HAAD Exam for Nurses: Step-by-Step Licensing Process
If you’re a nurse aspiring to work in the UAE, particularly in Abu Dhabi, the HAAD exam for nurses (now known as the DOH Abu Dhabi exam) is your key to professional practice. This licensing exam ensures that nurses meet the high healthcare standards set by the Department of Health (DOH) in Abu Dhabi. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll take you through the entire HAAD nursing license process—from qualifying to renewal—so that you can proceed on your nursing career in the UAE with confidence.
Overview of the HAAD Exam
The HAAD nurse exam is a crucial necessity for anyone seeking to practice in Abu Dhabi healthcare facilities. Administered by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH), the exam evaluates your clinical competence, knowledge, and preparedness to provide safe and effective patient care.
Formerly referred to as the HAAD (Health Authority of Abu Dhabi) exam, it has now been consolidated under the DOH system but still retains the same function—awarding healthcare professionals their HAAD nursing license to practice within the Emirate.
A successful pass is a crucial milestone towards employment in hospitals, clinics, and other health establishments in Abu Dhabi, and hence it’s one of the most prized certifications for nurses working abroad.
Eligibility and Document Checklist
To apply for the HAAD nursing license, there are certain eligibility criteria that need to be fulfilled. The criteria are designed to ensure that only experienced and qualified nurses are allowed to practice in Abu Dhabi’s sophisticated healthcare system.
Eligibility Criteria:
Document Checklist:
- Should have a Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Nursing from a known institution.
- Should have a valid nursing license from the home country.
- At least two years of clinical experience (in some instances, recent graduates with internship experience can apply).
- Must present proof of good standing from the current or previous nursing regulatory body.
- Must have no history of professional misconduct or criminal record.
Document Checklist:
When preparing your HAAD/DOH exam application, use the following documents:
- Passport copy and passport-size photos.
- Current resume (CV).
- Nursing qualification certificates (Bachelor’s/Diploma).
- Nursing school transcript of records.
- Current license and registration certificates to practice nursing.
- Experience certificates from previous institutions.
- Good Standing Certificate (issued not more than six months ago).
- English language proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL, if required).
- DataFlow verification report (for document authentication).
Pro Tip:
Scan all documents in high resolution and in PDF format before uploading them to the DOH portal to prevent application rejection or delays.
Registration Process and Fees
The HAAD exam registration procedure is fully online, which is handy for overseas applicants. A step-by-step guide follows below to assist you in registering smoothly:
Step 1: Create a DOH Account
Go to the official Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) website and register an account using the DataFlow or TAMM portal.
Step 2: DataFlow Verification
Provide your educational degrees, license, and experience documents for Primary Source Verification (PSV) via DataFlow. This is to ensure that your credentials are genuine and accepted.
Step 3: Eligibility Evaluation
After DataFlow verification, DOH checks your documents. When approved, you’ll receive an eligibility ID to enable you to schedule the HAAD exam.
Step 4: Book the Exam
You can book your DOH Abu Dhabi exam with Pearson VUE, the authorized testing provider. Pick a date, time, and location (you can even write it from some international centers).
Step 5: Pay the Exam Fees
The HAAD exam fee for nurses is generally between AED 260 to AED 350, depending on the test center and location. Payment is done online using a secure gateway.
Step 6: Attend the Exam
Show up at the test facility 30 minutes prior to the appointed time with a valid ID and confirmation email.
Exam Format and Duration
The HAAD nurse exam is a computerised examination aimed at assessing theoretical and clinical nursing knowledge.
Exam Details:
Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Number of Questions: 100–150 questions
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Mode: Computer-based through Pearson VUE
Content Areas:
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternity and Child Health Nursing
- Psychiatric Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
- Professional and Ethical Practice
Scoring System:
One mark for each correct response. No negative marking, attempt all questions.
Tip: Clinical scenarios and evidence-based nursing practices are emphasized, since most questions are case-based and not theoretical in nature.
Passing Score and Validity Period
In order to effectively acquire your HAAD nursing license, you must meet the minimum passing score established by the DOH.
- Passing Score: 60% and more
- Results: Out within 2–3 working days
- Validity: Eligibility and exam results are only valid for five years from the passing date.
After passing, you will receive an eligibility letter to use in applying for nursing jobs in Abu Dhabi. Upon employment, your employer will assist in activating your HAAD license formally.
Renewal and Re-Licensing Process
Your HAAD nursing license expires in one year and needs to be renewed every year. Renewal keeps nurses current in professional knowledge and continuing to meet DOH requirements.
Steps to Renew:
- Login to your DOH professional account.
- Renewal application with new credentials.
- Submit evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity or training hours.
- Pay the renewal fee (approximately AED 200–300).
- Your renewed license will be sent electronically.
If your license has been expired for over six months, you’ll have to reapply and retake the HAAD exam, subject to DOH rules.
Conclusion
Preparation for the HAAD exam for nurses may seem daunting, but with the proper strategy, you can pass confidently. Following are some tips that will help:
- Prepare in advance: Allow yourself at least 2–3 months of preparation time.
- Study key subjects: Concentrate on nursing principles and clinical practice.
- Practice with mock tests: Solve sample HAAD or DOH-type questions online.
- Study case-based situations: These tend to be included in the actual exam.
- Stay updated: Keep an eye on the DOH website for the most recent guidelines.
- Be confident: Keep in mind that the exam assesses your ability—not perfection.
Passing the DOH Abu Dhabi exam provides access to a fulfilling nursing career in one of the Middle East’s most sophisticated healthcare systems.
The Canadian nursing demand is very high because of:
* Increased care required by an aging population.
* Retirements by nurses causing gaps.
* Growing healthcare facilities in provinces.
Geriatric, mental health, and critical care nurses are in highest demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s utilized to examine and license nurses to work in Abu Dhabi legally within the Department of Health.
HAAD (DOH) is for Abu Dhabi, DHA for Dubai, and MOH for other Emirates within the UAE.
The minimum passing score is 60%.
Yes, the HAAD (DOH) exam can be taken online through authorized Pearson VUE centers worldwide.
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- canada
- CBT
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- GENERAL
- German
- Haad
- IELTS
- IQN NEW ZEALAND
- MOH
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