DOH Exam (HAAD): Your Complete Guide to Medical Licensing in Abu Dhabi

The DOH (Department of Health), formerly known as HAAD (Health Authority – Abu Dhabi), exam is a critical step for healthcare professionals seeking to practice in Abu Dhabi. This exam evaluates candidates’ knowledge and skills to ensure they meet the high standards required for providing top-notch healthcare in the emirate. Passing the DOH exam is not just a formality but a gateway to a fulfilling career in Abu Dhabi’s growing and dynamic healthcare sector. Understanding the exam’s format and content is key to achieving success and securing your professional license.

What is the DOH Exam (HAAD)?

The Department of Health (DOH) examination, previously referred to as the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) examination, serves as a licensing assessment for healthcare practitioners aspiring to work in Abu Dhabi. Administered by the Department of Health, this examination evaluates the competencies of candidates in multiple medical disciplines to guarantee compliance with the region’s stringent quality healthcare standards. Successfully passing this exam is an essential requirement for acquiring a professional license to operate within Abu Dhabi’s healthcare framework.

Eligibility Criteria For DOH Exam (HAAD)

To qualify for the DOH (Department of Health) examination, previously referred to as HAAD (Health Authority – Abu Dhabi), candidates typically must satisfy the following conditions:

1. Educational Background:

Possess a relevant degree or diploma from an accredited educational institution in the healthcare sector for which you are applying.

2. Professional Experience:

Present evidence of pertinent work experience, generally between 1 to 2 years, contingent upon the specific healthcare profession.

3. Licensure:

Hold a valid license or certification to practice in your home country or another recognized jurisdiction.

4. Certificate of Good Standing:

Provide a certificate from the regulatory authority in your home country or from previous employers, affirming that you have no record of professional misconduct.

5. Language Skills:

Exhibit proficiency in English if necessary, typically through recognized assessments such as IELTS or TOEFL, particularly if your education was not conducted in English.

6. Additional Documentation:

Depending on the specific profession, you may be required to submit further documentation or certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

What Are The Documents Required To Apply For DOH Exam (HAAD)?

It is advisable to verify the specific requirements for your profession on the official website of the Department of Health or to reach out to their support services for the most precise and current information.

1. Educational Certificates: Copies of your relevant degree or diploma and academic transcripts.

2. Work Experience Certificates: Proof of relevant professional experience from previous employers.

3. Good Standing Certificate: A certificate from your home country’s health authority or previous employer confirming no history of professional misconduct.

4. Passport Copy: A clear copy of your passport, typically including the identification page.

5. Professional License: A copy of your current professional license or certification from your home country or any other jurisdiction.

6. Passport-size Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs as per the specifications.

7. Language Proficiency Proof: Proof of English proficiency if required (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL scores) if your education was not conducted in English.

8. Additional Certifications: Depending on the profession, you might need additional certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).

Always check the specific requirements on the DOH official website or contact their support for the most current information.

DOH Exam (HAAD) Fees

The DOH (formerly known as HAAD) exam is essential for healthcare professionals who wish to work in Abu Dhabi. Here’s a breakdown of the exam fees in the UAE:

• Application Fees: AED 50 – AED 200 (depends on the professional category).
• DataFlow Fees (Primary Source Verification): AED 500 – AED 1,000 per application.
• Exam Fees: Around AED 250 – AED 500 per attempt, depending on the exam type and professional category.
• Prometric Scheduling Fees: AED 350 – AED 500.

Exact costs may vary depending on your specialty and the number of documents verified.

What Are The Steps To Apply For The DOH Exam (HAAD)?

To apply for the DOH (Department of Health) exam, formerly known as HAAD (Health Authority – Abu Dhabi), follow these steps:

1. Create an Account: Register on the DOH online portal to create an account if you don’t already have one.

2. Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents, including educational certificates, work experience letters, good standing certificate, passport copy, passport-size photographs, and any additional certifications.

3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form on the DOH portal with accurate details.

4. Upload Documents: Upload all required documents as specified in the application form.

5. Pay the Exam Fee: Pay the applicable exam fee online through the portal.

6. Submit Application: Submit your completed application form and documents for review.

7. Schedule the Exam: Once your application is approved, you’ll receive instructions to schedule your exam date and time.

8. Prepare for the Exam: Study and prepare based on the exam content and format. Utilize study materials and practice tests if available.

9. Take the Exam: Attend the exam on the scheduled date. Ensure you bring any required identification or documents as instructed.

