GCC healthcare licensing exams, compared
Every Gulf regulator runs its own exam with its own pass marks, format and attempt rules. Pick the emirate or country where you will work to see its exam, taken from the regulator's own documents - then check your eligibility and practise with a free mock test.
- 11
- Regulators covered
- 384
- Exams with official pass marks
- 6
- GCC countries
- 100%
- From official sources
Quick answer
How GCC healthcare licensing exams work
There is no single GCC exam: each of the 11 health regulators sets its own, and your exam follows where you will work, not your profession. Most are computer-based multiple-choice tests delivered by Prometric or Pearson VUE; some titles are assessed by an oral panel or credential review instead. In the UAE you get three attempts in total across DHA, DOH, MOHAP and SHA.
- Regulators
- 11 across 6 GCC countries
- Exam format
- Computer-based MCQ, 100-200 questions, 2-4 hours
- Pass mark
- 50-70% (DHA, DHP, Kuwait); scaled 500-560/800 (SCFHS)
- Attempts
- UAE: 3 in total; Qatar 5 per scope; Kuwait 3
- Delivered by
- Prometric (most); Pearson VUE (DOH, OMSB)
- Results
- Pass/fail only, except SCFHS's scaled score
Find your exam by profession
Every profession we cover, with each regulator's exam code and pass mark. Search or pick your field, then open the question bank or take the free mock. Can't see your title? Ask us.
103 professions
- Acupuncture PractitionerTraditional medicineDHA PAC6092 · 60%
- Aesthetician / Beauty TherapistAllied health & techniciansDHA BYT5862 · 65%
- Anatomic PathologyDoctors & specialistsDHA HIS5571 · 65%SCFHS · 65%QCHP · 65%
- Anesthesia TechnologistAllied health & techniciansDHA ANA5702 · 60%DOH · Pass / fail onlySCFHS · 60%+1 more regulator
- AnesthesiologyDoctors & specialistsDHA ANA5781 · 65%DOH · Pass / fail onlySCFHS · 65%+3 more regulators
- Assistant NurseNursing & midwiferyDHA ARN5061 · 50%DOH · Pass / fail onlySCFHS · 50%
- AudiologistAllied health & techniciansDHA AUD4312 · 55%DOH · Pass / fail onlySCFHS · 55%
- Ayurveda PractitionerTraditional medicineDHA PAY5852 · 60%
- Biomedical Engineering & Medical DevicesAllied health & techniciansSCFHS · 60%
- Cardiac PerfusionistAllied health & techniciansDHA CAR5371 · 50%SCFHS · 55%
- CardiologyDoctors & specialistsDHA CRD5751 · 65%SCFHS · 65%QCHP · 65%
- Cardiothoracic SurgeryDoctors & specialistsSCFHS · 65%
Choose your regulator
Your exam is decided by where you will practise, not by your profession. Each card shows the same four facts from its own official documents, and says "Not published" where the regulator does not publish a figure. Not sure which applies? See the authorities hub.
DHA
Dubai
- Pass mark
- 50-70%
- Format
- 150 MCQs, 3 hrs
- Attempts
- 3 across the UAE
- Delivered by
- Prometric
DOH
Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra
- Pass mark
- Pass / fail only
- Format
- Written + oral/OSCE
- Attempts
- 3 across the UAE
- Delivered by
- Pearson VUE
SHA
Emirate of Sharjah
- Pass mark
- Not published
- Format
- Set at assessment
- Attempts
- 3 across the UAE
- Delivered by
- Not published
MOHAP
Northern Emirates - Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah
- Pass mark
- Not published
- Format
- Computer-based
- Attempts
- 3 across the UAE
- Delivered by
- Prometric
DCAS
Dubai emergency medical services
- Pass mark
- Not published
- Format
- Prometric + practical
- Attempts
- Not published
- Delivered by
- Prometric + DCAS practical
DHCA
Dubai Healthcare City free zone
- Pass mark
- Pass / fail only
- Format
- MCQ, in English
- Attempts
- 3 per exam
- Delivered by
- Prometric
SCFHS
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Pass mark
- 40-65%
- Format
- 200 MCQs, 240 min
- Attempts
- Up to 4 a year
- Delivered by
- Prometric
QCHP
State of Qatar
- Pass mark
- 50-65%
- Format
- 150 MCQs, 3 hrs
- Attempts
- 5 per scope
- Delivered by
- Prometric
NHRA
Kingdom of Bahrain
- Pass mark
- Not published
- Format
- Prometric CBT
- Attempts
- 4 in 3 years (pharmacy)
- Delivered by
- Prometric
OMSB
Sultanate of Oman
- Pass mark
- 50-65%
- Format
- 100 MCQs, 150 min
- Attempts
- No set maximum
- Delivered by
- Pearson VUE
Kuwait MOH
State of Kuwait
- Pass mark
- 60-70%
- Format
- 150 MCQs, 170 min
- Attempts
- 3, 6 weeks apart
- Delivered by
- Prometric
Every GCC licensing exam side by side
Pass marks, format, attempts and test delivery for each regulator, from its own published documents. Where a regulator does not publish a figure, we say so rather than estimate it.
