DHA Exam Preparation: Everything You Need to Know to Pass the Dubai Health Authority Test

Dubai has been one of the key career choices among doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals in recent years. Higher quality medical facilities in the city, attractive income rates, and globally accredited healthcare system have prompted thousands of medical professionals worldwide to submit an application to obtain a work license to practice medicine in Dubai. Nonetheless, the very initial step to get on this professional track is clearing the DHA Exam. Herein, the DHA exam materials are deemed to be the most ultimate success determinant. Failing to choose the right ones can waste time and make the candidate unfocused on the most important areas.

If you are preparing to take the DHA exam and seeking credible, latest, and accredited study materials for your specialty, this article by Dxboffplan gives an entire and comprehensive list of the top DHA exam materials for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and allied specialists. Read us to the end of this article to get step by step on how to effectively utilize the DHA Dubai exam materials. That will enhance your chances of passing and make your dream to work in Dubai come true.

What Is the DHA Exam and Who Needs to Take It?

The Prometric Test or the DHA Test is an authenticated global test. It’s administered by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to test the knowledge, skills, and professional competency of medical practitioners. The primary cause of this test is to make sure that all the professionals working in the healthcare industry of Dubai undergo the appropriate academic and professional qualifications. Holding the license to practise through the DHA is an official validation of your qualifications by the Dubai Ministry of Health. Without it, you will not be allowed to work inside any medical centre, clinic, and hospital inside the UAE.

Thus, clearing the DHA Exam is the first and foremost requirement to enter Dubai’s medical job market and ease the process of UAE residency for doctors who want to serve the this country.

DHA Examination Requirements in 2025

Here are the requirements for DHA Exam for healthcare professionals in 2025:

• Recognized academic qualification from university accredited by the UAE Ministry of Health
• Experience of not less than two years related to the profession
• Official English versions of everything
• None to report on professional misconduct or disciplinary action

Required Documents to Register for DHA Exam:

• Academic degree and transcripts
• Official employment experience certificate (seal and sign)
• Passport-photo size
• Certification in English language
• DataFlow verification report

DHA Test Preparation Materials for Different Fields

Selecting the proper study materials to take on the DHA exam is what will see you through. Materials differ by specialty, field and study level and by work experience. Here are the most accurate and latest by group:

Test Prep Books for General Practitioners and Specialists

The physicians read about basic medical sciences, internal medicine, surgery, and clinical principles. Most relevant references are:

• Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine
• Kumar & Clark’s Clinical Medicine
• The Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine
• USMLE Step 2 CK Question Bank by Kaplan and UWorld

Strongly recommended is the study of previous DHA exam questions along with these study guides to optimize the chances to pass.

DHA Study Guides for Nurses

Nurse practitioners make up the majority of the candidates taking the DHA exam. Suggested readings are:

• Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination
• Mosby’s Review Questions for the NCLEX-RN
• Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice
• Fundamentals of Nursing – Potter & Perry

For better performance, it is recommended to study at least three months prior to the date of examination and to make daily attempts at questions.

Prep Materials of DHA for Pharmacists

Pharmacists must also be familiar with pharmacology, management of drugs, and pharmaceutical control. Most accepted references are:

• Remington: Science and Practice of Pharmacy
• Clinical Pharmacology (Bennett & Brown)
• Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
• Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach (DiPiro)

Study Material on DHA for Dentists

The examination structure would be familiar to dentists by virtue of similarity to the same structure having inspired the DHA test. Relevant references are:

• Dental Decks (Part I & II)
• Nbde first aid
• Mosby’s Review for Dental Hygiene
• Clinical Dentistry by Pickard

Oral and head & neck anatomy is best reviewed alongside these books to get the most out of clinical questions.

