Dubai Health Authority Free Practice

DHA Prometric exam: format, subjects and sample questions

Quick answer

The DHA exam (Dubai Health Authority Prometric CBT) is required to practise in Dubai: 150 single-best-answer MCQs in 3 hours, covering Internal Medicine (35–40%), Surgery (20–25%), Pediatrics (20–25%), and Obstetrics & Gynaecology (15–20%). Results are Pass/Fail in Sheryan; the officially published pass threshold for GP is 60%.

Complete guide to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Prometric exam: 150 MCQs, 3 hours for GP sittings, Sheryan registration, and four-option single-best-answer format. Book on Prometric DHA. For a full study plan, see the DHA exam preparation guide. Practice free DHA-style questions below.

150

MCQs per exam

3 hrs

GP exam duration

60%

GP pass threshold (official)

15,000+

Practice questions

What does DHA stand for?

DHA stands for Dubai Health Authority — the government body that regulates all healthcare services and professional licensing in the Emirate of Dubai, UAE. The DHA exam (also called the DHA Prometric exam, Dubai licensing exam, or Dubai medical exam) is the mandatory computer-based test every doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, and allied health professional must pass to legally practise in Dubai.

DHA is distinct from DOH (Department of Health, Abu Dhabi) and MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention, Northern Emirates). Your job-offer location determines which authority you apply to — DHA covers Dubai only. If you are applying in the capital instead, see our DOH Abu Dhabi exam guide.

Compare DHA vs MOH vs DOH →

What is the DHA Exam?

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam is a mandatory medical licensing examination for healthcare professionals seeking to practice in Dubai, UAE. Administered by Prometric at computer-based testing centres worldwide, the DHA exam evaluates clinical competency through case-based multiple-choice questions.

The exam consists of 150 single-best-answer MCQs to be completed in 3 hours for GP candidates, with an officially published 60% pass score, per the DHA CBT guideline (updated Sep 2026). Questions are clinically oriented, presenting real-world patient scenarios requiring diagnostic reasoning, management decisions, and knowledge of UAE healthcare guidelines.

Healthcare professionals eligible for the DHA exam include General Practitioners, Specialists, Nurses, Pharmacists, Allied Health professionals, and Dentists — each with a tailored question blueprint relevant to their specialty.

Passing the DHA exam is a significant career milestone — DHA-licensed specialist doctors in Dubai commonly earn around AED 30,000–50,000 per month (roughly INR 7.8–13.1 lakh/month), entirely tax-free, with benefits such as housing allowance, annual flights, and health insurance; consultant-track packages go higher. DHA-licensed nurses typically earn AED 8,000–15,000 per month. Full Dubai healthcare salary data →

DHA vs DOH vs MOH vs SMLE

Gulf medical licensing exams compared
AttributeDHA (Dubai)DOH (Abu Dhabi)MOH (N. Emirates)SMLE (Saudi)
RegulatorDHADOHMOHAPSCFHS
FormatPrometric CBTPearson VUE CBTPrometric CBTPrometric CBT
MCQs150Varies by title~150~200
Duration3 hrs60–180 min (official)3 hrs3 hrs
Pass threshold60% (GP, official)Varies by title~60–65%Scaled ~60–70%
DifficultyModerateModerateManageableMost demanding
Retake wait30–90 daysMax 3 fails per title (official)30–90 daysProgressive
Prep time (typical)10–12 wks10–12 wks8–12 wks12–16 wks

Column sources: DHA — DHA CBT Guideline (updated Sep 2026; GP pass threshold is officially published, other specialties range 45–70%); DOH — DOH Abu Dhabi examination circular, TAMM and Pearson VUE service pages (DOH CBT duration, question count and pass requirement depend on the requested professional title); MOH — MOHAP Evaluation of Health Professional service reference; SMLE — SCFHS SMLE candidate materials. Non-DHA pass thresholds, difficulty, and typical prep times are planning estimates — confirm live rules with each regulator before you book.

DHA Exam Structure & Subjects

Internal Medicine

35–40%

Cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology, nephrology, endocrinology, haematology, neurology.

Surgery

20–25%

General surgery, trauma, vascular, orthopaedics, post-operative management.

Pediatrics

20–25%

Neonatology, child development, vaccination, paediatric emergencies, common childhood illnesses.

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

15–20%

Antenatal care, labour, high-risk pregnancy, gynaecological conditions, contraception.

DHA Exam Format At a Glance

Questions

150 MCQs (single best answer)

Duration

3 hours (GP; official DHA CBT guideline, updated Sep 2026)

Format

Computer-based (Prometric)

Pass Mark

60% (official, GP)

Negative Marking

None

Question Style

Clinical scenario-based

How much does the DHA exam cost?

