Bullet summary
- DHA exam is mandatory for foreign doctors to practice in Dubai.
- Eligibility includes MBBS/MD, valid medical license, and required clinical experience.
- GP and specialist exams cover core clinical subjects and case-based questions.
- DHA exam difficulty is moderate to high but manageable with structured preparation.
- Trusted coaching platforms like Elite Expertise offer syllabus-based training and mock tests.
- Doctors must maintain CME hours and renew their DHA license regularly after passing.
Introduction:
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Exam is a mandatory licensure test for doctors who want to practice in Dubai. It ensures that international medical graduates meet UAE healthcare standards before joining hospitals, clinics, or specialty centers. This guide covers eligibility, syllabus, difficulty level, coaching options, and license maintenance to help doctors prepare confidently.
Who Can Apply for the DHA Exam?
The DHA exam is open to a wide range of medical practitioners, provided they meet educational and professional requirements. Doctors can apply if they fall into any of the following categories:
Eligibility Criteria for Doctors
- Must hold an MBBS/MD degree from a recognized medical school.
- For specialists, a postgraduate qualification such as MS/MD/DNB/PhD is required.
- Should have a minimum clinical experience of:
- General Practitioners: 2 years
- Specialists: 3–4 years (depending on specialty)
- Consultants: 8+ years with posttgraduate training
- Should provide a valid medical license / registration from their home country or last place of practice.
- Must complete DataFlow primary source verification (PSV) to verify education, experience, and registration.
If documents match DHA’s guidelines, candidates can proceed to the exam booking stage.
What Subjects Are Covered in the DHA Exam?
The DHA exam is specialty-based. While general practitioners face broad clinical questions, specialists receive domain-specific questions.
- Chronic Diseases
- Acute and / or Common Medical Problems
- Common Pediatric Problems
- Women Health
- Emergency Problems
- Common Surgical Problems
- Common Psychiatric Problems
- Common Eye and ENT Problems
- Common Derma Problems
- Basic Epidemiology and EBM Concepts
- Family Medicine Concepts
- Screening and Periodic Health Examination
Each specialty has its own blueprint. Common examples include:
- Specialist Internal Medicine: Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Infectious Diseases
- Ophthalmology: Cornea, Retina, Refraction, Optics, Neuro-ophthalmology
- General Surgery: Trauma, Vascular, GI Surgery, Oncology, Perioperative Care
- Orthopedics: Trauma, Joint Diseases, Sports Injuries, Pediatric Ortho
- Gynecology: High-risk pregnancy, Infertility, Uro-gynecology, Ultrasound basics
Exam Format
- Computer-based test (CBT) via Prometric
- Duration: 3 Hrs.
- No. of Questions: 150
- Code: GES5171
- Fee: USD280
- Pass Score: 60%
How Difficult Is the DHA Exam for Foreign Doctors?
The exam is moderate to challenging, depending on preparation and clinical background.
Why Doctors Find It Challenging
- Wide syllabus and unpredictable question depth
- Focus on clinical case scenarios, not memory-based questions
- Strict verification/documentation requirements
- High competition due to growing healthcare workforce in Dubai
Who Usually Performs Well?
- Doctors with recent clinical experience
- Those familiar with international guidelines (NICE, AHA, WHO)
- Candidates who take structured mock tests
- With consistent preparation, the exam is absolutely crackable for foreign doctors.
Where Can You Get Reliable DHA Coaching?
Finding the right training institute can make DHA preparation much easier.
Recommended Features in a Good DHA Training Program
- Up-to-date syllabus coverage
- Specialty-based course modules
- Large bank of mock tests & case-based questions
- DataFlow assistance and exam booking guidance
- Flexible online learning for working doctors
How to Maintain Your DHA License After Passing?
Once you pass the DHA exam and begin practicing, you must maintain your license through regular updates.
Post-Exam Requirements for Doctors
- Complete CME (Continuing Medical Education) credit hours every year
- Renew DHA license every 1–2 years
- Maintain good clinical standing with no misconduct
- Keep all medical documents and experience certificates updated
- Follow DHA’s guidelines for professional development & patient safety
- Failure to renew on time may result in penalties or suspension.
Conclusion
The DHA exam for doctors is your pathway to practicing medicine in one of the world’s fastest-growing healthcare hubs—Dubai. Understanding eligibility, syllabus, exam difficulty, and license maintenance helps you plan your journey smoothly. With proper coaching and guidance, doctors can clear the exam confidently and secure excellent career opportunities in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About DHA Exam
1. What is the total DHA exam cost?
Around AED 2,700 to 3,500 total.
2. What does the DHA fee include?
Exam, DataFlow, and license activation.
3. How much is the DHA exam fee?
About AED 882 (USD 240) only.
4. Is DataFlow verification mandatory before exam?
Yes, it’s compulsory for all applicants.
5. Are DHA exam fees refundable?
No, fees are non-refundable once paid.
6. Can international candidates pay online?
Yes, via Sheryan, Prometric, or DataFlow.
7. Are costs different by country?
Slightly, based on currency and processing.
8. What’s the DHA license activation cost?
Between AED 800 and 1,000.
9. Can I reschedule my DHA exam?
Yes, but extra charges may apply.
10. How to avoid reattempt or extra fees?
Prepare with Elite Expertise coaching.