To practice as a pharmacist in Sharjah, you must obtain a professional license from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP or MOH) of the UAE. Unlike Dubai (DHA) or Abu Dhabi (DOH), Sharjah falls under the direct jurisdiction of MOHAP. The licensing process is structured to ensure all pharmacists meet the unified federal standards for healthcare professionals in the Northern Emirates.

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Phase 1: Eligibility and Credential Verification

This phase is critical for confirming that your education and professional background meet the UAE’s requirements.

Confirm Eligibility Requirements

Before starting, ensure you meet the minimum criteria set by the MOHAP Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR):

• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or higher (M.Pharm/Pharm.D) from a recognized university.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of post-qualification experience as a licensed pharmacist. Note that sales or corporate experience may not be accepted.
• Registration: Must hold a valid, active license/registration to practice pharmacy in your home country.
• Good Standing: Obtain a Good Standing Certificate (GSC) from your home country’s licensing body, usually valid for six months.

Gather and Attest Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents. Educational certificates (degree, transcripts) and work experience letters often need to be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in your home country and the UAE Embassy there before starting the application.

Create an Account on the MOHAP Portal

Register and create an account on the official Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) licensing portal. This is where you will manage your application and track its progress.

Submit for Primary Source Verification (DataFlow)

All credentials must be verified through the DataFlow Group (Primary Source Verification – PSV). This is a mandatory background check where DataFlow contacts the issuing bodies (university, licensing council, employers) directly to confirm the authenticity of your documents. You will upload your documents and pay the required fee through the MOHAP portal to initiate this.

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Phase 2: Licensing Examinations

Once your DataFlow verification is complete and positive, you move on to the examinations.

Register and Prepare for the MOH Prometric Exam

The professional licensing exam is the MOH Prometric Exam.

• Exam Format: This is a Computer-Based Test (CBT), usually consisting of about 150 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Passing Score: A minimum score of 60% is required to pass.
• Syllabus Focus: The exam covers clinical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmaceutical care, disease management, and UAE pharmacy law and ethics.

Sit the MOH Prometric Exam

Once you receive your eligibility letter or approval after a positive DataFlow report, you can book and sit the MOH exam at an approved Prometric testing center, available both in the UAE and internationally.

Receive the Eligibility Letter

Upon successfully passing the Prometric exam, MOHAP will issue you an Evaluation Certificate or an Eligibility Letter. This certificate confirms your competency and typically remains valid for a period (e.g., five years), allowing you to seek employment in the MOH-licensed Emirates, including Sharjah.

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Phase 3: Employment and Final Licensure

The final steps involve securing a job and activating your license to practice.

Secure an Employment Offer in Sharjah

The Eligibility Letter allows you to legally apply for jobs within healthcare facilities (hospitals or community pharmacies) licensed by MOHAP in Sharjah. You must secure a formal job offer from an approved facility.

Complete the Medical Fitness Test

Upon arrival in the UAE, you must undergo a mandatory Medical Fitness Test at a government-approved center as part of the employment and residency visa process.

Submit Final Licensure Application and Activation

Your employer in Sharjah will manage the final stages of the application through the MOHAP portal. They will link your Evaluation Certificate to their facility’s license and pay the final fees to activate your professional license. Once issued, you are officially licensed to practice as a pharmacist in Sharjah.