Skip to content
Dubai has a highly regulated healthcare system with clear policies and strict licensing rules, helping patients to get treated by skilled professionals who provide safe and accurate checkups. Similarly, it has a strong regulatory framework to maintain high-quality diagnostic testing and uphold patient safety, such as requiring a DHA license for lab technicians after passing the DHA Lab Technician Exam.
To be eligible for the DHA lab technician exam, you must hold a relevant degree or diploma, a home-country lab license, a passport, a good-standing certificate, and an approved Primary Source Verification (PSV) report. Once you are eligible, the actual process for test registration gets started, where you have to create a DHA Sheryan portal account, complete PSV, receive an Eligibility ID, book the exam, and pay the fee.
The exam is compulsory for everyone except those who apply to lab technicians with MOHAP/DOH licenses, GCC licenses, Tier 1 country licenses (e.g., USA, UK), UAE nationals, or qualifications from accredited UAE institutions. The exam lasts three hours with 150 multiple-choice questions. The passing marks depend on the professional role. For instance, registered lab technicians must score 50%, while assistant lab technicians need 45% to pass. The syllabus covers practical and safety skills, sample handling, infection prevention, and documentation.
Preparation includes reviewing the DHA syllabus, using standard references such as Clinical Laboratory Science and Basic and Clinical Laboratory Techniques, and practising Prometric-style mock tests with case-based questions to build confidence and readiness. Once you pass the exam, you have to get the license within one year; otherwise, it will expire, and you have to reappear.
This guide has covered the exam requirements, registration, fees, eligibility, exemptions, exam format, syllabus, preparation tips, and test-day instructions for DHA lab technicians. However, if you feel less confident with the process, feel free to contact our expert to get help for a trouble-free licensing and testing process, avoiding costly mistakes that save your time and money.
What is the DHA Exam for Lab Technicians?
The DHA Exam for Lab Technicians is a compulsory computer-based test to obtain a lab technician license. It ensures a professional has clinical and theoretical competence by assessing candidates’ knowledge in key areas such as haematology, microbiology, biochemistry, and immunology, ensuring safe and effective test and sample analysis. The test includes 150 multiple-choice questions.
Who Conducts the DHA Lab Technician Exam?
The Dubai Health Authority oversees the Lab Technician Exam, while Prometric handles the testing process. Prometric runs thousands of centres in many countries, which helps keep the system secure and smooth. You can pick a test centre and exam date that suits you, as long as seats are available.
What are the DHA Exam Requirements for Lab Technicians?
Requirements for Lab Technicians to qualify for the DHA exam include having a valid educational and professional credentials that meet DHA’s standards. Document verification is done through Primary Source Verification (PSV) before exam scheduling. The main Requirements are listed below:
- Degree or diploma in medical laboratory technology
- Home-country lab license
- Minimum 2 years of experience
- Passport and photo
- Good standing certificate
- PSV report
What is the DHA License Exam Fee for Lab Technicians?
The DHA License Exam Fee for Nurses is AED 882 (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.
| Category | Fee (AED) | Fee ( EUR) | Fee (INR) | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lab Technicians | 882 | 208.79 | 22,500 | 240 |
How to Apply for the DHA Exam for Lab Technicians?
To apply for the DHA Exam for Lab Technician, you need to create an account on the DHA Sheryan portal. After the account is active, you have to complete the Primary Source Verification (PSV) process, where DataFlow checks your education and work experience.
When this verification is completed, DHA issues an Eligibility ID. This ID allows you to move forward and book your exam through the Prometric portal, where you can view available test centres and choose a suitable date.
The final step is completing the exam fee payment, which is done either on the DHA portal or directly through Prometric during the booking process. The detailed process is explained below:
- Create an Account
- PSV
- Eligibility ID
- Booking the Exam
- Payment
Create an Account:
First, you have to create an account on the DHA Sheryan portal. Use your email and enter your basic personal details to get started.
