Guidelines for HAAD/DOH Written Licensing Examinations 2026: Candidate Rules
DOH Written Exam Guidelines Quick Summary
The DOH (formerly HAAD) written exam is a computer-based test booked through TAMM and taken at a Pearson VUE centre. Bring your printed booking confirmation and the original ID your confirmation asks for, leave every personal item in the locker, and arrive as early as the confirmation says. You can reschedule a CBT on TAMM free of charge up to 72 hours before; a no-show is not counted as an attempt but the booking fee is lost. Results appear on TAMM as PASS or FAIL within 24 hours, and you have 3 attempts across DOH, DHA and MOHAP, with possibly one last attempt with another authority.
The old HAAD guidelines on this page were written for paper exams in an exam hall, with pencils, calculators and papers collected at the end. DOH now runs its written exam as a CBT through Pearson VUE, and several of the old rules (a 12-month wait after a third fail, written and oral parts both required) no longer match the DOH Licensing Procedure Manual (Circular 151/2024). This page gives you the current candidate rules. Where the centres are and how to choose one is on HAAD/DOH written exam testing centers.
Who sits the DOH written exam?
Not everyone. Doctors sit either a CBT or an oral, depending on the title, never both. GPs always sit the CBT, specialists and consultants in 8 specialties sit a CBT, and other specialist titles have an oral of about 45 to 60 minutes instead. General dentists and registered nurses sit a CBT, and many allied titles do too. Your TAMM application tells you which one you are booked for. The paper formats are on DOH exam paper pattern, the exact test titles on HAAD/DOH test structure and exam titles, and the oral on DOH Abu Dhabi oral exam.
Old HAAD guidelines against the current DOH rules
| Old HAAD guideline | Current DOH and Pearson VUE rule |
|---|---|
| Register 1 hour before the advertised start time | Arrive as early as your Pearson VUE confirmation email says, to allow time for check-in |
| Bring your passport and the original e-ticket receipt | Bring the original ID named in your confirmation (a valid passport is the safe choice) and a printed booking confirmation |
| Bring pencils, eraser and calculator | Bring nothing into the room; the centre gives you an erasable note board |
| Late or no ID: register for the next available date | You may be refused entry and lose the booking fee; rebook on TAMM within your 6-month exam window |
| 3 attempts, then wait at least 12 months | 3 attempts across DOH, DHA and MOHAP, possibly 1 last attempt with another authority; no waiting period between attempts |
| Specialty exams with written and oral parts: pass both | Doctors sit a CBT or an oral according to the title, not both |
What ID do you need on the DOH exam day?
The old HAAD rule was simple: bring your original passport. That is still the safest thing to bring. Pearson VUE says ID rules depend on the exam programme and that many programmes ask for two forms of ID, so read the ID section of your confirmation email for the DOH exam before the day. The name on your ID should match the name on your TAMM application exactly. If your passport was renewed after you applied, or your name is spelt differently, contact DOH before exam day, not at the centre.
At check-in the staff usually take your photo, ask you to sign on a digital pad and may scan your palm. You will show your ID again, or repeat the palm scan, each time you return from a break.
What is allowed and not allowed in the exam room?
Leave revision notes at home. Candidates often carry a last-minute summary into the centre and then panic about where to put it.
Exam conduct rules
- Do not talk to or signal other candidates from the moment you enter the room until you leave.
- The proctor can help with the computer, a break or a technical problem, but cannot explain any question. Report a technical issue as soon as it happens.
- For a break, raise your hand and wait for the proctor.
- Do not copy, record or share exam questions, before or after the test, and do not contact examiners about exam content.
- Cheating, an attempt to cheat or a hidden device is reported, and DOH decides the consequences, which can include cancelling your application.
Rescheduling, late arrival and no-show
All changes start in TAMM, which sends you on to Pearson VUE. The rules from the DOH Licensing Procedure Manual are:
- CBT reschedule: free, through TAMM, up to 72 hours before your appointment. Inside 72 hours the booking is locked.
- CBT cancellation: refundable if done at least 72 hours before.
- Oral exam: it cannot be rescheduled; cancel at least 48 hours before and book again.
- No-show or refused entry: not counted as an attempt, but the booking fee is not refunded.
- Exam window: you must sit within 6 months of DOH approving your application, or the application closes and you start again.
Step-by-step screens are on how to reschedule the DOH Pearson VUE exam, and first-time booking on how to book the DOH exam via TAMM.
DOH results and number of attempts
CBT results appear on TAMM within 24 hours, and oral results within 5 working days. DOH shows only PASS or FAIL, with no score report and no published percentage. A PASS counts for 5 years, subject to the PQR. More on DOH exam results and whether DOH gives a detailed score report.
If you fail, there is no waiting period; you can book again on TAMM if a date is free within your 6-month window. Attempts are shared across DOH, DHA and MOHAP for the same title: 3 under one authority, after which you may be allowed one last attempt with another authority. The full rules are on DOH exam retake policy.
For practice in the Pearson VUE format, GPs can use the DOH GP QBank. Every DOH QBank is listed on the DOH exam page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to the DOH written exam?
Your original ID as stated in the Pearson VUE confirmation email (a valid passport is the safest choice) and a printed copy of your booking confirmation. Everything else, including your phone and watch, goes into the locker.
What happens if I arrive late for the DOH exam?
The centre may refuse entry. A refused entry or no-show is not counted as an attempt, but the booking fee is not refunded, and you rebook on TAMM within your 6-month exam window.
Can I reschedule my DOH exam?
Yes for a CBT: reschedule through TAMM up to 72 hours before the appointment at no extra cost. An oral exam cannot be rescheduled; you cancel it at least 48 hours ahead and book a new date.
Do I have to wait 12 months after failing the DOH exam three times?
That was an old HAAD rule and it is not in the current DOH manual. Attempts are now counted across DOH, DHA and MOHAP: 3 under one authority, then possibly one last attempt with another authority. There is no waiting period between attempts within your exam window.
How do I get my DOH written exam result?
On TAMM, as PASS or FAIL. CBT results usually appear within 24 hours. DOH does not publish a score or a percentage.
Your Comments
Readers have asked us these questions over time. Tap any question to open it and read our reply.
Dikshith (Mangalore, India): what type of questions come in the DOH exam?
"Dear sir,Im planning to write a HAAD/DOH exam but I dont know which type of questions are coming for the exam,so can u please guide me ? "
Dikshith
Medical Qualification: Diploma in OT Technology
City Country: Mangalore,India
sikkandra batcha (Tamil Nadu, India): microbiologist asking how to write the MOH exam
"i am msc. microbiologist, 6 years experience in medical field including lab tech,bio chem,micro biolgy.plz help me how to write moh exam.plz send to some model ques.to my email id. "
sikkandra batcha
Medical Qualification: msc.microbiology
City Country: tamil nadu,india
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