HAAD Exam (DOH Abu Dhabi) for Nurses 2026 — Complete Guide
The DOH/HAAD nursing exam (Department of Health (DOH), Abu Dhabi) is the licensing test nurses must pass to work in UAE. It is delivered by Pearson VUE. DOH Abu Dhabi does not publish a fixed pass mark — the standard is stated in your own eligibility notice.
Your Complete Guide to Nursing Licensure in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Notes PDF, Q&A bank, mock tests & live coaching — pass on your first attempt.
DOH/HAAD UAE exam at a glance (2026)
The DOH/HAAD nursing licensing exam for UAE is a computer-based test delivered by Pearson VUE for Department of Health (DOH), Abu Dhabi. DOH gives the question count, time and pass mark in your TAMM eligibility notice — they are not published publicly. DOH (HAAD) is heavier on cardio-renal cases and includes Abu Dhabi's Weqaya screening programme — items you will not see on any other GCC paper.
- Regulator
- Department of Health (DOH), Abu Dhabi
- Testing vendor
- Pearson VUE
- Total questions
- The question count is not published by Department of Health (DOH), Abu Dhabi — confirm on the official portal before booking.
- Exam duration
- The exam duration is not published by Department of Health (DOH), Abu Dhabi — confirm on the official portal before booking.
- Passing score
- DOH gives the question count, time and pass mark in your TAMM eligibility notice — they are not published publicly.
- Exam fee
- The exam fee is not published by Department of Health (DOH), Abu Dhabi — confirm on the official portal before booking.
- Language
- English
- Re-attempt rules
- The re-attempt policy is not published by Department of Health (DOH), Abu Dhabi — confirm on the official portal before booking.
Source: Pearson VUE — DOH Abu Dhabi candidate information · Pearson VUE candidate information · Verified 2026-08-23
How DOH/HAAD 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
DOH/HAAD exam facts verified against the official source
Published by Department of Health (DOH), Abu Dhabi and delivered by Pearson VUE. Last verified 2026-08-23.
| Regulator | Department of Health (DOH), Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|
| Testing vendor | Pearson VUE |
| Total questions | The question count is not published by Department of Health (DOH), Abu Dhabi — confirm on the official portal before booking. |
| Exam duration | The exam duration is not published by Department of Health (DOH), Abu Dhabi — confirm on the official portal before booking. |
| Passing score | DOH gives the question count, time and pass mark in your TAMM eligibility notice — they are not published publicly. |
| Exam fee | The exam fee is not published by Department of Health (DOH), Abu Dhabi — confirm on the official portal before booking. |
| Language | English |
| Re-attempt rules | The re-attempt policy is not published by Department of Health (DOH), Abu Dhabi — confirm on the official portal before booking. |
What DOH Abu Dhabi does not publish
- Number of questions
- Examination duration
- Passing score
- Examination fee
Other sites quote numbers for these. We do not — DOH Abu Dhabi 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
- Check your title against the DOH Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) document
- Submit the healthcare professional licensing application through the DOH / TAMM services
- Complete primary source verification of your qualifications
- Book the DOH assessment with Pearson VUE once you are made eligible
- Sit the computer-based assessment and complete the DOH licence issuance step
Official eligibility requirements
- Qualification and experience must match the DOH PQR entry for the nursing title being applied for
- Valid registration in the country of qualification with primary source verification
Are You Ready for the DOH/HAAD 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 DOH/HAAD
From 1-on-1 live coaching to a 10-day crash course — pick what fits your timeline and budget for the DOH / HAAD Abu Dhabi Exam.
