Everything you need to know about getting licensed in Dubai.
Dubai has long been a dream destination for Filipino nurses—tax-free salaries, world-class facilities, and a thriving Filipino community. But first, you need to pass the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) licensing exam.
What is the DHA Exam?
The DHA exam is the licensing examination for healthcare professionals in Dubai.
- Valid only in Dubai emirate
- Different from HAAD/DOH (Abu Dhabi) and MOH (other emirates)
- Opens doors to premium Dubai healthcare facilities
DHA Exam Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Transcript of Records
- Diploma/certificate from nursing school
Licensure & Experience
- Valid PRC nursing license
- Minimum 2 years clinical experience
- Good standing certificate from PRC
Other Requirements
- IELTS Academic: Typically 6.0-6.5 overall
- Dataflow Verification: Mandatory (~$350)
DHA Exam Format
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Computer-Based Testing (Prometric) |
| Questions | 100 Multiple Choice |
| Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Pass Score | Approximately 60% |
| Results | 48-72 hours |
DHA Exam Content Areas
Medical-Surgical Nursing (~40%)
- Cardiovascular disorders (MI, CHF)
- Respiratory conditions (COPD, pneumonia)
- Neurological conditions (CVA, seizures)
- Endocrine and renal disorders
Fundamentals of Nursing (~20%)
- Vital signs and assessments
- Infection control and safety
- Basic nursing procedures
Pharmacology (~15%)
- Drug classifications
- High-alert medications
- Drug calculations
Maternal-Child Nursing (~15%)
- Antepartum and postpartum care
- Neonatal and pediatric care
Emergency & Critical Care (~10%)
- Emergency prioritization
- CPR and resuscitation
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Dataflow Verification (4-8 weeks) — Submit documents for verification (~$350)
- Create DHA Account — Register on Dubai Health Authority website
- Apply for Eligibility — Submit application and documents
- Schedule Exam — Book through Prometric centers (~$300)
- Take and Pass Exam — Results in 48-72 hours
- Apply for License — Pay license processing fee (~$250)
Fees Breakdown
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Dataflow Verification | $300-400 |
| DHA Eligibility Assessment | $100-150 |
| DHA Exam Fee | $250-350 |
| License Processing | $200-300 |
| Total Estimated | $900-1,200 |
DHA Exam Preparation Tips
1. Use NCLEX Resources
DHA format is similar to NCLEX—multiple choice, clinical judgment, prioritization.
2. Focus on High-Yield Topics
- Medical-Surgical Nursing (largest portion)
- Pharmacology (frequently tested)
- Emergency prioritization
3. Practice Prioritization
DHA loves “Which patient do you see first?” questions. Use ABC prioritization and Maslow’s hierarchy.
4. Time Management
100 questions ÷ 150 minutes = 1.5 minutes per question. Don’t spend too long on difficult items.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the DHA exam compared to NCLEX?
Most find DHA slightly easier—fewer questions (100 vs 70-145) and no adaptive format. Proper preparation is still essential.
How long is a DHA license valid?
The DHA license must be renewed annually with continuing education credits.
Can I transfer HAAD license to DHA?
Yes, after 2+ years in Abu Dhabi with HAAD/DOH license, you can often transfer through mutual recognition.
What happens if I fail?
You can retake after 45 days. No limit to attempts, but each requires paying the exam fee again.
Your Dubai Career Starts Here
The DHA license is your gateway to Dubai’s advanced healthcare sector. With proper preparation, you can successfully navigate the licensing journey.
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- Website: raygapuzreviewsystem.com
- Location: United Nations Avenue, Manila
- Programs: NLE Review, NCLEX Review, Gulf Exam Preparation