DHA – Dubai Health Authority

Prometric (Computer Based Testing) exams can be taken around the globe.

🏥 1. What Is the DHA License for Nurses?

To work legally as a nurse in Dubai (UAE), you must be licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) — the regulatory body responsible for healthcare professionals in Dubai. This license permits you to practice nursing in DHA-regulated facilities.


📋 2. Basic Eligibility Requirements

For most nurse categories under DHA:

Registered Nurse (RN)

✔ Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (minimum 3 years) from an accredited institution
✔ Active nursing license/registration in your home/last practising country
✔ At least 2 years of clinical experience (post-licensing)
✔ Basic Life Support (BLS)/relevant certifications
✔ English language proficiency (varies by employer/authority)
✔ Primary Source Verification (PSV) of documents through DataFlow
✔ Pass DHA licensing exam (unless exempt)

Assistant Nurse

✔ Diploma in Nursing (with clinical training)
✔ Experience (usually 1–2 years)
✔ Registration in the home country
✔ Work under the supervision of an RN


🧾 3. Key Steps in the DHA Licensing Process

  1. Create a DHA Professional Account (Sheryan portal)
  2. Submit Qualifications (degree, transcripts, nursing license, experience letters)
  3. Primary Source Verification (PSV) via DataFlow — DHA verifies your documents directly with issuers
  4. Eligibility Review & Letter — DHA confirms you meet minimum PQR (Professional Qualification Requirements)
  5. DHA Exam (Prometric) — schedule, sit, and pass (some exemptions may apply based on credentials)
  6. Obtain Eligibility Certificate
  7. Secure a Job Offer from a DHA-Approved Facility
  8. Activate License after sponsorship from your employer

🧪 4. DHA Licensing Exam

📌 Most nurses must pass the DHA Prometric exam for nurses after eligibility is confirmed.
• Covers clinical knowledge and practice standards
• Fee applies (USD ~240 approx.)

Some internationally licensed nurses (e.g., NCLEX passers) may be eligible for exemption from the exam, but rules differ and require strong documentation and good standing.


📄 5. Documents Typically Required

✔ Nursing degree + academic transcripts
✔ Home country nursing license/registration
✔ Experience certificates (clinical work)
✔ Good Standing Certificate
✔ Passport copy & photo
✔ BLS/CPR certificate
✔ PSV/DataFlow verification report


💰 6. Costs (Approx.)

Total costs can vary, but often include:
• Application and review fees
• DataFlow PSV charges
• DHA exam fee
• License activation fee


7. Timeframe

From submission to license activation typically ranges 3–6 months if documents are complete and exams are passed on the first attempt.


📍 Important Notes

🔹 DHA license only lets you work in Dubai.

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