam."
Dr sundia
Medical Qualification: MBBS
City, Country: Tandoallahyar pakistan
Wirba Yvette Dinla (Yaounde, Cameroon): laboratory technician asking for the procedure
"Please I will like to write the DHA examen and will like to know the procedure to follow ."
Wirba Yvette Dinla
Medical Qualification: Laboratory technician
City, Country: Yaounde cameroon
Yetunde Idowu (Lagos, Nigeria): step-by-step guide, and must the exam be taken in Dubai?
"Hi....I am a medical laboratory scientist from Nigeria who would like to live and work in Dubai... I know I have to get DHA licence first but what is the process of applying, sitting for the exam and obtaining the licence..... Can u give me a step by step guide to obtaining the licence...... Must the exam be taken in Dubai...I mean is there an online exam for it....I will appreciate your quick response..... Thank you ."
Yetunde Idowu
Medical Qualification: Bachelor Medical laboratory sciences
City, Country: Lagos, Nigeria
Adnan khan (Peshawar): lab technician with 3 years’ experience asking for next steps
"I have 3 year experience in labortory So plz guide me for further procedure ."
Adnan khan
Medical Qualification: Medical labortory tech
City, Country: Peshawar
Tobin Antony (India): can I change the date and venue of my booked DHA exam?
"I booked my DHA Exam in sixth of may in Dubai . Because of some personal issues I cant attend the exam on above date . Is it possible to change the date and venue of DHA exam?"
Tobin Antony
Medical Qualification: GNM
City, Country: India
Iqra ilyas (Lahore, Pakistan): how to pay the fees, on which account?
"How to pay the fees ?? On which account etc."
Iqra ilyas
Medical Qualification: Lahore, pakistan
City, Country: Ms in medical imaging technology
Dr Vinod Mehta (Mumbai, India): BAMS doctor wanting to open an Ayurvedic practice and spa
"Hello. I would like to start my own CONSULTING ayurvedic Medicine practice. Health resort and Health Spa. Please send me the link for the registration process and payment of fees in various stages."
Dr Vinod Mehta
Medical Qualification: B A M S
City, Country: Mumbai. India
Fayyaz khan (Peshawar, Pakistan): radiology student asking to sit the exam before finishing
"hi..i am medical student.now in 4th semester of radiology may i try for DHA test now.before radiology complt.and 2nd questions what is syllabus for DHA?"
Fayyaz khan
Medical Qualification: Radiology
City, Country: peshawar pakistan
Konlak Demekong Gilbert (Calabar): medical microbiology graduate asking how to take the DHA lab exam
"Please am Cameroonian based in Nigeria, i wish to take DHA licence laboratory exam to enable practice the profession in Dubai. Please guide me how to procced . Thanks"
Konlak Demekong Gilbert
Medical Qualification: Master of Science in Medical Microbiology and Parasitology
City, Country: Calabar
IKRAMULLAH G HAKIM (India): senior paediatrician aged 68 asking about an age limit
"Sir Iam a Senior Pediatrician. Total active professional experience of 32 years. My age is 68 years now. Is there any age upper limit ceiling to apply for DATA FLOW AND DHA subsequently. Any age limit to apply for jobs in private hospitals in UAE ? Pls confirm Thank you ."
IKRAMULLAH G HAKIM
Medical Qualification: MBBS from India DCH (Ireland)
City, Country: India
Ef (Iloilo, Philippines): is it okay to take the DHA exam with only 6 months’ experience?
"It is okey to take DHA even if i have only 6 months experience? "
Ef
Medical Qualification: Nurse
City, Country: Iloilo, Philippines
Mehak (Malaysia): procedure for applying for the DHA exam from Pakistan
"Can u plzz let me know about the procedure for applying for DHA exam from Pakistan. Regards . "
Mehak
Medical Qualification: Mbbs
City, Country: Malaysia
Sayali kadam (Mumbai, India): how to apply and where is the DHA exam centre?
"How to apply dha exam and tell me about dha exam centre."
Sayali kadam
Medical Qualification: BHMS
City, Country: Mumbai India
Mohsin aftab (Islamabad): radiology technologist asking for a step-by-step guide and online exam option
"Hi....I am a medical Radiology technologist from Pakistan who would like to live and work in Dubai... I know I have to get DHA exam,experience duration before exam, licence but what is the process of applying, sitting for the exam and obtaining the licence..... Can u give me a step by step guide to obtaining the licence...... Must the exam be taken in Dubai...I mean is there an online exam for it....I will appreciate your quick response..... Thank you ."
Mohsin aftab
Medical Qualification: B.S(Hons)Radiology(medical imaging technology)
City, Country: Islamabad
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