DOH/HAAD Instructor-Led Coaching
Live · 1-on-1 or Batches
- Live DOH/HAAD classes taught by Phoenix RN
- 1-on-1 doubt-clearing sessions
- Full DOH/HAAD curriculum
- Weak-area diagnosis & personal plan
- WhatsApp support throughout course
Best if you want structure, accountability and live help
DOH/HAAD Guided Self-Study Plan
App-guided · Self-paced
- 4-week DOH/HAAD roadmap in the app
- 270+ DOH/HAAD video lessons — one per subtopic
- 6,000+ DOH/HAAD notes & 6,000+ Study Notes & Q&A
- Unlimited DOH/HAAD 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
DOH/HAAD 10-Day Crash Course
Fast-track · Exam in 2 weeks
- Day-by-day DOH/HAAD high-yield revision
- High-yield video lessons for every topic
- Unlimited DOH/HAAD mock tests with analytics
- Built from real DOH/HAAD exam-question research
- weakness booster after each mock
- DOH/HAAD exam-day strategy & checklist
Best when your DOH/HAAD exam is just 2 weeks away
DOH/HAAD Study Notes
Premium PDF Notes
- 6,000+ pages of organised DOH/HAAD notes
- Downloadable PDF library
- Built for the DOH / HAAD Abu Dhabi Exam
- Updated for 2026
- Instant access, no subscription
Q&A bank & mock tests included in the 4-Week Plan
Free DOH resources
Start studying today — free DOH notes, practice questions, a timed mock test and a one-page cheat sheet. No payment required.
DOH/HAAD Exam Overview
Everything you need to know about the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (formerly HAAD) (DOH/HAAD) nursing licensure exam
Duration
3 hours
Language
English
Validity
DOH licence valid 1 year (renewable)
Exam Fee
≈ USD 200 (AED 100 application + AED 670 exam)
DOH/HAAD Exam Syllabus & Topics
Click each topic to explore subtopics and their weightage in the DOH/HAAD Prometric exam
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Critical care
- Emergency care
- Perioperative nursing
- Pain management
- Nursing ethics
- Legal aspects
- Documentation
- Patient advocacy
- Interprofessional collaboration
- Medication administration
- Drug calculations
- High-alert medications
- Adverse reactions
- Patient education
- Infection control
- Fall prevention
- Patient identification
- Error prevention
- Quality indicators
Test Your DOH/HAAD Knowledge
Try these sample questions — select your answer to see instant feedback
1A nurse is caring for a patient with acute pancreatitis. Which assessment finding should be reported to the physician IMMEDIATELY?
2According to the Abu Dhabi DOH Patient Safety Standards, which is the CORRECT method for patient identification before medication administration?
3A post-operative patient develops sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia on day 3 after total hip replacement. The nurse suspects pulmonary embolism. What is the PRIORITY nursing action?
4A nurse is preparing to administer Vancomycin 1g IV. Which nursing consideration is MOST important?
5A nurse notices a colleague taking controlled substances from the medication dispensing unit without documentation. According to DOH professional conduct guidelines, what should the nurse do?
Self-Study vs Phoenix RN for DOH/HAAD
See why 1000+ nurses chose our structured preparation over going it alone
Proven Preparation Strategy for DOH/HAAD
Follow this expert-recommended study plan to pass the DOH/HAAD exam on your first attempt
DOH/HAAD exam preparation should span 8-12 weeks depending on your clinical experience. The strategy differs from DHA preparation because DOH places higher emphasis on Professional Practice and Patient Safety.
Weeks 1-3: Build clinical nursing foundations — review medical-surgical nursing systematically by body system. Focus on assessment skills, nursing process application, and clinical priority-setting. Abu Dhabi hospitals use standardized nursing care plans, so understand this framework.
Weeks 4-5: Deep pharmacology review with emphasis on medication safety. Practice drug calculations daily — DOH tests standard IV calculations, weight-based dosing, and unit conversions. Study high-alert medications using ISMP guidelines and tall-man lettering conventions.
Weeks 6-7: Professional Practice and Patient Safety — study Abu Dhabi healthcare quality standards (JAWDA), DOH Code of Professional Conduct, and UAE healthcare laws. Learn about mandatory incident reporting, root cause analysis, and quality improvement tools (Plan-Do-Study-Act, fishbone diagrams).
Weeks 8-9: Cover specialized areas including maternal-child health, mental health, and community health. Focus on emergency obstetric care and neonatal assessment for maternal-child. For mental health, study the UAE's Mental Health Law and patient rights in psychiatric settings.
Weeks 10-12: Comprehensive mock testing and revision. Take at least 4 full-length DOH-pattern mock tests. Phoenix RN provides HAAD/DOH-specific mock exams that replicate the actual exam format and difficulty level.
