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DOH Nursing Exam Guide (2026)

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

What is the DOH exam?

The DOH Registered Nurse exam is the computer-based, multiple-choice licensing test that registered nurses take to work in Abu Dhabi (UAE). It is set by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH, formerly HAAD) and taken at Pearson VUE test centres.

Exam format at a glance

• 150 questions (multiple choice)
• 180 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 DOH licensing portal (via TAMM).
3. Complete primary source verification of your documents (usually through DataFlow).
4. Book and sit the exam with Pearson VUE.
5. Complete licensing and employer onboarding.

Requirements change; always check the official Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH, formerly HAAD) 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 72 seconds per question.
• There's no negative marking, so answer every question.

Start practising for the DOH exam

1,500 practice questions with rationales and unlimited timed 150-question mocks. Unlock the full DOH bank for 3 months for $9.99.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in the DOH nursing exam?

Candidate guides describe about 150 multiple-choice questions in 180 minutes. Confirm the current format with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH, formerly HAAD).

What is the pass mark for the DOH 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 DOH exam?

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

Where do I take the DOH exam?

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