DHA Exam Nepal: Complete Guide for Nurses, Doctors, and Pharmacists Moving to Dubai (2026)
Are you a nurse, doctor, or pharmacist in Nepal dreaming of a rewarding healthcare career in Dubai? You’re not alone. Thousands of Nepali healthcare professionals make this move every year — and the DHA Exam is the key that unlocks that door.
At Mero Hospital, Kathmandu, we’ve helped hundreds of Nepali healthcare professionals successfully navigate the DHA licensing process. This complete 2026 guide covers everything you need to know — from eligibility and fees to exam preparation tips tailored specifically for candidates from Nepal.
What is the DHA Exam?
The DHA Exam (Dubai Health Authority Exam) is a mandatory professional licensing test for all healthcare professionals who want to legally practice medicine in Dubai, UAE. It is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted through Prometric testing centers available in over 180 countries — including Nepal.
The exam is designed to evaluate your clinical knowledge, professional ethics, and understanding of Dubai’s healthcare standards. Without passing the DHA exam and obtaining a DHA license, no foreign-trained doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can legally work in any Dubai hospital, clinic, or pharmacy.
Who Needs the DHA Exam? (Eligibility by Profession)
The DHA exam applies to a wide range of healthcare professionals. Here is who needs it:
- Doctors: General Practitioners (GPs), Specialists, Consultants
- Nurses: Registered Nurses, Midwives, Assistant Nurses
- Pharmacists: Community, Hospital, and Clinical Pharmacists
- Dentists: General Dentists and Dental Specialists
- Allied Health Professionals: Lab Technicians, Radiographers, Physiotherapists, Dental Hygienists
DHA Exam Eligibility Criteria for Nepali Candidates (2026)
Before you register, you must meet the following basic requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Minimum 18 years |
| Educational Degree | Recognized healthcare degree (MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing, B.Pharm, etc.) |
| Professional License | Valid license from Nepal Medical Council (NMC) or Nepal Nursing Council (NNC) |
| Work Experience | 2 years (Nurses & Allied Health), 3 years (GPs), 3 years post-PG (Specialists), 5 years (Consultants) |
| Good Standing Certificate | Issued within the last 6 months by your home country’s regulatory body |
| Valid Passport | Must be valid throughout the application process |
For Nepali Professionals Specifically:
- Your degree must be from an institution recognized by Tribhuvan University (TU) or another accredited university recognized by the UAE Ministry of Health.
- Your Nepal Medical Council or Nepal Nursing Council registration certificate is mandatory.
- Experience letters must be on official hospital/institution letterhead.
DHA Exam Pattern & Passing Score (2026)
The DHA exam is a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) based test. All questions are in English, and each has one single best answer. There is no negative marking.
| Profession | Number of Questions | Duration | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Practitioners (Doctors) | 150 MCQs | 3 Hours | 60% |
| Registered Nurses | 150 MCQs | 3 Hours | 50% |
| Assistant Nurses | 150 MCQs | 3 Hours | 45% |
| Pharmacists | 150 MCQs | ~165 Minutes | 60% |
| Dentists | 150 MCQs | 3 Hours | 60% |
| Lab Technicians | 100 MCQs | 3 Hours | 55% |
| Specialists | 150 MCQs | 3 Hours | 60–75% (varies by specialty) |
Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (Prometric) Language: English Question Style: Scenario-based clinical vignettes — you are given a patient case and must choose the best clinical action.
Step-by-Step DHA Registration Process for Nepali Healthcare Professionals
The full DHA licensing process involves three major stages. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Step 1: DataFlow Primary Source Verification (PSV)
DataFlow is a mandatory background verification process where all your submitted documents are verified directly with your issuing institutions (university, hospital, regulatory council).
Documents Required (5 Core Documents):
- Educational degree / transcript
- Professional license (NMC/NNC registration)
- Experience certificate from employer(s)
- Good standing certificate from NMC/NNC
- Valid passport copy
Fees: AED 1,350 (each additional document: AED 300) Processing Time: Approximately 3 weeks
Mero Hospital Tip: Incomplete or inconsistent documents are the #1 reason for DataFlow rejection. Our team at Mero Hospital reviews all your documents before submission to prevent delays.