DOH/HAAD UAE Exam Syllabus — Detailed Breakdown
The DOH (formerly HAAD) Abu Dhabi Prometric exam reflects Abu Dhabi's position as a leader in healthcare quality in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi hosts world-class institutions like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, and Burjeel Medical City, all operating under DOH regulation with rigorous clinical standards.
Clinical Nursing Practice (35%) is the largest domain and tests advanced clinical competency across medical-surgical nursing, critical care, emergency nursing, and perioperative care. Questions test your ability to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care in complex clinical scenarios. Expect multi-step questions involving patients with multiple comorbidities — for example, managing a diabetic patient with concurrent heart failure who develops pneumonia. Pain management using WHO analgesic ladder and Abu Dhabi's pain assessment protocols are also tested.
Professional Practice (20%) covers nursing ethics, legal aspects of nursing in Abu Dhabi, documentation standards, patient advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration. DOH places significant emphasis on the Abu Dhabi Healthcare Quality Standards and JAWDA (Abu Dhabi's healthcare quality program). Questions may test your knowledge of mandatory reporting requirements, informed consent procedures under UAE federal law, and professional boundary management.
Pharmacology (20%) tests medication administration safety, drug calculations, high-alert medication protocols (insulin, anticoagulants, concentrated electrolytes, opioids), adverse drug reaction management, and patient education about medications. DOH follows the ISMP (Institute for Safe Medication Practices) guidelines, so familiarity with these standards is beneficial.
Patient Safety & Quality (15%) covers infection prevention and control based on Abu Dhabi DOH infection control policies, fall prevention programs, patient identification protocols, surgical safety checklists, and healthcare-associated infection surveillance. Abu Dhabi hospitals follow strict quality metrics, and questions reflect this focus on measurable outcomes.
Specialized Care Areas (10%) includes maternal-child health, mental health nursing, geriatric care (increasingly important given Abu Dhabi's aging expatriate population), community health, and palliative care. Abu Dhabi has been expanding palliative care services, so expect questions on end-of-life care principles and advance directive counseling.
DOH/HAAD Exam Day Guide — What to Expect
The DOH exam is taken at Prometric centers worldwide after your eligibility is approved through the TAMM portal (Abu Dhabi's digital government platform). The 100-question exam is 3 hours long, providing comfortable timing of 1.8 minutes per question. DOH provides instant preliminary results on screen — you'll know immediately if you passed or not. The official confirmation comes through your TAMM account within a few days. If you pass, you'll need to secure employment at an Abu Dhabi healthcare facility and have your employer apply for your DOH professional license through the TAMM system. Bring your original passport, arrive 30 minutes early, and take advantage of the pre-exam tutorial to familiarize yourself with the computer interface. DOH questions are generally straightforward in language but test deep clinical understanding.
How DOH/HAAD Differs from Other GCC Nursing Exams
DOH/HAAD stands out from other UAE licensing exams (DHA, MOHAP) through its connection to Abu Dhabi's JAWDA quality program, which sets healthcare quality benchmarks unique to the emirate. Abu Dhabi operates under a mandatory health insurance system (Daman for nationals, private insurance for expatriates), and the DOH exam may include questions about healthcare delivery within this insurance framework. The DOH was previously known as HAAD (Health Authority Abu Dhabi) until 2019, when it was reorganized under the Department of Health. Both names are still commonly used, and exam content remained essentially the same through the transition. The DOH license is valid only in Abu Dhabi emirate (including Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions), so nurses wanting to work in Dubai must obtain a separate DHA license. However, DOH and DHA have a streamlined license transfer process. Abu Dhabi hospitals tend to offer slightly lower base salaries than Dubai (AED 7,000-16,000 vs AED 8,000-18,000) but often provide better non-monetary benefits including family accommodation and education allowances.
DOH/HAAD UAE Sample Questions with Answers
Real-style DOH/HAAD Prometric practice questions with expert explanations. Explore the full bank. Visit our DOH/HAAD Q&A bank.
Q1. A nurse is caring for a patient with acute pancreatitis. Which assessment finding should be reported to the physician IMMEDIATELY?
