DHA License Process

DHA Anatomic Pathology (Histopathology) License Guide for Indian Doctors

Updated August 2025

This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process for Indian Anatomic Pathology doctors seeking to obtain a professional license from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). This license is legally required to practice in Dubai and proves your qualifications and skills.

Your DHA Licensing Journey: A Simple Overview

The process for obtaining your DHA license can be broken down into five main steps.

  1. Check Eligibility

  2. Create Sheryan Account

  3. Verify Documents via Dataflow

  4. Pass Exam (CBT for Specialists / Oral for Consultants)

  5. Get Eligibility Letter

1. Check Your Eligibility

Before you begin the application process, you must confirm that you meet the DHA’s professional qualification requirements (PQR). If you meet the criteria below, you are eligible to apply for a DHA license as a Anatomic Pathology specialist or Consultant. 

Anatomic Pathology – Indians (DHA / UAE PQR 2025)

A. Specialist – Main Specialty (Anatomic Pathology)

  • Pathway 1: MBBS + MD (Pathology) OR DNB (Pathology) + 3 years experience post MD/DNB

  • Pathway 2: MBBS + MD/DNB + DM (Pathology) OR DrNB (Pathology) OR FNB (Pathology) → No experience required

B. Specialist – Subspecialty (Anatomic Pathology)

  • MBBS + MD/DNB + DM / DrNB / FNB in respective subspecialty

  • No experience required (if qualification is Tier-1 or Tier-2)

C. Consultant – Main Specialty (Anatomic Pathology)

  • Cannot become Consultant directly after MD/DNB

  • Requirement:

    • MBBS + MD/DNB + DM/DrNB/FNB (Anatomic Pathology – main specialty)

    • + 5 years experience post DM/DrNB/FNB

D. Consultant – Subspecialty (Anatomic Pathology)

  • MBBS + MD/DNB + DM/DrNB/FNB in the subspecialty

  • + 5 years experience post DM/DrNB/FNB

Recognized Subspecialties for Specialist and Consultant:

  • Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine

  • Chemical Pathology (Clinical Biochemistry)

  • Clinical Informatics

  • Cytopathology

  • Dermatopathology

  • Forensic Pathology

  • Hematopathology

  • Medical Microbiology Pathology

  • Molecular Genetic Pathology

  • Neuropathology

  • Pediatric Pathology

Note: For all surgical specialties, a 2-year patient logbook is a mandatory requirement.

Step 2: Create Your DHA Sheryan Account

Click here – DHA Sheryan Portal

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 Anatomic Pathology Doctor in Dubai.

Documents Required to Open a Sheryan Account:

  • Valid Passport: A clear copy of your passport.

  • Passport-sized Photograph: A recent photograph with a white background.

  • Active Email ID: An email address that you check regularly for updates.

Once your account is created, you will be assigned a unique DHA ID, which you will use for all subsequent steps.

Step 3: DHA Primary Source Verification (PSV) via DataFlow

Click here – DHA Dataflow

Purpose: Verify the authenticity of your documents before applying for the DHA license.

Required Documents (for Specialist & Consultant):

  1. Degree Certificate (Highest Academic Degree)

  2. License (Valid license from INC/state)

  3. Good Standing Certificate (From your licensing authority)

  4. Experience Certificate (Minimum 3 years continous expereince certificate post speciality certificate for Specialist) (Minimum 5 years continous expereince certificate post speciality certificate for Consultant)

PSV Fees:

  • Base Fee: AED 1235 (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 4: The DHA Exam

The assessment varies depending on your role.

  • For Specialists: The Computer-Based Test (CBT) is mandatory.

  • For Consultants: An Oral Exam is required.

DHA Anatomic Pathology CBT (Specialist)

  • Booking:

    • Visit prometric.com/dha.

    • Select “Anatomic Pathology” (HIS5571).

    • Choose a date and test center in India.

    • Pay the USD 280 fee.

  • Test Centers in India: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Kolkata, Mumbai, Trivandrum.

  • On Exam Day: Bring your original passport, DHA Eligibility ID, and Prometric Confirmation Letter.

