DHA Medical Imaging License Guide

Easy Steps to Work as a Medical Imaging in Dubai

Updated August 2025

If you’re a Medical Imaging 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.

Steps Overview
Requirements
Application Process
Exam Details
Cost Calculator
Exam Exemption

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 to prove your Medical Imaging 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
Radiographer/ Radiography Technologist Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a Radiography, Radiology Technology, or Medical/Diagnostic Imaging program Two (2) years of experience post qualification in the general radiology field
Radiographer/ Radiography Technologist Diploma in Radiology (minimum three (3) years course duration) Two (2) years of experience post qualification in the general radiology field
Radiographer/ Radiography Technologist Associate degree in Radiography program (minimum two (2) years course duration) And Registration/certification or accreditation as a radiographer (Refer to table 18.19.2) Two (2) years of experience post qualification in the general radiology field
Radiography Technician Bachelor’s degree in a Radiography /Radiology Technology or Medical Imaging program One (1) year experience post qualification in a related field
Radiography Technician Diploma or equivalent as a Radiography Technician (minimum two (2) years course duration) Two (2) years of experience post qualification in related field
Resonance Magnetic (MRI) Imaging Technologist Bachelor’s degree or Diploma (minimum three (3) years course duration) in MRI Two (2) years of experience post qualification in the MRI field
Resonance Magnetic (MRI) Imaging Technologist Bachelor degree in a Radiography /Radiology Technology or Medical Imaging program And Post graduate Diploma in MRI (Minimum of twelve (12) months course duration)/ Registration as MRI Technologist with ARRT, UK HCPC, AIR or other equivalent bodies (Refer to table 18.19.2) Two (2) years of experience post qualification in the MRI field
Sonographer Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Diagnostic Ultrasound or Sonography (minimum three (3) years course duration) Two (2) years of experience post qualification in related field
Sonographer Associate Degree in Sonography (minimum two (2) years course duration) And Registration/certification or accreditation as radiographer/Sonographer(Refer to table 18.19.2) Two (2) years of experience post qualification in related field
Sonographer Bachelor’s degree or Diploma from an accredited institution in Radiography /Radiology Technology or Medical Imaging (minimum three (3) years course duration) And Post-primary Certificate or Diploma degree (minimum twelve (12) months course duration) in Diagnostic Ultrasound Two (2) years of experience post qualification in related field
Nuclear Medicine Technologist (PET Scanning) Bachelor’s degree or Diploma or its equivalent from an accredited institution in Nuclear Medicine Imaging (minimum three (3) years course duration) One (1) year of experience post qualification in the Nuclear Medicine field
Nuclear Medicine Technologist (PET Scanning) Associate degree (minimum two (2) years course duration) from an accredited program in Nuclear Medicine And Valid Registration or Certification (Refer to table 18.19.2) Two (2) years of experience post qualification in the Nuclear Medicine field
Nuclear Medicine Technologist (PET Scanning) Bachelor/Diploma/Associate degree in a Radiography /Radiology Technology or Medical Imaging program And Diploma/Master of minimum one (1) year in Nuclear Medicine Two (2) years of experience post qualification in the Nuclear Medicine field

*In compliance with the Discontinuity of Practice (Gap of Practice) criteria.

18.21.1 Radiology/Medical Imaging – equivalent qualification

  • Medical Radiation Technology
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Health Sciences (Radiography or Medical Imaging)
  • Medical Imaging
  • Medical Radiation Sciences/Technology
  • Radiography
  • Radiology Technology

Note: For MRI/Sonography, if the bachelor’s degree is in a health-related field, it must include an emphasis on anatomy and physiology followed by a post-graduate certificate/diploma in MRI or Sonography.

18.21.2 List of Registrations/Certifications/Accreditations

Registrations/Certifications/Accreditations General MRI Nuclear Medicine Sonography
The American Registry of Radiological Technologists (ARRT) registration ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) ✓
The Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification ✓ ✓ ✓
Sonography Canada accreditation ✓
The Australian Institute of Radiography (AIR) accreditation ✓ ✓ ✓
Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) accreditation ✓
Registration with the Regulation Health and Social Care Professionals - Ireland ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (N.M.T.C.B.) certification - USA ✓
Documented evidence of passing the Registration Examination Assessment (REA) path to registration Or Registration with the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

  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

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 Medical Imaging 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

DHA Dataflow

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

Required Documents (for Medical Imaging):
  • Degree/Diploma Certificate 
  • License/Registration
  • 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 Medical Imaging 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 Medical Imaging Exam - Complete Details

