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The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam is essential for nurses who want to practice in Dubai. It ensures that healthcare professionals meet the city’s high clinical standards and can provide safe, effective patient care. Every year, many international nurses take this exam to gain legal registration to work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities across Dubai.
The exam is computer-based and administered through Prometric, which operates thousands of testing centers worldwide. It typically includes 150 multiple-choice questions and lasts around three hours. Nurses must achieve the required passing score, which ranges from 45% to 50% depending on their category. This ensures that only candidates with sufficient knowledge and practical skills can obtain a DHA license.
Eligibility requires a nursing degree or diploma from a recognized institution, a valid home-country license, and usually at least two years of clinical experience. Candidates must also submit a “Good Standing” certificate and complete Primary Source Verification (PSV) to confirm the authenticity of their credentials. These steps verify both education and professional practice before the exam.
Exam fees are 240 USD (AED 882) (approximately 22,500 INR), covering registration, verification, and testing costs. The syllabus differs by role, with registered nurses focusing on adult and pediatric care, mental health, leadership, pharmacology, and ethics. Midwives and assistant nurses have syllabi tailored to maternal, neonatal, and basic patient care.
This guide explains everything about the DHA nursing exam, including requirements, registration, fees, exam format, passing scores, and preparation strategies for all nursing categories, including a Registered Nurse, Assistant Nurse, Registered Midwife, or Assistant Midwife.
What is the DHA Exam for Nurses?
The DHA Exam for Nurses is a computer-based test required to obtain a Dubai Health Authority license. It measures a nurse’s clinical and theoretical competence, ensuring safe and effective patient care. The test includes 150 multiple-choice questions covering key nursing areas such as medical-surgical care, pharmacology, and infection control. Passing this exam is essential to legally work in Dubai’s healthcare system.
Who Conducts the DHA Nursing Exam?
The exam is organized by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and delivered through Prometric, a global testing network. Prometric manages over 8,000 testing centers in 160 countries, ensuring security and consistency. Candidates can choose a convenient test location and date based on seat availability.
What are the DHA Exam Requirements for Nurses?
To qualify, nurses must hold valid educational and professional credentials that meet DHA’s standards. Document verification is done through Primary Source Verification (PSV) before exam scheduling.
Required documents:
- Nursing degree or diploma from an accredited institution
- Home country nursing license
- Minimum two years of clinical experience
- Valid passport and photograph
- Good standing certificate
- Primary Source Verification (PSV) report
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
- Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (minimum 3 years).
- Experience: At least 2 years of clinical experience after licensing.
- License: Valid registration or license from the home-country authority.
- Practice Level: Can practice independently.
2. Assistant Nurse
- Qualification: Nursing Diploma (2–3 years).
- Experience: Minimum 2 years of practice under supervision.
- License: Valid home-country license required.
- Practice Level: Must work under a Registered Nurse.
3. Registered Midwife
- Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Midwifery or Bachelor’s in Nursing plus a 12–18 month Midwifery Certificate.
- Experience: Minimum 2 years in maternity or obstetric care.
- License: Active midwifery or nursing license with midwifery endorsement.
- Practice Level: Can practice independently in maternity care.
4. Assistant Midwife
- Qualification: Diploma or Certificate in Midwifery (at least 18 months).
- Experience: 2 years of hands-on experience in delivery or postnatal care.
- License: Valid home-country midwifery or nursing license.
- Practice Level: Must work under the supervision of a Registered Midwife or Nurse.
The table below shows a quick overview of the requirements for nurses for dha exam in Dubai
| Category | Minimum Qualification | Experience | Practice Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing | 2 years | Independent |
| Assistant Nurse | Nursing Diploma | 2 years | Supervised |
| Registered Midwife | Bachelor’s in Midwifery / Nursing + Midwifery Certificate | 2 years | Independent |
| Assistant Midwife | Diploma or Certificate in Midwifery | 2 years | Supervised |
What is the DHA License Exam Fee for Nurses?
The DHA License Exam Fee for Nurses is USD 240 for all categories, including Registered Nurses, Assistant Nurses, Registered Midwives, and Assistant Midwives. The fee is paid online through the Prometric system after receiving DHA eligibility approval. It covers testing and administrative costs and may slightly vary depending on local currency conversion or applicable taxes.
| Nursing Category | Fee (AED) | Fee (INR) | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 882 | 22,500 | 240 |
| Assistant Nurse | 882 | 22,500 | 240 |
| Registered Midwife | 882 | 22,500 | 240 |
| Assistant Midwife | 882 | 22,500 | 240 |
How to apply for the DHA exam for nurses in Dubai?
The application for the DHA exam as a Nurse begins on the DHA Sheryan Portal, where you have to create an account, upload your documents, and complete Primary Source Verification (PSV). After DHA reviews and approves the application, an Eligibility ID is issued. This ID allows you to access the Prometric system, where you can choose your preferred test center, schedule an exam date, pay the fee, and confirm the booking.
- Create an account on the DHA Sheryan Portal.
- Submit documents for verification and PSV.
- Wait for DHA to issue your Eligibility ID.
