UAE (Dubai) physiotherapy license process for Lebanese

To practice as a physiotherapist in Dubai, you must obtain a license from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The process involves three key steps:

  1. Primary Source Verification (PSV) – Dataflow

  2. Prometric Exam (CBT)

  3. DHA Registration (Sheryan Portal)

✅ Good News: Steps 1 (PSV) and 2 (Prometric Exam) can be done simultaneously or in any order!

1. Primary Source Verification (PSV) – Dataflow

Before applying for the DHA license, your documents must be verified by Dataflow Group, an official DHA partner.

Documents Required for PSV

  • BSc PT or BPT (from a nationally accredited Lebanese institution)

  • Valid License (issued by the Lebanese Order of Physiotherapists (LOP))

  • Good Standing Certificate (issued by the same licensing authority)

  • Experience Certificates (minimum 2 years, post-BSc or BPT)

  • Passport Copy

  • Passport-Sized Photo

PSV Fees

  • AED 935 (for 4 documents: Degree, License, Good Standing, 2 Experience Certificates)

  • +AED 300 per additional document (extra experience certificates, Education Certificate etc.)

  • +5% VAT

  • Additional charges may apply if your university/licensing body charges Dataflow for verification.

⏳ Processing Time: Typically 3-6 weeks (depends on university/employer response).

2. Prometric Exam (Computer-Based Test – CBT)

All physiotherapists must pass the DHA Prometric Exam before applying for the license.

Exam Details

  • Exam Code: PHY5121

  • Duration: 3 hours

  • Questions: 150 MCQs

  • Passing Score: 50% (≥75 correct answers)

  • Fee: USD 240 (~AED 880)

Exam Topics Covered

✅ Kinesiology, Biomechanics & Ergonomics
✅ Anatomy & Physiology
✅ Clinical Decision Making & Differential Diagnosis
✅ Electrotherapy, Hydrotherapy & Physical Agents
✅ Therapeutic Exercises & Techniques
✅ Physiotherapy for Special Populations (Pediatrics, Geriatrics, OBGYN)
✅ Cardiopulmonary & Sports Physiotherapy
✅ Neurorehabilitation & Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Recommended Study Materials (DHA References)

  1. Prevention Practice: A Physical Therapist’s Guide to Health, Fitness, and Wellness – Catherine Rush Thompson

  2. Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques – Carolyn Kisner

  3. Tidy’s Physiotherapy (Latest Edition)

  4. Clayton’s Electrotherapy and Actinotherapy

  5. Physiotherapy Secrets – PP Mohanty & Monalisa Pattnaik

  6. Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation – British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine

📌 Exam Booking: Schedule via Prometric’s official website after DHA approval.

3. DHA Registration (Sheryan Portal)

Once you pass the Prometric Exam and complete PSV, you can apply for DHA registration.

Process:

  1. Create an account on the DHA Sheryan Portal.

  2. Submit required documents (verified by Dataflow).

  3. Pay registration fee (AED 200).

  4. Receive Eligibility Letter (allows you to work in Dubai).

  5. Get a Job Offer → Employer activates your DHA Healthcare License.

Notes

Exam Exemption Criteria for Lebanese Degree Holders (Physiotherapists in the UAE)

Lebanese -trained physiotherapists may be exempt from UAE licensure exams if they meet ONE of the following criteria:

Criteria 1:

Applicants who have a valid license & GSC issued by the countries/licensing authorities listed below will be exempted from the licensure examination, provided:

  • The qualification was obtained within the recent 2 years, OR

  • There is no gap in practice since the last day of employment.

List of Recognized Countries/Licensing Authorities:

  • Austria

  • Luxembourg

  • Australia (Australian Physiotherapy Board)

  • Netherlands

  • Belgium

  • New Zealand (Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand)

  • Canada (Any board member under the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators)

  • Norway

  • Denmark

  • Singapore

  • Finland

  • South Africa (HPCSA)

  • France

  • Sweden

  • Germany

  • Switzerland

  • Iceland

  • UK (HCPC)

  • Ireland (Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists)

  • USA

Criteria 2: Passed the USA National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)

  • Must provide proof of passing the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination).

  • The NPTE must be valid (not expired).

Additional Notes for Lebanese Applicants

  1. English Proficiency Requirement (if applicable):

    • If the degree is from a non-English speaking country or the license is from a non-English speaking authority, one of the following must be submitted:

      • IELTS (Minimum 5.0)

      • TOEFL (Minimum 500)

      • OET (Occupational English Test) (Minimum Grade C)

      • Cambridge English (Minimum 169)

  2. Gap in Practice Rules Still Apply

    • Even if exempt from the exam, physiotherapists with a gap of 2+ years must complete CPD credits + clinical training (as per the UAE’s Discontinuity of Practice policy).

FAQs

Q1. Can I do PSV and Prometric Exam at the same time?

✅ Yes! You can complete PSV (Dataflow) and Prometric Exam in parallel or in any order.

Q2. How long is the DHA Eligibility Letter valid?

The Eligibility Letter is valid for 1 year. You must secure a job in Dubai within this period. You can renew it after 1 year.

Q3. Can I work in Dubai before license activation?

❌ No. You need the Eligibility Letter to apply for jobs, but the final license activation is done by your employer.

Q4. What if I fail the Prometric Exam?

You get 3 attempts (across all UAE health authorities). If you fail, you must wait 30 days before retaking.

Conclusion

To summarize:

  1. PSV (Dataflow) + Prometric Exam → Can be done together or separately.

  2. DHA Registration → Only after passing both PSV & Exam.

  3. Job Offer → Employer activates your DHA Physiotherapy License.