DOH Exam (HAAD): Eligibility, Format, Results and Attempts
The DOH (HAAD) exam of Abu Dhabi explained: who is exempt, CBT or oral, PASS or FAIL on TAMM, three attempts, validity, Pearson VUE booking and rescheduling.
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The DOH exam is Abu Dhabi's licensing exam, taken at Pearson VUE. It is a CBT of 60 to 180 minutes or an oral exam, depending on the title. The result shows as PASS or FAIL on TAMM; DOH publishes no pass mark. Three attempts across the UAE authorities; a pass is valid five years.
The DOH exam is the licensing exam of the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, which used to be called HAAD. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists and allied health professionals take it to be licensed in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. This guide sets out who has to sit it, the format, the result, the attempts and the steps on TAMM.
Preparing for it? See our HAAD (DOH) exam coaching, or let us book your DOH exam.
What is the DOH exam?
It is DOH's assessment for your professional title. The UAE's shared qualification rules, the Unified PQR, say a healthcare professional has to pass the authority's exam to get a licence. For most titles it is a computer-based test (CBT); some titles have an oral exam or an OSCE instead. It is taken with Pearson VUE, not Prometric, even though many people still call it the "HAAD Prometric exam".
Who has to take it, and who is exempt
Everyone applying for a DOH licence takes the exam, unless an exemption applies. DOH's licensing manual lists these:
- UAE nationals and the children of Emirati women.
- A valid DHA or MOHAP licence for the same title, or one that expired or was cancelled within the last six months, with good standing.
- A DOH licence for the same title that was cancelled within the past five years.
- A pass in the DOH assessment for the same title within the past five years.
- Some international exams and registrations, under the PQR's exam equivalency rules. Tell us yours and we check it.
An exemption covers the exam only. The other licensing requirements still apply.
The exam format
| DOH exam | |
|---|---|
| Type | One component: CBT, or an oral exam, depending on your title |
| Time for a CBT | 60 to 180 minutes, depending on the title and its number of questions |
| Time for an oral exam or OSCE | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Example | General practitioner: 120 multiple-choice questions in 2.5 hours |
| Language | English. No translator is allowed in the oral exam |
| Where | Pearson VUE test centres |
DOH does not publish a pass mark: the cut-score is set internally. For the material to study, DOH asks candidates to write to exam@doh.gov.ae.
Results, attempts and validity
- Result: shown on TAMM as PASS or FAIL. For a CBT within 24 hours; for an oral exam or OSCE within 5 working days.
- Attempts: three across the UAE authorities (DOH, DHA and MOHAP). After three fails, one final attempt may be granted with a different authority.
- A missed exam: in our cases, once an exam is booked, missing it without rescheduling counts as one attempt. If you cannot attend, reschedule before the deadline instead of missing it.
- After a fail: you can book the next attempt while a date is open within your exam approval window: 6 months for a CBT or oral exam, 3 months for an OSCE.
- The exam step is valid for 6 months; after that the application is closed and you start a new one.
- A pass is valid for 5 years, as long as you still meet the PQR. A gap in practice can mean sitting the exam again.
Booking and rescheduling
You cannot book until DOH approves your application for the exam. Then you pay the pre-booking fee in TAMM, receive an authorisation ID and are sent to Pearson VUE to choose a centre and a date.
A CBT can be rescheduled up to 72 hours before the booked time. DOH's manual says no additional fee applies for this.
From TAMM to licence: the steps
Apply on TAMM
Your application for a new registration, with your documents.
Primary Source Verification
Your degree, registration and experience are verified. DOH accepts only reports addressed to DOH.
DOH review
DOH checks your file against the PQR and approves you for the exam, or tells you that you are exempt.
The exam at Pearson VUE
PASS or FAIL on TAMM.
Your employer and the licence
A facility in Abu Dhabi links you, security clearance follows, and DOH issues the licence. It is valid for 2 years.
Moving from DHA or MOHAP? A valid licence for the same title can exempt you from the DOH exam. See moving a licence between DHA, DOH, MOH and SHA.
Frequently asked questions
Is the HAAD exam the same as the DOH exam?
Yes. HAAD, the Health Authority Abu Dhabi, is now the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH). The exam is the same.
Is the DOH exam a Prometric exam?
No. DOH exams are taken with Pearson VUE.
What is the pass mark for the DOH exam?
DOH does not publish one. The cut-score is set internally and the result shows only as PASS or FAIL.
How many times can I take the DOH exam?
Three times across DOH, DHA and MOHAP. After three fails, one final attempt may be granted with a different authority.
How soon do I get the DOH exam result?
Within 24 hours for a computer-based exam, and within 5 working days for an oral exam or OSCE, on TAMM.
Can I apply for the DOH exam from India?
Yes. In our cases, we activate your exam ID and then book your preferred date and time with Pearson VUE, all from India.
Where can I take the DOH exam in Kerala?
At the Pearson VUE centre in Kochi, which our candidates in Kerala use.
How long is a DOH exam pass valid?
Five years, as long as you still meet the PQR for your title.
Can I reschedule my DOH exam?
Yes, a computer-based exam up to 72 hours before the booked time.
What if I pass the DOH exam but have no job yet?
In our cases, the application closes if you do not find an employer within 90 days. We can then do the DOH (HAAD) eligibility again, which gives you another 90 days.
