DHA Dermatology Exam 2026: Syllabus, Eligibility & MCQs
DHA Dermatology Exam Quick Summary
The DHA Dermatology exam is a 100-150 question, 165-minute Prometric MCQ exam covering general dermatology, dermatopathology, dermatologic surgery, and cosmetic dermatology, with a passing score above 70% - one of the higher thresholds among DHA specialty exams.
DHA Dubai Dermatology Specialty Exam
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) conducts this specialty exam to assess a dermatologist's knowledge and clinical judgment in diagnosing and managing skin, hair, nail, and mucous membrane conditions, along with dermatologic therapy and surgery. It is required for dermatologists applying for a DHA professional license to practice in Dubai.
Eligibility criteria for the DHA Dermatology exam
To apply for the DHA Dermatology specialist exam, candidates are generally expected to meet the following:
DHA Dermatology exam exemption criteria
DHA's general physician exemption route is evaluated by which certifying body issued your specialist credential, not by specialty name. If you hold one of the following, you may qualify for exemption from the written exam:
- US ABMS board certification - active certification from the American Board of Dermatology (an ABMS member board).
- UK CCT - Certificate of Completion of Training in Dermatology.
- Australian/New Zealand fellowship - relevant fellowship from a recognized Australasian college.
- Canadian Royal College certification - FRCPC in Dermatology.
Exemptions are not automatic - this route is defined by the certifying body rather than by naming Dermatology specifically, so confirm your individual eligibility directly with DHA/Sheryan before assuming exemption.
DHA Dermatology exam syllabus
The exam draws from fourteen core subject areas. See our full DHA Dermatology syllabus breakdown for topic-level detail.
- Basic science
- Pruritus and papulosquamous dermatoses
- Urticaria, erythemas, and purpuras
- Vesiculobullous diseases
- Adnexal, hair, nail, and mucous membrane diseases
- Metabolic, rheumatologic, and systemic diseases
- Genodermatoses and pigmentary disorders
- Infections, infestations, and bites
- Disorders due to physical agents
- Disorders of Langerhans cells and macrophages
- Disorders of dermal connective tissue and subcutaneous fat
- Vascular disorders and neoplasms of the skin
- Dermatological therapy
- Dermatological surgery and cosmetology
Get access to 200+ high-yield DHA Dermatology MCQs with full explanations.
DHA Dermatology exam format
The DHA Dermatology exam is a computer-based test delivered via Prometric, with many questions presented as image-based clinical case scenarios rather than isolated fact recall.
How to prepare for the DHA Dermatology exam
Many questions are image-based - practice recognizing lesion morphology, distribution patterns, and classic presentations, not just reading descriptions.
Papulosquamous disorders, vesiculobullous diseases, and skin neoplasms are consistently well represented.
Be precise on standard treatment protocols and drug classes for common dermatoses - therapy questions are frequent.
Simulate the 165-minute, 100-150 question format so pacing isn't a surprise on exam day.
Sample DHA Dermatology practice questions
Test your knowledge with these original clinical scenario-style questions. Tap a question to reveal the answer.
> A patient presents with well-demarcated, silvery-scaled erythematous plaques on the extensor surfaces of both elbows and knees. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer: Plaque psoriasis.
Explanation: Silvery scale on well-demarcated erythematous plaques over extensor surfaces (elbows, knees) is the classic presentation of chronic plaque psoriasis.
> A patient develops tense, fluid-filled bullae on normal-appearing and erythematous skin, with a negative Nikolsky sign. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer: Bullous pemphigoid.
Explanation: Tense bullae with a negative Nikolsky sign point to a subepidermal blistering disease such as bullous pemphigoid, in contrast to pemphigus vulgaris, which produces flaccid bullae with a positive Nikolsky sign.
> A pigmented skin lesion shows asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation, a diameter over 6mm, and recent evolution in size. What is the most appropriate next step?
Answer: Excisional biopsy for histopathological evaluation.
Explanation: The ABCDE criteria (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6mm, Evolution) raise suspicion for melanoma, warranting prompt excisional biopsy rather than watchful waiting.
Frequently asked questions
> How many questions are in the DHA Dermatology exam?
The DHA Dermatology exam consists of 100-150 multiple-choice questions, to be completed within 165 minutes.
> What is the passing score for the DHA Dermatology exam?
The passing score is above 70%, per DHA's published exam pattern for this specialty - one of the higher passing thresholds among DHA specialty exams.
> Does the DHA Dermatology exam include an oral or viva component?
This isn't clearly established either way. DHA does conduct oral/viva assessments for some specialist categories generally, but it isn't clear whether this applies specifically to Dermatology. Please confirm directly with DHA/Sheryan for your specific case.
> Is there an exemption from the DHA Dermatology exam?
Possibly. DHA's general physician exemption route recognizes holders of specific certifications by issuing body - US ABMS board certification (including the American Board of Dermatology), UK CCT in Dermatology, recognized Australian/NZ fellowships, and Canadian Royal College certification (FRCPC). This isn't a guaranteed exemption; confirm your individual eligibility with DHA/Sheryan.
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200+ high-yield DHA Dermatology MCQs with full explanations, updated for current exam patterns.
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The OMSB GP Qbank was helpful for revising internship topics I hadn't touched in years. A few more image-based questions would be nice....