Step 2: DHA Sheryan Portal Submission
Once DataFlow verification is complete, you register on the official DHA Sheryan Portal (services.dha.gov.ae/sheryan) and submit your application for eligibility assessment.
Process:
- Create a DHA Unique ID on Sheryan
- Upload all verified documents
- Submit your professional profile for DHA review
Fee: AED 300 (inclusive of tax) Processing Time: 4–5 working days (up to 10 working days in some cases)
Step 3: Schedule & Sit the Prometric Exam
Once your Sheryan application is approved and you receive your eligibility confirmation, you can book your exam date through the Prometric website.
Key Facts:
- Exam can be taken at Prometric centers in Kathmandu, Nepal — no need to travel to Dubai
- No fixed exam dates — you choose your preferred date and center
- Exam results appear in your Sheryan portal within 2 working days (Pass/Fail only — no scores disclosed)
Exam Fee: AED 1,110
If You Don’t Pass:
- You are allowed up to 3 attempts per year
- After 3 failures, additional qualifications or a waiting period may be required
- Most candidates pass on their second attempt with extended preparation
Total Cost of DHA Exam for Nepali Professionals (2026 Estimate)
| Stage | Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| DataFlow Verification | AED 1,350 |
| Additional Document Verification (if needed) | AED 300 per document |
| DHA Sheryan Submission | AED 300 |
| Prometric Exam Fee | AED 1,110 |
| Total Estimated Cost | AED 2,760 – AED 3,200+ |
Note: 1 AED ≈ NPR 37–38 (rates may vary). Costs may vary slightly by profession and specialization.
DHA Exam Syllabus by Profession
For Doctors (General Practitioners)
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Pathology & Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine & Surgery
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Community Medicine & Public Health
- Medical Ethics & UAE Healthcare Regulations
For Nurses (Registered Nurses)
- Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal & Child Health Nursing
- Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing
- Critical Care & Emergency Nursing
- Pharmacology for Nurses
- Professional Practice & Ethics
- Dubai/UAE Healthcare Standards
For Pharmacists
- Pharmaceutical Care & Disease State Management (~35% of exam)
- Pharmacology & Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmaceutical Calculations & Compounding
- Drug Information & Patient Counseling
- Pharmacy Law, Ethics & Regulations (UAE-specific)
- Clinical Pharmacy Practice
DHA Exam Preparation Tips for Nepali Candidates
Preparing for the DHA exam from Nepal is completely achievable with the right strategy. Here are proven tips:
1. Start with the Official DHA Blueprint
The DHA exam follows a defined content blueprint. Always align your study plan with the official topic weightage for your profession.
2. Practice Scenario-Based Questions Daily
DHA questions are clinical vignettes — they test how you apply knowledge, not just recall it. Practice 50–100 MCQs daily, focusing on reasoning through patient scenarios.
3. Take Weekly Full-Length Mock Tests
Simulate exam conditions: 150 questions in 165–170 minutes. This builds the stamina and time management skills needed for the actual exam (roughly 68 seconds per question).
4. Focus on UAE-Specific Regulations
Many Nepali candidates underestimate this section. Questions about UAE medical ethics, patient safety protocols, and Dubai healthcare structure appear regularly.
5. Use Updated Question Banks
Use DHA-specific question banks that are updated to reflect the current exam pattern. Generic MCQ books are not enough.
6. Join a Structured Coaching Program
Self-study is possible, but structured coaching significantly improves your pass rate. At Mero Hospital, our DHA coaching program has achieved a 95% pass rate among enrolled candidates.
DHA Exam: Nurses vs. Doctors vs. Pharmacists — Key Differences
| Feature | Nurses | Doctors (GP) | Pharmacists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Questions | 150 MCQs | 150 MCQs | 150 MCQs |
| Passing Score | 50% | 60% | 60% |
| Experience Required | 2 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| Core Focus | Patient Care & Safety | Clinical Diagnosis & Management | Drug Therapy & Patient Counseling |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | High | High |
After Passing the DHA Exam: What’s Next?
