DHA License for Physiotherapist
Easy Steps to Qualify for a DHA Physiotherapist License from Your Home Country
If you’re a Physiotherapist planning to work in Dubai, you must obtain a license from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). This guide explains the complete DHA licensing process for Physiotherapists — from eligibility and qualification requirements to DataFlow verification, exams, syllabus, costs, and licensing outcomes — so you can confidently start your career in Dubai.
Qualification and Experience Requirements
Physiotherapist
Qualifications
BSc in Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy
Or
Direct entry to a recognized program with the attainment of an MSc degree in Physiotherapy
Experience
Two (2) years of experience post qualification in related field
Physiotherapy Technician
Qualifications
Diploma or Associate degree in physiotherapy or Physical Therapy (minimum two (2) years course duration)
Experience
Two (2) years of experience post qualification in related field
*In compliance with the Discontinuity of Practice (Gap of Practice) criteria.
Additional Mandatory Requirements
- Valid Registration / License: Applicants must hold a valid professional license or registration from their home country and/or country of last employment (where applicable).
- Good Standing Certificate (GSC): A valid GSC is required from the same licensing authority that issued your license(must be issued within the last 6 months).
Not sure if your qualification or experience meets DHA requirements?
Our healthcare licensing consultants can review your profile.
DHA Licensing Steps (Overview)
1. Create Sheryan Account
Sign up on the DHA’s online portal to start your application.
2. Dataflow Verification
A third-party company, Dataflow, will check if your documents are real.
3. DHA Exam
Pass the DHA’s computer-based test to prove your professional knowledge.
4. Get Eligibility Letter
After passing the exam and Dataflow, you’ll receive a letter that allows you to look for jobs.
Note: You can do the Exam and Dataflow in any order, or both at the same time.
We can manage your Sheryan registration, DataFlow, and exam booking end-to-end.
DHA Licensing Process – Step by Step
Step 1: Create Your DHA Sheryan Account
The Sheryan portal is the online platform where you will manage your entire DHA license application. It’s your digital gateway to becoming a licensed Physiotherapist in Dubai.
Documents Required to Open a Sheryan Account:
- Valid Passport
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Active Email ID
Once your account is created, you will be assigned a unique DHA ID, which you will use for all subsequent steps.
Step 2: DHA Primary Source Verification (PSV) via DataFlow
Purpose: Verify the authenticity of your documents before applying for the DHA license.
DataFlow verification is mandatory for all DHA applicants.
Required Documents (for Physiotherapist):
- Degree Certificate
- License (Valid license)
- Good Standing Certificate (From your licensing authority)
- Experience Certificate (If any; 1 letter included in base fee)
PSV Fees:
- Base Fee: AED 935 (covers 4 documents: Degree, License, Good Standing + 1 Experience Letter).
- Extra Documents: AED 300 per document (e.g., additional experience letters).
- +5% VAT (Applicable on total fee).
Note: Some universities/authorities may charge extra for verification replies.
Processing Time: 3–6 weeks (Depends on how quickly your university/employer/licensing board responds to DataFlow’s verification requests).
Step 3: DHA Physiotherapist Exam
All DHA exam details are provided in the Exam Details section below for easy reference.
Step 4: Apply for Eligibility Letter
- Log in to your Sheryan account.
- Apply for the “Get Registered” service.
- Ensure your documents are verified by DataFlow and your exam results are recorded.
- Pay the AED 200 fee.
You will receive your Eligibility Letter, typically within 24 hours. This letter allows you to begin your job search in Dubai.
DHA Exam Exemption
Criteria 1: License & Good Standing Certificate
Applicants holding a valid professional license and a Good Standing Certificate (GSC) from the recognized countries listed below are exempted from the DHA licensure exam, provided that:
The qualification was obtained within the last three (3) years, OR
There is no gap in clinical practice since the last employment.
Country
- Austria
- Australia (Australian Physiotherapy Board)
- Belgium
- Canada (Any board member under the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators)
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Iceland
- Ireland (Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists)
- Luxembourg
- Netherland
- New Zealand (Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand)
- Norway
- Singapore
- Sweden
- South Africa (HPCSA)
- Switzerland
- UK (HCPC)
- USA
Criteria 2: Applicants holding a valid pass record for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE – USA) are exempted from the DHA licensure exam.
✅ Eligible for DHA exam exemption?
We’ll confirm your exemption, prepare documents, and submit your application correctly.
DHA Exam for Physiotherapist - Complete Details
Physiotherapist Exam
- Role: Physiotherapist
- Code: PHY5121
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Total Questions: 150
- Pass Score: 50%
- Fee: USD $240
Physiotherapy Technician Exam
- Role: Physiotherapy Technician
- Code: PHY4011
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Total Questions: 150
- Pass Score: 45%
- Fee: USD $240
Booking Steps (Via Prometric)
- Visit: prometric.com/dha
- Select Exam → Schedule → Choose your preferred date and test center (available globally)
- Pay: USD 240 (credit/debit card)
- Confirmation: Email with admit details
Exam Day Requirements
- Original Passport
- DHA Eligibility ID
- Prometric Confirmation Letter
Important Notes
- Reschedule/Cancel: 72 hrs prior (fees may apply)
- Retake: After 14 days if failed
- Results: Available via DHA/Prometric
DHA Exam Prometric Test Centers
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DHA Physiotherapist & Physiotherapy Technician Exam
Exam Coverage (Syllabus)
The examination tests knowledge across 10 core domains of physical therapy practice:
- Kinesiology, Biomechanics and Ergonomics
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Clinical Decision Making and Differential Diagnosis
- Physical agents (Electrotherapy and Hydrotherapy)
- Therapeutic Exercises and Techniques
- Physical Therapy in Special Population (OBGYN, Pediatrics, Geriatrics)
- Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy
- Sports Physical Therapy
- Neurorehabilitation
- Musculoskeletal rehabilitation
Recommended References
The following texts are suggested for preparation, with the latest editions recommended:
- Prevention Practice A Physical Therapist's Guide to Health Fitness and Wellness, Catherine Rush Thompson, Latest Edition.
- Therapeutic Exercise Foundations and Techniques by Carolyn Kisner, Latest Edition.
- Tidy's Physiotherapy, Latest Edition.
- Clayton's Electrotherapy and Actinotherapy, Latest Edition.
- Physiotherapy Secrets, PP Mohanty & Monalisa Pattnaik.
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation "Report of a working party convened by the British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine" Chair: Dr Vera Neumann. Latest edition.
🌐 English Language Proficiency (if applicable)
If you did not study in English, you must pass one of:
- IELTS: Minimum 5.0
- TOEFL: Minimum 500
- OET: Minimum Grade C
- Cambridge English: Minimum 169
Start Your DHA Physiotherapist Licensing with Expert Support
We’ve helped hundreds of healthcare professionals get licensed in Dubai smoothly and compliantly.
Our healthcare consultancy provides end-to-end DHA licensing support for Physiotherapists, including eligibility assessment, Sheryan registration, DataFlow verification, exam booking, and eligibility letter processing.
We charge a transparent 20% professional service fee, calculated only on the official DHA, DataFlow, and exam charges applicable to your case. There are no hidden costs, and all government fees are paid directly to the authorities.
What Our Service Fee Includes
Eligibility review based on DHA regulations
Sheryan account creation & application submission
DataFlow document verification coordination
DHA exam or oral assessment booking (if required)
Eligibility letter follow-up & status tracking
Ongoing guidance until eligibility approval
What It Does NOT Include
Note: Government fees, DataFlow charges, exam fees, and oral assessment fees are paid separately to the respective authorities as per official rates.