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The DHA Nursing Exam is essential for nurses who want to practice in Dubai. The exam ensures that healthcare professionals meet the Dubai Health Authority’s standards and have sufficient knowledge and practical skills to provide safe and effective patient care.
The DHA exam for nurses is a computer-based test administered through Prometric, which operates 8,000+ testing centers worldwide. The DHA first passes applicants through an exam eligibility phase, which requires a nursing degree or diploma from a recognized institution, a valid home-country license, and usually at least two years of clinical experience.
Once your eligibility is confirmed, start with Sheryan portal registration and complete the PSV verification if it is still pending. Then, book your DHA exam as per your nursing category and appear for the exam on your selected date.
The exam includes 150 multiple-choice questions, and you have 3 hours to complete the exam. To pass the exam, nurses, both registered and assistant, need a minimum score of 50% or higher, while assistant midwives require 45% to pass the test.
The DHA Nurse Exam fees are $240 (AED 882) (approximately INR 22,500), covering registration, verification, and testing costs. The whole process, from the eligibility check to the exam result, normally takes about
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.
One thing to make sure of is that sometimes the Dubai Health Authority asks for an Oral Assessment alongside the CBT to assess the communication skills of the nursing professional. However, this is not compulsory for all nurses.
This guide covers everything about the DHA nursing exam, including requirements, registration, fees, exam format, passing scores, and preparation strategies for all nursing categories, including Registered Nurse, Assistant Nurse, Registered Midwife, or Assistant Midwife.
What is the DHA nursing exam?
The DHA Exam for Nurses (Nursing Prometric Exam) is a computer-based test required to obtain a Dubai Health Authority license. Without clearing this test, a nurse cannot obtain a DHA Nurse License unless exempted as per the DHA exemption criteria.
The DHA Nursing Assessment Test 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. One thing to make clear is that the DHA Nurse Exam applies only to nurses working in the Dubai health sector; Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates have their own regulators and their own tests.
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.
Who needs to take the DHA Nurse Exam (RN, AN, RM)?
All nurses, including Registered Nurses (RN), Assistant Nurses (AN), and Registered Midwives (RM), who want to get a DHA nursing license are required to take the DHA Nurse Exam unless exempted as per the criteria set by the Dubai Health Authority. Without exam clearance, nurses are not allowed to provide care services in the Emirate of Dubai.
The DHA nursing test is also required for those nurses who later complete a bachelor’s degree and want to upgrade their title from Assistant Nurse to Registered Nurse.
Which Nurses are Exempt from the DHA nursing exam?
The nurses who are exempted from the DHA nurse exam are listed below:
- UAE natives and children of Emirati Women are exempted
- Nursing professionals from the Tier 1 countries mentioned below are exempted if they have the provided qualification and the additional requirements mentioned in the table.
| Requirement | Detail |
| Country tier | Tier 1 (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, other listed European countries) |
| License/certificate | Valid license + good standing certificate |
| Recency | Qualification obtained within the last 2 years, OR no gap in clinical practice |
| Language proficiency (if non-English-speaking country) | IELTS 5.0, TOEFL 500, OET C, or Cambridge English 169 |
Is the DHA exam necessary for working as a nurse in Dubai?
Yes. Passing the DHA exam is usually required for working as a nurse in Dubai. The exam from the Dubai Health Authority checks clinical knowledge and patient care skills before a nurse can receive a professional license and work legally in Dubai.
What are the DHA Exam Requirements for Nurses?
The requirements for the DHA Nurse Exam include holding valid educational and professional credentials that meet DHA’s standards, providing the required experience, and having a valid nursing license from the home country. The main requirements include:
- Recognized Nursing Qualification
- Required Clinical Experience
- Valid Professional Nursing License
- Additional DHA Requirements
The details of each section are provided based on the specific nursing title.
