DOH(HAAD) Abu Dhabi Oral exam - Guide 2026
DOH Oral Exam Quick Summary
DOH Oral Exam is an additional professional competency evaluation conducted by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi for certain healthcare professionals applying for Abu Dhabi licensing. It typically takes 15 to 45 minutes per candidate. Passing oral exam alone does not allow practice.
Is DOH exam has Oral / Viva part?
The DOH(Department of Health) Abu Dhabi exam doesn't require Oral/Viva part for most of the healthcare categories(i.e.GPs, specialists, technicians, nurses and other allied health categories), it is a Pearson Vue written exam only. But, for some of the surgical specialities, DOH may still require you to sit for Oral/Viva beside passing written exam.
How to prepare for DOH Oral exam?
To effectively prepare for DOH Oral exam, the best strategies to consider are:
- Review Clinical Guidelines: Candidate should focus on:
- updated protocols
- evidence-based practice
- specialty management guidelines
- Practice Clinical Scenarios: Candidate should prepare for:
- emergency cases
- complications
- difficult patient situations
- prioritization questions
- Improve Communication: Examiners evaluate:
- confidence
- clarity
- structured answers
- professional language
- Focus on Patient Safety: Patient safety principles are extremely important. Candidate should understand:
- escalation protocols
- documentation
- consent
- infection control
- medication safety
- Revise Core Specialty Topics: DOH oral exams usually focus on practical clinical knowledge rather than memorized theory.
Is English communication important?
Yes. Clear professional communication is very important during oral assessment.
Is the DOH Oral Exam difficult?
The oral exam is considered moderate to challenging depending on experience. It is not memorization-based but scenario-based. It becomes easier for candidates who:
- have strong clinical exposure
- understand emergency protocols
- can explain cases clearly
- follow structured clinical reasoning
How long does the DOH Oral Exam take?
The duration varies, but typically it takes 15 to 45 minutes per candidate. However, it mostly depends on:
- specialty
- complexity of cases
- examiner panel structure
What topics are asked in the DOH Oral Exam?
Questions are usually based on real hospital scenarios. Common topics may include:
- emergency management
- patient stabilization
- differential diagnosis
- treatment planning
- complications handling
- ethics and consent
- specialty-based clinical cases
What happens after passing the oral exam?
Passing oral exam alone does not allow practice. After passing:
- DOH eligibility status is updated
- Candidate searches for employer in Abu Dhabi
- Employer completes licensing activation
- Final DOH license is issued
What happens if I fail the oral exam?
The exact outcome depends on DOH evaluation. However, if a candidate fails:
- reassessment may be required
- additional review may be requested
- reapplication may be needed depending on case
Your Comments
"hello dear.. i am from India. last year back i have cleared mccee part 1 exam and tried to apply for canada but could not get through due to immigration issues, now i want to process for HAAD/DOH exam. is DOH one step exam or two. can i have exam exemption due to my mccee license?"
velflor
Medical Qualification: mbbs, mccee
City Country: tamilnadu, India
"how and where should i start registering for doh exam documentation. is it only written exam or oral exam as well. i can not speak arabic is it mendatory for haad exam for pharmacist."
Suhana begum
Medical Qualification: Pharm D
City Country:lukhnow, india
"please send me pearson vue examination centers list in philippines. how can i apply for haad exam online. i hope that i can appear in haad exam in my country. what is the whole process.."
Thomas
Medical Qualification: Dietitian
City Country: Philippines
"i am 65 years old with plenty of teaching and clinical experience in uk, india and bhutan. can i apply for consultant urologist post in HAAD abu dhabi. what are the chances looking at my age please."
Mehreen Janjua
Medical Qualification: FRCS, Urologist
City Country: UK
"working experience in kolkata municipal hospital since last 3 years. can i appear in haad exam, please advice for any haad/doh exam syllabus and books. any help will be highly appreciated."
vikram sebastian
Medical Qualification: BDS
City Country: kolkata, India
"what are the haad exam registration formalities. how to book exam date for specialist. how soon one can get job after exam clear."
Dr Dawood Yahya
Medical Qualification: MBBS, MS
City Country: abu dhabi, uae
"i am 8 years experience in a teaching hospital. have sufficient experience in handling orthopaedic surgeries but have no log book. what i do for this isse. guide me pls."
Dr. Jameel Khan
Medical Qualification: Orthopedic Surgeon
City Country: Peshawar, Pakistan
"what is the complete registration process for haad exam uae? please advice for any haad exam study book or guide. anticipating positive response. Thanks."
SHARON
Medical Qualification: dental nurse
City Country: Philippines
"i dont have 2 years clinical experience. can i apply as internee doctor with or without pay. what is haad exam schedule. kindly details please."
Dr. Firdous
Medical Qualification: BDS
City Country: Kabul, Afghanistan
