“Prometric exam” is what most healthcare professionals call the licensing test they must pass to work in the UAE. The name is only partly accurate. Prometric delivers the computer-based tests for the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), but the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) uses a different provider, Pearson. Knowing which authority you are applying to tells you where to book, how attempts are counted and what happens if you fail.
The answers below are drawn from the authorities’ own documents and pages, checked in November 2026. They cover nurses, pharmacists, doctors, dentists and allied health professionals, although each title has its own requirements in the Unified Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR). Rules change, so treat this as general information, not professional or legal advice, and confirm details with the authority before you pay for anything.
The basics
Which UAE health authorities use Prometric?
DHA’s assessment manual names Prometric as its computer-based test (CBT) provider. MOHAP’s evaluation service page also names Prometric as its exam provider. DOH Abu Dhabi licensure exams are delivered by Pearson Professional Assessments (formerly Pearson VUE), booked through the TAMM platform.
| Authority | Test provider | Where you start | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHA (Dubai) | Prometric (CBT); DHA also runs oral assessments | Sheryan account, which issues an Eligibility ID | Pass or fail only |
| MOHAP | Prometric | MOHAP Evaluation System | Pass or fail; minimum passing score 60% |
| DOH (Abu Dhabi) | Pearson | TAMM account, after DOH approves you for the exam | Not covered on the pages checked |
Does everyone have to sit the exam?
No. The PQR says all healthcare professionals must pass the relevant Authority’s examination, except UAE nationals and children of Emirati women (Section 1.5.1). Professionals who have passed certain international exams or hold an active licence from certain regulators can also be exempted (1.6.1). The list is in the PQR’s exam equivalency chapter and varies by profession.
If I am exempt from the exam, am I exempt from everything else?
No. The PQR is explicit that an exemption covers only the examination, not credentialing, experience or primary source verification (1.6.2). DHA’s assessment manual says the same (4.14).
Is the exam the first step?
Not usually. You first confirm your title in the PQR, then apply to the authority. For DHA, you create a Sheryan account, which issues the Eligibility ID you need to book a Prometric test (DHA assessment manual 7.2.2). For MOHAP, you apply through its Evaluation System, pay the fees, and the Ministry forwards your file to DataFlow for verification. For DOH, you can book only once DOH’s licensing department has approved your application for the exam.
Booking and rescheduling
How do I book the DHA Prometric test?
Through Prometric’s DHA page, using the Eligibility ID from Sheryan (7.2.2–7.2.3). DHA’s manual says payment is by American Express, Mastercard or Visa (7.2.4), and the test is taken at a Prometric test centre (7.2.5).
Can I change my DHA test date?
Yes, at least five calendar days before the test, through Prometric’s website. Prometric charges a fee for the change (7.2.7–7.2.9). DHA’s manual says exam fees are not refundable, including after rescheduling, cancellation or a no-show (4.24).
How do I book the DOH exam?
Pearson’s DOH page says that after you pay the DOH fee in TAMM, a Pearson link appears in your TAMM account. It takes you to your Pearson homepage, where you choose the date, time and location. Print the booking confirmation and take it to the test centre. Pearson notes that its emails end in “@pearson.com” and can land in spam folders.
Can I buy official practice papers from Prometric?
No. Prometric’s DHA page says it does not sell test preparation or practice content in any form, and that sites claiming to sell official test content are unauthorised. Be wary of anyone offering “real exam questions”.
On the day and afterwards
How many questions are there, and how long is the test?
The documents checked do not give question counts. DHA’s manual refers candidates to its separate CBT guide for timing (7.2.12). Look for the current candidate guide for your profession on the authority’s site before you book, because formats can differ by title.
What is the pass mark?
MOHAP states a minimum passing score of 60%. DHA does not publish a fixed pass mark in its manual; it calculates results from correct answers and the weighting of each domain (7.2.13).
Will I see my score?
Not with DHA or MOHAP. DHA reports pass or fail only, with no score or topic review (4.6). MOHAP processes results automatically as pass or fail and does not disclose individual questions or answers.
How quickly do DHA results arrive?
CBT results are uploaded to Sheryan within two working days (7.2.14). DHA oral assessment results arrive through Sheryan within three to five working days (5.15).
What does passing actually give me?
With DHA, a pass leads to a Professional Registration Certificate valid for one year from the result date. It is not a permit to practise (4.7); an employer must still activate your licence. MOHAP’s evaluation certificate is valid for five years, provided there is no gap in practice of more than two years, according to its evaluation infographic.
Attempts and failing
How many attempts do I get?
Three. The PQR allows three attempts across the Authorities (1.5.4). DHA allows up to three and may reduce that to one or two if major competency gaps are identified (4.9, 4.9.1). MOHAP allows a maximum of three.
Do I have to wait between attempts?
Not at DHA. Its manual says there is no time restriction between attempts (4.8). Using that freedom is rarely wise without targeted revision, because every attempt counts.
What happens after a third failure?
The PQR allows one last attempt with a different Authority (1.5.5). DHA’s manual says a third failed DHA attempt blocks reapplication for two years (4.10), and allows either one final attempt with another authority or a fourth DHA attempt with a declaration letter (4.11). It also allows three new attempts after a new qualification or two years of licensed experience (4.12). MOHAP does not allow a fourth attempt but says applicants may apply through DHA or DOH instead.
Does a missed exam count as a failed attempt?
At DHA, missed or cancelled sessions are not counted as failed attempts (4.15), but you lose the fee.
Preparing well
The authorities do not release scores or question reviews, so preparation has to be structured from the start:
- Confirm your exact title and specialty in the PQR before booking; the test matches the title.
- Download the current candidate guide for your profession from the authority’s site.
- Book a date that leaves time to reschedule at least five days ahead if you need to, since later changes cost money.
- Use reputable revision material, knowing that no provider can legitimately sell the official question bank.
- Keep your CV ready for the moment you pass, because recruiters often ask for proof of registration or eligibility. A resume builder makes it quick to add your new registration and resend.
Role-specific CVs help when you start applying: there are dedicated pages for a nurse resume and a pharmacist resume.
Frequently asked questions
Is the DHA exam the same as the MOHAP exam?
Both use Prometric for the CBT, but they are separate authorities with separate applications and records. Passing one does not register you with the other, although the shared PQR has licence recognition rules that can exempt licensed professionals from a further exam.
Can I take the DOH exam at a Prometric centre?
No. DOH exams are booked through TAMM and delivered by Pearson at Pearson test centres.
Who do I contact about a DOH exam problem?
Pearson’s DOH page lists exam@doh.gov.ae for exam questions, support@doh.gov.ae for technical support and HAADcustomerservices@pearson.com for Pearson candidate support.
Sources
- Manual for DHA Professional Assessment (DHA/HRS/HLD/MA-3, v1.1) – Dubai Health Authority
- Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements, 3rd Version 2022 – Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (published jointly with DHA and MOHAP)
- Evaluation of Health Professional – Ministry of Health and Prevention
- Infographic: Health Professional Evaluation – Ministry of Health and Prevention
- Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) Examinations – Pearson
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA) – Prometric