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DHA Nursing Exam Guide (2026)

Everything you need to plan for the DHA Registered Nurse exam: format, licensing steps, what's covered and a 6-week study plan.

What is the DHA exam?

The DHA Registered Nurse exam is the computer-based, multiple-choice licensing test that registered nurses take to work in Dubai (UAE). It is set by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and taken at Prometric test centres.

Exam format at a glance

• 100 questions (multiple choice)
• 150 minutes
• Pass mark around 65% (commonly quoted; can change)

Typical steps to get licensed

1. Check eligibility: nursing qualification, registration and any experience requirement.
2. Apply through the DHA Sheryan portal.
3. Complete primary source verification of your documents (usually through DataFlow).
4. Book and sit the exam with Prometric.
5. Complete licensing and employer onboarding.

Requirements change; always check the official Dubai Health Authority (DHA) website.

What the exam covers

• Fundamentals & Patient Safety
• Infection Control
• Cardiovascular
• Respiratory
• Neurological
• Endocrine & Diabetes
• Renal, Fluids & Electrolytes
• Gastrointestinal & Hepatic
• Musculoskeletal, Skin & Wound Care
• Oncology & Haematology
• Emergency & Critical Care
• Pharmacology
• Maternal & Newborn
• Paediatrics
• Mental Health
• Leadership, Ethics & Prioritisation

A 6-week study plan

1. Week 1: take a timed diagnostic test and note your weakest topics.
2. Week 2: fundamentals, infection control and patient safety.
3. Week 3: cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological nursing.
4. Week 4: endocrine, renal, GI, pharmacology and calculations.
5. Week 5: maternal, paediatric, mental health, leadership and emergency care.
6. Week 6: full timed mock tests; review every rationale, including the ones you guessed right.

Exam-day tips

• Read the final line of the question first so you know what's being asked.
• Use ABC (airway, breathing, circulation) and safety to choose priorities.
• Eliminate clearly wrong options before choosing.
• Pace yourself: about 90 seconds per question.
• There's no negative marking, so answer every question.

Start practising for the DHA exam

1,500 practice questions with rationales and unlimited timed 100-question mocks. Unlock the full DHA bank for 3 months for $9.99.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in the DHA nursing exam?

Candidate guides describe about 100 multiple-choice questions in 150 minutes. Confirm the current format with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

What is the pass mark for the DHA exam?

A pass mark of around 65% is commonly quoted. Pass marks can change or be scaled, so treat it as a target, not a guarantee.

Is there negative marking in the DHA exam?

Prep guides report no negative marking, so answer every question.

Where do I take the DHA exam?

It is a computer-based test delivered by Prometric. You book it after your eligibility is approved.