DOH Dermatology Exam 2026: Eligibility & MCQs

Last updated on 19-Sep-2026, by Dr. Muhammad Dr. Muhammad

 

DOH Dermatology Exam Quick Summary

The DOH (Department of Health) Abu Dhabi Dermatology specialty exam covers medical, procedural, and cosmetic dermatology, with 150 MCQs and roughly 2.5-3 hours to complete -- delivered via Pearson VUE test centers, not Prometric, with no oral/viva component, since that only applies to surgical specialties.

DOH / HAAD Abu Dhabi Dermatology Specialty Exam

The Department of Health (DOH) Abu Dhabi -- previously known as the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) -- administers this specialty exam to confirm a dermatologist has the required knowledge and skills to practice legally in Abu Dhabi, across medical dermatology, dermatological surgery, and cosmetic dermatology.

Booking note: DOH exams run on Pearson VUE, not Prometric -- see our full DOH exam registration guide for the step-by-step TAMM account, DataFlow, and Pearson VUE scheduling process.

Eligibility criteria for the DOH Dermatology exam

To apply for the DOH Dermatology specialist exam, candidates are generally expected to meet the following (see our DOH exam for doctors guide for the broader specialist framework this builds on):

Primary medical degree: A recognized MBBS, MD, or equivalent medical degree from an accredited institution.
Specialization in Dermatology: Completion of a residency, Diploma, Master's, or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Dermatology from a recognized institution, evaluated under DOH's Tier 1/2/3 credentialing framework.
Post-specialization clinical experience: Generally around 2 years or more of clinical practice in Dermatology after your specialist qualification -- confirm the precise figure on your own eligibility notice. Specialists whose qualification falls under DOH's PQR Tier 1 or Tier 2 may not need to show this experience separately.
Valid license & Good Standing Certificate: Current or previous professional registration/license in your practice country with no restrictions, 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. Our DOH credentialing process guide walks through this step in detail.

DOH Dermatology exam exemption criteria

Exemption is evaluated by certifying body, not by specialty name
DOH's specialist exemption route recognizes holders of certain internationally recognized board certifications, regardless of specialty: American Board Certification, UK CCT/CCST, FRCS/FRCP (with UK training), Canadian Royal College Certification, Australian/Australasian Board, German Facharzt, Irish Board, and New Zealand Vocational Registration. Dermatology is a recognized specialty under ABMS (American Board of Dermatology) and UK CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training in Dermatology), so a dermatologist holding one of these specific certifications may fall within this general exemption route -- but the list doesn't name Dermatology by name, so confirm your individual eligibility directly with DOH rather than assuming exemption.

See our DOH specialist exam exemption criteria guide for the full source list.

DOH Dermatology exam syllabus

The exam draws on the following core subject areas, spanning medical, procedural, and cosmetic dermatology:

  • 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

Questions are presented as clinical scenarios, many image-based, assessing diagnosis, investigations, and management across these subjects.

DOH Dermatology study material & questions
Our Qbank offers 200+ high-yield, recall-based questions compiled from actual test takers and reviewed by expert dermatologists, with full explanations.

DOH Dermatology exam format

150
MCQs
~2.5-3 hours
Time allowed
No oral/viva
Written MCQs only

The exam is delivered as a computer-based, proctored test at authorized Pearson VUE centers (not Prometric). DOH doesn't publish an official passing percentage; specialist exams across DOH generally fall in the 65-75% range, but confirm your specific pass mark on your eligibility notice.

Preparation tips for the DOH Dermatology exam

Double-check your test center
DOH uses Pearson VUE, not Prometric -- confirm your booking platform early so you don't accidentally schedule at the wrong center.
Study clinical images actively
Many questions are image-based -- practice recognizing lesion morphology, distribution patterns, and classic presentations, not just reading descriptions.
Prioritize high-yield disease groups
Papulosquamous disorders, vesiculobullous diseases, and skin neoplasms are consistently well represented.
Know first-line therapy
Be precise on standard treatment protocols and drug classes for common dermatoses -- therapy questions come up frequently.

Sample Practice MCQs

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

> Question 1: Contact Dermatitis
A patient develops an itchy, erythematous, vesicular rash in a linear pattern on the forearm two days after gardening. What is the most likely diagnosis and next diagnostic step if the cause remains unclear?

Answer: Allergic contact dermatitis, likely from plant exposure (e.g., poison ivy/oak-type allergen) -- patch testing can help identify the specific allergen if the history is unclear or recurrent.

Explanation: A linear, streaky distribution of vesicular erythema strongly suggests external contact with a plant allergen brushing against the skin, a classic presentation of allergic contact dermatitis. Patch testing is the standard tool for identifying a causative allergen when the trigger isn't obvious from history alone.
> Question 2: Fungal Infection
A patient presents with an annular, scaly, erythematous plaque with central clearing and a raised, active border on the trunk. What is the most appropriate initial diagnostic test?

Answer: Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation of skin scrapings from the active border, to look for hyphae.

Explanation: An annular plaque with central clearing and an active, scaly border is classic for tinea corporis. A KOH prep of scale from the active edge is the standard first-line bedside test to confirm dermatophyte infection before starting antifungal therapy.
> Question 3: Papulosquamous Disease
A patient presents with pruritic, violaceous, polygonal, flat-topped papules on the flexor wrists, with fine white lines visible on the surface of the lesions. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer: Lichen planus.

Explanation: The classic "6 P's" of lichen planus -- purple, pruritic, polygonal, planar (flat-topped), papules, and plaques -- along with Wickham's striae (fine white lines) on the papule surface, are the hallmark clinical features distinguishing it from other papulosquamous conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

> What does the DOH Dermatology exam cover?

Medical dermatology, dermatological surgery, and cosmetic dermatology, spanning 14 core subject areas from basic science through therapy and surgery/cosmetology.

> Is the DOH Dermatology exam held at Prometric or Pearson VUE?

Pearson VUE. This is different from DHA and other Gulf authorities that use Prometric -- confirm your test center before scheduling.

> Does the DOH Dermatology exam include an oral or viva component?

No. DOH's licensing process only includes a possible oral exam for surgical specialties -- Dermatology is a written MCQ exam only.

> Are dermatologists exempted from the DOH exam?

Possibly. DOH's specialist exemption route recognizes certain board certifications by issuing body -- American Board Certification (including the American Board of Dermatology), UK CCT/CCST, Canadian Royal College Certification, and equivalent Australian, German, and Irish credentials. This isn't a guaranteed exemption; confirm your individual eligibility directly with DOH.

> Are official DOH Dermatology past papers available?

No -- DOH 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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