Estimated candidate-paid DHA licensing costs for a General Practitioner total roughly AED 2,865–4,530 (about USD 780–1,233). This includes:

ComponentAED
Sheryan credentialing (AED 200 published by DHA, plus a checkout fee)200–500
DataFlow PSV verification1,235–2,000
Prometric exam booking (GP)~1,030
Sheryan license issuance200–500
Medical fitness (in UAE)200–500
Estimated candidate-paid total (GP)AED 2,865–4,530

The separate physician license activation fee (AED 3,000–7,500) is usually paid by the hiring facility. DataFlow PSV, license issuance and medical fitness are candidate-reported estimates, not a DHA fee schedule. Specialist categories may have higher evaluation and exam fees. Confirm live amounts on the DHA Sheryan portal before payment.

Full fee breakdown →

DHA exam dates 2026 — when can you take it?

The DHA Prometric exam does not have fixed exam dates. Unlike national exams with set sitting windows, DHA exam slots are available year-round at Prometric testing centres worldwide. You choose your own date and time based on slot availability.

Practical scheduling notes:

  • Slots are typically available 2–4 weeks from the booking date. Popular centres (Dubai, Mumbai, Karachi, Manila) fill faster — book 3–4 weeks ahead during peak seasons (January–March, September–October).
  • You can sit the exam in your home country — you do not need to be in Dubai. Prometric operates centres in 160+ countries.
  • Before booking, ensure your Sheryan profile shows active exam authorisation. Booking without authorisation wastes the exam fee.

Book your DHA Prometric slot →Full DHA registration guide →

Who can take the DHA exam?

All healthcare professionals need DHA licensing to work in Dubai. Summary of eligibility requirements by profession:

ProfessionQualification neededExperience
General PractitionerMBBS / MD from a recognised university2+ years post-qualification
Specialist doctorMBBS + recognised specialty qualification2+ years post-specialty
Registered nurseBSc Nursing (4-year programme)2+ years clinical experience
PharmacistB.Pharm / Pharm.D2+ years practice
DentistBDS / DMD from a recognised university2+ years post-qualification
Allied healthRelevant degree (physiotherapy, lab tech, radiology, etc.)2+ years in specialty

All applicants must also complete DataFlow Primary Source Verification (PSV) before exam authorisation is granted. To register: create a Sheryan profile → submit documents → complete DataFlow PSV → receive exam authorisation → book your Prometric slot. The full process typically takes 4–9 months.

Full eligibility details by profession →DataFlow guide →Step-by-step registration →

DHA Practice MCQs

Full bank

These questions are derived from real DHA exam past papers and follow the exact Prometric format. Try answering each question before revealing the explanation.

Practice MCQs
Internal Medicine

A 58-year-old male presents with progressive exertional dyspnea and bilateral ankle edema. Examination reveals elevated JVP, S3 gallop, and bibasal crepitations. ECG shows left bundle branch block. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?

Where the DHA study plan lives

This hub covers DHA exam format, subjects, and sample questions only. First-attempt candidates typically follow a 10–12 week MCQ plan with timed 150-question mocks in the final fortnight — that study plan, daily targets, and high-yield topics are on the dedicated preparation guide.

Open the DHA exam preparation guide

Other Gulf Medical Licensing Exams

DHA Exam FAQs

Common questions about DHA exam format, subjects, and scoring.

What is the DHA exam format in 2026?

The DHA (Dubai Health Authority) Prometric exam consists of 150 single-best-answer MCQs delivered via computer-based testing at Prometric centres. For GP candidates, the session is timed at 3 hours per the official DHA CBT guideline (updated Sep 2026). There is no negative marking. Questions follow a clinical scenario format covering Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

What is the passing score for the DHA exam?

DHA publishes the required pass score per specialty in its official CBT guideline. For GP (code GEN5331), the pass score is exactly 60%. Individual candidates are not shown their own numeric score in Sheryan — only Pass/Fail. To be safe, aim for 70%+ accuracy in practice.

What does DHA stand for?

DHA stands for Dubai Health Authority — the government body that regulates healthcare services and professional licensing in the Emirate of Dubai, UAE.

What is the DHA exam full form?

DHA stands for Dubai Health Authority. The DHA exam is the official name for the mandatory Prometric computer-based licensing test that all healthcare professionals must pass to practise in Dubai, UAE. It is also referred to as the DHA Prometric exam, Dubai medical licensing exam, or DHA CBT.

How much does the DHA exam cost?

Estimated candidate-paid DHA licensing costs for a General Practitioner total roughly AED 2,865–4,530 (about USD 780–1,233). This covers the Sheryan credentialing fee (AED 200 published by DHA, plus a fee added at checkout), DataFlow PSV (AED 1,235–2,000), the Prometric exam booking (~AED 1,030), Sheryan license issuance, and medical fitness in the UAE. The separate physician license activation fee (AED 3,000–7,500) is usually paid by the hiring facility. See the DHA exam fees page for the full breakdown.

