DHA Exam for Nurses 2026 — Dubai Prometric Guide
The DHA nursing exam (Dubai Health Authority (DHA)) is the licensing test nurses must pass to work in UAE. It is delivered by Prometric with 150 multiple-choice questions and a 3-hour testing time. The pass mark is 50%. The exam fee is USD 240.
Your Complete Guide to Nursing Licensure in Dubai, UAE
Notes PDF, Q&A bank, mock tests & live coaching — pass on your first attempt.
DHA UAE exam at a glance (2026)
The DHA nursing licensing exam for UAE is a 150-question computer-based test lasting 180 minutes, delivered by Prometric for Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Candidates must score at least 50% to pass. DHA emphasises scenario-based prioritisation and UAE-specific professionalism rules (Sheryan, PDPL) more than any other GCC prometric exam.
- Regulator
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
- Testing vendor
- Prometric
- Total questions
- 150 multiple-choice questions covering Fundamentals of Nursing, Adult Health, Maternal & Child Nursing, and Unit Management & Leadership.
- Exam duration
- Three hours in total, inclusive of the on-screen registration and introduction.
- Passing score
- DHA publishes a 50% pass mark for the Registered Nurse CBT (exam code RNT0312). Results are released as pass or fail — the numeric score is not disclosed to the candidate.
- Exam fee
- USD 240 examination fee (published by DHA)
- Language
- English
- Re-attempt rules
- The re-attempt policy is not published by Dubai Health Authority (DHA) — confirm on the official portal before booking.
Source: Dubai Health Authority — CBT examination guideline (PDF, RNT0312) · Prometric candidate information · Verified 2026-08-23
How DHA compares with the other GCC nursing licensing exams
| Exam | Country | Questions | Duration | Pass mark | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNLE | Saudi Arabia | 200 | 240 min | 500 scaled (200–800) | Prometric |
| DHA | UAE | 150 | 180 min | 50% | Prometric |
| MOH Kuwait | Kuwait | 150 | 170 min | 60% | Prometric |
| NHRA | Bahrain | Not published | 150 min | 60% | Prometric |
| DOH | UAE | Not published | Not published | Not published | Pearson VUE |
| MOHAP | UAE | Not published | Not published | Not published | Prometric |
| QCHP | Qatar | 150 | 180 min | 50% | Prometric |
| OMSB | Oman | 100 | 150 min | Not published | Pearson VUE |
Only figures published by each regulator or its testing vendor are shown. Where a board does not publish a question count, duration or pass mark, we say so rather than estimate — always confirm on the authority's own portal before booking.
Reviewed by Phoenix RN Clinical Faculty, Registered Nurse Educators at Phoenix RN Coaching Center · Last reviewed 6 August 2026
DHA exam facts verified against the official source
Published by Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and delivered by Prometric. Last verified 2026-08-23.
| Regulator | Dubai Health Authority (DHA) |
|---|---|
| Testing vendor | Prometric |
| Total questions | 150 multiple-choice questions covering Fundamentals of Nursing, Adult Health, Maternal & Child Nursing, and Unit Management & Leadership. |
| Exam duration | Three hours in total, inclusive of the on-screen registration and introduction. |
| Passing score | DHA publishes a 50% pass mark for the Registered Nurse CBT (exam code RNT0312). Results are released as pass or fail — the numeric score is not disclosed to the candidate. |
| Exam fee | USD 240 examination fee (published by DHA) |
| Language | English |
| Re-attempt rules | The re-attempt policy is not published by Dubai Health Authority (DHA) — confirm on the official portal before booking. |
What DHA does not publish
- Number of permitted re-attempts and the waiting period between them
Other sites quote numbers for these. We do not — DHA has never published them, so any figure you see elsewhere is an estimate. Confirm the current details in your own application portal before booking.
Official licensing pathway
- Create a practitioner account on the DHA Sheryan portal
- Complete primary source verification (DataFlow) of your degree, licence and experience
- Submit the licensing application and pay the published fees
- Receive the DHA eligibility notification and Prometric authorisation to test
- Book the CBT with Prometric, sit the exam, then complete the DHA licence issuance step
Official eligibility requirements
- Recognised nursing qualification verified through primary source verification
- Valid nursing registration in the country of qualification
- Clinical experience as specified for the Registered Nurse title in the DHA professional requirements
Are You Ready for the DHA Exam?