Test Materials for Experts in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Specialists in OB-GYN must also be familiar with the international test patterns of MRCOG and USMLE OB/GYN, as the DHA exam primarily adopts similar standards. Best study materials are:

• Williams Obstetrics (27th Edition)
• Gynaecology by the TenTeachers (21st Edition
• Obstetrics by Ten Teachers. 21st Edition.
• Beckmann and Ling’s Obstetrics and Gynecology (9th Edition
• Oxford Handbook of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (4th Edition)

You must integrate the study technique through these materials and check areas like high-risk pregnancies, menstrual disorders, and infertility through the UWorld and MRCOG question banks to familiarize with the clinical questions and significantly enhance the chances of passing the DHA examination.

DHA Test Preparation Material Ophthalmology

Ophthalmologists must be familiar with international exam structures, as the DHA test follows standard clinical and theoretical evaluation models. The exam measures knowledge in areas such as vision, retinal disorders, optic nerve diseases, cornea, lens, refraction, glaucoma, trauma, and eye surgery. Most critical and highly recommended materials are:

• Kanski’s Clinical Ophthalmology – 10th
• Vaughan & Asbury’s General Ophthalmology – 19th Edition
• Basic and Clinical Science Course (BCSC) – American Academy of Ophthalmology
• Ophthalmology Secrets – 5th Edition by Janice Gault & James Vander
• Review of Ophthalmology – Neil J. Friedman & Peter K. Kaiser
• Expert Consult – Myron Yanoff & Jay S. Duker (5th Edition)

A Kanski and BCSC combined study and Ophthalmology Secrets review along with practicing the BCSC Qbank questions is the ideal strategy to understand clinical concepts thoroughly and to enhance the chances of passing the DHA exam for healthcare professionals.

DHA Study Materials for Child Doctors

These pediatricians will also be conversant with the pattern and structure of international clinical and theory exams since the pattern of the DHA exam is highly influenced by USMLE Pediatrics and MRCPCH examination models. This exam tests the medical professional’s knowledge and experience regarding common illnesses among children, growth and development, immunization and vaccination, infectious diseases, neonatology, and pediatric intensive caregiving. They include the following:

• Nelson Textbook Of Pediatrics – 22nd Edition
• (Illustrated Textbook of Paediatrics – Tom Lissauer, 6
• (Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Pediatrics – Hay Jr. & Levin, 25th Edition)
• (Case Files: Pediatrics – Eugene C. Toy, Edition 6)
• Pediatric Board Study Guide – Osama Naga
• The Washington Manual of Pediatrics – 3rd Edition
• (Blueprints Pediatrics – Bradley Marino, Edition 6)

For maximum effectiveness, begin with Nelson Textbook to get to the bottom of basic concepts and review with Tom Lissauer and lastly hone answering proficiency with Case Files and Blueprints Pediatrics. Practicing replicated DHA exam questions from credible websites also enhances comfort with question patterns.

Study Materials for Psychiatrists on DHA

Psychiatrists will be familiar with clinical and theoretical examination patterns since the pattern of the DHA examination is similar to that of MRCPsych and USMLE Step 2 Psychiatry.  Primary and suggested references are:

• Comprehensive Textbook on Psychiatry by Kaplan & Sadock – 11th Edition
• & Sadock’s Synopsis of Psychiatry – 12th Edition
• Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry – 7th Edition
• (Shorter Oxford Textbook Of psychiatry – 7th Edition, H
• Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology – 5th
• Mind: Introduction to Psychiatry – Oxford Core Texts
• (Case Files Psychiatry – Eugene C. Toy, Edition 5)

DHA Test Preparation Materials by Internal Medicine Specialist

Specialists in internal medicine should be clinically and theoretically competent in pulmonology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, rheumatology, neurology, cardiology, nephrology, infectious diseases, and hematology on the DHA test. The format is comparable to USMLE Step 2 CK and MRCP Part 1 & 2. Clinical judgment is assessed through scenario questions. Significant suggested material is:

• Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine – 21st Edition
• Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine – 24th Edition
• Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine – 11th Edition
• Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment (CMDT) – 2025 Edition
• Kumar & Clark’s Clinical Medicine – 10th Edition
• The Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics – 36th Edition
• (Case Files: Internal Medicine – Eugene C. Toy, 6th Edition)

For deep learning, begin with Harrison’s as your first book, follow through with Davidson and Oxford Handbook, and end with Case Files and UWorld Qbank to hone your clinical thinking.

