Pediatric Specialty DHA Exam 2026: Eligibility and Preparation Tips
DHA Pediatric Specialty Exam Quick Summary
To work as a Specialist Pediatrician in Dubai you need a recognised pediatrics postgraduate qualification (Tier 1 or Tier 2 needs no further experience, Tier 3 needs 3 years after it), then a Sheryan application, DataFlow verification and, unless exempted, the DHA Pediatrics computer based test at Prometric. The result is reported only as PASS or FAIL, and you have 3 attempts across the UAE authorities.
Pediatrics is one of the specialties in which DHA assesses specialists with a written CBT rather than an oral, so most pediatricians coming to Dubai will sit a Prometric paper of clinical scenario MCQs. This page covers who can apply as a Specialist Pediatrician, what the exam looks like and how to prepare for it. For recalled topics and question style, see our separate page on DHA pediatrics exam past questions, and for the topic list the DHA pediatrics exam syllabus.
Who is eligible for the DHA Pediatric Specialist exam?
DHA follows the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR). Your postgraduate qualification is placed in a tier, and the tier decides how much experience you need after it.
| Title | Experience after the pediatrics qualification |
|---|---|
| Specialist, Tier 1 or Tier 2 qualification | None required |
| Specialist, Tier 3 qualification | 3 years (1 year for UAE nationals) |
| Consultant, Tier 1 qualification | 2 years |
| Consultant, Tier 2 qualification | 5 years |
Experience in pediatrics without a specialty qualification does not make you a specialist, however many years it is. The PQR accepts a specialty qualification only after a full-time programme of at least 3 years, so most 2-year diplomas such as the DCH fall short unless the PQR entry for your country lists them. If that is your situation, the General Practitioner title is often the realistic route, and the pediatric experience counts towards the 2 years a GP needs. The Sheryan self-assessment tool tells you which title you qualify for before you pay anything; see the DHA Sheryan self-assessment tool and DHA requirements for GPs, specialists and consultants.
What is the DHA Pediatric exam format?
Older versions of this page quoted a 65 to 70% passing score. DHA does not publish one, so do not plan around a number you see online. More on scoring is in DHA exam passing score, duration and total questions.
Can a pediatrician be exempted from the DHA exam?
Some can. DHA waives the assessment for certain routes listed in the PQR, for example holders of recognised specialty certificates from the listed countries and doctors whose DHA licence was cancelled within the last 5 years. A MOHAP or DOH licence in the same title can also usually be transferred without a new exam. An exemption covers the exam only; you still need DataFlow and the other documents. Check the full list on DHA exam exemption criteria.
What are preparation tips for DHA pediatric exam?
Most pediatricians who fail this exam know the subject. They fail on breadth and on time. A few things that help:
- Know the scope first. Neonatology, infectious diseases, pediatric emergencies, growth and development, nutrition, immunisation and chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, renal disease) come up again and again. Use the DHA pediatrics exam syllabus as a checklist.
- Read for management, not just diagnosis. Most stems end with "what is the most appropriate next step". Current guidelines matter more than the rare syndrome.
- Use one main textbook. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics remains the usual reference; a concise text such as Rudolph's helps for quick revision. DHA does not publish an official book list.
- Do timed MCQ blocks. At 150 questions in 3 hours you have a little over a minute per question. Practise in blocks of 50 under time.
- Revise emergencies until they are automatic. Resuscitation, status epilepticus, DKA, anaphylaxis and sepsis are high yield and easy marks if you know the algorithms.
- Study with someone who has passed. A colleague who sat the paper recently can tell you where to focus.
How do you apply for the DHA Pediatric Specialist licence?
DHA Pediatrics sample practice MCQs
Two questions in the clinical style of the exam. Tap a question to see the answer.
Question 1: Jaundice in the first day of life
A term baby boy, born by normal vaginal delivery, is noticed to be yellow at 20 hours of age. He is breastfeeding well, is alert and has a normal temperature. His mother's blood group is O positive. What is the most appropriate next step?
A) Reassure the parents and review the baby at 72 hours of age
B) Measure the serum bilirubin urgently and plot it on a gestation-specific treatment threshold chart
C) Check a transcutaneous bilirubin at 48 hours of age
D) Stop breastfeeding and start formula feeds
Correct answer: B) Measure the serum bilirubin urgently and plot it on a gestation-specific treatment threshold chart
Visible jaundice in the first 24 hours of life is pathological until proven otherwise; haemolysis (ABO incompatibility with a group O mother, Rh disease, G6PD deficiency) and sepsis are the main causes. Serum bilirubin should be measured within hours, not days, and plotted against the treatment threshold for gestation and age in hours to decide on phototherapy. A blood group, direct antibody test and full blood count usually follow. Transcutaneous meters are not recommended in the first 24 hours. Stopping breastfeeding does not treat early pathological jaundice.
Question 2: Child with facial swelling and proteinuria
A 4-year-old boy has had swelling around his eyes for a week, now with swollen ankles. Blood pressure is normal for his age. Urine dipstick shows protein 4+ and no blood. Serum albumin is 18 g/L, creatinine is normal and C3 is normal. What is the most appropriate management?
