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The United Arab Emirates has a world-class healthcare system that requires both professionals and facilities to pass strict licensing standards, including CBT tests, oral examinations, and inspections. It holds the 27th position globally in the World Index of Healthcare Innovation in 2024, with performance metrics including Quality, Choice, Science & Technology, and Fiscal Sustainability.
To uphold this position MOH Exam for Pharmacists is one of the vital steps to maintain pharmaceutical standards and to provide quality service throughout the UAE by allowing only highly educated and qualified professionals to serve as per the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2024. Along with this law, the Emirates has established a new federal authority, the Drug Establishment (EDE), that sets safety and quality standards by overseeing licensing, product approvals (for medicines, devices, cosmetics, GMOs, etc.), and issuing permits (for imports/exports).
So, to practice as licensed pharmacists in the Emirates administered by the Ministry of Health, UAE (MOHAP), including Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah, this exam is a must in the pharmaceutical sector. However, to appear in the exam, you have to be eligible for the MOH exam first. The eligibility requires a degree in pharmacy, such as a BPharm, MPharm, or PharmD, and meeting specific educational and professional criteria.
Once you fulfil the eligibility criteria, the registration process for the exam is through the MOHAP Licensing Portal, where you create an account, complete the application form, upload required documents, pay the registration fee, and select a date and centre. The cost of the exam is approximately 477 AED, and it takes approximately 2 to 4 months from registration to appearance, depending on PSV verification and applicant date selection based on preparation.
You will receive an Evaluation Certificate, which you can use to apply for the MOH license after the authority confirms that you have crossed the passing threshold as required, which is a minimum of 60%. However, you have to reprepare and reappear in the exam if you aren’t able to achieve the passing percentage.
The exam itself isn’t that difficult as it covers topics related to pharmacy practice, including drug handling, professional conduct, and legal guidelines within the UAE. However, it requires proper preparation. If you do not prepare well, you may receive a fail status. This guide explains everything about the MOH pharmacists exam, including requirements, registration, fees, exam format, passing scores, and preparation strategies.
What is the MOH Exam for Pharmacists?
The MOH Exam for Pharmacists is a computer-based professional qualification test conducted by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, necessary to obtain a MOHAP medical license.
It measures the knowledge and competency of foreign-trained pharmacists both in clinical and theoretical sectors, ensuring safe and effective patient care in the UAE. The test includes 150 multiple-choice questions covering drug handling, professional conduct, and legal guidelines.
Why is the MOH exam required for pharmacy professionals?
The MOH Exam serves as a measuring tool to ensure that the pharmacists possess the necessary knowledge and professional skills and legal understanding to meet the UAE’s healthcare standards. It maintains the quality of pharmaceutical services, helping to safeguard public health by only allowing selective pharmacists who are well-equipped to handle medications and provide greater patient care.
Which Pharmacists are Exempted from the Ministry of Health Exam in the UAE?
Pharmacists who have a DHA or DOH license are expected to appear in the exam by the UAE Ministry of Education. Along with this, those who hold valid pharmacy licenses issued by specific countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia may be exempt, subject to approval by the UAE Ministry of Health. However, the certification must be issued within the last five years by the recognized Authorities of the country, which are provided below.
- Australia: Australian Pharmacy Board
- Canada: National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA)
- Ireland: Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland
- New Zealand: Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
- United Kingdom: General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- United States: National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Who Conducts the Medical Licensing Exam for Pharmacists in the UAE?
The MOH exam for pharmacists is organized by the UAE Ministry of Health. and delivered through the Prometric testing platform, a global testing network which is managing over 8,000 testing centers globally.
What is the MOH Exam Format for a Pharmacist?
The MOHAP exam follows a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format with 150 multiple-choice questions held in English. The exam lasts three hours, and results are provided as Pass or Fail only without any details. The passing score is 60%. The below provides the individual details about the MOH Exam Format for a Pharmacist.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Authority | MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE) |
| Exam Type | Computer-based test |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total MCQs | 150 questions |
| Answer Style | Single best answer |
| Marking Method | No negative marking |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 60% (approximate) |
| Exam Similarity | Similar to DHA Dubai and DOH Abu Dhabi exams |
| Purpose | Medical licensing assessment |
| Language | English |
| Result Type | Pass or Fail |
What is the MOH exam eligibility criteria for pharmacists?
The MOH exam eligibility criteria for pharmacists in the UAE include having a recognized bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm or PharmD), at least two years of relevant work experience in a hospital or retail setting, a valid license from your home country, a Good Standing Certificate, and a valid Primary Source Verification report. The key eligibility checks are provided below:
- B.Pharm or higher (M.Pharm, PharmD) from a recognized university
- Minimum of two years of professional experience in a hospital or retail pharmacy
- Valid license from your home country’s Pharmacy Council
- Good Standing Certificate from the licensing authority
- The work gap should not be more than two years
What are the requirements for the MOH exam for pharmacists?
The MOH exam requirements for pharmacists in the UAE include specific criteria that candidates must fulfill to be eligible for the exam. These requirements ensure that pharmacists are qualified to meet the healthcare standards in the UAE.
- A diploma or Degree from an accredited institution recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education.