Required Nursing Qualification
| Category | Requirement |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (minimum 3 years) |
| Assistant Nurse | Nursing Diploma (2–3 years) |
| Registered Midwife | Bachelor’s degree in Midwifery, or Bachelor’s in Nursing plus a 12–18 month Midwifery Certificate |
| Assistant Midwife | Diploma or Certificate in Midwifery (at least 18 months) |
Experience Requirements
| Category | Requirement |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | At least 2 years of clinical experience after licensing |
| Assistant Nurse | Minimum 2 years of practice under supervision |
| Registered Midwife | Minimum 2 years in maternity or obstetric care |
| Assistant Midwife | 2 years of hands-on experience in delivery or postnatal care |
Professional Nursing License Requirements
| Category | Requirement |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Valid registration or license from the home-country authority |
| Assistant Nurse | Valid home-country license required |
| Registered Midwife | Active midwifery or nursing license with midwifery endorsement |
| Assistant Midwife | Valid home-country midwifery or nursing license |
Additional Requirements
| Document | Requirement |
| Personal Documents | Valid passport and photograph |
| Professional Conduct | Good standing certificate |
| Documents Validity | Primary Source Verification (PSV) report |
The image below shows a quick overview of the requirements for nurses for the DHA exam in Dubai.
What is the DHA License Exam Fee for Nurses?
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 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.
- Appear in the DHA Nurse Exam
- Start DHA Nurse License Process
Step 1: Self-Assessment & Eligibility Check
This is the first step before you get into the detailed nursing exam registration process, where you verify that your nursing qualifications align with the DHA Professional Qualification Requirements. The assessment process includes.
- Go to the official online DHA Sheryan Portal or Felix Happich Consultancy
- Use the self-assessment tool built to check nurse eligibility for the specific title
- Enter your nursing qualification (e.g., BSc Nursing or Diploma), country of study, total years of continuous experience, and clinical specialty.
- The tool will tell you whether you are Eligible or Ineligible.
Step 2: Sheryan Portal Registration
Once you are eligible, you have to create a Sheryan account to establish an official digital identity with the Dubai government. To create an account, go to the Sheryan portal. Click on “Register.” Use your full legal name, an active email ID, and your active mobile number to create your DHA Sheryan login credentials. Submit the registration form, and you will receive initial automated portal clearance.
Step 3: Obtain Your DHA Unique ID
Your Unique ID is the master key for your entire licensing journey.
- Log in to your freshly approved Sheryan account dashboard.
- Copy the generated DHA Unique ID displayed on your profile.
- Save this number safely. You will need it to track your application, link your verification, and book your examination.
Step 4: Primary Source Verification (PSV) via DataFlow
Once the Unique ID is generated. Submit your documents for authenticity by conducting PSV verification through DataFlow. The authority will verify all your documents from the nursing institute from where you qualified. The verification cost is a mandatory fee of approximately AED 935, depending on the number of documents. The verification process takes roughly 15 to 30 working days. The process includes.
- Visit the DataFlow DHA Portal.
- Provide clear, scanned color copies of the following educational documents:
- Educational Degrees/Transcripts (BSc, Post RN, or Diploma)
- Professional License (from your home country’s nursing council)
- Experience Certificates (proving clinical employment history)
- Good Standing Certificate (GSC) (issued within the last 6 months by your nursing council)
- DHA Unique ID Copy
- Pay the required Fee
- Wait and get verified
Step 5: Generate Your Prometric Eligibility ID
Once DataFlow issues a “Positive” verification report, your Sheryan portal will be updated. The system provides a specific Prometric Eligibility ID/Token, which signals to the testing vendor that you are authorized to reserve an exam seat.
Step 6: Schedule the Prometric Exam
After you get the eligibility ID, go to the official website and select the scheduling assessment. Choose your preferred global testing center, available date, and time slot. Pay the computer-based testing fee (approximately $240 USD or AED 300–400). Once the fee is submitted, download and print your official Appointment Confirmation Letter.
