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Mar 15 / EXAM CURE

How to Pass the DHA Prometric Exam for Registered Nurses on the First Attempt

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Ultimate Guide to Passing the DHA Prometric Exam for Registered Nurses

Preparing for the DHA Prometric Exam is a crucial step for registered nurses who want to work in Dubai and the UAE. This exam assesses your competency in nursing practice, and passing it on the first attempt requires structured preparation, the right resources, and strategic study techniques. To work in Dubai as a nurse, you must pass the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam. This exam is specifically designed to qualify nurses to work in Dubai, and it is not applicable for employment in other parts of the UAE. The DHA exam ensures that nurses meet the standards required to provide quality healthcare services in Dubai. Successfully navigating this process involves understanding both the content of the exam and the unique requirements of the Dubai healthcare system.

Understanding the DHA Prometric Exam

Before starting your preparation, it is essential to understand the exam structure and question format:

  • Exam Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on nursing concepts.

  • Duration: 150 minutes.

  • Total Questions: 150 MCQs.

  • Passing Score: Varies based on the DHA guidelines but generally around 60–65%. However, for precise requirements:

    • Registered Nurses need to score at least 50% to pass.

    • Assistant Nurses are required to score 45%.

This detailed breakdown ensures that all nursing professionals are aware of the benchmarks they need to meet, allowing for more targeted preparation and ultimately, a higher chance of success.

Content Areas:

Includes nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, maternal & child health, pharmacology, and ethics.

Subject Weightage:

  • Fundamentals of Nursing: 28%

  • Maternal and Child Nursing: 16%

  • Adult Nursing (Medical-Surgical): 43%

  • Unit Management and Leadership: 13%

Requirements for Lapsed Nurses to Regain Licensure in the UAE

  • Gap of 2 to < 3 years: 20 CME/CPD credits + 4 months clinical training.

  • Gap of 3 to < 4 years: 40 CME/CPD credits + 6 months clinical training.

  • Gap of 4 to < 5 years: 60 CME/CPD credits + 8 months clinical training.

Once training and credits are complete, nurses (except UAE nationals) must pass the licensure exam to regain professional standing.

You’re allowed up to 3 attempts to pass. After that, further qualifications are required.

Who is Exempt from Taking the DHA Exam?

Registered Nurses or Midwives holding a current license and Good Standing Certificate from select countries may be exempt if:

  • The original exam is still valid.

  • Or, the certificate is issued within the past 5 years if no validity is stated.

No exemption applies if the nurse has not practiced in over 2 years.

English Proficiency Requirements:

  • TOEFL: Minimum 500

  • IELTS: Minimum 5.0

  • OET: Grade C or higher

  • Cambridge English: Score of 169 or higher

Step-by-Step Guide to Passing the DHA Exam

Register and Schedule Your Exam

The first step is to register on the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) portal and complete the eligibility requirements. Here’s how:

  • Visit the DHA website.

  • Create an account and apply for Primary Source Verification (PSV).

  • Schedule your Prometric exam date.

  • Pay the exam fee and receive confirmation.

Eligibility Requirements for DHA Exam

To be eligible for the DHA exam, nurses must meet the following criteria:

  • Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Nursing (min. 3 years duration)

  • Licensure: A valid license from your home country or last place of work

  • Basic Certification: Current BLS certification (or equivalent)

Types of Applicants:

  • Registered Nurses

  • Registered Midwives

Special Considerations:

  • Assistant Nurses: Must have at least an 18-month diploma in nursing.

  • Title Upgrade: Bachelor’s degree holders working as assistant nurses (for <5 years) can request a title upgrade.

  • UAE Nationals: Exempt from the exam if their program is accredited by the MOE/NQA.

Create Your DHA Unique ID

  • Register a new account on the DHA website.

  • Click on "Create a Sheryan account."

  • Check your eligibility to work in Dubai.

Complete Primary Source Verification (PSV)

To work as a nurse in Dubai, completing the PSV process is essential. This verification ensures that only those with authentic educational backgrounds and work experience are considered for positions in the healthcare sector.

Steps:

  • Visit the DataFlow Website.

  • Register as a new user.

  • Complete the form with personal details and Letter of Authorization (LOA).

  • Select your case type and enter relevant educational, license, and experience details.

  • Pay the PSV fee.

Verification typically takes about 3 weeks. You’ll receive the DataFlow report via email.

Apply for the DHA Nursing Exam

Once you pass your Prometric CBT assessment and receive your PSV report, you may proceed with registration. Ensure you have a job offer ready.

Obtain Your Eligibility Letter

  • Go to "Register a Professional" on the DHA portal.

  • Submit required details and pay the AED 200 registration fee.

The DHA will review your CBT and PSV results. Upon approval, you'll receive an eligibility letter.

Activate Your License

  • Submit your job offer letter and malpractice insurance.

  • Pay the activation fee (AED 1000–3000).

  • Receive an interim license until the official license is processed.

Recognized Nursing Specialties by Dubai Health Authority

The DHA acknowledges the following nursing specialties:

  • Certified Anesthesia Nurse

  • Community Nurse

  • Pediatric Nurse

  • Mental Health Nurse

  • Critical Care Nurse

  • Neonatal Care Nurse

  • Home Care Nurse

  • Infection Control Nurse

  • Emergency Nurse

  • Oncology Nurse

  • Dialysis Nurse

Requirements for Specialty Recognition:

  • Must be a Registered Nurse

  • Complete a 1-year full-time postgrad certificate in the specialty

  • Have 1+ year of specialty work experience after the certificate

3. Use the Right Study Materials

  • ✅ ExamCure's DHA Nursing Exam Prep Course – Updated QBank & guide

  • ✅ Official DHA Syllabus – Full coverage

  • ✅ Standard Nursing Textbooks – Saunders, Lippincott, Med-Surg

  • ✅ Free & premium mock tests

4. Follow a Structured Study Plan

Week Topics
Week 1 Fundamentals, Infection Control
Week 2 Med-Surg, Cardio & Respiratory
Week 3 Pharmacology, Drug Safety & Calculations
Week 4 Maternal/Child Health, Ethics
Final Full-Length Mock Exams, Review Weak Areas

5. Practice with Real DHA Exam Questions

  • Solve 50 MCQs daily

  • Review answer explanations

  • Identify weak topics and re-study

  • Take full-length timed mocks

6. Master Time Management & Test Strategy

  • Aim for < 1 min/question

  • Eliminate incorrect choices quickly

  • Flag difficult questions and revisit later

  • Stay calm and confident

7. Join Study Groups or Coaching

  • Boosts motivation and discipline

  • Get expert help and answer clarification

  • Learn from peer strategies and tips

8. Stay Healthy Before the Exam

  • Sleep 7–8 hours

  • Eat light & stay hydrated

  • Avoid cramming. Focus on confidence.

Additional Resources to Help You Pass

  • ✅ Free DHA Exam Practice Questions

  • ✅ ExamCure's DHA Prometric Exam Course

  • ✅ DHA Nursing Blueprint

✅ Conclusion

Passing the DHA Prometric Exam for Registered Nurses is achievable with structured preparation and smart strategy. Stick to a study plan, use ExamCure’s premium materials, and take mock exams to boost confidence.

💡 Ready to start your preparation?
👉 Sign up for ExamCure's DHA Nursing Exam Course today! 🚀



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