- Visit Prometric.com/DHA to locate an exam center.
- Select your test date, pay the fee, and confirm booking.
Which Nurses are Exempt from the DHA License Exam?
Some nurses may qualify for exemption based on DHA’s Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR). These exemptions apply to professionals who already hold recognized licenses or practice in approved jurisdictions.
Exempt categories:
- Licensed by MOHAP or DOH (Abu Dhabi)
- GCC-licensed nurses with active registration
- Nurses from Tier 1 countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand)
- UAE nationals applying for first-time DHA registration
Exam-Day and Test-Center Instructions for Nurses
- You must select your specific exam first on Prometric’s DHA page before searching for a test center. Availability varies by exam and date.
- Most test centers do not schedule appointments directly. All bookings should be made through Prometric’s official website or contact center.
- If your center is closed due to weather or technical reasons, Prometric will notify you by email or phone within 48–72 hours to reschedule. You can also check the Test Center Closures page for updates.
- Only valid, government-issued photo IDs are accepted. Expired IDs are not allowed.
Exam-Room Policy:
- Only still or non-carbonated water is permitted.
- The water must be in a clear, label-free container, inspected before entry.
- No other drinks are allowed unless special accommodation is approved.
Arrive 30 minutes early for security checks, ID validation, and locker assignment. Electronic devices, notes, and watches are not permitted inside the exam room.
How Long are the DHA Exam Results for Nurses Valid?
The DHA Exam results for nurses remain valid for two years from the passing date. If you don’t apply for licensing or employment within this time, you must retake the exam.
What is the DHA Nursing Exam Format?
The DHA Nursing Exam follows a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format with 150 multiple-choice questions and a three-hour duration. Scores are reported as Pass or Fail only. No numerical marks are disclosed. The below provides the individual details about the format.
| Nursing Category | Duration | Questions | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 3 hours | 150 | 50% |
| Assistant Nurse | 3 hours | 150 | 45% |
| Registered Midwife | 3 hours | 150 | 50% |
| Assistant Midwife | 3 hours | 150 | 45% |
What is the DHA Exam Syllabus for Nurses?
The DHA exam syllabus for nurses is designed to assess the knowledge and skills required for safe and effective practice in Dubai’s healthcare system. It varies by role, covering specialized topics for registered nurses, assistant nurses, registered midwives, and assistant midwives. The syllabus includes clinical care, patient safety, ethics, infection control, pharmacology, and leadership principles. It ensures candidates are competent in both practical nursing and professional responsibilities, aligning with UAE healthcare standards.
Registered Nurse (RNT0312)
The DHA syllabus for the Registered Nurse (RNT0312) exam covers key areas essential for professional nursing practice. It includes Adult Medical–Surgical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Maternal & Child Health, and Mental Health Nursing. The detailed topics are provided below.
- Adult Medical–Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Maternal & Child Health
- Mental Health Nursing
- Community & Public Health
- Nursing Leadership & Management
- Pharmacology
- Infection Control
- Health Assessment
- Ethics & Legal Responsibilities
Assistant Nurse (ASN0322)
The DHA syllabus for the Assistant Nurse (ASN0322) exam focuses on essential nursing duties and patient care fundamentals. It covers Basic Nursing Skills, Vital Signs & Patient Care, Infection Prevention, Nutrition & Hydration, and Emergency & First Aid. The main topics are provided below.
- Basic Nursing Skills
- Vital Signs & Patient Care
- Infection Prevention
- Nutrition & Hydration
- Emergency & First Aid
- Documentation & Communication
- Patient Safety & Ethics
Registered Midwife (RMW0332)
The DHA syllabus for the Registered Midwife (RMW0332) exam focuses on core areas of maternal and newborn care. It includes Normal & Abnormal Labor, Antenatal & Postnatal Care, and Neonatal Resuscitation. The syllabus also covers Family planning and care practices. Below are the key sections you have to cover.
- Normal & Abnormal Labor
- Antenatal & Postnatal Care
- Neonatal Resuscitation
- Family Planning
- Obstetric Emergencies
- Ethics in Midwifery
Assistant Midwife (AMW0342)
The DHA syllabus for the Assistant Midwife (AMW0342) exam emphasizes practical maternal and newborn care. It includes Basic Maternal Care, Clean & Safe Delivery Practices, and Breastfeeding & Infant Care. Candidates also study Hygiene & Infection Control, Vital Signs & Observation, and Patient Comfort. Main topics include
- Basic Maternal Care
- Clean & Safe Delivery Practices
- Breastfeeding & Infant Care
- Hygiene & Infection Control
- Vital Signs & Observation
- Patient Comfort & Education
How to Prepare for the Nursing Exam in Dubai?
Review DHA’s official syllabus and study from standard references such as Brunner & Suddarth’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, Myles Textbook for Midwives, and Kozier & Erb’s Fundamentals of Nursing.
Take Prometric-style mock tests and practice 150-question sets to simulate timing. Join DHA-approved online review centers and focus on clinical reasoning and patient safety. Regular practice and deep understanding of case-based scenarios are key to success.
