Short answer: Most DHA exams have 150 questions in three hours, but 26 of the 118 titles in the guideline are shorter. Consultant titles, Hematopathology, Speech Therapist and the TCIM titles have 100 questions. Laser Hair Reduction titles have 70. Several shorter exams also have a two hour stated time.
Are all DHA exams 150 questions?
No. The 150 figure is the most common one, and it is the figure for Registered Nurse, General Practice, General Dentist and Pharmacist. But DHA’s CBT Guideline prints a different number for some titles. This guide lists them, so you do not plan for the wrong length. For the wider question of why websites disagree, see 100 or 150 questions. Meddex is independent and is not connected to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or Prometric.
Key facts and where they come from
All official, read in DHA’s CBT Guideline (cover “Updated - Sep 2026”) on 15, 16 and 18 October 2026. The count of 26 is our count of rows below 150 questions, made from the 118 header lines.
- Thirteen consultant rows (six physician, seven dental) have 100 questions in 3 hours at 70 percent.
- Specialist Hematopathology has 100 questions in 3 hours at 60 percent.
- The five TCIM titles have 100 questions in 2 hours at 60 percent.
- Laser Hair Reduction Technician and Laser Hair Reduction (Privilege) have 70 questions in 2 hours at 60 percent.
- Aesthetician, Cast Technician and Operation Theatre Technician and Technologist have 100 questions in 2 hours.
- Speech Therapist has 100 questions in 3 hours at 60 percent.
- The stated time includes registration and process introduction.
What are the shorter exams in one table?
Rows are grouped, not listed one by one, where the numbers match. Read your own title in the guideline for the exact code.
| Titles | Questions | Stated time | Pass score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultant physician titles (Dermatology, Endocrinology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Pediatrics) | 100 | 3 hours | 70 percent |
| Consultant dental titles (Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Restorative Dentistry) | 100 | 3 hours | 70 percent |
| Specialist Hematopathology | 100 | 3 hours | 60 percent |
| TCIM titles (Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Hijama, Homeopathy, Unani) | 100 | 2 hours | 60 percent |
| Aesthetician / Beauty Therapist | 100 | 2 hours | 65 percent |
| Cast Technician | 100 | 2 hours | 50 percent |
| Operation Theatre Technician and Technologist | 100 | 2 hours | 50 and 55 percent |
| Speech Therapist / Speech and Language Pathologist | 100 | 3 hours | 60 percent |
| Laser Hair Reduction Technician and Laser Hair Reduction (Privilege) | 70 | 2 hours | 60 percent |
Does fewer questions mean more time per question?
Not always. Divide the stated time by the number of questions and you get a rough ceiling, before registration time is taken off. That gives about 1.2 minutes per question for 150 in three hours and for 100 in two hours, about 1.8 minutes for 100 in three hours, and about 1.7 minutes for 70 in two hours. So the TCIM and cast titles run at the same pace as the standard exam, while consultants and speech therapists have more room. The real answering time is less than these figures, because DHA says the time includes registration and the process introduction.
These are our sums from DHA’s numbers. DHA does not say how long registration takes, so practise at the pace of your own row and keep a few minutes spare.
How should you practise for a shorter paper?
Match the length, not just the topics. A 100 question set in about two hours trains the same stamina and pacing as the real paper, while a 150 question set would train the wrong habit. Our guide to mock test length by title explains what Meddex offers for which professions. Full mocks are offered for nurses and physicians only, so for the shorter allied and TCIM titles use timed sets of your own.
Where can you read more about the TCIM titles?
The five TCIM titles have their own page, with each code and the format in one table: DHA exam for TCIM practitioners. For the technician and technologist levels see how pass scores differ by level.
What we do not know
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.
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