DHA Paediatrics Exam 2026: Eligibility, Exemption & MCQ

DHA Paediatrics Exam Quick Summary

The exam covers general paediatrics, neonatology, and related emergency topics, with a passing score above 70% — higher than the thresholds used for the GP and several other specialty exams.

DHA Dubai Paediatrics Specialty Exam

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) conducts this specialty exam to evaluate a candidate's knowledge and clinical decision-making in the care of infants, children, and adolescents — spanning neonatology, acute paediatric emergencies, growth and development, and general paediatric medicine.

Eligibility criteria for the DHA Paediatrics exam

To apply for the DHA Paediatrics specialist exam, candidates are generally expected to meet the following:

Primary medical degree: A recognized MBBS, MD, or equivalent medical degree from an accredited institution.
Specialization in Paediatrics: Completion of a recognized residency, Diploma in Child Health (DCH), MD, MS, DNB, or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Paediatrics from an accredited institution.
Post-specialization clinical experience: A minimum number of years practicing as a paediatrician after completing your specialization — commonly cited as around 2–3 years for Specialist-level applications, with a higher threshold for Consultant-grade applications. The exact figure depends on your qualifying country and institution tier.
Valid license & Good Standing Certificate: An active license to practice in your home country (or country of last employment), plus a Certificate of Good Standing confirming no disciplinary action.
DataFlow Primary Source Verification: All educational, professional, and licensing documents must be verified through DataFlow.

DHA Paediatrics exam exemption criteria

Possible exam exemption
Paediatricians holding an active, current board certification from a recognized authority — such as the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), a UK Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), or an equivalent Australian, New Zealand, or Canadian fellowship — may be eligible to have the written Prometric exam waived. Exemption isn't automatic: it requires a separate application with supporting proof, is assessed case-by-case, and DHA may still require an oral or clinical assessment even where the written exam is waived. Confirm your own exemption status through the Sheryan self-assessment tool rather than assuming it applies.

Experience and exemption eligibility are assessed individually under DHA's Sheryan system — use the Sheryan self-assessment tool to confirm the exact requirement for your specific profile.

DHA Paediatrics exam syllabus

See the full DHA Paediatrics syllabus breakdown for the complete topic list. The exam draws from the following subject areas:

  • Growth, Development, Adolescent Medicine & Behavior
  • Neonatology (newborn resuscitation, prematurity complications, jaundice, sepsis, NICU management)
  • Gastroenterology
  • Acute Care (ER, PICU, NICU)
  • Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
  • Allergy, Immunology & Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Conditions
  • Hematology and Oncology
  • Neurology
  • Renal and Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Respiratory Conditions
  • Professionalism and Ethics
  • Patient Safety

Most questions are presented as clinical scenario-based MCQs focusing on clinical decision-making and evidence-based guidelines, each typically with 4–5 answer choices and one correct answer.

DHA Paediatrics study material & questions
Official past papers aren't released publicly, but our Qbank compiles recall-based questions from actual test takers, reviewed by expert doctors.

DHA Paediatrics exam format

100
MCQs
160 min
Time allowed
70%+
Passing score

DHA specialist exams are delivered as computer-based tests via Prometric. Questions emphasize scenario-based clinical judgment — including recognizing red-flag presentations in infants and children — over isolated fact recall.

Preparation tips for the DHA Paediatrics exam

Prioritize neonatology
Newborn resuscitation, jaundice management, and NICU-level sepsis recognition are consistently high-yield — don't leave this section for last.
Practice scenario-based MCQs
Expect vignette-style questions requiring you to judge severity and next steps in a child, not just recall a fact.
Use recall-based question banks
Since official past papers aren't public, question banks compiled from real test-taker recall are the closest available proxy for actual exam content.
Time yourself early
With 100 questions in 160 minutes, you have just under 1.6 minutes per question — build that pace into your practice sessions from day one.

Sample Practice MCQs

Test your knowledge with these original clinical scenario-style questions. Tap a question to reveal the answer.

> Question 1: Neonatology
A term newborn develops visible jaundice at 30 hours of life. Total serum bilirubin is significantly elevated for age. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Answer: Initiate phototherapy per age- and risk-adjusted bilirubin nomograms.

Explanation: Jaundice appearing within the first 24–48 hours warrants urgent evaluation, as it is more likely pathological. Phototherapy is the first-line treatment once bilirubin crosses the treatment threshold for the infant's age in hours and risk factors; exchange transfusion is reserved for critical levels or phototherapy failure.
> Question 2: Emergency Paediatrics
A 2-year-old presents with a generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting 3 minutes during a fever of 39.2°C, with no prior neurological history and a normal post-ictal exam. What is the most likely diagnosis and next step?

Answer: Simple febrile seizure — manage the underlying fever source, reassure the parents, and no routine EEG or neuroimaging is needed for a typical presentation.

Explanation: A single, brief, generalized seizure associated with fever in a neurologically normal child aged 6 months–5 years is classified as a simple febrile seizure. Investigations are directed at finding the fever's source; further workup (EEG, imaging, LP) is reserved for atypical features, prolonged/recurrent seizures, or signs of CNS infection.
> Question 3: Respiratory
A 4-year-old with known asthma presents with audible wheeze, use of accessory muscles, and oxygen saturation of 91% on room air. What is the most appropriate immediate step?

Answer: Administer supplemental oxygen and start inhaled short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) therapy immediately, with systemic corticosteroids to follow.

Explanation: Hypoxia and accessory muscle use indicate a moderate-to-severe asthma exacerbation. Immediate priorities are oxygenation and bronchodilation; systemic corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation and should be started early rather than delayed for a "trial" of bronchodilators alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

> What does the DHA Paediatrics exam cover?

It covers general paediatric medicine and neonatology across topics including growth and development, gastroenterology, acute/emergency care, metabolic and endocrine disorders, allergy/immunology/infectious diseases, cardiovascular conditions, hematology-oncology, neurology, renal and musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory conditions, professionalism and ethics, and patient safety.

> What is the passing score for the DHA Paediatrics exam?

Candidates generally need to score above 70% to pass — a higher bar than the GP exam and several other DHA specialty exams.

> Can paediatricians be exempted from the DHA Prometric exam?

Possibly. Paediatricians with an active, current board certification (e.g. ABMS, UK CCT, or an equivalent Australian, New Zealand, or Canadian fellowship) may apply for exemption from the written exam, though approval is case-by-case and DHA may still require an oral or clinical assessment. Confirm your eligibility through the Sheryan self-assessment tool.

> Are official DHA Paediatrics past papers available?

No — DHA does not release official past papers publicly. Recall-based question banks compiled from actual test takers' feedback are the closest available preparation resource.

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TESTIMONIALS
Dr. Padma Srinivasan
Dr. Padma Srinivasan

I did one timed block every evening after my shift. The consistency paid off by exam day....

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