DOH Pediatrics Exam 2026: Syllabus, Eligibility & MCQs

DOH Pediatrics Exam Quick Summary

The DOH (Department of Health) Abu Dhabi Pediatrics specialty exam covers general pediatric medicine, neonatology, and related emergency topics, with 100-150 MCQs, roughly 2.5 hours to complete, and an official passing score of 60-70% -- delivered via Pearson VUE test centers, not Prometric.

DOH / HAAD Abu Dhabi Pediatrics Specialty Exam

The Department of Health (DOH) Abu Dhabi -- previously known as the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) -- 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 pediatric emergencies, growth and development, and general pediatric medicine. There is high demand for skilled pediatricians in Abu Dhabi, and doctors with strong clinical experience across a wide range of childhood conditions tend to have an easier time securing good positions.

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 Pediatrics exam

To apply for the DOH Pediatrics specialist exam, candidates are generally expected to meet the following (see our DOH Pediatric exam eligibility and format guide for the source details):

Primary medical degree: A recognized MBBS or equivalent medical degree from an accredited institution.

Specialization in Pediatrics: A recognized postgraduate qualification in Pediatrics -- MD Pediatrics or equivalent -- from an accredited institution.

Post-specialization clinical experience: At least 2 years of post-qualification clinical experience in Pediatrics. Under DOH's general Professional Qualification Requirement (PQR) tiering, specialists whose qualification falls under Tier 1 or Tier 2 may not need to show this experience separately -- confirm which tier your qualifying institution falls under via our DOH exam for doctors guide.

Valid license & Good Standing Certificate: A valid home-country health license, plus a Good Standing Certificate.

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 Pediatrics exam exemption criteria

Possible exam exemption -- confirm before relying on it

DOH evaluates exemption from the written exam on a case-by-case basis for holders of certain high-level board certifications, including American Board Certification (which would include the American Board of Pediatrics), UK CCT (including a Paediatrics CCT), Canadian Royal College Certification, Australian/Australasian Board (e.g. RACP), German Facharzt, Irish Board, New Zealand Vocational Registration, and partial recognition for Saudi/Oman/Kuwait Board holders. This list is published for DOH specialists generally rather than named for Pediatrics specifically, so treat it as a likely-relevant route rather than a guarantee -- exemption is never automatic and must be confirmed directly with DOH before you rely on it.

See our DOH specialist exam exemption criteria guide for the full list of qualifying certifications.

DOH Pediatrics exam syllabus

DOH has not published a Pediatrics-specific topic weightage breakdown. The exam draws on the same core clinical subject areas used across Gulf pediatrics specialty exams generally:

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

Questions typically relate to common childhood illnesses, growth and development, immunization, and nutrition, presented as clinical scenario-based MCQs. Exact topic weighting can differ from DHA, MOH, and other Gulf authorities' versions of the same specialty exam.

DOH Pediatrics 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.

Subscribe to the Qbank →

DOH Pediatrics exam format

100-150

MCQs

~2.5 hours

Time allowed

60-70%

Official passing score

DOH specialist exams are delivered as computer-based tests via Pearson VUE test centers, not Prometric. See our DOH passing criteria guide for how this compares across categories -- separately, some general guidance suggests physician specialists aim for scores as high as 75% given competitive hiring, though that's practical advice rather than the official minimum. Oral exam performance may also factor into overall candidate assessment in some cases -- confirm on your own exam notice.

Preparation tips for the DOH Pediatrics 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.

Prioritize neonatology and immunization

Newborn care and vaccination schedules are consistently high-yield across Gulf pediatrics exams -- 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.

Aim above the minimum

With hiring competitive for pediatrician roles, targeting well above the 60-70% official passing range gives you a stronger position, not just a pass.

Sample Practice MCQs

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

> Question 1: Immunization

A previously healthy 2-month-old presents for a routine well-child visit. According to standard immunization schedules, which vaccine series should typically begin at this visit?

Answer: The first doses of DTaP, Hib, PCV, IPV, and rotavirus vaccines are typically due at the 2-month visit (in addition to any birth-dose vaccines already given, such as Hepatitis B).

Explanation: The 2-month visit is a major vaccination milestone in most standard childhood immunization schedules, initiating several multi-dose vaccine series simultaneously. Recognizing the expected schedule for well-child visits is a routinely tested area, since missed or delayed vaccination is a common real-world scenario as well as an exam topic.

> Question 2: Growth & Development

An 18-month-old is brought in because the parents are concerned she is not yet saying any single words and does not point to indicate wants. What is the most appropriate next step?

Answer: Refer for formal developmental and hearing evaluation -- absence of single words and lack of pointing by 18 months are red flags for a language or developmental delay and should not simply be observed further without assessment.

Explanation: By 12-15 months most children say at least one or two words and use pointing to communicate; by 18 months, absence of both is considered a developmental red flag. Early identification through formal evaluation (including hearing screening, since hearing loss is a common and correctable cause of apparent language delay) allows earlier intervention, which improves outcomes.

> Question 3: Gastroenterology

A 14-month-old with 3 days of watery diarrhea presents with sunken eyes, dry mucous membranes, and reduced skin turgor, but remains alert and is drinking eagerly when offered fluids. How should this dehydration be classified and managed?

Answer: Some/moderate dehydration -- manage with oral rehydration solution (ORS) given in frequent small amounts, rather than immediate IV fluids.

Explanation: The combination of sunken eyes, dry mucous membranes, and reduced skin turgor with preserved alertness and eagerness to drink is classic for moderate (not severe) dehydration under standard pediatric assessment criteria. Oral rehydration therapy is the preferred first-line approach at this severity level; IV fluids are reserved for severe dehydration, shock, or inability to tolerate oral intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

> What does the DOH Pediatrics exam cover?

It covers general pediatric 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, immunization, professionalism and ethics, and patient safety.

> Is the DOH Pediatrics 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.

> What is the passing score for the DOH Pediatrics exam?

The official range is 60-70%. Some general guidance suggests aiming as high as 75% given how competitive pediatrician hiring is in Abu Dhabi, but that's practical advice for job prospects, not a different official minimum.

> Can pediatricians be exempted from the DOH exam?

Possibly, under DOH's general case-by-case exemption route for certain board certifications -- American Board Certification, UK CCT, Canadian Royal College Certification, Australian/Australasian Board, and a few others. This list isn't published as pediatrics-specific, but the pediatric tracks of these bodies (e.g. the American Board of Pediatrics) would reasonably fall under it. Confirm your own status directly with DOH before relying on it.

> Do I need post-qualification experience to apply?

Generally, yes -- around 2 years of post-qualification clinical experience in Pediatrics. However, DOH's PQR tiering system may waive this specifically for specialists whose qualifying institution falls under Tier 1 or Tier 2 -- check which tier applies to your qualification before assuming the experience requirement applies to you.

> Are official DOH Pediatrics 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.

Ready to prepare with real recall-based MCQs?

Get topic-wise questions and detailed explanations built for the DOH Pediatrics exam.

Subscribe to the Pediatrics Qbank

TESTIMONIALS