Booking Steps (Via Prometric)

  1. Visit: prometric.com/dha
  2. Select Exam: Schedule: Choose date, center in India
  3. Pay: USD 240 (credit/debit card)
  4. 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 Prometric Exam Centers in India

You can take the DHA Prometric Exam at any of these authorized test centers in India:

📍 Ahmedabad | 📍 Bangalore | 📍 Chennai | 📍 Hyderabad | 📍 Gurgaon | 📍 Kolkata | 📍 Mumbai | 📍 Trivandrum

1. Radiographer

The Radiographer exam (Code: RAD5152) requires a 55% pass score. The exam coverage is comprehensive, spanning ten main subject areas:

AreaKey Topics
Patient Care & EthicsPatient Management, Patient Safety, Professionalism & Ethics
Radiation & SafetyRadiation Protection, Health and Safety
Equipment & OperationOperation of Equipment
Imaging ModalitiesX-ray & CT, Ultrasound & MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Fluoroscopy
ProceduresGeneral Anatomy, Procedure Management

References for Radiographer Exam

  1. Bontrager’s Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy, 9th Ed. (Lampignano, Kendrick)

  2. Introduction to Radiologic and Imaging Sciences and Patient Care, 6th Ed. (Adler, Carlton)

  3. Radiation Protection in Medical Radiography, 8th Ed. (Sherer, Visconti, et al.)

  4. MRI in Practice (Westbrook, Talbot)

  5. Gurley’s – Introduction to Radiologic Technology

  6. X-Ray Technician(Passbooks) (Career Examination Passbooks)

  7. CT & MRI Pathology: A Pocket Atlas

  8. Radiographic and Angiographic Procedures with an Introduction to Specialized Imaging. (FA Davis)

  9. Nuclear Medicine Technology: Procedures and Quick Reference, 3rd Ed. (Shackett)

  10. MRI in Practice (Catherine Westbrook)

  11. Health Professions Council (HPC) Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.

  12. General Anatomy Patient Safety, Professionalism & Ethics (A topic listed in the original coverage which is implicitly covered by other texts).

2. Radiography Technician

The Radiography Technician exam (Code: RAD5622) has a lower pass score requirement of 45%. The coverage focuses on core imaging techniques, radiation safety, and ethical practice, spanning nine main subject areas:

AreaKey Topics
Patient Care & EthicsPatient Safety, Professionalism and Ethics
Radiation & AnatomyRadiation Protection, General Anatomy
Imaging ModalitiesX-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Angio, Fluoroscopy

References for Radiography Technician Exam

  1. Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT: Technology and Techniques, 7th Ed. (Christian & Waterstram-Rich)

  2. Sonography Principles and Instruments, 9th Ed. (Kremkau)

  3. Basic Radiation Protection Technology, 6th Ed. (Gollnick)

  4. Chesneys Radiographic Imaging, 6th Ed. (Ball & Price)

  5. Chesneys’ Equipment for Student Radiographers, 4th Ed. (Carter, et al.)

  6. Essentials Of Ultrasound Physics, 1st Ed. (Zagzebski)

  7. Clinical Sonography: A Practical Guide, 5th Ed. (Sanders)

  8. MRI in Practice, 5th Ed. (Westbrook, Talbot)

  9. CT Imaging: Practical Physics, Artifacts, and Pitfalls (Mamourian)

  10. Cross Sectional Anatomy CT & MRI, 1st Ed. (Chavhan & Bhavin)

  11. Clark’s Positioning in Radiography, 13th Ed. (Whitley)

  12. Essential Physics of Medical Imaging, 3rd Ed. (Bushberg)

  13. Professionalism and Ethics, Handbook for Residents (Ware, Alkaabba, Hussein)

  14. Prof. Omar Hasan Kasule, SCFHS, Latest Edition

 

DHA Exam Information for Allied Health Professionals

The following three specializations must book their professional licensing examination through the Sheryan Portal:

  • Resonance Magnetic (MRI) Imaging Technologist

  • Sonographer

  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist (PET Scanning)

Examination Fees:

  • Standard Exam Fee: AED 250

  • Urgent Exam Fee: AED 2,000

DHA Medical Imaging License Cost Calculator

DHA Medical Imaging License Cost Calculator

Estimate your total DHA licensing costs in INR (based on August 2025 guide).

DHA Exam & Experience Exemption for Medical Imaging

Medical Imaging are exempted from the DHA exam if they meet either of the following criteria:

✅ Criteria: License + GSC from Recognized Countries

Medical Imaging 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