DHA exam eligibility criteria for nurses 2025

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for the DHA Exam for Nurses?

For every medical professional aspiring to create a prosperous career in Dubai, the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam is an important milestone.

It confirms that doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other healthcare personnel attain the desired international standards to provide safe and effective healthcare services.

Knowing about the DHA exam eligibility is the initial step prior to applying.

Regardless of whether you are a nurse, doctor, dentist, or pharmacist, fulfilling eligibility requirements is crucial in order to work in Dubai’s expanding healthcare industry.

What Is DHA Exam? – Overview and Who Needs It

The DHA exam is a professional licensing examination by the Dubai Health Authority.

It aims to test healthcare professionals on their skill, knowledge, and competence in delivering quality patient care.

Taking and passing this exam would enable candidates to secure the DHA license, which is required to practice in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers in Dubai.

how to apply for DHA license

Who needs it?

Nurses who intend to practice in hospitals, clinics, and community care centers.

General medicine doctors or doctors in other specialties.

Dentists who wish to practice dentistry in Dubai.

Pharmacists who wish to work in retail pharmacies or hospitals.

* Other healthcare practitioners like lab technicians, radiographers, physiotherapists, etc.

General Eligibility – Education, Experience, and License

Before moving on to profession-specific information, let’s first know about the general DHA exam eligibility criteria applicable to all candidates:

Educational Qualification – You need to have passed a recognized degree or diploma in your area of healthcare (e.g., BSc Nursing, MBBS, BDS, BPharm).

Professional Experience – Most candidates need a minimum of 2 years of professional experience after graduation. However, the requirements can vary with the profession.

Valid License – You should have an up-to-date license to practice in your home country or the host country.

Good Standing Certificate – A certificate issued by your licensure authority indicating that there are no disciplinary actions against you.

English Proficiency – For non-native English speakers, your English language proficiency (IELTS/OET) might be demanded.

Eligibility by Profession

Now let’s look at DHA exam eligibility for various healthcare professionals:

DHA Exam Eligibility for Nurses

* Should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing) or a Diploma in Nursing degree from a recognized university.

* At least 2 years of clinical experience after graduation.

* A valid nursing license from your home country.

* Certificate of good standing from the nursing council.

DHA Exam Eligibility for Doctors

* Should have an MBBS/MD degree from a recognized medical college.

* Internship completion certificate.

* Minimum of 2 years of post-internship clinical experience.

* Specialist doctors might require additional postgraduate degrees (MD/MS, Fellow

DHA Exam Eligibility for Dentists

* Should have a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) equivalent.

* Completion of internship (typically 1 year).

* At least 2 years of clinical practice following graduation.

* Shall be licensed in the home country as a practicing dentist.

DHA Exam Eligibility for Pharmacists

* Should have a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree.

* At least 2 years of relevant work experience.

* Home country valid pharmacy license.

* Clinical pharmacists may be required to have extra certifications or postgraduate training.

Age Limit – Any Restrictions

Most applicants inquire about the age eligibility for the DHA exam. The positive news is that there is no age restriction to sit for the DHA exam.

Nevertheless, certain healthcare employers in Dubai have a preference for candidates under the age of 55 years based on retirement rules.

Eligibility Check – Online Process and Documents

The DHA has an exclusive online portal named Sheryan, where you can verify your eligibility.

The DHA eligibility check is a process of uploading your academic certificates, experience, and license information.

These documents are required:

* Passport photocopy.

* Educational certificates (degree/diploma).

* Transcript of records.

* Experience certificates.

* Professional license and Good Standing Certificate.

* Passport-size photos.

* English language proficiency test report (if necessitated).

After verification, you will be assigned an eligibility number to proceed with the booking of the exam.

Fees & Application – Cost and Steps

When thinking about the DHA exam fees 2025, keep in mind that the fees depend on the profession and type of exam. On average:

Application Fee: Approximately AED 220 – AED 250.

Primary Source Verification (PSV): AED 935 – AED 1,235.

Exam Fee: AED 250 – AED 1,000 based on the profession.

Steps to apply:

Upload documents and undergo the DHA eligibility check

Pay the PSV and application fees.

Wait for approval of verification.

Book your exam with Prometric, the testing provider.

Pay the exam fee and attend the test.

Applicant Tips – Preparation and Traps

Careful planning is necessary to pass the DHA exam. Try these tips:

Study the syllabus pertaining to your profession.

Practice mock tests to get used to the exam pattern.

Don’t miss documents when checking for eligibility, as this delays the process.

Begin early with your application to give time for verification.

Keep yourself updatedwith DHA guidelines, since rules are subject to change.

Pay attention to questions on clinical practice as the exam is based on practical knowledge.

DHA Exam Tips for Success: How to Pass the DHA Exam on Your First Try

How to Prepare for DHA Exam While Working Full-Time

Conclusion

The DHA eligibility test is different based on whether you are a nurse, doctor, dentist, or a pharmacist, but the overall requirements are the same: recognized qualifications, professional experience, and valid license.

There are no rigorous age restrictions, and the online DHA eligibility test provides transparency to the process.

Once you learn about the eligibility and prepare well, healthcare professionals can easily clear the DHA exam and begin a fulfilling career in Dubai.