Answer 5 quick questions to find out your readiness level
Have you completed your BSc Nursing or equivalent degree?
Do you have 2+ years of clinical nursing experience?
Have you studied pharmacology and drug calculations recently?
Are you familiar with the exam format and question types?
Have you taken any practice tests in the last 3 months?
Four Ways to Prepare for DHA
From 1-on-1 live coaching to a 10-day crash course — pick what fits your timeline and budget for the DHA Dubai Health Authority Exam.
DHA Instructor-Led Coaching
Live · 1-on-1 or Batches
- Live DHA classes taught by Phoenix RN
- 1-on-1 doubt-clearing sessions
- Full DHA curriculum
- Weak-area diagnosis & personal plan
- WhatsApp support throughout course
Best if you want structure, accountability and live help
DHA Guided Self-Study Plan
App-guided · Self-paced
- 4-week DHA roadmap in the app
- 270+ DHA video lessons — one per subtopic
- 6,000+ DHA notes & 6,000+ Study Notes & Q&A
- Unlimited DHA mock tests with analytics
- study assistant for any topic
- Learn on your own time, anywhere
Best for self-motivated UAE nurses on a tight budget
DHA 10-Day Crash Course
Fast-track · Exam in 2 weeks
- Day-by-day DHA high-yield revision
- High-yield video lessons for every topic
- Unlimited DHA mock tests with analytics
- Built from real DHA exam-question research
- weakness booster after each mock
- DHA exam-day strategy & checklist
Best when your DHA exam is just 2 weeks away
DHA Study Notes
Premium PDF Notes
- 6,000+ pages of organised DHA notes
- Downloadable PDF library
- Built for the DHA Dubai Health Authority Exam
- Updated for 2026
- Instant access, no subscription
Q&A bank & mock tests included in the 4-Week Plan
Free DHA resources
Start studying today — free DHA notes, practice questions, a timed mock test and a one-page cheat sheet. No payment required.
DHA Exam Overview
Everything you need to know about the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) nursing licensure exam
Duration
3 hours
Language
English
Validity
DHA licence valid 1 year (renewable annually)
Exam Fee
≈ USD 220 (AED 220 application + AED 600 exam)
DHA Exam Syllabus & Topics
Click each topic to explore subtopics and their weightage in the DHA Prometric exam
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Perioperative care
- Emergency nursing
- Critical care
- Chronic disease management
- Basic nursing principles
- Patient safety
- Infection prevention
- Documentation
- Communication skills
- Obstetric nursing
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric assessment
- Child development
- Family-centered care
- Psychiatric nursing
- Professional ethics
- Legal aspects
- Patient rights
- Cultural sensitivity
Test Your DHA Knowledge
Try these sample questions — select your answer to see instant feedback
1A patient is admitted to the ICU with septic shock. The current vital signs are: BP 80/50 mmHg, HR 120 bpm, RR 28/min, SpO2 91%. Which intervention should the nurse initiate FIRST?
2A nurse is monitoring a patient on continuous cardiac telemetry. The monitor shows a narrow QRS complex, regular rhythm at 160 bpm, with no visible P waves. This rhythm is MOST consistent with:
3A patient with a central venous catheter develops sudden dyspnea, tachycardia, and hypotension during a dressing change. The nurse suspects air embolism. What should be the IMMEDIATE nursing action?
4According to JCI patient safety standards, which is a primary element of the medication reconciliation process?
5A nurse calculates that a patient needs to receive Dopamine at 5 mcg/kg/min. The patient weighs 80 kg. The available concentration is 400 mg in 250 mL D5W. What is the correct infusion rate in mL/hr?
Self-Study vs Phoenix RN for DHA
See why 1000+ nurses chose our structured preparation over going it alone
Proven Preparation Strategy for DHA
Follow this expert-recommended study plan to pass the DHA exam on your first attempt
DHA exam preparation requires a focused 8-10 week plan emphasizing clinical application over theoretical knowledge. Week 1-2: Complete a comprehensive assessment to identify baseline knowledge. Focus on Adult Health Nursing with emphasis on cardiac and respiratory emergencies — these are the highest-yield topics for DHA.