Practice Materials by the Neurosurgeons

The DHA exam for neurosurgeons is designed to assess academic and clinical mastery in neuroanatomy, neuropathology, trauma, brain and spinal tumors, skull base surgery, vascular disorders, and neurophysiology. The questions are typically scenario-based. The main and comprehensive resources include:

• Greenberg’s Handbook of Neurosurgery – 9th Edition (Youmans & Winn Neurological Surgery – 8th Edition, 6 Volumes)
• Principles of Neurosurgery – Setti Rengachary & Richard Winn Neurosurgery by Samii and Tatagiba – 2nd Edition
• Neurosurgical Operative Atlas – Kaye & Laws

Preparation Materials for Anesthesia Technologists

The DHA Anesthesia exam evaluates candidates’ theoretical and clinical competency on anesthetic principles, pharmacology, operation theatre equipment, physiology, patient monitoring, and postoperative care (PACU) areas. The major resources are:

• Morgan & Mikhail’s Clinical Anesthesiology – 7th Edition
• (Miller’s Anesthesia – 9th Edition, Volume 2
• (Basics of Anesthesia – Ronald D. Miller & Manuel C. Pardo, 8th Edition)

DHA Test Prep Materials for Dermatology

The DHA examination to be held for dermatologists evaluates academic learning, clinical diagnosis, and therapeutic competency in dermatological diseases, allergies, viral and fungal infections, disorders of pigmentation, lesions and precancerous lesions and cosmetic dermatology. Both theoretical and clinical scenario questions are included in the examination. The key and complete references are:

• (Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine – 9th Edition, 2 Volumes)
• Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology – 10th Edition
• (Bolognia: Dermatology – Jean L. Bolognia, 5

DHA Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Examination Material

Oral and maxillofacial surgery DHA exam evaluates candidates on clinical knowledge, surgical skills, and academic proficiency. This is English and computer-based. Questions are set from aspects regarding facial anatomy, dental operations, lesions on bones, fractures, implants, surgical management of complications, and anaesthetics. The key study materials are:

• Peterson’s Principles of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – 3rd Edition
• (Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – James R. Hupp, 7th Edition)
• Neville’s Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology – 5th
• (Fonseca Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – 3rd Edition, 6 Volumes

To succeed, begin with Peterson’s Principles and Hupp’s Contemporary Oral Surgery for core surgical topics, then use Clinical Review and Balaji MCQs for final revisions. In the final weeks, focus on radiographic diagnoses and clinical scenarios to significantly improve your passing chances.

Study Material on DHA Orthopedic Surgery

The DHA Orthopedic Surgery examination is among the most specialized and stringent tests within the surgical arena, aimed at assaying the scientific and clinical proficiency of surgeons specializing in orthopedics. International standard references mainly aid the examination questions, with an emphasis on fundamental concepts of orthopedics, pathology, surgical techniques related to fractures, replacement of joints, spine, and rehabilitation principles. Most important resources for the DHA examination are:

• Surgical Exposures in Orthopaedics – The Anatomic Approach (Stanley Hoppenfeld, Piet DeBoer and Richard Buckley
• Apley’s System of Orthopaedics and Fractures by Louis Solomon, David Warwick, Selv
• (Review of Orthopaedics – Mark D. Miller, Stephen R. Thompson, Mark Brinker)
• Rockwood and Green’s Fractures in Adults and Children (Robert W. Bucholz, James D. Heckman, Charles M. Court-Brown, Paul Tornetta)

DHA Test Preparation Materials for Technicians and Paramedics

For fields such as laboratory, radiology, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy, the following resources are recommended:

• (Clinical Laboratory Science Review – Harr)
• Essentials of Radiologic Science
• Brunnstrom’s Clinical K
• Therapeutic Exercise by Colby & Kisner

Steps to Take the DHA Exam for Healthcare Professionals: A Step-by-Step Registration Guide

