How To Apply for DHA Exam: DataFlow Process and Required Documents

The DHA exam is essential for healthcare professionals aiming to work in Dubai. Run by the Dubai Health Authority, it tests your skills and knowledge to ensure you meet the region’s high healthcare standards. Passing this exam opens doors to a rewarding career in Dubai’s fast-growing healthcare sector. Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare worker, knowing the exam’s format and content is key to your success. Learn how to apply for DHA exam, including registration, required documents, and exam scheduling, to take the first step towards a successful healthcare career in Dubai

What is the DHA Exam?

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) oversees Dubai’s healthcare system, ensuring that services meet international standards. It regulates healthcare professionals, hospitals, and clinics, manages licensing and permits, and leads public health initiatives to improve community wellness.

DHA Eligibility Criteria For DHA Exam

The DHA (Dubai Health Authority) examination is a prerequisite for healthcare professionals aspiring to practice in Dubai. To qualify, candidates must fulfill certain criteria related to their profession, education, experience, and qualifications. Below is a summary of the primary eligibility requirements for the DHA examination:

1. Educational Background: Candidates are required to possess an accredited degree or diploma in their respective medical disciplines (such as physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals). The degree must be recognized by the authorities in the UAE.
2. Work Experience: A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant professional experience is mandatory for healthcare practitioners, varying by profession. Recent graduates or those with limited experience may be subject to different eligibility standards.
3. Licensing and Registration: Candidates must have a valid license to practice in their home country or from another recognized authority. Additionally, they must provide evidence of registration from their respective licensing body.
4. Good Standing Certificate: A Good Standing Certificate from the appropriate medical authority in the candidate’s home country is required to verify that the individual maintains a clean professional record.
5. Credential Verification: All educational and professional documents must undergo verification through the Data Flow Group, a third-party service utilized by the DHA to authenticate credentials.
6. Continuing Medical Education (CME): In certain instances, candidates may need to present proof of ongoing medical education to illustrate their commitment to remaining informed about current medical practices.
7. Language Skills: While not always a strict requirement, proficiency in English (and occasionally Arabic) is beneficial for effective communication with patients and colleagues. Some positions may necessitate proof of language proficiency through assessments such as IELTS or TOEFL.
8. Assessment Criteria: Applicants are required to successfully complete the DHA examination pertinent to their field, which evaluates both clinical expertise and practical abilities.

The specific standards may differ depending on the profession, thus it is advisable to consult the DHA’s official website or guidelines to obtain the precise requirements for your position.

What Are the Documents Required to Apply For DHA Exam?

To apply for the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam, candidates need to submit various documents to verify their qualifications, experience, and eligibility. The required documents can vary based on the healthcare profession, but here’s a general list of the key documents typically required:

1. Passport: A clear copy of your valid passport.
2. Passport-size photograph: A recent passport-sized photo in line with DHA specifications.
3. Educational Certificates: Copies of your degree/diploma and transcripts for your relevant qualification(s). These documents need to be attested by the UAE embassy or consulate in your home country.
4. Experience Certificates: Proof of your work experience in the form of certificates from your employers. The DHA usually requires at least 2-3 years of experience, depending on the profession.
5. Professional License: A valid and active license to practice in your home country or any other country where you have worked.
6. Good Standing Certificate: This certificate is issued by the medical licensing authority where you previously worked, indicating that your license is in good standing and there have been no malpractice or misconduct issues.
7. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certificate: For many healthcare professionals, especially doctors and nurses, a valid Basic Life Support certification is required.
8. Continuing Medical Education (CME) Certificates (if applicable): Proof of participation in continuing education programs to demonstrate that you are up to date with medical knowledge and practices.
9. Data Flow Report: You need to submit your documents for Primary Source Verification (PSV) through the Data Flow Group, which checks the authenticity of your educational and professional credentials.
10. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV highlighting your educational background, work experience, and any additional training or certifications.
11. Proof of Professional Membership (if applicable): Some healthcare professionals, like specialist doctors, may need to show proof of membership in a recognized professional body.
12. Language Proficiency Test (if applicable): Some positions may require you to submit proof of your English proficiency through exams like IELTS or TOEFL.

After submitting these documents, you’ll need to wait for their verification and approval before you can schedule and take the DHA exam. All the above requirements are familiar other than the data flow report. Let’s go in detail.

What is The Data Flow Report? How Does The Data Flow Verification Process Done?