- A. Serum amylase level of 280 U/L (normal: 25-125 U/L)
- B. Bluish discoloration around the umbilicus (Cullen's sign)✓ Correct
- C. Nausea and vomiting after attempting clear liquids
- D. Epigastric pain radiating to the back
Explanation: Cullen's sign (bluish discoloration around the umbilicus) indicates hemorrhagic pancreatitis with retroperitoneal bleeding — a potentially life-threatening complication requiring immediate physician notification.
Q2. According to the Abu Dhabi DOH Patient Safety Standards, which is the CORRECT method for patient identification before medication administration?
- A. Ask the patient to state their room number
- B. Use two patient identifiers: name and medical record number✓ Correct
- C. Verify the patient's identity using their bed label only
- D. Check the patient's face against the photograph in the chart
Explanation: DOH follows international patient safety standards requiring at least two patient identifiers (typically name and MRN/date of birth). Room numbers and bed labels are NOT acceptable identifiers as they can change.
Q3. A post-operative patient develops sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia on day 3 after total hip replacement. The nurse suspects pulmonary embolism. What is the PRIORITY nursing action?
- A. Encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises
- B. Elevate the head of bed and administer oxygen✓ Correct
- C. Ambulate the patient to prevent further clot formation
- D. Apply anti-embolism stockings immediately
Explanation: For suspected pulmonary embolism, the priority is to elevate the head of bed to ease breathing and administer supplemental oxygen to address hypoxemia. Notify the physician immediately for CT angiography and anticoagulation therapy.
Q4. A nurse is preparing to administer Vancomycin 1g IV. Which nursing consideration is MOST important?
- A. Administer the medication via IV push over 5 minutes
- B. Infuse over at least 60 minutes to prevent Red Man Syndrome✓ Correct
- C. Mix with dextrose 5% in water only
- D. Administer without obtaining trough levels
Explanation: Vancomycin must be infused slowly over at least 60 minutes to prevent Red Man Syndrome (histamine-mediated reaction causing flushing, hypotension, and rash). Rapid IV administration is dangerous.
Q5. A nurse notices a colleague taking controlled substances from the medication dispensing unit without documentation. According to DOH professional conduct guidelines, what should the nurse do?
- A. Confront the colleague directly and demand an explanation
- B. Ignore it as it's not the nurse's responsibility
- C. Report the observation to the nursing supervisor or manager✓ Correct
- D. Document the incident in the patient's medical record
Explanation: DOH professional conduct guidelines require mandatory reporting of suspected medication diversion. The nurse should report to the supervisor/manager who will initiate the appropriate investigation process.
Expert Exam Tips
- Study Abu Dhabi's JAWDA quality standards — DOH exam includes questions specific to Abu Dhabi's healthcare quality program
- Master the nursing process (Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation) — DOH structures many questions around this framework
- Learn about Abu Dhabi's healthcare insurance system (Daman) and how it affects patient care delivery
- Practice drug calculations including IV drip rates, weight-based dosing, and unit conversions
- Study infection control bundles and healthcare-associated infection prevention strategies
- Know patient safety protocols including surgical safety checklist, medication reconciliation, and fall prevention
- Understand the difference between DOH and DHA licensing — exam content focuses on Abu Dhabi-specific regulations
- Review palliative care principles and advance directive counseling — growing area in Abu Dhabi healthcare
- Study interprofessional collaboration and SBAR communication technique thoroughly
- Familiarize yourself with the TAMM portal process as questions may reference the licensing workflow
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Confusing DOH/HAAD with DHA exam content — while similar, they have different regulatory frameworks and standards
- ✕Not studying Abu Dhabi-specific quality standards (JAWDA) which appear in Professional Practice questions
- ✕Underestimating the Professional Practice domain — many candidates focus only on clinical content
- ✕Poor drug calculation practice — DOH tests calculations at a moderate-to-high difficulty level
- ✕Not understanding the DOH license is emirate-specific (Abu Dhabi only) and answering scope-of-practice questions incorrectly
- ✕Ignoring palliative care and geriatric nursing content — Abu Dhabi is expanding these services
DOH/HAAD Eligibility & Application
Complete eligibility criteria and step-by-step application process for DOH/HAAD UAE nursing licensure
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) from recognized institution
- Diploma in Nursing (minimum 3 years)
- Degree must be from DOH-approved institution
Experience
- Minimum 2 years of clinical nursing experience for BSN
- Minimum 3 years for diploma holders
- Experience in relevant specialty preferred
Documents
- Valid passport with adequate validity
- Nursing degree/diploma certificates (attested)
- Academic transcripts (attested)
- Current nursing license from home country
- Good standing certificate
- +2 more documents
Additional
- No malpractice or disciplinary record
- OET/IELTS (for certain nationalities)
- Medical fitness certificate
Application Process
Dataflow Verification
4-6 weeksComplete PSV through DOH-approved Dataflow service
DOH Online Application
1-2 daysRegister and apply through TAMM/DOH portal
Eligibility Verification
1-2 weeksDOH verifies credentials and approves exam eligibility
Prometric Scheduling
1-4 weeksSchedule exam at preferred Prometric center
Exam & Results
2 daysTake exam and receive results within 48 hours
License Application
1-2 weeksApply for DOH license with job offer letter
Salary & Benefits in UAE
What you can expect as a nurse working in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Average Salary Range
AED 7,000 - 16,000
per month (Tax-Free)
DOH/HAAD Exam Preparation Checklist
Get our comprehensive checklist to make sure you don't miss any step in your DOH/HAAD UAE exam journey.
