DOH Abu Dhabi exam: choose your profession
Facts last verified 5 October 2026.
The Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) licenses health staff in the emirate. HAAD is its old name.
Choose your profession
- DOH exam for nurses: Registered Nurse: 150 questions in 3 hours. Diploma holders must check the Assistant Nurse route.
- DOH exam for pharmacists: Pharmacist: grouped range of 50 to 100 questions in 1 to 2 hours.
- DOH exam for dentists: General Dentist: 150 questions in 3 hours. Dental specialists need their own approved title.
- DOH exam for doctors: General Practitioner: 120 questions in 2.5 hours. Specialists follow a separate route.
Who needs the DOH exam
You need a DOH licence for health work in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain or Al Dhafra (law). A pass alone is not a licence.
How the DOH exam works
Each profession has its own paper in the 2024 DOH catalogue. Pearson VUE runs the computer-based exams. Apply through TAMM.
| Profession | Questions | Time | Pass mark | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurses | 150 | 3 hours | Not published | Official |
| Pharmacists | 50–100 | 1 to 2 hours; DOH publishes a range for this group, not an exact pharmacist figure | Not published | Official |
| Dentists | 150 | 3 hours | Not published | Official |
| Doctors | 120 | 2 h 30 min | Not published | Official |
- Your title may need a written exam, an oral exam or an OSCE, which tests clinical skills. Check exemptions with DOH.
Delivered by Pearson VUE. Eligibility through TAMM.
From documents to licence
Check your title and documents before you pay.
- 1. Check licence requirements: Check eligibility, documents and exemptions. Start TAMM and DataFlow. DOH licence requirements and TAMM application
- 2. Check fees and book: After DOH approval, pay in TAMM and book with Pearson VUE. DOH exam fees and Pearson VUE booking
- 3. Check results and next steps: Find your result in TAMM. After a pass, complete the facility link and licence issue. DOH exam results, retakes and next steps
- HAAD name help: Check when DOH took over. HAAD full form and the DOH name change
DOH guides
Frequently asked questions
Is HAAD a different exam from DOH?
No. DOH took over from HAAD by law. The licensing exam continued under DOH.
Which DOH paper should you prepare for?
Use the title DOH approves for you. Each profession has its own paper.
Can you work after passing the DOH exam?
You still need a DOH licence. A facility must nominate you before DOH issues it after clearance and payment.
Sources
Facts last verified 2026-10-05.
- Licensing Service Catalogue and Licensing Procedural Manual (Circular 151/2024), Department of Health Abu Dhabi
- Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements, April 2025, MOHAP, DOH, DHA and SHA
- Law concerning the establishment of the Department of Health (Official Gazette, 2018), Abu Dhabi Government
- Department of Health Abu Dhabi examinations, Pearson VUE
- Frequently Asked Questions, Department of Health Abu Dhabi