The DataFlow report is a document provided by the DataFlow Group, a third-party verification service that ensures the authenticity of credentials submitted by healthcare professionals applying for licensing in the UAE, including the DHA (Dubai Health Authority). The report verifies key documents such as educational qualifications, work experience, and professional licenses, ensuring that healthcare professionals meet the standards required by the regulatory body.

DataFlow Verification Process

1. Application Submission:

• You begin by registering on the DataFlow Group’s portal and submitting your credentials and documents (educational certificates, experience certificates, professional licenses, etc.).
• You will be required to pay a fee for the verification process, which varies depending on the number and type of documents being verified.

2. Primary Source Verification (PSV):

• The DataFlow Group performs Primary Source Verification (PSV), which means they directly contact the issuing authorities (such as universities, employers, or licensing bodies) to verify the authenticity of the submitted documents.
• This process ensures that the documents are genuine and have not been forged or altered.

3. Verification Stages:

• Document Verification: DataFlow checks your submitted documents against official records. This includes your degree, work experience certificates, professional licenses, and other relevant credentials.
• Communication with Institutions: DataFlow contacts the institutions where you earned your qualifications, previous employers, and licensing authorities to confirm that your credentials are legitimate.
• Data Cross-checking: The team cross-checks the information provided by the issuing bodies to ensure it matches the data you have submitted.

4. Report Generation:

• Following the completion of the verification process, DataFlow produces a comprehensive PSV report. This document details the findings and confirms the authenticity of your submitted documents, indicating whether they are genuine, modified, or unverifiable.

5. Submission to Regulatory Authorities:

• The DataFlow report is forwarded to the appropriate health authority (such as the DHA, HAAD, or MOH) relevant to your application, which utilizes it to inform licensing decisions.
• Additionally, you can retrieve this report through the DataFlow portal.

6. Outcome:

• Positive Verification: If all documents are successfully verified, the report will affirm that your credentials have been validated, allowing you to continue with the licensing process.
• Negative Verification: Should any discrepancies arise or if documents cannot be verified, this will be noted in the report, potentially leading to the rejection of your application by the health authority.

Key Points about the Dataflow Process:

• Time Frame: The verification process typically spans 30-45 days, although this duration may fluctuate based on the responsiveness of the involved institutions.
• Importance: The DataFlow report is vital as it ensures that healthcare professionals adhere to the necessary standards and aids in the prevention of fraud or the submission of counterfeit documents.
• Universality: This report is often applicable across various healthcare authorities in the UAE and the Gulf region, including DHA, HAAD (Abu Dhabi), and MOH (Ministry of Health, UAE).

The DataFlow report serves as a critical mechanism for safeguarding the integrity and credibility of healthcare professionals operating in Dubai and other regions of the UAE.

How to Apply For DHA Exam?

To apply for the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam and obtain a license to practice in Dubai, healthcare professionals must follow a series of steps. Here’s a simplified guide on how to apply for the DHA exam:

1. Self-Assessment on the Sheryan Portal

• Visit the Sheryan portal (DHA’s online licensing platform).
• Use the self-assessment tool to check if you meet the eligibility criteria for your specific healthcare profession.
• This step helps you understand if you qualify to apply for the DHA exam.

2. Create a Sheryan Account

• Sign up and create an account on the Sheryan Portal (https://www.dha.gov.ae/en/Pages/Sheryan.aspx).
• Fill in your basic details, including your personal information and professional background.

3. Document Submission

• Upload the required documents on the Sheryan Portal. These documents typically include:
  • Passport copy
  • Educational certificates
  • Experience certificates
  • Professional license
  • Good standing certificate
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate (for certain professions)
  • CV
  • Recent passport-sized photograph

4. Primary Source Verification (PSV) via DataFlow

• After submitting your documents, the DHA requires Primary Source Verification (PSV), which is handled by the DataFlow Group.
• Pay the applicable fees and wait for DataFlow to verify your credentials. This process typically takes 30-45 days.

5. Application Review

• Once your documents are verified by DataFlow, your application will be reviewed by the DHA.
• If approved, you will be eligible to take the DHA exam.

6. Scheduling the DHA Exam

• After receiving eligibility approval, you can schedule the exam through the Prometric website (DHA’s exam partner).
• Choose a suitable date and testing center (either in Dubai or one of the other authorized testing centers worldwide).
• Pay the DHA exam fee.

7. Take the DHA Exam

• On the scheduled date, attend the DHA exam. The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions relevant to your profession.
• Once you complete the exam, you will receive your results within a few days.

