DHA Exam for Lab Technicians
Everything lab technicians need to pass the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licensing exam in United Arab Emirates — format, fees, passing score, syllabus focus and the fastest way to prepare.
The DHA pathway for lab technicians
Medical laboratory professionals sit an allied-health Prometric exam covering hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, blood banking and histopathology. Authorities distinguish Technologist and Technician tiers based on your qualification level and experience.
GCC labs run largely on international staff, and licensing is the gating step — most hospital groups shortlist only candidates who already hold an eligibility letter or a passed exam.
Licenses every healthcare professional practising in the Emirate of Dubai — physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and allied health. Read the full DHA licensing guide for the complete document checklist and fee breakdown.
What the DHA exam tests for lab technicians
Eligibility for lab technicians (DHA)
- BSc Medical Laboratory Technology / Science or a recognised MLT diploma
- Typically 2 years bench experience for Technologist tier
- Home-country registration where applicable
- Good Standing Certificate
Requirements vary by title tier — run the free eligibility check to see exactly where you stand before spending on Dataflow.
DHA licensing process, step by step
- 1
Create Sheryan account
Register on Sheryan (DHA's unified professional portal) with your Emirates ID or passport.
- 2
Dataflow verification
Submit degree, transcripts, licence, experience letters and Good Standing for primary source verification. Takes 4-8 weeks.
- 3
Book Prometric exam
Once Dataflow clears, DHA issues an Eligibility ID. Book your slot on Prometric — Dubai, home country or any international centre.
- 4
Pass the exam
Score at or above the DHA cut-off for your title level (typically 60%). Result is instant on-screen.
- 5
Employer sponsorship & activation
A DHA-licensed facility submits your activation request. Licence issued within days.
DHA Exam FAQs for Lab Technicians
What is the passing score for the DHA exam for lab technicians?›
The DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam pass mark is 60% (title-dependent). The result appears on-screen immediately after you finish the computer-based exam.
How much does the DHA lab technician exam cost?›
The DHA exam fee is $240 – $280. Budget separately for Dataflow verification and licence issuance — the full DHA licensing journey typically runs higher once every step is included.
What is the format of the DHA exam for lab technicians?›
150 MCQs, single best answer, completed in 3 hours. The paper for lab technicians focuses on hematology and coagulation (high-yield) and related clinical areas.
Can I take the DHA lab technician exam in my home country?›
Yes. Once DHA issues your eligibility, you can book any authorised Prometric centre worldwide — most candidates sit the exam in their home country before travelling.
How long does DHA licensing take for lab technicians?›
On average 8-16 weeks end-to-end, including Dataflow verification (the longest single step), eligibility review, the exam itself and licence issuance.
What should lab technicians study for the DHA exam?›
High-yield areas include: hematology and coagulation (high-yield); clinical chemistry and quality control; microbiology, culture identification and sensitivity; blood banking and transfusion medicine. Chapter-wise MCQ practice with explanations is the fastest way to find and close your weak areas.
Ready to pass the DHA exam?
Practice with chapter-wise DHA-style MCQs for lab technicians — detailed explanations after every question, unlimited retries, and progress tracking until you're consistently above the pass mark.