Week 3-4: Deep dive into Pharmacology with daily calculation practice. DHA calculation questions are more complex than other GCC exams, often involving multi-step problems (e.g., calculating IV drip rates with medication concentration conversions). Practice with Phoenix RN's DHA-specific drug calculation worksheets.
Week 5-6: Cover Fundamentals with focus on JCI patient safety goals, infection control bundles (central line, ventilator, and surgical site infection prevention), and Dubai Health Authority regulations. Study the DHA healthcare professional code of conduct.
Week 7-8: Maternal-child health and mental health nursing. Focus on emergency obstetric scenarios and neonatal assessment. For mental health, emphasize therapeutic communication and crisis intervention.
Week 9-10: Intensive mock testing phase. Take a minimum of 4 full-length DHA mock exams. DHA questions often present longer clinical scenarios with more answer choices that seem correct — learn to identify the MOST correct answer using clinical reasoning frameworks.
DHA UAE Exam Syllabus — Detailed Breakdown
The DHA Dubai Prometric exam is renowned for its clinical depth and focus on evidence-based nursing practice. The exam tests nursing competency across five domains that reflect the high standards of Dubai's healthcare system, which includes internationally accredited hospitals like Mediclinic, Aster DM Healthcare, and NMC Royal Hospital.
Adult Health Nursing (30%) is the most heavily weighted domain and covers comprehensive medical-surgical nursing. Expect detailed clinical scenarios involving cardiac care (acute MI management, heart failure treatment algorithms, cardiac catheterization nursing care), respiratory emergencies (ARDS management, ventilator settings, chest tube monitoring), gastrointestinal conditions (pancreatitis management, hepatic encephalopathy staging, bariatric surgery post-op care), and renal disorders (dialysis nursing, AKI vs CKD differentiation, electrolyte imbalance management). DHA questions are known for testing advanced clinical reasoning with multi-step scenarios.
Fundamentals of Nursing (20%) goes beyond basic nursing care to test patient safety initiatives aligned with Dubai's healthcare quality standards. Questions cover the Joint Commission International (JCI) patient safety goals, National Patient Safety Standards, medication reconciliation processes, clinical handover protocols (SBAR format), and healthcare-associated infection prevention. Dubai's healthcare facilities follow JCI standards, so familiarity with these accreditation requirements is essential.
Pharmacology & Drug Administration (20%) tests drug calculations with higher complexity than other GCC exams, including IV drip rate calculations, pediatric weight-based dosing, critical care drip calculations (dopamine, nitroglycerin, insulin infusions), and high-alert medication protocols. DHA also tests knowledge of the UAE's controlled substance regulations and prescription requirements.
Maternal & Pediatric Nursing (15%) covers obstetric emergencies (eclampsia, placental abruption, postpartum hemorrhage), neonatal resuscitation protocols (NRP guidelines), pediatric growth assessment, childhood immunizations per UAE schedule, and pediatric emergency triage. Mental Health & Ethics (15%) includes psychiatric assessment tools, psychotropic medication management, UAE mental health regulations, and professional ethics in a multicultural healthcare environment.
DHA Exam Day Guide — What to Expect
DHA exam can be taken at any Prometric center globally after your eligibility is approved through the Sheryan portal. The 100-question exam lasts 3 hours, giving you a generous 1.8 minutes per question compared to SNLE's tighter time constraints. However, DHA questions tend to be longer and more complex, requiring careful reading. You'll receive preliminary results immediately on screen — either 'Pass' or 'Fail' — with official results sent to your Sheryan account within a few days. If you pass, proceed to secure a job offer from a Dubai healthcare facility, as the DHA license is issued only after employment confirmation. Bring your passport (same as registration), arrive 30 minutes early, and use the tutorial time to familiarize yourself with the exam interface. DHA allows you to review and change answers before final submission.