When is the DHA exam 2026 — what are the dates?

The DHA Prometric exam has no fixed dates. Slots are available year-round at Prometric testing centres worldwide, and you choose your own date and time based on availability. Slots are typically bookable 2–4 weeks ahead; book 3–4 weeks in advance for popular centres during peak seasons (January–March, September–October).

Can I take the DHA exam from India or Pakistan?

Yes. The DHA Prometric exam is available at Prometric centres worldwide, including multiple centres in India (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata) and Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad). You do not need to travel to Dubai to sit the exam. Final license activation, however, requires physical presence in Dubai with employer sponsorship.

Which subjects are covered in the DHA exam?

The DHA exam for General Practitioners covers four core subjects: Internal Medicine (35–40%), Surgery (20–25%), Pediatrics (20–25%), and Obstetrics & Gynaecology (15–20%). The exact blueprint may vary by professional category (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, etc.).

How many times can I attempt the DHA exam?

Candidates who do not pass may retake the DHA exam. There is typically a mandatory waiting period between attempts (usually 30–90 days). You must reapply through the DHA Connect portal. There is no published limit on the number of attempts, though repeated failures may require additional documentation.

Are GulfMedExams DHA practice questions from real past papers?

Yes. Questions are derived from reported past DHA exam sittings from 2024–2026. They follow the exact Prometric format: a clinical stem, a clear question, and four single-best-answer options. All questions include detailed clinical explanations.

Where should I study for DHA exam preparation?

Use the dedicated DHA exam preparation guide for the 12-week study plan, daily MCQ targets, and high-yield topics. This DHA exam page covers format, subjects, and sample questions only.

DHA Surgery Hub

Exam pattern, eligibility, DataFlow, licensing, jobs, and MCQ practice for DHA Surgery in Dubai.

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DHA Dubai licensing in context

The Dubai Health Authority regulates healthcare professionals in the Emirate of Dubai — distinct from DOH (Abu Dhabi) and MOHAP (Northern Emirates). Your job offer location determines which regulator applies; switching emirates later usually requires a new profile and may require another assessment.

Sheryan is the unified portal for eligibility, verification status, exam authorization, and license lifecycle events. Bookmark official DHA communication channels rather than relying on third-party WhatsApp groups for policy updates.

  • •Dubai facility activation requires employer sponsorship
  • •DataFlow PSV is the standard primary-source verification route
  • •Prometric delivers the computer-based assessment for most medical titles
  • •Pass/Fail results update in Sheryan — not numeric score reports for most categories

Pair administrative milestones with MCQ volume

Doctors who treat verification as a months-long project while maintaining daily timed practice rarely arrive at Prometric under-prepared. Use GulfMedExams DHA MCQs once your Sheryan profile is active so administrative delays still advance clinical readiness.

What to expect on DHA exam day in Dubai

Check-in includes ID verification, photograph, and locker storage for phones and bags. The proctor assigns a workstation; technical issues are logged immediately — raise your hand rather than guessing silently if the screen freezes.

Breaks are not standard mid-session for the full MCQ block; eat lightly beforehand and hydrate. Many candidates report fatigue after question 100 — build stamina with full-length mocks rather than stopping at 75-question halves.

DHA GP exam — clinical decision patterns to rehearse

Medicine items often test the next investigation versus immediate treatment — read the final question line before scanning options. Surgery items reward primary survey order and operative candidacy thresholds. Paediatrics favours dehydration plans, meningitis red flags, and immunisation catch-up rules.

Obstetrics stems frequently combine hypertension, proteinuria, and neurological symptoms — know when to escalate to delivery versus expectant management. Ethics items may look like clinical questions but reward informed consent, capacity assessment, and duty-of-care language.

  • •Practice 40 medicine, 25 surgery, 25 paediatrics, 20 OBG timed sets
  • •Review Dubai-relevant infectious disease and travel medicine topics
  • •Include medical fitness and occupational health basics in revision

Closing gaps before you book Prometric

Run a final gap audit: can you explain why each distractor in your last mock was wrong? If you only remember the correct letter, you are not exam-ready. Re-open explanations for every missed item from your last three mixed sessions.

Confirm administrative gates in Sheryan the same week you book — expired DataFlow status or inactive home registration can void a paid Prometric seat even when clinical prep is strong.

Pack logistics early: passport, confirmation printout, approved centre directions, and a realistic sleep plan for the two nights before testing. Dubai traffic can turn a 20-minute commute into an hour during peak hours.

