DHA Exam for General Practitioners — Structure & Study Guide
The DHA (Dubai Health Authority) licensing exam is required before you can practise as a General Practitioner in Dubai. It is run as a computer-based test through Prometric, built from an official DHA guideline that also covers every other physician, dentist, nursing and allied-health title — General Practice is one line in that document. Here is exactly what applies to GPs: the exam structure, how to apply, what is tested, and where to find the source material.
Structure — General Practice
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total MCQs | 150 |
| Duration | 3 hours (includes registration and process introduction, not just answering time) |
| Exam code | GEN5331 |
| Fee | USD 280 |
| Pass score | 60% |
| Negative marking | None |
| Format | Computer-based test (CBT), English, single-best-answer MCQs |
| Delivered by | Prometric — 8,000+ test centres in 160+ countries |
| Result | Pass/Fail only, posted to your Sheryan account — your numeric score is not shared |
Before you register
- This page covers the General Practice title specifically. DHA runs the same guideline for dozens of other Physician, Dentist, Nurse/Midwife, Allied Healthcare and TCIM titles, each with its own code, fee and topic list — check the official guideline (downloadable below) if you are applying under a different title.
- DHA can change the content, format or pass score of any specialty assessment without updating the published guideline, so treat the numbers here as the basis for planning, not a guarantee — confirm on Sheryan before your exam date.
- A minimum of 2 years of clinical experience is generally required for fresh graduates applying as a GP.
How to apply
- 1Register on SheryanCreate your DHA Sheryan account with your personal and professional details, and select your Professional Category (Physicians) and title (General Practice).
- 2Complete DataFlow primary source verificationYour educational certificates and licences are verified directly with their issuing institutions — this is the DataFlow / PQR step, and it commonly takes the longest part of the whole process, so start it early.
- 3Get your Eligibility IDOnce your documents are verified and approved, DHA issues an Eligibility ID confirming you are cleared to book the exam.
- 4Schedule with PrometricBook your test date and centre through Prometric using your Eligibility ID.
- 5Sit the exam and get your resultResults are typically posted to your Sheryan account within 2–5 working days as Pass or Fail.
- 6License issuanceA pass alone does not issue your licence — DHA issues the professional licence once you also have a confirmed job offer / employment in Dubai. The licence is valid for one year from issuance; if you do not secure employment within that window, it lapses.
Topics covered — General Practice
Per the official DHA exam guideline:
- Chronic diseases
- Acute and/or common medical problems
- Common pediatric problems
- Women's health
- Emergency problems
- Common surgical problems
- Common psychiatric problems
- Common eye and ENT problems
- Common dermatology problems
- Basic epidemiology and evidence-based medicine (EBM) concepts
- Family medicine concepts
- Screening and periodic health examination
Retakes
- You may retake the DHA exam up to 3 times.
- After a 3rd unsuccessful attempt, DHA may apply additional requirements before you can sit again — check your Sheryan account or contact DHA directly for what applies to your case.
Suggested reference textbooks (per DHA)
From the official exam guideline's reference list for General Practice — provided as a study aid, not an indication that exam questions are drawn from these specific sources.
- Toronto Notes (Canadian edition)
- Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
- Kumar and Clark's Clinical Medicine
- Hacker and Moore's Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Gynaecology by Ten Teachers
- Llewellyn-Jones Fundamentals of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Pediatrics for Medical Students
- Nelson Essentials of Pediatrics
Download the official DHA exam guideline
The complete 128-page DHA Healthcare Professional Licensing Assessment Guideline (CBT) — every physician, dentist, nursing and allied-health title, with its exam code, duration, fee, pass score and topic list.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the DHA GP exam and how long is it?+
150 multiple-choice questions in a 3-hour session, which includes registration and the process introduction, not just answering time.
What score do I need to pass the DHA GP exam?+
60%. There is no negative marking, so attempt every question.
How many times can I retake the DHA exam?+
Up to 3 times. After a 3rd unsuccessful attempt, additional requirements may apply before a further attempt.
How is the DHA exam delivered?+
As a computer-based test through Prometric, DHA's testing partner, at any of their 8,000+ centres in 160+ countries.
What is Sheryan?+
DHA's online portal for the entire licensing process — creating your profile, tracking your DataFlow/PQR verification, generating your Eligibility ID, and viewing your Pass/Fail result once you've tested.
Does passing the exam mean I get my DHA licence immediately?+
No — the licence is issued once you also have confirmed employment in Dubai. It is valid for one year from issuance, and lapses if you have not secured employment within that period.
Know the rules. Now practise.
Understanding the exam is step one. Drill past-paper style MCQs with detailed explanations and track your accuracy by subject.
Practise DHA MCQsGuidance is provided for candidates' convenience and is not an official DHA publication. Always confirm current rules and criteria at www.dha.gov.ae.