DHA Exam 2026: Eligibility, Fees, Steps & How to Apply

The DHA Dubai Exam is the licensing examination required to practice as a healthcare professional in the Emirate of Dubai. Administered by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) through Prometric testing centers, the exam evaluates clinical knowledge against Dubai's healthcare standards. International applicants must complete DataFlow Primary Source Verification, pass the Prometric exam, and register on the Sheryan licensing portal. NEAC manages this entire process on behalf of international applicants.

What Is the DHA Dubai?

The DHA Dubai Exam is a computer-based licensure test required for all internationally trained healthcare professionals — including nurses, physicians, pharmacists, dentists, and allied health practitioners — seeking to practice within Dubai Emirate. Administered by the Dubai Health Authority through Prometric, it assesses clinical competency specific to each profession. Passing the DHA exam is mandatory before a healthcare license (Sheryan) is issued.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

 

Documents Required

1.    Valid passport copy (6+ months validity)

2.    Attested educational degree/diploma

3.    Official academic transcripts

4.    Primary license from country of origin (with Good Standing Certificate)

5.    All experience certificates (employer-signed, covering full work history)

6.    DataFlow Primary Source Verification report

7.    Passport-sized photograph (white background)

8.    Updated CV (chronological, no gaps)

9.    CPD/CME certificates (if applicable for re-licensure)

 

How NEAC Processes Your Application Step by Step

1.    Eligibility Review: NEAC assesses your academic credentials, experience, and documentation against current DHA eligibility criteria to confirm your application pathway before any fees are paid.

2.    DataFlow PSV Management: NEAC submits your DataFlow application, monitors verification progress, and immediately addresses any institution-level discrepancies before they affect your DHA submission.

3.    Sheryan Portal Application: NEAC completes your official DHA Sheryan portal registration, uploads verified documents, and corresponds with DHA reviewers on your behalf.

4.    Prometric Exam Booking: Once DHA approves your application for examination, NEAC guides you in scheduling your exam at a Prometric center in your preferred country or city.

5.    License Activation: After passing, NEAC assists with the final DHA license activation and advises on employment verification requirements for your Dubai employer.

 

How Long Does the Application Take?

 

Application Cost

DHA Exam Pattern & Passing Score

The DHA licensing exam is a computer-based, multiple-choice test taken at a Prometric test center. Candidate guides commonly report up to 150 questions over about 3 hours, but the number of questions and the time allowed vary by profession and category. Check the exam details in your Sheryan account and on your Prometric confirmation before test day.

DHA does not publish one official passing score for every profession, and the pass marks quoted online differ from site to site. Treat those numbers as unofficial. A safe preparation target is 70% or higher on practice tests.

How to Book the DHA Exam at Prometric

1. Create your Sheryan profile and submit your application for evaluation.
2. Complete DataFlow primary source verification and wait for DHA to approve you to sit the exam.
3. Generate your exam eligibility on the DHA portal.
4. Open Prometric's scheduling system, choose a test center and date, and pay the exam fee.
5. Save your booking confirmation and bring valid ID that matches your application exactly.

DHA and Prometric apply a strict no-refund policy, including for name mismatches, and rescheduling is allowed only under the terms agreed between them. Check your name, profession and test center before you pay. Not sure which UAE regulator you need? Read our DHA vs DOH vs MOHAP license comparison.

DHA Exam Result & Next Steps

Your result is posted to your Sheryan account. Reported turnaround ranges from a few working days to a few weeks, so check the portal instead of waiting for an email. After you pass, your Dubai employer normally starts license activation and the license issuance fee is paid at that stage. If you do not pass, you can rebook, but DHA limits the number of attempts, so confirm the current retake rules in Sheryan first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DHA the same as HAAD or DOH?

No. DHA (Dubai Health Authority) licenses healthcare professionals for Dubai Emirate only. DOH (formerly HAAD) licenses for Abu Dhabi. MOH UAE covers the Northern Emirates. A license from one authority is not valid in another emirate without endorsement.

Can I work in Dubai with a DOH or MOH license?

No. To practice in Dubai, you must hold a valid DHA Sheryan license. A DOH or MOH UAE license does not authorize practice in Dubai. Endorsement from one authority to another requires a separate application.

What is Sheryan?

Sheryan is the Dubai Health Authority's online healthcare licensing portal. All DHA license applications are submitted and managed through this platform. All DHA applicants must create a Sheryan profile to begin the licensing process.

Does DHA accept nurses without a BSN degree?

DHA accepts nurses with a 3-year diploma equivalent to a BSN in some cases, assessed individually. Applicants with shorter diplomas often face rejection. NEAC evaluates your specific credential before submission to confirm eligibility.

What score is needed to pass the DHA Prometric exam?

The DHA does not publicly disclose the exact passing score. Generally, a score of 60–65% or higher is considered passing for most professional tracks. NEAC advises candidates to treat 70%+ as their preparation target.

How long is the DHA license valid?

The DHA healthcare license (Sheryan) is valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiry. Renewal requires proof of CPD hours and continued employment in Dubai. NEAC also assists with DHA license renewal.