Pearson VUE (Computer Based Testing) exam can be taken around the globe.
🩺 1. What Is the DOH License?
The DOH (Department of Health – Abu Dhabi) license is the healthcare professional license required to legally work as a nurse (Registered Nurse, Assistant Nurse, Specialist Nurse, etc.) in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. It’s separate from other UAE licenses like DHA (Dubai) and MOHAP (other emirates).
🎓 2. Nursing Educational & Experience Requirements
Registered Nurse (RN)
✔ Bachelor’s degree in nursing (or diploma where accepted) from a recognised institution
✔ Primary Source Verification (DataFlow) of your credentials ✔
✔ Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate ✔
✔ Experience: Usually no minimum experience required if the degree is recent (within 2 years); otherwise, 1–2 years clinical experience may be required or additional training/CPD.
Assistant Nurse
✔ Diploma in Nursing (minimum ~18 months)
✔ Experience usually 1–2 years (varies by case)
✔ Works under the supervision of an RN.
Specialist Nurses
Healthcare professionals with postgraduate nursing specialisations (e.g., critical care, paediatrics, neonatal ICU) can apply for specialist categories with relevant experience and credentials.
📋 3. The DOH Licensing Process
Step 1 — Primary Source Verification (DataFlow)
You must submit your educational certificates, licensing documents, experience letters, and other credentials for verification through DataFlow — DOH will not evaluate your application without this.
Step 2 — Create a DOH/TAMM Account
Create an account on TAMM (Abu Dhabi government portal) and link your DataFlow case. Submit your credentials and pay the evaluation fees.
Step 3 — DOH Professional Evaluation
DOH reviews your documents against its Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) and issues a Professional Evaluation/Eligibility.
Step 4 — DOH Licensing Exam
If required, you must sit the DOH nursing licensure exam (Pearson VUE computer-based test) once your documentation and eligibility are approved.
• Format: ~100–150 MCQs, clinical and theory mix
• Languages: English only
• Passing score required for professional eligibility
Step 5 — License Issuance & Activation
Once you pass the exam (if required), DOH issues a professional license. To activate it you must be sponsored by a DOH-licensed health facility and complete any employer/visa requirements.
📄 4. Key Documents You’ll Need
- Passport copy + photo
- Nursing degree & academic transcripts
- Valid home-country nursing license/registration
- Experience letters (duties + dates)
- Good Standing Certificate (recent)
- BLS/CPR certificate
- DataFlow verification report
- Application form via DOH/TAMM portal
- Job offer (for license activation)
🧠 5. Experience & Practice Gap Rules
- Nurses with qualifications obtained within the past 2 years often don’t need prior experience to start licensing.
- If your qualification or experience is older, DOH may require CPD/CME credits or clinical training.
- Experience must be clinically relevant and recent to count toward eligibility.
📝 6. Fees & Timeline (Approx.)
- DataFlow PSV Fee
- DOH Evaluation Fee
- DOH Exam Fee
- License Issuance: DOH licensing fee
📅 Typical processing time from submission to eligibility: 8–14 weeks, longer if DataFlow delays.
🔁 7. License Renewal & CPD
- DOH licenses are generally valid for 1–2 years (check specific category when issued).
- Renewal usually involves proof of CPD (Continuing Professional Development), employment, and unpaid fees.
🧭 8. Important Notes
✔ A DOH license is required to practice in Abu Dhabi/Al Ain — DHA/MOHAP licenses are not interchangeable without formal transfer/recognition.