10. Receive Results: Check your exam results on the DOH portal once they are released.

11. Complete Licensing: If you pass the exam, follow the additional steps to complete your licensing process, which may include submitting further documentation and paying any remaining fees.

Always refer to the DOH website or contact their support for the most up-to-date and detailed application procedures.

What Are The Topics Covered For DOH Exam (HAAD)?

The subjects included in the DOH (Department of Health) examination, previously referred to as the HAAD (Health Authority – Abu Dhabi) examination, differ based on the specific healthcare profession. Nonetheless, they typically encompass the following areas:

Medical Knowledge:

• Fundamental topics pertinent to the respective field, such as general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and gynecology for physicians.
• Pharmaceutical and medical knowledge, which includes drug interactions and their clinical applications for pharmacists.

Clinical Skills:

Essential practical skills necessary for patient care, diagnosis, and treatment, relevant to physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals.

Healthcare Regulations:

Understanding of healthcare laws, ethical standards, and regulations specific to Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

Patient Safety and Quality of Care:

Principles associated with patient safety, infection control, and quality enhancement in healthcare environments.

Emergency Procedures:

Fundamental and advanced life support techniques, emergency response protocols, and practices in critical care.

Professional Practice:

Considerations of ethics, communication abilities, and professional behavior within the healthcare setting.

Specialized Knowledge:

For certain professions, the topics may include specialized fields such as dental practices for dentists or advanced nursing techniques for nurses.

It is recommended to visit the DOH website or reach out to their support for a comprehensive exam syllabus tailored to your particular healthcare profession.

Passing Criteria For DOH Exam (HAAD)

To successfully pass the DOH (Department of Health) examination, which was previously referred to as the HAAD (Health Authority – Abu Dhabi) examination, candidates are generally required to fulfill the following conditions:

1. Minimum Score Requirement:

Generally, a score ranging from 60% to 70% is necessary to achieve a passing status. The precise passing score may differ based on the specific healthcare profession and the format of the examination.

2. Demonstration of Competency:

Beyond achieving the required numerical score, candidates must also exhibit adequate competency in essential areas pertinent to their profession, including clinical skills, medical knowledge, and patient care.

3. Compliance with Exam Format:

It is essential to comply with the exam format and successfully complete all mandated sections, which may include practical assessments where applicable.

For the most reliable and current information regarding the passing criteria relevant to your profession, it is advisable to consult the official DOH website or reach out to their support services.

How To Check DOH Exam Result?

 To check your DOH (Department of Health) exam results, follow these steps:

1. Log In to the DOH Portal:

•  Visit the DOH official website or the designated portal where you applied for the exam.

2. Access Your Account:

• Log in using your credentials (username and password) that you used to register for the exam.

3. Navigate to Exam Results Section:

• Look for the section related to exam results or licensing status in your account dashboard.

4. View Results:

• Check for your exam results, which should be available once they are officially released.

5. Download or Print:

•  You may have the option to download or print your results for your records or further processing.

If you encounter any issues or cannot find your results, contact DOH customer support for assistance.

Licensing for DOH Exam

The DOH license enables healthcare professionals to operate within Abu Dhabi, ensuring that they adhere to the necessary standards for providing high-quality healthcare services in the emirate.

1. Issuance of License:

• Post-Examination Requirements: Upon successfully passing the DOH examination, candidates must present additional documentation, including exam results, identification verification, and any other required credentials.
• Application Process: Applicants must complete the licensing application via the DOH online portal or in person at the office.

2. Required Documentation for Licensing:

• Educational Credentials: Copies of your academic degree or diploma.
• Professional Experience Certificates: Documentation verifying relevant work experience.
• Certificate of Good Standing: Issued by the health authority of your home country or previous employer.
• Copy of Passport: A clear photocopy of your passport.
• Existing Professional Licenses: Copies of any current licenses or certifications.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized images.

3. Licensing Fees:

• Applicants must pay the required licensing fees as outlined by the DOH, which can typically be settled online or at specified payment locations.

4. Timeframe for Processing:

• The duration for processing the license issuance may differ. Generally, it takes several weeks following the submission of all necessary documents.

5. License Duration:

• The validity of the license typically ranges from one to five years, contingent upon the specific type of license and professional classification.

6. Renewal Process:

1. Renewal Application: Prior to the expiration of the license, applicants should submit a renewal application along with updated documentation and the renewal fee.
2. Additional Requirements: Depending on the profession, proof of ongoing professional development or training may be necessary.

7. Activation Requirements:

• Certain licenses may necessitate activation or registration with local healthcare institutions or authorities before practitioners can commence their professional activities.

Frequently Asked Questions