How DHA Differs from Other GCC Nursing Exams
DHA Dubai exam stands out among GCC nursing exams for its emphasis on international healthcare quality standards, particularly JCI accreditation requirements. Dubai's healthcare system is one of the most advanced in the Middle East, with many hospitals holding JCI, JCIA, or NABH accreditations. The exam reflects this by including questions on quality improvement, patient safety culture, and evidence-based practice implementation. DHA also has a unique licensing requirement — you need a confirmed job offer from a Dubai employer to receive your license, meaning passing the exam alone doesn't grant you a license (unlike NHRA Bahrain where you receive a standalone license). The exam fee of AED 900 is the highest among GCC licensing exams, and the 60-day retake waiting period is the longest, making first-attempt success particularly important. Salary potential in Dubai is the highest in the UAE (AED 8,000-18,000/month), which drives extremely high competition for DHA licensing.
DHA UAE Sample Questions with Answers
Real-style DHA Prometric practice questions with expert explanations. Explore the full bank. Visit our DHA Q&A bank.
Q1. A patient is admitted to the ICU with septic shock. The current vital signs are: BP 80/50 mmHg, HR 120 bpm, RR 28/min, SpO2 91%. Which intervention should the nurse initiate FIRST?
- A. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics
- B. Initiate aggressive IV fluid resuscitation with crystalloids✓ Correct
- C. Start vasopressor therapy with norepinephrine
- D. Obtain blood cultures from two different sites
Explanation: According to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines, initial fluid resuscitation with 30 mL/kg of crystalloid solution within the first 3 hours is the FIRST intervention for septic shock. Vasopressors are added if hypotension persists despite adequate fluid resuscitation.
Q2. A nurse is monitoring a patient on continuous cardiac telemetry. The monitor shows a narrow QRS complex, regular rhythm at 160 bpm, with no visible P waves. This rhythm is MOST consistent with:
- A. Atrial fibrillation
- B. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)✓ Correct
- C. Ventricular tachycardia
- D. Sinus tachycardia
Explanation: Narrow QRS complex with a regular rhythm at 160 bpm and absent P waves is characteristic of SVT. Atrial fibrillation has an irregularly irregular rhythm, V-tach has wide QRS, and sinus tachycardia has visible P waves.
Q3. A patient with a central venous catheter develops sudden dyspnea, tachycardia, and hypotension during a dressing change. The nurse suspects air embolism. What should be the IMMEDIATE nursing action?
- A. Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees
- B. Place the patient in left lateral Trendelenburg position✓ Correct
- C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 2L/min
- D. Call a code blue immediately
Explanation: For suspected air embolism, the patient should be placed in left lateral Trendelenburg position (left side down, head lower than feet). This traps the air in the right atrium and prevents it from entering the pulmonary circulation.
Q4. According to JCI patient safety standards, which is a primary element of the medication reconciliation process?
- A. Checking drug expiration dates in the pharmacy
- B. Comparing the patient's current medication list with new orders at every transition of care✓ Correct
- C. Obtaining physician approval before administering PRN medications
- D. Documenting medication allergies in the nursing notes only
Explanation: JCI requires medication reconciliation at every transition of care (admission, transfer, discharge). This involves comparing the patient's current medication list with newly ordered medications to identify and resolve discrepancies.
Q5. A nurse calculates that a patient needs to receive Dopamine at 5 mcg/kg/min. The patient weighs 80 kg. The available concentration is 400 mg in 250 mL D5W. What is the correct infusion rate in mL/hr?
- A. 10 mL/hr
- B. 15 mL/hr✓ Correct
- C. 20 mL/hr
- D. 25 mL/hr
Explanation: Step 1: 5 mcg/kg/min × 80 kg = 400 mcg/min. Step 2: 400 mg/250 mL = 1,600 mcg/mL. Step 3: 400 mcg/min ÷ 1,600 mcg/mL = 0.25 mL/min. Step 4: 0.25 × 60 = 15 mL/hr.
