The healthcare system of the United Arab Emirates is run by four regulatory authorities namely, DHA, HAAD, MOH, and DHCC. They are responsible for making sure that the Emirati Nationals and foreigner residents receive the best possible treatment and health care. In addition, these regulatory authorities are also responsible for enforcing quality standards for licensure through license examinations. Doctors and healthcare professionals have to take these exams for being licensed in order to be allowed to apply for jobs and practice in UAE.
Recently we wrote an article where we discussed salary of doctors in UAE based on factors such as academic background, qualifications, experience, the area of specialty and country of nationality. And since then, we have been receiving too many emails inquiring exemption criteria for HAAD, DHA, MOH & DHCC license exams. So we decided to write a detailed article and explain the eligibility criteria for exemption from UAE medical licensing exams.
But before we go on into details regarding exemptions from HAAD, DHA, MOH & DHCC license exams, let’s take a look at the authorities awarding these licenses and their validity in different Emirates.
Types of Healthcare Licenses in UAE
The UAE healthcare licenses are as follows:
- DHA License: This license is granted by “Dubai Health Authority” for hospital jobs based in Dubai.
- HAAD License: This license is granted by “Health Authority of Abu Dhabi” for hospital jobs in Al-Ain and Abu Dhabi.
- MOH License: This license is granted by the “Ministry of Health” for positions in Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah or Umm al Quwain.
- DHCC License: This license is valid for job in Dubai Healthcare City
Requirements for taking UAE Medical License Exams
- MBBS or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
- Completion of house job (internship).
- Additional two years of clinical experience.
Alright, we have discussed the basics, now let’s get to the main topic without further ado. 🙂
We will try to simplify everything as much as possible so that you’ll have a clear understanding of the exemption rules.
Exemption Criteria for HAAD, DHA, MOH & DHCC Medical License Exams
The regulatory authorities have specified certain categories of health care professions and professionals to be eligible for exemption from all components of the examination requirement for licensure, subject to satisfying DHA, HAAD, MOH, DHCC set criteria (mentioned below in tables).
This aims to encourage qualified and skilled healthcare professionals to apply for a DHA, HAAD, MOH, DHCC license to practice in the United Arab Emirates and to ensure that regulations are applied in an efficient and effective manner.
List of Recognized Country Specific Competent Authorities and Healthcare Professions Exempted from Licensure Examination
- The United States of America
- Australia,
- Canada,
- Ireland,
- New Zealand,
- South Africa,
- The United Kingdom
A. Medical Practitioner
Applicants demonstrating valid examination pass record of the following recognized international examinations (shown below) will be exempted from ALL COMPONENTS of licensing exam as defined by Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR):
| COUNTRY | EQUIVALENCY ASSESSMENT | ABBREVIATION |
| USA | United States Medical Licensing Examination Step III | USMLE Step III |
| Canada | Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part II | MCCQE part II |
| Ireland | * Ireland Temporary Registration Assessment Scheme Part III OR * Pre-Registration Examination System |
|
| Australia | Australian Medical Council Examination | AMC |
| New Zealand | New Zealand Registration Examination | NZREX |
| UK | *Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board test (PLAB I and II) with valid registration with the General Medical Council (GMC, UK) | PLAB II |
B. Consultant Physicians
Applicants demonstrating valid examination pass record of the following recognized international examinations (shown below) will be exempted from ALL COMPONENTS of licensing exam as defined by Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR):
| COUNTRY | EQUIVALENCY ASSESSMENT |
| USA | American Board of Medical Specialty Certification |
| UK | * Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (C.C.S.T.)or * Certificate of Completion of Training (C.C.T.)or * Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) or evidence of inclusion in the Specialist Register in a specialty that is among the UK C.C.T. specialties* or * Certificate of Completion of Training in General Practice |
| Australia | Fellowship of the Royal College/ Colleges Certification |
| Canada |
* Specialization Certificate of the RCPS OR * Certification by the College of Family Physicians Canada (CFPC) |
| Ireland | A Certificate of Full Registration, Medical Council of Ireland |
| New Zealand | Fellowship of the Royal College/ Colleges Certification |
C. Specialist Consultant
Applicants demonstrating valid examination pass record of the following recognized international examinations (shown below) will be exempted from ALL COMPONENTS of licensing exam as defined by Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR):
| COUNTRY | EQUIVALENCY ASSESSMENT |
| USA | American Board of Medical Specialty Certification |
| UK | * Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (C.C.S.T.)or * Certificate of Completion of Training (C.C.T.)or * Certificate of Completion of Training in General Practice (GPST) * Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) or evidence of inclusion in the Specialist Register in a specialty that is among the UK C.C.T. specialties* |
| Australia | Fellowship of the Royal College/ Colleges Certification |
| Canada |
* Specialization Certificate of the RCPS OR * Certification by the College of Family Physicians Canada (CFPC) |
| Ireland | Certificate of Specialist Doctor, Medical Council of Ireland |
| New Zealand | Fellowship of the Royal College/ Colleges Certification |
We hope that the eligibility criteria for exemption from UAE Medical License Exams (DHA, HAAD, MOH and DHCC) is clear to you now.
GOOD LUCK! 🙂
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