To work as a nurse in Sharjah, you must obtain a license from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), as Sharjah falls under the jurisdiction of the UAE’s federal Ministry of Health. The process is uniform across the Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain) and requires strict adherence to MOHAP’s Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR).

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Phase 1: Eligibility and Document Verification

The initial stage involves proving your educational qualifications and professional background meet the PQR standards.

Confirm Eligibility and Professional Status

For the Registered Nurse (RN) title, you generally must meet the following:

• Education: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) of a minimum of three years’ duration. Diploma holders (e.g., General Nursing and Midwifery – GNM) may be eligible for the Assistant Nurse (AN) title.
• Experience: Current MOHAP guidelines allow nurses with a Bachelor’s degree to apply under the “Fresher Category” without requiring two years of experience, provided there is no gap in practice exceeding two years after graduation. Specialist titles, however, require two years of specialty experience.
• Professional License: A valid, active license/registration to practice in your home country or country of last employment.
• BLS: A current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certificate is mandatory.

Create an Account on the MOHAP e-Services Portal

You must register an account on the official MOHAP e-Services portal (often accessed using UAE PASS). This is where you will manage your application, upload documents, and track progress.

Gather and Attest Documents

Collect and prepare all required documents. Note that your Higher Secondary/12th Grade Certificate is a mandatory educational requirement for all UAE health licensing authorities. Required documents include:

• Nursing Degree and complete Transcripts.
• Valid Professional License and Good Standing Certificate (GSC) (must be issued within the last six months).
• Experience Certificate(s) (if applicable).
• Valid Passport and a recent photograph with a white background.

Initiate Primary Source Verification (DataFlow)

The most crucial step is mandatory Primary Source Verification (PSV) of your core credentials through the DataFlow Group.

• Process: After submitting your application on the MOHAP portal, you will be notified to pay the fees to DataFlow. DataFlow then contacts the issuing bodies (university, council, former employers) directly to verify the authenticity of your degree, license, and experience.
• Outcome: A Positive DataFlow Report is essential for proceeding to the examination.

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Phase 2: Examination and Evaluation

Once your documents are verified, you must pass the national competency exam.

Register and Pass the MOHAP Prometric Examination

After the auditor approves your application and DataFlow verification is underway or complete, you will receive eligibility to sit for the national licensing exam, often administered by Prometric.

• Format: The exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT), typically consisting of 100 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Duration: The exam time is approximately two hours.
• Passing Score: A minimum score of 50% is required to pass the MOHAP exam for nurses.
• Syllabus: Focus on core nursing concepts, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child health, and local public health and regulatory policies.

Receive the MOHAP Evaluation Certificate

Upon successfully passing the Prometric exam, and with a cleared DataFlow report, the MOHAP will issue an Evaluation Certificate. This certificate confirms your professional competency and is valid for a set period, allowing you to seek employment.

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Phase 3: Employment and Final Licensure

The final steps link your professional qualification to a specific workplace in Sharjah.

Secure an Employment Offer in Sharjah

Use your MOHAP Evaluation Certificate to apply for jobs within MOHAP-licensed hospitals or clinics in Sharjah. Securing a job offer is mandatory, as the facility will sponsor your final license activation and residency visa.

Complete Final Requirements

Your employer will assist with the final documentation, which typically includes:

• A mandatory Medical Fitness Test upon arrival in the UAE for your residency visa.
• Obtaining Professional Liability Insurance.

Activate the Professional License

Your employer will submit a final request through the MOHAP e-Services portal to Activate Your Professional License. This step links your evaluation certificate to the facility’s license and finalizes the legal authorization to practice.

Maintain CPD and License Renewal

Your MOHAP license must be renewed regularly (typically annually). To maintain registration, you are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits per year.