Expert Exam Tips
- Study JCI patient safety goals thoroughly — DHA questions heavily reference international accreditation standards
- Master complex IV drip calculations including mcg/kg/min conversions — DHA tests these at a higher difficulty level
- Learn cardiac rhythm interpretation — expect 8-10 ECG-related questions on the exam
- Study the DHA healthcare professional code of conduct and UAE healthcare regulations
- Practice with clinical scenario-based questions rather than simple recall — DHA tests clinical reasoning
- Know the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines, stroke management protocols, and cardiac emergency algorithms
- Understand Dubai's multicultural healthcare environment and cultural sensitivity in nursing practice
- Review evidence-based practice and how to apply research findings to clinical decision-making
- Study infection control bundles (CLABSI, VAP, CAUTI) as Dubai hospitals follow strict bundle compliance
- Prepare for longer question stems — DHA provides detailed clinical scenarios requiring careful analysis
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Using generic Prometric preparation without focusing on DHA-specific content like JCI standards and Dubai regulations
- ✕Underestimating the pharmacology calculation difficulty — DHA calculations are more complex than other GCC exams
- ✕Not studying cardiac rhythms sufficiently — ECG interpretation is heavily tested on DHA
- ✕Assuming DHA license is automatic after passing — you need a job offer from a Dubai employer for license issuance
- ✕Rushing through long clinical scenarios and missing key details in the question stem
- ✕Not practicing enough full-length mock exams — exam stamina is crucial for the 3-hour test
DHA Eligibility & Application
Complete eligibility criteria and step-by-step application process for DHA UAE nursing licensure
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing from recognized institution
- Diploma in Nursing (minimum 3 years program)
- Degree must meet DHA equivalency standards
Experience
- Minimum 2 years of clinical nursing experience
- Experience in relevant specialty for specialist positions
- Recent clinical experience (within last 2 years preferred)
Documents
- Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
- Nursing degree/diploma (attested)
- Transcripts (attested)
- Valid nursing license from home country
- Good standing certificate
- +2 more documents
Additional
- No disciplinary actions on record
- Medical fitness (required after arrival)
- OET/IELTS score (for some nationalities)
Application Process
Dataflow Verification
4-6 weeksComplete primary source verification through DHA Dataflow
DHA Online Application
1-2 daysCreate Sheryan account and submit online application
Document Review
1-2 weeksDHA reviews uploaded documents for eligibility
Exam Scheduling
1-4 weeksSchedule Prometric exam after eligibility approval
Exam & Results
Same dayTake the exam and receive instant preliminary results
License Issuance
1-2 weeksReceive DHA license after securing employment
Salary & Benefits in UAE
What you can expect as a nurse working in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Average Salary Range
AED 8,000 - 18,000
per month (Tax-Free)
DHA Exam Preparation Checklist
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- Complete document requirements list
- Step-by-step application timeline
- Key topics to study first
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Exam day preparation tips
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about DHA UAE nursing exam
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DHA Exam at a Glance — Everything Nurses Ask
- Regulator
- Dubai Health Authority
- Questions
- 150 MCQs
- Duration
- 3 hours (180 minutes, inclusive of registration and introduction)
- Pass mark
- 50% (published DHA pass mark for the Registered Nurse CBT; results are reported as pass or fail)
The DHA exam (also searched as Dubai Prometric exam, DHA nursing exam) is the licensing test nurses must pass to work under the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). It is a computer-based test via prometric — exam code rnt0312 in English. Question count: 150 MCQs. Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes, inclusive of registration and introduction). Pass mark: 50% (published DHA pass mark for the Registered Nurse CBT; results are reported as pass or fail).
Eligibility in short: Bachelor's or Diploma in Nursing (DataFlow primary source verified); Active home-country nursing license; Minimum 2 years post-qualification clinical experience. Fees: USD 240 examination fee as published by DHA; application charges are quoted on Sheryan (about USD 240 (published DHA examination fee)). Result and licence validity: DHA licence validity is confirmed at issuance — verify on the Sheryan portal. Retakes: Not published by the Dubai Health Authority — confirm re-attempt rules on the Sheryan portal.
How to apply: Register on the DHA Sheryan portal → Complete DataFlow primary source verification → Upload qualifications, license and experience letters → Receive eligibility letter and Prometric ATT → Book and sit the Prometric exam, then apply for DHA license. Always confirm current rules on the official Dubai Health Authority website before paying, as authorities update fees and categories without notice.
The syllabus is weighted towards Fundamentals of Nursing (~15%), Medical-Surgical Nursing (~30%), Pharmacology & IV Therapy (~15%). Nurses prepare in one of three ways with Phoenix RN: live DHA exam coaching with a tutor, the 28-day guided self-study plan with video lessons, or the 10-day crash course when the exam date is close.
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