- Complete document requirements list
- Step-by-step application timeline
- Key topics to study first
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Exam day preparation tips
Get it via WhatsApp
Tap the button below — no email needed, no forms to fill. Instant delivery!
Send Me the Checklist1000+ nurses already downloaded this
Why Choose Phoenix RN for DOH/HAAD Preparation?
Join hundreds of successful nurses who passed their DOH/HAAD exam with our expert coaching
100% pass rate for DOH/HAAD exam
HAAD-specific exam preparation strategies
Updated 2026 DOH syllabus coverage
Comprehensive mock tests and question banks
One-on-one doubt clearing sessions
Flexible online class timings
24/7 WhatsApp support
Job placement assistance in Abu Dhabi
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about DOH/HAAD UAE nursing exam
Ready to Start Your DOH/HAAD UAE Exam Preparation?
Join Phoenix RN's expert coaching program with 100% pass rate. Enroll today!
DOH Exam at a Glance — Everything Nurses Ask
- Regulator
- Department of Health Abu Dhabi
- Questions
- Not published by DOH Abu Dhabi
- Duration
- Not published by DOH Abu Dhabi
- Pass mark
- Not published publicly
The DOH exam (also searched as HAAD exam, Abu Dhabi Prometric exam) is the licensing test nurses must pass to work under the Department of Health (DOH) Abu Dhabi — formerly HAAD. It is a computer-based assessment delivered by pearson vue in English. Question count: Not published by DOH Abu Dhabi. Duration: Not published by DOH Abu Dhabi. Pass mark: Not published publicly — shown in your TAMM eligibility notice.
Eligibility in short: BSN or Diploma in Nursing (DataFlow-verified); Active home-country nursing licence; Minimum 2 years clinical experience. Fees: Service fees are quoted during the DOH / TAMM application. Result and licence validity: DOH licence validity is confirmed at issuance — verify on the DOH / TAMM services. Retakes: Not published by DOH Abu Dhabi — confirm re-attempt rules on the DOH portal.
How to apply: Register on the DOH / Tamm portal → Complete DataFlow primary source verification → Upload documents and pay fees → Receive Prometric ATT email → Book and sit exam, then apply for DOH licence. Always confirm current rules on the official DOH Abu Dhabi — Professional Qualification Requirements website before paying, as authorities update fees and categories without notice.
The syllabus is weighted towards Fundamentals of Nursing (~15%), Adult Health Nursing (~30%), Pharmacology (~15%). Nurses prepare in one of three ways with Phoenix RN: live DOH 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.
Explore Nursing Careers by Country
How-to Guides for GCC Nursing Exams
Bahrain nursing exam guide
Dubai nursing exam guide
UAE MOH exam guide
Saudi nursing exam guide
Qatar nursing exam guide
Full Qatar topic list
Dubai licensing step by step
Qatar licensing step by step
Abu Dhabi nursing exam guide
Abu Dhabi licensing step by step
Kuwait nursing exam guide
Oman nursing exam guide
General Prometric guide