As we mentioned above, DHA is a highly professional licensing test conducted to award work permits to medical professionals to be hired within Dubai. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, paramedics, and other medical professionals need to attempt and pass this test to be hired within the medical facilities of Dubai. With all the credentials, degrees, and work experience documents ready, the moment has finally arrived to begin the registration process. Follow the following steps to get an insight about the complete procedure:

1. Sign up on the Official Government Website and get an ID: Begin by going to the official Dubai Health Authority website and registering an account. Once you input your personal information, you will be emailed the confirmation which has your special DHA ID. This ID will be used at all the following steps.
2. Fill out the Self-Assessment Form: Then you are required to complete the Self-Assessment Form. This will help the DHA to evaluate your education, work history and professional experience prior to further action. Upon approval, you enter the stage of Dataflow Verification.
3. Complete the Dataflow Process: Most critical step within the registration procedure. DHA works alongside The Dataflow Group, a company that carries out international verification, to authenticate the awarding of the educational degrees and certifications of employment and professional licenses.
4. Receive the Eligibility ID: Once validated by Dataflow and officially sanctioned by the Credentialing Department of the DHA, an Eligibility ID will be awarded to you. This is evidence that you are qualified to take the exam and it is mandatory to register.
5. Register for the Examination through the Eligibility ID: Login via the Prometric Testing portal (Pearson VUE) using your Eligibility ID to take the test via the DHA. Here you can Choose your exam date and time: Choose the desired test center (in Dubai city or where you are)
6. Pay the DHA Exam Fee: After selecting the date and time of examination, you will be asked to pay the fees via an internet-enabled international credit/debit card.

Importance of the DHA License to Practice in Dubai

The DHA license is also imperative for all medical professionals who aim to work in Dubai. Besides opening the gateway to an enviable and lucrative career within the UAE healthcare system, it also greatly bolsters your worldwide professional legitimacy. Having the DHA license is proof that you are equipped with scientific prowess and clinical competency and can also provide healthcare along the lines dictated by the entire world.

Most Gulf nations and even some European countries accept holders of the DHA license to be competent and qualified medical practitioners. Indeed, passing the DHA examination is usually an important step to career advancement, working abroad, and increased earnings. This licence means UAE Golden Visa for doctors as well.

Golden Points to study for the Dubai DHA Examination

Most candidates do not succeed in getting their DHA license due to not planning well and not managing time accordingly. Let us get through the following quick tips:

• Study conceptually for at least 2 hours a day
• Practice past DHA exam questions regularly
• Condense key information from each chapter on flashcards
• Set examination conditions with time constraints

What is the Format and Medium of the Test by DHA?

The examination is administered in English. It’s provided through the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system at authorized Pearson VUE centers. The Test consists of 100–150 multiple-choice items to be answered within 2 hours. Questions are primarily conceptual and clinical and aim to test candidates’ analytical and treatment determination faculties.

Passing is required to obtain at least 60% of the maximum mark. Results are generally emailed or shown on the candidate’s DHA account within 5–10 working days. This is an automated system to ensure an objective and professional marking process and is among the key requirements before eligible healthcare professionals are granted a UAE work visa.

Common Mistakes During Preparation for DHA Exam

Among the top reasons why many candidates fail the DHA exam is the set of common mistakes that more often than not follow them on the study and preparation path. Most test takers, with firm academic foundation knowledge, fail the test because they lack appropriate learning strategies and less-than-optimal review methods. Some of the common mistakes in preparing to take the DHA exam are:

• Reading several identical materials simultaneously
• Discounting often asked questions
• Lack of periodic review plan
• More emphasis on memorization but not on the clinical principle knowledge

In Which Countries Is the DHA Dubai Exam Held?

The Prometric DHA examination is conducted by Prometric, the global American organization that is one of the most reliable providers of tests in the fields of medicine, healthcare, and academia. Prometric has offices in the majority of the nations.

The DHA test is administered through an Internet-connected, computer examination and candidates can register and take the test at authorized Prometric centers on specific dates within the month.