Passing the DHA exam does not automatically give you a license to practice. Here’s what happens after:
- Eligibility Letter Issued: DHA sends an eligibility letter valid for one year.
- Secure a Job Offer: You need a job offer from a DHA-approved healthcare facility in Dubai.
- License Activation: Your employer initiates the license activation process (fees: AED 1,000–3,000).
- DHA License Issued: Once activated, your DHA license allows you to legally practice in Dubai.
- License Renewal: The DHA license is valid for 1 year and must be renewed within 3 months before expiry.
Why Nepali Healthcare Professionals Choose Dubai
Dubai is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for healthcare professionals — and for good reason:
- Tax-free salaries significantly higher than Nepal
- Dubai’s private healthcare sector surpassed 69,400 professionals in 2025, growing 8.3% year-on-year
- Over 5,800 licensed healthcare facilities, including 55 hospitals, 222 home healthcare centers
- Strong Nepali diaspora community for cultural support
- World-class working environment with advanced medical technology
- Pathway to broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) opportunities
How Mero Hospital Kathmandu Helps You Pass the DHA Exam
At Mero Hospital (Buddhanagar, Kathmandu), we offer Nepal’s most comprehensive DHA exam preparation and consultation service:
What We Offer:
- Free Eligibility Assessment — Know if you qualify before investing money
- DataFlow Document Preparation — We review, prepare, and submit all documents
- DHA Sheryan Account Setup — Expert-guided portal registration
- Expert-Led DHA Coaching — Certified instructors with DHA-specific curriculum
- Updated Question Banks — Regularly refreshed MCQ practice material
- Weekly Mock Tests & Performance Analysis
- Online & Offline Class Options — Flexible for working professionals
- Prometric Exam Scheduling Assistance
- Job Placement Guidance — Support finding DHA-approved employers in Dubai
Our Results:
- 95% success rate among DHA candidates enrolled with Mero Hospital
- Experienced mentors: certified DHA trainers and nurse educators
- Syllabus updated to reflect the latest 2026 DHA exam blueprint
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I take the DHA exam in Nepal without going to Dubai?
Yes. The Prometric CBT exam is available at authorized test centers in Kathmandu, Nepal. You do not need to travel to Dubai for the exam.
Q: How long does the entire DHA process take?
From starting DataFlow verification to sitting your Prometric exam, the typical timeline is 2 to 3 months, depending on how quickly your documents are verified.
Q: Is the DHA exam the same as the HAAD or MOH exam?
No. The DHA exam is specifically for working in Dubai. HAAD (now DOH) is for Abu Dhabi, and MOH is for other Emirates. They are separate exams with different requirements.
Q: What if my Nepal degree is not recognized?
Our team at Mero Hospital conducts a free eligibility assessment to check whether your qualification meets DHA requirements before you start the process.
Q: How many times can I retake the DHA exam?
You are allowed up to 3 attempts per year. After 3 consecutive failures, you may need to meet additional requirements or wait before reapplying.
Q: What is the validity of the DHA license?
The DHA license is valid for 1 year and must be renewed before it expires.
Q: Do I need an English proficiency certificate for the DHA exam?
The DHA exam itself is in English, but the DHA does not separately require IELTS or OET for licensing (unlike some other countries). However, individual employers in Dubai may request English proficiency proof.
Get Started Today with Mero Hospital
The DHA exam is your gateway to a successful, high-paying healthcare career in Dubai. With the right preparation and expert guidance, Nepali nurses, doctors, and pharmacists can pass on their first attempt.
Mero Hospital — your trusted DHA exam preparation partner in Kathmandu — is ready to guide you from your first eligibility check to your first day of work in Dubai.
📍 Location: Buddhanagar 10, Kathmandu, Nepal 📞 Call Us: +977 9801819111 ✉️ Email: info@merohospital.com 🌐 Website: merohospital.com
Enroll in the DHA Program Now →
This article is intended for informational purposes. DHA exam fees, requirements, and processes are subject to change. Always verify the latest information from the official DHA Sheryan Portal at services.dha.gov.ae.