CBT (Computer Based Test) mandatory for Specialist syllabus

The exam consists of 150 questions covering a wide range of topics, including:

• Cytology
• Skin
• Head and Neck and CNS*
• Respiratory Tract and Cardiovascular System
• Ancillary Techniques: Frozen section, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, cytogenetics, FISH, flow cytometry, molecular.
• Soft tissue and Bone
• Male Reproductive System and Urinary Tract
• Breast and Female Reproductive System and Placenta
• Hematolymphoid
• Quality Control, Lab Safety and Lab Management
• Endocrine System
• GIT**

Recommended References

To prepare for the exam, you should consult the latest editions of the following textbooks:

References & Resources

  1. Kumar, V., Abbas, A., Aster, J., Turner, J., Perkins, J., & Robbins, S. Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease (Latest Edition).

  2. Rosai, J., Ackerman, L., & Rosai, J. Rosai and Ackerman’s Surgical Pathology (Vol. 1 & 2, Latest Edition). Edinburgh: Mosby, 2011.

  3. Mills, S., Greenson, J., Hornick, J., Longacre, T., & Reuter, V. Sternberg’s Diagnostic Surgical Pathology (Vol. 1 & 2, Latest Edition).

  4. College of American Pathologists. www.cap.org

Covered Systems/Regions:

  • Head & Neck and CNS: Oral cavity, larynx, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, jaws, eyes, salivary glands, and ear.

  • Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT): Liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Oral Exam (Consultant)

  • Fees: AED 500 (normal) or AED 2000 (urgent).

  • Format: Can be done in-person or virtually.

Tip: You can complete the DataFlow verification and the DHA Exam in any order, or both at the same time.

Step 5: Apply for Eligibility Letter

  1. Log in to your Sheryan account.

  2. Apply for the “Get Registered” service.

  3. Ensure your documents are verified by DataFlow and your exam results are recorded.

  4. Pay the AED 200 fee.

  5. You will receive your Eligibility Letter, typically within 24 hours. This letter allows you to begin your job search in Dubai.

DHA Exam & Experience Exemption (For Anatomic Pathology)

Anatomic Pathology doctors are exempted from the DHA exam if they meet either of the following criteria:

✅ Criteria : License + GSC from Recognized Countries

Anatomic Pathology doctors holding a valid license and Good Standing Certificate (GSC) from one of the recognized licensing authorities listed below are exempted from the DHA Prometric exam, provided that:

  • The degree was obtained within the last 3 years, OR

  • There has been no gap in clinical practice since their last employment.

Recognized Countries & Licensing Authorities:

UK , USA, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Singapore, Germany, France, South Africa, New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Iceland, Luxembourg, South Korea.

🌐 English Language Proficiency (if applicable)

If your medical education was not in English, you must pass one of the following language proficiency tests::

  • IELTS: Minimum 5.0

  • TOEFL: Minimum 500

  • OET: Minimum Grade C

  • Cambridge English: Minimum 169

Activate the License:

Once you have a job, your employer will finalize the process and activate your official license, allowing you to legally work.

FAQs (More) 🙋‍♀️

Q: Is the DHA Eligibility Letter valid forever? A: No, the DHA Eligibility Letter is typically valid for one year. It can be renewed.

Q: Do I need a MOFA attestation for the DHA application? No, MOFA attestation is not required for the DHA license application itself. However, it is a mandatory requirement for obtaining your UAE residency visa, which is a separate process handled by your employer.

Q: What is a Good Standing Certificate (GSC)? A: A GSC is an official letter from your professional licensing body (like the Indian Nursing Council or State Nursing Council) that confirms your nursing license is in good standing and that you have not been subject to any disciplinary actions.

Q: What happens if I fail the DHA Prometric exam three times? A: The DHA allows a maximum of three attempts across all UAE health authorities (DHA, MOH, and HAAD). If you fail all three, you may have to wait for two years before you can reapply, and you might be required to get additional training or qualifications.

Q: Can I work in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah with a DHA license? A: No. A DHA license is only valid for practicing in Dubai. To work in Abu Dhabi, you need a license from the Department of Health (DoH), and for the Northern Emirates (like Sharjah), you need a license from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). You may be able to transfer your license, which is a separate process.

Q: How do I renew my DHA license? A: Your employer will typically handle the renewal process through the Sheryan portal. Key requirements for renewal include completing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) hours and having a valid medical malpractice insurance.