DHA Genetic Counselor License Guide
Easy Steps to Work as a Genetic Counselor in Dubai
If you’re a Genetic Counselor who wants to work in Dubai, you’ll need a special license from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). This license is required by law and proves you have the right training and skills. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, from checking if you qualify to getting your first job, so you can confidently start your new career in Dubai.
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
Take the Exam
Pass the DHA’s computer-based test or Oral assessment to prove your Genetic Counselor 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.
Qualification and Experience Requirements
| Position | Qualifications | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic Counselor | BSc in medical sciences, psychology, or healthcare-related field And MSc in Genetic Counseling | Two (2) years of experience post-MSc in a related field |
*In compliance with the Discontinuity of Practice (Gap of Practice) criteria.
Additional Requirements
- Registration/License: Applicants must hold a valid License/Registration to practice in 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. The certificate must be issued within the last six months of your application date.
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 Genetic Counselor 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 2: DHA Primary Source Verification (PSV) via DataFlow
Purpose: Verify the authenticity of your documents before applying for the DHA license.
Required Documents (for Genetic Counselor):
- Degree or Diploma Certificate (Genetic Counselor qualification)
- 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 Genetic Counselor Exam
All exam details are consolidated in the Exam Details section below for your convenience.
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 Genetic Counselor Exam - Complete Details
Genetic Counselor Exam
- Exam Mode Oral
- Examination Fees AED 250
- Urgent Exam Fees AED 2000
Booking Steps (Via Sheryan)
- Visit: Sheryan Portal
- Select Exam: Schedule: Choose date
- Pay the fees (credit/debit card)
- Confirmation: Email with admit details
Exam Day Requirements
- Original Passport
- DHA Eligibility ID
Important Notes
- Reschedule/Cancel: 72 hrs prior (fees may apply)
- Retake: After 14 days if failed
- Results: Available via DHA/Prometric
DHA Genetic Counselor License Cost Calculator 🧬
Approx. Exchange Rate: 1 AED $\approx$ 24.14 INR
Estimated Total Cost Breakdown
DHA Exam & Experience Exemption for Genetic Counselor
Genetic Counselor are exempted from the DHA exam if they meet either of the following criteria:
✅ Criteria: License + GSC from Recognized Countries
Genetic Counselor 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 (HCPC)
- USA
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- Singapore
- Germany
- France
- South Africa
- New Zealand
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Norway
- Finland
- Austria
- Switzerland
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Iceland
- Luxembourg
🌐 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