PSV (Primary Source Verification):
After your account is ready, you begin the PSV process. This is where DataFlow checks your education and work experience to confirm everything is valid.
Eligibility ID:
Once your PSV is approved, you receive an Eligibility ID. You need this ID before you can move ahead with the exam.
Booking the Exam:
With the Eligibility ID in hand, you go to the Prometric portal. There, you choose your exam date and a test centre that works for you from the available options.
Payment:
After selecting your slot, you complete the payment. You can pay the exam fee either through the DHA portal or directly on the Prometric website during booking.
Which Lab Technicians Are Exempt from the DHA Exam?
Lab technicians are exempt from the DHA exam if they hold a valid MOHAP/DOH license, GCC licenses, a Tier 1 country license (e.g., USA, UK), are UAE nationals, or have qualifications from accredited UAE institutions as per the PQR and DHA Exam guidelines.
MOHAP/DOH Licensed Professionals
Lab technicians who hold a valid license from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) or the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) are exempt from the DHA exam. Their qualifications are recognised within the UAE’s healthcare system, meaning they don’t need to retake the exam.
GCC-Licensed Professionals
Lab technicians licensed in any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country, such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, are exempt from the DHA exam. The UAE acknowledges the professional standards set by these nations, and their licenses are accepted without additional testing.
Tier 1 Country Licenses
Lab technicians who hold licenses from Tier 1 countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, do not need to take the DHA exam. These countries have internationally recognised healthcare systems, and their licensed professionals are automatically exempt.
UAE Nationals
UAE nationals are fully exempt from the DHA exam. Emirati citizens can practice without the need for additional testing, as they are automatically eligible to work within the UAE healthcare system.
Other Exemptions
Lab technicians who have earned their qualifications from accredited UAE institutions may also be exempt from the DHA exam. Their education is recognised by the DHA, allowing them to bypass the exam.
Exam-Day and Test-Centre Instructions for Lab Technicians
First, select your exam on Prometric’s DHA page. Then, book your appointment online. Check for any centre closures. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—expired IDs will not be accepted.
Exam Room Rules:
- Only still or non-carbonated water in a clear, label-free container is allowed. The container will be inspected before entry.
- Other drinks are prohibited unless special accommodations have been approved.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early for ID verification, security screening, and locker assignment.
- Electronic devices, notes, and watches are not allowed inside the exam room.
How Long are DHA Exam Results for Lab Technicians Valid?
DHA Lab Technicians’ exam results remain valid for two years from the passing date. If you don’t apply for licensing or employment within this time, you have to retake the exam.
What is the DHA Lab Technician Exam Format?
The DHA Lab Technician Exam is a three-hour DHA exam with 150 questions. The passing score is 50 per cent for registered nurses and registered midwives, while assistant nurses and assistant midwives need 45% to pass.
| Category | Duration | Questions | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Lab Technician | 3 hours | 150 | 50% |
| Assistant Lab Technician | 3 hours | 150 | 45% |
What is the DHA Exam Syllabus for Lab Technicians?
The DHA lab technician syllabus checks essential knowledge and skills for safe laboratory practice. It covers core testing areas, safety rules, infection control, sample handling, and documentation to support accurate results and reliable daily lab work. The details topics covered in the syllabus are provided below:
Registered Lab Technician:
- Haematology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Lab safety
- Quality control
Assistant Lab Technician:
- Basic skills
- Sample handling
- Infection prevention
- Documentation
How to Prepare for the DHA Lab Technician Exam?
To prepare for the DHA’s Lab Technician Exam, you can start by reviewing the DHA syllabus for lab technicians to know exactly what to focus on. Use standard laboratory references, such as “Clinical Laboratory Science and Basic and Clinical Laboratory Techniques. Along with this, you can participate in Prometric-style mock tests with full 150-question sets to improve your timing. In short, regular practice with case-based scenarios will build your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared.