- B.Pharm: Bachelor of Pharmacy
- M.Pharm: Master of Pharmacy
- PharmD: Doctor of Pharmacy
- Valid Pharmacy Council registration certificate from the country of graduation or the country of last employment.
- Professional work experience of at least two years in a hospital or retail pharmacy
- Corporate or sales experience is not considered
- Good Standing Certificate (GSC) issued within the last six (6) months from the date of issue.
- Proficiency in English or Arabic is required, depending on the exam language.
- A valid copy of a passport and a national ID
- All documentation must be submitted for approval by the UAE Ministry of Health (MOHAP) before the exam.
How to apply for the MOH exam for pharmacists in the UAE?
To apply for the MOH exam for pharmacists in the UAE, you have to start with the MOHAP portal, where you create an account, submit documents, and pay the application fee. Your records then go through DataFlow verification. After MOHAP reviews and approves them, you receive an eligibility status, schedule the exam on Prometric, appear for the test, get the result, and finally obtain the evaluation certificate to apply for license activation. The complete process consists of 9 steps, which are provided below.
Step 1: Create an Account on the MOHAP Portal
Step 2: Submit all the required Documents
Step 3: Pay the application Fees
Step 4: DataFlow Verification
Step 5: Eligibility Review by MOHAP
Step 6: Schedule your Exam
Step 7: Appear in the Exam
Step 8: Get Results as “PASS” or “FAIL”
Step 9: Get the Evaluation Certificate and apply for the License
What is the MOH Exam Fee for pharmacists?
The MOH Exam Fee for pharmacists is 130 USD, approximately 477 AED as per the MOHAP official portal, which is paid online through the Prometric system. It covers testing and administrative costs and may slightly vary depending on local currency conversion or applicable taxes.
However, the overall application cost ranges somewhere between AED 1,600–1,800, depending on PSV verification fees, document attestation, and the good-standing certificate. The table below shows an estimated cost for each step.
| Step | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exam Application fees | AED 200 |
| Primary Source Verification | AED 935 to AED 1235 |
| Other Documents Attestation | Variable based on the number |
How to check the Pharmacists Prometric Exam results?
To check the Pharmacists Prometric Exam results, you have to first log in to your Prometric portal using your registered username and password. After signing in, move to the Exam Application Dashboard to view your test details. Then, open the Exam Results section, where your status will appear as Pass, Fail, or Processing. The Step-by-Step process is provided below to check the results.
- Visit the Prometric website.
- Select your exam authority as MOH.
- Log in using your eligibility number and password.
- Open the score or result section to view your report.
- The results will be mentioned as “Pass” or “Fail.”
How Long are the MOH Exam Results for Pharmacists Valid?
The MOH Exam Results for Pharmacists are Valid for five years (5 yrs) from the date of issuance. After this period, you have to renew the MOH Evaluation Certificate to apply for an MOH license as per their guidelines.
What is the MOH Exam Syllabus for Pharmacists?
The MOH exam syllabus for pharmacists is designed to measure the knowledge and skills needed for safe professional practice in the UAE healthcare system. It varies by practice area and covers pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, patient care, toxicology, pharmacy law, ethics, and management. The table below shows a complete overview of the syllabus for the exam.
| Section | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical Sciences | Pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug actions, side effects |
| Pharmaceutics | Dosage forms, drug delivery systems, compounding, and pharmaceutical calculations |
| Medicinal Chemistry | Drug structure, activity relationships, chemical properties |
| Clinical Pharmacy | Disease management, pharmacotherapy, clinical guidelines |
| Patient Care | Medication therapy management, patient counseling |
| Community Pharmacy | OTC medicines, self-care, pharmacist responsibilities |
| Hospital Pharmacy | Pharmacy operations, inpatient medication safety |
| Pharmacokinetics & Biopharmaceutics | ADME principles and clinical application |
| Toxicology & Poison Management | Poison treatment, overdose emergency care |
| Pharmacy Law & Ethics | UAE pharmacy regulations, professional ethics |
| Public Health & Epidemiology | Role of pharmacists in public health |
| Drug Information | Evidence-based medicine, drug references |
| Special Populations | Pediatrics, geriatrics, pregnancy, and chronic disease care |
| Quality Assurance & Management | Inventory, staff management, and pharmacy operations |
How to Prepare for the MOH Pharmacists Exam in the UAE?
To prepare for the MOH Pharmacists Exam, start by reviewing the official MOH syllabus to understand key topics. Use trusted MOH study material based on UAE guidelines. Practice regularly with MOH mock tests in Prometric format to improve speed. Finally, enrolling in an MOH exam preparation course strengthens clinical understanding and boosts exam confidence.
Exam-Day and Test-Center Instructions for Pharmacists
Check the test center availability first, as it depends on exam type and date. Closed centers are announced by email or phone. And on exam day, always carry a valid government photo ID, as it is required to enter the examination hall. However, keep in mind to carry the documents that are active, as candidates with expired IDs or documents are not allowed to sit for the examinations.
How can Felix Happich help pharmacists in the MOH exam process?
We help pharmacists in the MOH exam process by providing complete guidance, document support, DataFlow assistance, and exam preparation advice. Our expert team will help you reduce errors and save time at every exam registration stage. Along with this you we also help you with what to do after passing the MOH exam by providing you with the complete licensing procedure.
