How to Crack the DHA Nursing Exam
A TabletJobs Authority Guide (Step-by-Step Plan to Pass with Confidence)
If you’re a nurse planning to work in Dubai, the DHA Nursing Exam conducted by the Dubai Health Authority is one of the most important milestones in your career journey. Many candidates fail not because they are weak in nursing, but because they prepare without a clear plan, study the wrong topics, or misunderstand the exam format.
At TabletJobs, after working closely with hospitals, nurse managers, HR teams, and international recruiters, one fact is very clear:
Nurses who follow a structured 6–10 week plan with the right syllabus focus and consistent MCQ practice have a much higher success rate.
This authority guide explains exactly how to crack the DHA Nursing Exam, without changing core nursing principles—only applying them the right way.
1) Understand the DHA Nursing Exam: What You’re Actually Facing
The DHA Nursing Exam is a computer-based multiple-choice (MCQ) test.
It evaluates whether a nurse meets the minimum safe-practice and clinical knowledge standards required to work in Dubai healthcare facilities.
What DHA Commonly Tests
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Nursing fundamentals and safe practice
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Adult medical-surgical nursing
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Maternal & child health (basic level)
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Infection control and patient safety
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Nursing-level pharmacology
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Emergency care basics
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Ethical and professional responsibility
✅ Important: DHA tests clinical judgment and safety, not textbook memorization.
2) Step One: Fix Eligibility and Documents (Before You Study)
Before starting exam preparation, ensure your documents are accurate and complete.
Mandatory Checklist
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Nursing qualification (GNM / BSc / MSc)
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Active nursing council registration
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Internship / clinical training proof
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Experience letters (if applicable)
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Valid passport
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Matching name across all documents
📌 Authority Tip: Many candidates lose time due to documentation mismatch. Fix this first.
3) Step Two: Build a High-Yield DHA Study Blueprint
Trying to study “everything” is the biggest mistake. DHA success depends on repeated revision of high-yield topics.
High-Yield Areas to Master
A) Fundamentals & Patient Safety
B) Infection Control
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Standard & transmission-based precautions
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Hand hygiene & PPE
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Needle-stick injury management
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Biomedical waste principles
C) Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing (Very Important)
D) Emergency & Critical Care Basics
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ABC assessment
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Shock & dehydration
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Oxygen therapy
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Basic ECG awareness
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CPR/BLS concepts
E) Pharmacology (Nursing Level)
F) Maternal & Child Health (Moderate Level)
4) Step Three: Follow a Practical 6–10 Week Study Plan
Weeks 1–2: Foundation
Weeks 3–5: Core Clinical Topics
Weeks 6–8: MCQ Practice Phase
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50–100 MCQs daily
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Track mistakes
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Revise weak areas weekly
Weeks 9–10 (Optional)
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Full-length mock exams
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Timed practice
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Final revision only
📌 Authority Insight: Consistency beats long study hours.
5) Step Four: Use the Right Study Method
Reading alone is not enough. DHA is MCQ-based.
The 80/20 Rule
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20% reading
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80% MCQs + rationales
Effective Method
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Read a topic
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Solve MCQs immediately
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Note weak concepts
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Revise weekly
This trains your brain to think like the exam.
6) Step Five: Master MCQ Strategy
Golden Rules
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Read the question carefully
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Eliminate wrong options
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Choose the safest nursing action
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Prioritize ABC, infection control, and medication safety
✅ DHA rewards safe clinical thinking.
7) Step Six: Avoid These Common Mistakes
❌ Studying random topics
❌ Using too many books
❌ Ignoring infection control
❌ Skipping mock tests
❌ Memorizing without understanding
❌ Panic due to lack of practice
8) Step Seven: Final Week Preparation
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Revise notes only
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Attempt full mock tests
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Sleep well
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Avoid new topics
9) Exam Day Strategy
Final Words from TabletJobs
Cracking the DHA Nursing Exam is about discipline, structure, and safe nursing judgment—not brilliance.
If you follow this plan sincerely for 6–10 weeks, success is achievable for any focused nurse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is the DHA Nursing Exam difficult?
The exam is moderate in difficulty. Nurses fail mainly due to poor preparation strategy, not because the exam is impossible.
❓ How many hours should I study daily for DHA?
2–3 focused hours daily are enough if you study consistently and practice MCQs regularly.
❓ Is clinical experience mandatory to pass DHA?
Experience helps, but freshers can pass if fundamentals, infection control, and MCQ practice are strong.
❓ Which subject carries the highest weightage?
Adult medical-surgical nursing, infection control, patient safety, and pharmacology carry the highest weight.
❓ Are previous year questions enough to pass?
No. Understanding concepts is more important than memorizing previous questions.
❓ How many attempts are allowed for DHA?
Candidates usually get multiple attempts, but it is always best to clear the exam in the first attempt.
❓ Is coaching mandatory for DHA exam?
Coaching is optional. A structured self-study plan with quality MCQs is sufficient for many candidates.
❓ How long does DHA exam preparation usually take?
Most nurses clear the exam with 6–10 weeks of focused preparation.
❓ What is the most common reason for failure?
Lack of MCQ practice, ignoring infection control, and studying without a plan.