Nonetheless, the fact remains that the DHA exam is not presently held in Iran. Iranian students who want to take the test would be required to travel to any of the bordering or nearby nations. Countries where the test is allowed to be taken include:

Country	City	Availability	Notes
UAE	Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah	High	Most popular and preferred locations
Turkey	Istanbul, Ankara	Moderate	Good option for Iranian applicants
Georgia	Tbilisi	Moderate	Easy visa access for many candidates
Armenia	Yerevan	Moderate	Affordable travel and accommodation
Oman	Muscat	Limited	Nearby option for GCC residents
Bahrain	Manama	Limited	Suitable for Gulf-based applicants
Qatar	Doha	Limited	Good alternative if UAE slots are full
Iran	—	Not Available	DHA exam currently not held in Iran

License Validity Period

Following the successful completion of the DHA exam, the candidates are granted the right to practise within the healthcare industry in Dubai. This license to practise granted by the DHA is effective for one year from the issuance date. Health professionals retain active status by renewing it once each year via the DHA online portal. Renewal generally demands documentation of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits attended, employment status at an accredited DHA healthcare facility, and payment of the renewal fees. Non-renewal prior to the lapse can be met with suspension or re-assessment by the period the license has remained inactive.

Passing the DHA exam is only one step in obtaining legal authorization to practice in Dubai. After receiving the Eligibility Letter, candidates must secure a job offer from a healthcare facility accredited by the DHA. Without this, the eligibility status remains inactive, and the individual cannot legally work.

DHA Test Passing Grades

The passing percentage is usually between 60% and 70% for the majority of medical specializations. Doctors and surgeons tend to be tested more rigorously than nurses or technicians because the clinical rationalization required is more profound. Most candidates’ biggest challenge is time management during the examination and the interpretation of highly complex clinical instances set in English. For increased chances of success, experts advise no less than two months of systematic preparation through the use of DHA-accredited textbooks, practice tests, and mock papers. Here is the DHA exam quick facts and fees:

Category	Details
Exam Type	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Organizer	Dubai Health Authority (DHA) via Prometric / Pearson VUE
Language	English
Number of Questions	100–150 multiple-choice questions
Duration	2 hours
Passing Score	Minimum 60%
Result Timeframe	5–10 working days via email or DHA portal
Retake Policy	Up to 3 attempts per year, 3-month gap required
Registration Fee	USD 240–300 (varies by specialty)
Payment Method	International cards (Visa / MasterCard)

DHA vs. HAAD vs. MOH Exams

One of the areas where healthcare professionals can get confused is the distinction between the DHA, HAAD, and MOH exams within the UAE. While the DHA exam is specifically targeted at medical professionals looking to work within the city of Dubai, the HAAD exam—now called the DOH exam—relates to Abu Dhabi, and the MOH exam pertains to the north Emirates with the exception of Dubai. Though the exam material and quality remain the same, each authority has its own license. Practitioners looking to transition between Emirates would need to submit an application requesting license transfer or license conversion through the unified healthcare licensing system within the UAE. Comprehension between these exams assists the candidates in determining the proper direction at an earlier stage, skipping duplicate testing, and strategy planning to secure long-term medical career success within various Emirates.

Final Words

Dubai DHA Exam is among the most renowned worldwide medical tests that serve to award valid employment permits to medical practitioners working in Dubai. This test is an indication of the scientific qualifications, clinical proficiency, and professional competency to work inside the UAE healthcare system by the candidate.

Successful completion of the Prometric exam is equivalent to receiving an official permit to practise (DHA License) globally recognized and the gateway to a promising future career within one of the Middle East’s most progressive healthcare systems. If you plan to stay in Dubai after passing the DHA test and want to work as a doctor or medical professional in the fastest city in the world, then the next step is to choose the best place to stay. Before confidently initializing the journey to residency or checking out the property prices in Dubai, we advise availing the consultation services by our professionals at Dxboffplan. Our expert team, with decades of investment and property experience, is available to advise you on the finest location to reside and invest in Dubai.