8. License Activation (Post Exam)

• If you pass the DHA exam, your next step is to apply for a DHA professional license.
• You will need to secure a job offer from a healthcare facility in Dubai, as your employer must sponsor your license activation.
• Once employed, submit the required documents to activate your license, and you will officially be allowed to practice in Dubai.

These steps provide a general overview, and the process may slightly vary depending on your specific profession and circumstances.

What Are The Topics Covered For DHA Exam?

The topics covered in the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam depend on the healthcare profession you’re applying for, as the exam is designed to test the knowledge and competencies required for each specific role. The exam typically focuses on clinical knowledge, practical skills, and the ability to make sound decisions in medical situations.

Here’s a general idea of the topics covered for some major healthcare professions:

1. Doctors (General Practitioners and Specialists)

• General Medicine: Anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and microbiology.
• Clinical Procedures: Diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management.
• Internal Medicine: Cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and renal systems.
• Surgery: Surgical techniques, post-operative care, and emergency management.
• Specialist Knowledge: For specialists, the exam will include questions specific to their field (e.g., cardiology, dermatology, pediatrics, etc.).

2. Nurses (General, Registered, and Specialized)

• Fundamentals of Nursing: Nursing processes, patient assessment, and basic care practices.
• Clinical Procedures: Infection control, medication administration, and wound care.
• Medical-Surgical Nursing: Care for patients with acute and chronic illnesses, post-operative care.
• Emergency Nursing: First aid, trauma management, and dealing with critical patients.
• Nursing Ethics: Legal and ethical principles in nursing practice.

3. Dentists

• Oral Anatomy and Physiology: Structure of teeth, gums, and supporting tissues.
• Dental Procedures: Restorative procedures, extractions, endodontics, prosthodontics, and orthodontics.
• Oral Pathology: Diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases and conditions.
• Dental Radiology: Use of imaging in dental diagnosis.
• Patient Management: Pain control, anesthesia, and infection prevention.

4. Pharmacists

• Pharmacology: Drug classifications, mechanisms of action, and drug interactions.
• Therapeutics: Treatment of common diseases using pharmaceuticals.
• Pharmaceutical Calculations: Dosage calculations, compounding, and preparation of medications.
• Pharmacy Law and Ethics: Regulations governing pharmacy practice in Dubai.
• Patient Counseling: Providing drug-related advice to patients.

5. Medical Technologists (Laboratory Technicians)

• Clinical Laboratory Practices: Handling and processing of biological specimens.
• Hematology: Blood analysis, interpretation of lab results.
• Microbiology: Testing for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
• Biochemistry: Metabolic tests, enzymatic activities, and hormonal assays.
• Laboratory Safety: Infection control, handling hazardous materials.

6. Physiotherapists

• Musculoskeletal System: Anatomy, injuries, and rehabilitation of bones and muscles.
• Neurological Rehabilitation: Treatments for stroke, brain injuries, and other neurological conditions.
• Pediatric and Geriatric Care: Special considerations for treating children and elderly patients.
• Physical Therapy Modalities: Use of electrotherapy, ultrasound, and manual therapy techniques.
• Exercise Prescription: Designing safe and effective exercise programs for patients.

7. Radiographers

• Radiology Fundamentals: X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound.
• Patient Safety: Radiation protection and safe handling of radiological equipment.
• Anatomy and Imaging: Identification of normal and abnormal anatomy through imaging.
• Radiographic Techniques: Positioning of patients and image acquisition techniques.

8. Dietitians

• Nutrition Science: Macronutrients, micronutrients, and their role in health.
• Clinical Nutrition: Dietary management of diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
• Public Health Nutrition: Nutritional recommendations for the general population.
• Food Safety: Principles of safe food handling and preparation.
• Patient Counseling: Advising patients on dietary changes to improve their health.

The specific content, number of questions, and format of the exam can vary by profession, but the goal of the DHA exam is to assess the candidate’s readiness to practice safely and effectively in Dubai. It’s advisable to review the exam syllabus provided by DHA or refer to the Prometric website for detailed topic breakdowns.

Passing Criteria For DHA

The criteria for passing the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) examination are contingent upon the specific healthcare profession for which one is applying, as each examination is designed to evaluate distinct knowledge and skills. Below is a general overview of the passing requirements:

1. Minimum Passing Score

• Generally, candidates are required to achieve a score of 60-70% or above to successfully pass the DHA examination. The precise percentage may differ based on the profession and the complexity of the particular exam.

2. Examination Format

• The examination is predominantly structured in a multiple-choice format, with the total number of questions varying between 100 and 150, depending on the healthcare profession.