| Regulator | Covers | Pass mark | Format | Attempts | Delivered by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHA | Dubai | 50-70% | 150 MCQs, 3 hrs | 3 across the UAE | Prometric |
| DOH | Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra | Pass / fail only | Written + oral/OSCE | 3 across the UAE | Pearson VUE |
| SHA | Emirate of Sharjah | Not published | Set at assessment | 3 across the UAE | Not published |
| MOHAP | Northern Emirates - Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah | Not published | Computer-based | 3 across the UAE | Prometric |
| DCAS | Dubai emergency medical services | Not published | Prometric + practical | Not published | Prometric + DCAS practical |
| DHCA | Dubai Healthcare City free zone | Pass / fail only | MCQ, in English | 3 per exam | Prometric |
| SCFHS | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | 40-65% | 200 MCQs, 240 min | Up to 4 a year | Prometric |
| QCHP | State of Qatar | 50-65% | 150 MCQs, 3 hrs | 5 per scope | Prometric |
| NHRA | Kingdom of Bahrain | Not published | Prometric CBT | 4 in 3 years (pharmacy) | Prometric |
| OMSB | Sultanate of Oman | 50-65% | 100 MCQs, 150 min | No set maximum | Pearson VUE |
| Kuwait MOH | State of Kuwait | 60-70% | 150 MCQs, 170 min | 3, 6 weeks apart | Prometric |
UAE attempts are shared: the Unified PQR allows three in total across DHA, DOH, MOHAP and SHA, so a failed attempt in one emirate counts in the others. Sources are listed on each regulator's exam page.
Not every title sits a written exam
Your licence title decides the assessment. Most sit a computer-based MCQ exam; some face a panel, and some are licensed on credentials alone.
103 professions: nurses, GPs, specialists, dentists, pharmacists, allied health and five complementary medicine titles.
Question banks →Oral assessmentMost Consultant titles, and titles missing from DHA's CBT list such as TCM, chiropractic, osteopathy and naturopathy. 42 scenario packs.
Oral assessment prep →Exempt or credential reviewQualifications such as NCLEX, USMLE, PLAB, AMC or a home licence can exempt you, and some regulators license certain titles on documents alone.
Exemption rules →Other licensing bodies you may need
Outside the health regulators above, these bodies license specific titles or settings.
Who: Counsellors, psychologists and social workers in social-care settings
How: Prometric certification exam, 100 MCQs in 120 minutes
DCD exam guide →CDA DubaiDubaiWho: Psychologists and counsellors outside DHA-licensed facilities
How: Credential review by the Community Development Authority
CDA licence guide →NCCAMSaudi ArabiaWho: Cupping, acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathy and naturopathy
How: NCCAM's own test or committee review
Complementary medicine by country →DHCRDubai Healthcare CityWho: Professionals working inside the free zone
How: Credential review; most titles sit no exam
DHCC licensing guide →Pass marks and fees, regulator by regulator
Not sure which exam you need - or whether you are exempt?
Your exam depends on your profession, title and qualifications. We will confirm your exact route before you spend anything.
Where the exam fits in your licence
The exam is one step of four. Getting the order right saves months and a wasted attempt.
- 1
Check title and eligibility
Your licence title decides which exam you sit. Check your degree, experience and practice gap before you pay any fee.
Eligibility checker → - 2
Start DataFlow
Primary source verification runs in parallel with your application for every GCC regulator.
DataFlow guide → - 3
Prepare and sit
Practise against the blueprint under timed conditions, then book when you score clear of the pass mark.
Free mock tests → - 4
Pass and activate
A pass continues your file; the licence is issued and activated against your employer.
Licensing support →
Prepare with original exam-style questions
Full-length practice papers written to the published blueprints, with a rationale and reference for every answer. Every bank has a free timed mock so you can see where you stand first. Browse all question banks.
Registered Nurse (RN)
AED 199From 3 full-length papers of ~140 original questions, each with a rationale and reference. DHA pass mark 50%.
General Practitioner (GP)
AED 379From 3 full-length papers of ~140 original questions, each with a rationale and reference. DHA pass mark 60%.
Pharmacist
AED 269From 3 full-length papers of ~135 original questions, each with a rationale and reference. DHA pass mark 60%.
Dentist (General)
AED 379From 3 full-length papers of ~155 original questions, each with a rationale and reference. DHA pass mark 60%.
Physiotherapist
AED 269From 3 full-length papers of ~145 original questions, each with a rationale and reference. DHA pass mark 50%.
Medical Laboratory Technologist
AED 269From 3 full-length papers of ~150 original questions, each with a rationale and reference. DHA pass mark 50%.
Exam guides candidates read next
How to Pass the DHA Prometric Exam on Your First Attempt (2026)
A proven 8-12 week study strategy to pass your DHA Prometric exam on the first attempt, with resources by profession, practice question tips, and exam day advice.
Read the guide LicensingPrometric Exam Exemptions in the GCC: Complete Authority-by-Authority Guide (2026)
Find out which qualifications qualify for Prometric exam exemptions in each GCC country - DHA, DOH, SCFHS, QCHP, NHRA, and more.
Read the guide ExamsDHA vs SCFHS vs QCHP Exam: Which GCC Licensing Exam Is Hardest? (2026)
A head-to-head comparison of GCC licensing exams - DHA, SCFHS (SLE), QCHP, and other authority exams - covering format, difficulty, pass rates, and preparation strategies.
Read the guideGCC licensing exam FAQs
Is there one licensing exam for the whole GCC?
What is the pass mark for GCC licensing exams?
How many attempts do I get?
Which exams are Prometric and which are Pearson VUE?
Will I see my score?
How long is a pass valid?
Can a qualification exempt me from the exam?
Which exam should I sit?
Know your exam before you book it
Tell us your profession, title and target country. We confirm which exam you sit, whether you are exempt, and the fastest order to do everything in.