Step 7: Appear for the DHA Nursing Exam
At your selected Prometric test center, arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time and bring your valid physical passport and printed Appointment Confirmation Letter for check-in. Stay calm and complete the exam, answering all 150 multiple-choice questions within 3 hours.
Step 8: Receive Your Results & Eligibility Letter
Once you attend the exam, the results are sent from Prometric to DHA and typically appear on your Sheryan portal within 2 to 5 working days. The result is issued as either Pass or Fail, without a raw percentage score, which remains valid for 5 years from the date of your exam.
If you pass, you can download your official DHA Eligibility Letter from the portal and start your licensing process. However, the eligibility letter only allows you to search for a job. You still need to apply for the DHA nurse license, which your employer will activate later.
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 and 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 five 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 following provides the individual details about the format.
| Nursing Category | Duration | Questions | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 3 hours | 150 | 50% |
| Assistant Nurse | 3 hours | 150 | 50% |
| Registered Midwife | 3 hours | 150 | 50% |
| Assistant Midwife | 3 hours | 150 | 45% |
DHA Nursing Exam Question Types
DHA Nursing Exam questions can be grouped into several common categories. Recognizing the question type helps you understand the kind of reasoning required.
| Question Type | What It Tests | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Knowledge | Basic nursing facts, values, definitions, and classifications | Normal lab ranges, drug classifications, medical terms |
| Scenario or Case Based | Clinical assessment, diagnosis, and decision making | Patient vignettes, assessment findings, next nursing action |
| Prioritization | Ability to identify the most urgent patient or action | Which patient to see first, priority intervention, ABCs |
| Medication Safety | Safe medication administration and calculation | Dosage, route, timing, drug interactions, medication rights |
| Infection Control | Infection prevention and control practices | Isolation precautions, PPE, sterile technique |
| Patient Education | Ability to provide correct patient and discharge instructions | Medication instructions, disease management, home care |
| Legal and Ethical Practice | Professional responsibilities and ethical nursing practice | Consent, confidentiality, documentation, scope of practice |
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. The references for preparing for the DHA Nurse exam, as specified by DHA, are provided below in the table.
| Nursing Category | References |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 1. Mosby’s Pharmacology in Nursing 2. Nutrition Essentials for Nursing Practice 3. ANA Code of Ethics 4. Kozier & Erb’s Fundamentals of Nursing: Concepts, Process and Practice 5. Skill Checklists for Taylor’s Clinical Nursing Skills: A Nursing Process Approach 6. Physical Examination and Health Assessment 7. Brunner & Suddarth’s Canadian Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 8. Foundations of Maternal-Newborn Nursing 9. Wong’s Nursing Care of Infants and Children 10. Introduction to Critical Care Nursing 11. Nursing Technician Blueprint 12. Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing 13. Community Health Nursing: Promoting and Protecting the Public’s Health |
| Assistant Nurse | 1. Mosby’s Pharmacology in Nursing 2. Nutrition Essentials for Nursing Practice 3. ANA Code of Ethics 4. Kozier & Erb’s Fundamentals of Nursing: Concepts, Process and Practice 5. Skill Checklists for Taylor’s Clinical Nursing Skills: A Nursing Process Approach 6. Physical Examination and Health Assessment 7. Brunner & Suddarth’s Canadian Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 8. Foundations of Maternal-Newborn Nursing 9. Wong’s Nursing Care of Infants and Children 10. Introduction to Critical Care Nursing 11. Nursing Technician Blueprint 12. Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing 13. Community Health Nursing: Promoting and Protecting the Public’s Health |
| Registered Midwife | 1. Fetal Heart Monitoring 2. AWHONN’s Perinatal Nursing 3. Master the NCLEX-PN: Maternal/Newborn Nursing 4. Mayes’ Midwifery: A Textbook for Midwives 5. Olds’ Maternal-Newborn Nursing and Women’s Health Across the Lifespan 6. NCLEX-RN Maternal-Neonatal Nursing Made Incredibly Easy! |
