Short answer: DHA’s PQR counts three attempts across the UAE health authorities, and its Licensing Manual says failed attempts at all of them must be declared. A fourth attempt needs a declaration letter about attempts elsewhere. We have not read the DOH or MOHAP documents, so check each authority’s own rules.
Do failed attempts at DOH or MOHAP count at DHA?
They count for the purpose of attempts, according to DHA’s documents. The Licensing Manual says failed attempts at all UAE authorities must be declared, and the PQR counts three attempts across the authorities, with a declaration of attempts. So an attempt made for Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health (DOH) or the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) is part of your record when you apply to the Dubai Health Authority.
That is the DHA side only. We have not read DOH or MOHAP documents, so this guide says nothing about how they treat a DHA attempt. Meddex is independent and is not connected to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or Prometric.
Key facts and where they come from
All official DHA statements, with the document and the date we read it.
- Failed attempts at all UAE authorities must be declared. Source: Licensing Manual 5.26, read 15 October 2026.
- Three attempts are counted across the UAE authorities, with a declaration of attempts. Source: PQR 1.5.4 to 1.5.6, read 16 October 2026.
- A fourth attempt is possible with a declaration letter about attempts at other UAE authorities. Source: Assessment Manual 4.11, read 15 October 2026.
- A new set of three attempts follows a further recognised qualification or two years of licensed experience since the last attempt. Source: Assessment Manual 4.12, read 15 October 2026.
Which authority applies to you?
The common understanding is that the authority follows the emirate of the facility where you will work: DHA for Dubai, DOH for Abu Dhabi, MOHAP for the northern emirates, with Dubai Healthcare City having its own regulator. That is general knowledge, not something we confirmed from the three authorities’ own pages, so ask your employer which one licenses the facility. Our short guide DHA vs DOH vs MOHAP gives the general picture, and the DHA and EMREE glossary explains the terms.
What does declaring an attempt involve?
DHA’s manuals say you must declare the attempts. They do not say, in the sections we read, what form the declaration takes for a standard application, but a declaration letter is named for a fourth attempt. Keep a record for each attempt: authority, exam title, date and outcome. If you cannot remember an exact date, find the confirmation email or the portal record rather than estimating, because a declaration that does not match the authority’s records can cause questions.
How should this change your plan?
Treat every attempt at any UAE authority as one of the same three. If you are unsure whether you will work in Dubai, think before you book a first attempt at a second authority as a trial run, since DHA will count it. Prepare to a standard where you expect to pass the first time, using mocks that match the format of your title. See time management for 150-question and 120-question exams and mock tests by title.
This is our advice. DHA does not say how a candidate should choose between authorities.
What we do not know
Where to check and what to read next
For the full retake rules, read DHA retake rules in order, and for the steps DHA lists, the DHA licensing checklist. Check each authority’s own website before you plan around a transfer.
Frequently asked questions
This article is general educational guidance, not official advice. Exam rules, fees and timelines are set by the Dubai Health Authority and the test provider and can change, so always confirm the latest details on their official channels. Review of Meddex content by named, licensed clinicians is not complete yet. See how we write and check our content.
Last updated .