A) Renal biopsy before starting any treatment
B) Oral prednisolone 60 mg/m²/day, then an alternate-day taper
C) IV albumin and furosemide as first-line treatment
D) An ACE inhibitor alone and review in 3 months
Correct answer: B) Oral prednisolone 60 mg/m²/day, then an alternate-day taper
Oedema, heavy proteinuria and hypoalbuminaemia in a child aged 1 to 10 years with no haematuria, normal blood pressure, normal creatinine and normal complement is typical nephrotic syndrome, most likely minimal change disease. Treatment is oral prednisolone 60 mg/m²/day (maximum 60 mg) for about 4 weeks, then alternate-day dosing that is tapered; most children respond within 2 to 4 weeks. Biopsy is kept for atypical features (age under 1 or over 12, persistent haematuria, hypertension, low C3, renal impairment) or steroid resistance. IV albumin is for symptomatic hypovolaemia or severe oedema, not routine first-line treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years of experience does a pediatrician need for DHA?
It depends on the tier of your pediatrics qualification. Tier 1 and Tier 2 specialists need no experience after the qualification, and Tier 3 specialists need 3 years. Consultants need 2 years after a Tier 1 qualification or 5 years after a Tier 2 one.
Can I apply as a pediatric specialist with a DCH diploma?
Usually not. The PQR accepts a specialty qualification only after a full-time programme of at least 3 years, so a 2-year DCH generally falls short unless the PQR entry for your country lists it. Run the Sheryan self-assessment with your exact certificate; if you do not qualify as a specialist, you may qualify as a General Practitioner.
What is the passing score for the DHA Pediatrics exam?
DHA does not publish a percentage. The result appears in Sheryan as PASS or FAIL within 2 working days, and DHA does not share your score or a topic breakdown. Figures of 65 or 70% quoted online are not official.
How many times can I take the DHA Pediatrics exam?
You have 3 attempts in total, counted across DHA, DOH and MOHAP, with no waiting time between them. After a third fail DHA bars a new application for 2 years. Details are on DHA exam total attempts.
Is the DHA Pediatrics exam different from the DOH or MOHAP one?
The clinical content is similar, but each authority runs its own process. DOH runs its pediatrics CBT through Pearson VUE and MOHAP through Prometric. See DOH pediatric specialist requirements and MOHAP pediatric exam structure.
Your Comments
Readers have asked us these questions over time. Tap any question to open it and read our reply.
lalit sharma (Udaipur, India): DCH with 3 years experience, can I apply as specialist?
"i would like to work in UAE as pediatrician as specialist. My experience after MBBS in particular field is 3 years. i want to take exam for DHA. Kindly send me updated DHA Pediatric exam questions. "
lalit sharma
Medical Qualification: MBBS, POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA CHILD HEALTH
City, Country: Udaipur& INDIA
Rameez Azeez (Kerala): when will my DHA exam result come?
"I had recently attended my DHA exams. When will be my DHA exam results."
Rameez Azeez
Medical Qualification: BPHARM
City Country: Kerala
Anuja (Nepal): maxillofacial surgeon, am I eligible for the DHA exam?
"Hi i am a maxillofacial surgeon from nepal.i am intereted to work in UAE.am i eligible to give DHA EXAM?how do i proceed?pleae help."
Anuja
Medical Qualification: BDS ,MDS(ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY)
City Country: Nepal
Dr Kumar (India): is a pediatrician with 1.5 years experience eligible?
"I want to give dha exam ...my clinical experience is 3 years ...but my husband is pediatrician ...his clinical experience 1.5 years ...he is eligible for dha exam ? "
Dr Kumar
Medical Qualification: Ent surgeon
City Country: India
Farida (Islamabad, Pakistan): DHA past papers, syllabus and MCQ books
"Hi i want to appear in DHA exam ..can you send me previous DHA exam paper and syllabus plus which books to read ? And do we have any specific Mcqs book for DHA exam?"
Farida
Medical Qualification: MBBS
City Country: Pakistan /islamabad
Muhsina Parveen (Hyderabad, India): DHA exam schedule for occupational therapy
"I wanted to know the scheduleof DHA Exam for Occupational Therapy."
Muhsina Parveen
Medical Qualification: BOT
City Country: Hyderabad,India
Zunera sabiullah (Pakistan): psychologist with a Dubai job, how to apply, syllabus and fees
"I have 3 years experince in pakistan DHQ District head quarter now i am get a job in dubai.pleasa let me know about dha licence and how to apply for dha in pakistan and also tell me about syllabus and fee structure."
Zunera sabiullah
Medical Qualification: Master in psychology and clinical psychology diploma
City Country: Pakitan
Noraisa Amilil (Cotabato City, Philippines): 2-year midwifery diploma, am I eligible?
"Dear Sir/Maam, I just want to ask if Im eligible to apply and take Dha exam? I finish my 2 years course diploma in midwifery. And I have license in my country Philippines. How will I know if Im qualified/eligible for the exam. Please Sir/Maam I need some update on this query. Thank you. "
Noraisa Amilil
Medical Qualification: Diploma in Midwifery
City Country: Cotabato city,Philippines
Simranjeet kaur (Faridkot, India): experience required for nurses
"How many years of experience required for exam."
Simranjeet kaur
Medical Qualification: Post basic nursing
City Country: Faridkot and india
Edionwe osarugue francess (Benin City, Nigeria): where to sit the DHA exam in Nigeria
"I am interested in writing the DHA examination. How and where am I to take the examination here in Nigeria. "
Edionwe osarugue francess
Medical Qualification: BNSc Nursing
City Country: Benin City & Nigeria
Prepare for the DHA Pediatrics exam with Interface Qbank
Practise clinical scenario MCQs in the DHA specialist format. Heading for another emirate? We also have DOH Pediatrics and MOH UAE Pediatrics question banks.
Enroll in DHA Pediatrics Question Bank