To practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Abu Dhabi (including Al Ain and Al Dhafra), you must obtain a license from the Department of Health (DOH), which was formerly known as the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD). The DOH licensing process is mandatory for all healthcare professionals and is governed by the unified Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR).

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Phase 1: Eligibility and Credential Verification

This initial phase ensures your qualifications and professional history meet the DOH’s stringent requirements.

Confirm Eligibility Requirements

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

• Education: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited program, minimum of three years in duration.
• Experience (for Graduates within 2 years): Nurses who have graduated within the last two years can now apply for and take the DOH exam without the traditional two-year experience requirement.
• Experience (for others): If you graduated more than two years ago, you typically require a minimum of two years of post-registration clinical experience.
• Professional Status: A valid, active license/registration as an RN from your home country.
• BLS: A current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification is mandatory.
• Language Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency (IELTS minimum 6.0 or TOEFL equivalent) is usually required, unless your education was taught in English or you are from a Tier 1 country (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia).

Register on the TAMM Portal

The DOH licensing services are integrated into the Abu Dhabi government’s unified TAMM platform. You must register and create an account using your UAE Pass (or credentials for international applicants) to initiate the licensing process.

Initiate Primary Source Verification (DataFlow)

The DOH mandates Primary Source Verification (PSV) of your core documents through the DataFlow Group. This is the mandatory background check where DataFlow contacts your university, licensing body, and employers directly to confirm authenticity.

• Documents for PSV: Upload your BSN degree, transcripts, professional license(s), Good Standing Certificate (GSC), and experience certificates.
• GSC: The GSC must be issued by your current licensing authority and must be less than six months old.
• Outcome: A Positive DataFlow Report is essential for proceeding to the next stage.

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Phase 2: Licensing Examination

Once your credentials are verified and approved, you move to the mandatory competency exam.

Apply for Credentialing and Receive Eligibility

You will submit your complete file and the Positive DataFlow Report through the DOH/TAMM portal for Credentialing. DOH staff review the entire file against the PQR to determine your official title and eligibility to sit for the exam.

Register and Pass the DOH Prometric Exam

The DOH licensing exam for nurses is a Computer-Based Test (CBT), typically administered by Pearson VUE.

• Format: Approximately 150 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Duration: The test is around 2.5 hours (150 minutes).
• Passing Score: The required passing score for a Registered Nurse is generally 60-70%.
• Syllabus Focus: The exam covers key areas including patient safety, infection control, pharmacology, professional and ethical practice, and management of nursing care.
• Attempts: You are typically allowed a maximum of three attempts across all UAE health authorities (DOH, DHA, MOHAP). If you fail three times, you may need to obtain an additional qualification to re-apply.

Receive the Assessment Result

Upon successfully passing the DOH Prometric Exam, the DOH will issue an Assessment Result or Eligibility Certificate. This certificate confirms your competency and is a critical step toward final licensure.

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Phase 3: Employment and Final Licensure

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

Secure an Employment Offer

The Assessment Result allows you to actively seek employment in any DOH-licensed healthcare facility in Abu Dhabi. Securing a job offer is mandatory, as the employer acts as the sponsor for your visa and the final activation of your license.

Complete Final Requirements

Your employer will assist with the final requirements:

• Medical Fitness Test: Mandatory upon arrival in Abu Dhabi for your residency visa.
• Professional Liability Insurance: Must be secured, usually provided by the employing facility.

Activate the Professional License

Your employer submits the final application via the DOH/TAMM portal to Activate Your Professional License, linking your assessment result to their facility. Once approved, the DOH issues your official license, allowing you to legally practice as a Registered Nurse in Abu Dhabi.

Maintain CPD and Renewal

The DOH license must be renewed regularly. To maintain it, you must comply with the DOH’s requirements for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), typically requiring 20 CME/CPD credits a year.