3. Results from the Prometric Examination

• After completing the examination, candidates typically receive their results within a few days. The results will indicate whether the candidate has passed or failed, and in most instances, the score will be included.

4. Policy on Retakes

• Should a candidate not pass the DHA examination, they are permitted to retake it. However, there may be limitations on the number of retakes allowed, as well as a waiting period before the candidate can attempt the examination again.

It is advisable to consult the specific guidelines relevant to your profession on the DHA or Prometric website, as the passing criteria and examination format may vary slightly based on the healthcare category

How To Check DHA Result?

To verify your DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam results, please adhere to the following procedure:

1. Visit the Prometric Website

• Access the Prometric website (the official testing partner for DHA examinations) at [Prometric](https://www.prometric.com).
• Log into your account using the credentials you utilized to schedule your examination.

2. Access Exam Results

• Locate the “Results” section or a comparable tab within your account dashboard.
• Choose the pertinent exam to view your results, which will display your score along with your pass or fail status.

3. DHA Sheryan Portal

• Alternatively, you may check your exam results via the Sheryan portal (DHA’s licensing system) by logging into your account.
• Search for the section pertaining to your exam application or status, as results may be posted there once they become available.

4. Email Notification

• In certain instances, you may receive an email notification containing your exam results. Be sure to check your registered email for any messages from Prometric or DHA.

5. Contact DHA or Prometric

• Should you encounter difficulties accessing your results online, you may reach out to DHA or Prometric customer support for assistance.
• When making inquiries, please provide your identification details and exam information.

Typically, the results are accessible within a few days following the completion of the exam. It is advisable to keep your login credentials and other pertinent information readily available to facilitate smooth access to your results

DHA Exam And License Information

Here’s a comprehensive guide on DHA exam and licensing information for healthcare professionals seeking to practice in Dubai:

DHA Exam Overview

1. Purpose of the Exam:

• The DHA exam is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and competencies of healthcare professionals to ensure they meet the required standards to practice safely and effectively in Dubai.

2. Exam Types:

• The exam format and content vary depending on the healthcare profession (e.g., doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, etc.). It typically includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and may include practical scenarios or case studies.

3. Eligibility Criteria:

• Education: Relevant educational qualifications as per the profession.
• Experience: Relevant work experience, often with a specified number of years.
• Professional Credentials: Valid licenses or certifications from previous jurisdictions, if applicable.

4. Exam Registration:

• Register and apply through the Sheryan portal (DHA’s licensing system) and create an account.
• Submit required documents and pay the exam fee.
• Schedule the exam date through Prometric (DHA’s exam partner).

5. Exam Fees:

• Fees vary depending on the profession and the number of documents being verified. Check the latest fee structure on the Sheryan portal or Prometric website.

6. Exam Content:

• The exam covers various topics relevant to the specific profession, including clinical knowledge, practical skills, and decision-making.

Licensing Information

1. Application Process:

• Submit Application: After passing the exam, submit your application for licensing through the Sheryan portal.
• Documents Required: Include documents such as passport copy, educational certificates, work experience certificates, professional licenses, and a DataFlow report.

2. Primary Source Verification (PSV):

• Before applying for a license, ensure your credentials are verified by the DataFlow Group. This process involves verifying your educational qualifications and professional experience.

3. Professional License:

• Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from a healthcare facility in Dubai, as your employer will sponsor your license activation.
• License Issuance: Submit the required documents to the DHA to get your professional license. Your employer will usually handle the final steps for license issuance.

4. License Types:

• Professional License: For practicing your profession.
• Facility License: For healthcare facilities or clinics.

5. License Renewal:

• Validity: DHA licenses are typically valid for 1-2 years.
• Renewal Process: Renew your license through the Sheryan portal, and submit any updated documentation or continuing education certificates if required.

6. Continuing Education:

• Requirements: Healthcare professionals may need to complete continuing medical education (CME) or professional development courses to maintain their license.

7. Contact Information:

• For any queries or additional assistance, you can contact the DHA directly or visit their official website. Prometric also provides support for exam-related inquiries.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official DHA website or the Sheryan portal.

How to Find a Job Once I Pass the DHA Exam?

After passing the DHA exam, update your resume and ensure you have the DHA eligibility letter. Use job portals like Trikonet, NaukriGulf, and LinkedIn to search for healthcare jobs in Dubai. Also, explore the DHA career portal and apply directly to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities. Networking with healthcare professionals in Dubai and attending job fairs can also increase your chances of securing a position.

Frequently Asked Questions