On exam week, avoid new question banks or unfamiliar video courses. Consolidate your error notebook and run one final mixed mock two days before — not the night before, when fatigue skews results.

  • •Three mixed mocks ≥70% in the final 14 days
  • •Error notebook reviewed cover-to-cover once
  • •Sheryan profile green for verification and exam authorization
  • •Employer HR aware of tentative result timeline

DHA regulatory reference — Dubai emirate specifics

The Dubai Health Authority regulates independent healthcare practice within the Emirate of Dubai. It is separate from the Department of Health (DOH) in Abu Dhabi and from MOHAP licensing for Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. Your offer letter emirate determines which regulator you pursue first — switching later requires a new application even when exams look similar.

Sheryan (often called DHA Connect) hosts eligibility questionnaires, primary-source verification status, exam authorizations, and license lifecycle events. Keep the email tied to your profile active; password resets during verification windows delay query responses.

Dubai facilities activate licenses after you pass assessment, complete medical fitness at approved centres, and satisfy malpractice insurance rules tied to your employer. Locum contracts and visit arrangements do not replace full DHA licensure for unsupervised clinical duties.

  • •Scope: Dubai emirate facilities under DHA oversight
  • •Assessment: Prometric CBT for most physician categories
  • •Verification: DataFlow PSV is the standard document route
  • •Results: Pass/Fail recorded in Sheryan for many titles
  • •Sponsorship: employer-linked activation after Pass
  • •Renewal: CME credits logged before license expiry
  • •Language: patient-facing Arabic helps clinically but exam language is English
  • •Reciprocity: other UAE licenses may require reassessment when transferring

DHA Prometric exam — parameters to plan mocks around

GP physician categories sit for 150 single-best-answer MCQs in a 3-hour computer-based session, with an officially published pass score of 60%, per the DHA CBT guideline (updated Sep 2026). Individual candidates are not shown their own numeric score — only Pass/Fail in Sheryan. There is no penalty for wrong answers — unanswered items at timeout count as incorrect.

Prometric centres enforce biometric check-in and provide a whiteboard or note sheet depending on location. Flag-and-review lets you revisit marked questions within the same session if time remains; practice this workflow in timed mocks so it feels automatic on exam day.

  • •Book only when Sheryan shows active exam authorization
  • •Bring passport matching Sheryan profile exactly
  • •Arrive 30 minutes before appointment start
  • •Expect clinical stems across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, and OBG for GP
  • •Plan two travel days if testing outside Dubai

Study volume benchmarks reported by DHA candidates

Candidates who pass on the first or second attempt commonly report 3,000–6,000 MCQs completed with explanation review, not merely answered. Volume without review plateaus around 55–60% mock accuracy; logging why distractors fooled you adds the last 10–15 points needed for comfortable Pass margins.

Working doctors often schedule 40–60 MCQs on weekdays and one 100–150 question mock on weekends for 10–12 weeks. Full-time study can double weekday volume — adjust using mock trends, not guilt.

In the final week, reduce new topic introduction. Sleep regularisation matters: Prometric sessions start at fixed appointment times regardless of your night-shift recovery from hospital duties.

  • •Target 70%+ on three consecutive mixed mocks before booking
  • •Re-do missed questions after 48–72 hours
  • •Keep a one-page error sheet updated after every session
  • •Simulate full 150-question length at least four times

Official source reminder

Figures and policies change. Confirm your profession category, fee schedule, and document list in Sheryan (DHA Connect) before paying verification or exam fees.

Reviewed by Dr. Mohsin Ali Baloch · FCPS Gastroenterologist · SCFHS Senior Registrar
Last updated
Aligned with Dubai Health Authority pathways

This guide is written for doctors preparing for DHA licensing in Dubai, UAE. Requirements change — always confirm fees, deadlines, and eligibility on official authority portals before booking your exam slot.

DHA — practical notes for doctors

This page supports one part of your Dubai, UAE licensing journey. Combine it with official Dubai Health Authority communication, your employer HR checklist, and consistent MCQ practice before the Prometric sitting.

What to verify on official channels

Before acting on any third-party guide (including this one), confirm your profession category, document list, and fee schedule directly with Dubai Health Authority. Policies in Dubai, UAE are updated without always being reflected in older blog posts.

If your profile involves gaps in practice, multiple registrations, or credentials from several countries, expect additional review steps — generic checklists may not cover your case.

Next step — exam practice

Turn licensing research into exam-ready performance

Reading guides alone rarely converts to exam performance. After you confirm Dubai Health Authority requirements, use GulfMedExams to drill exam-style MCQs with explanations, track weak systems, and revisit high-yield topics before booking your slot.

More practice resources

Requirements, fees, and timelines change. This page is educational — always confirm your category-specific rules on official authority portals before paying verification or exam fees.