To legally practice as a nurse in the State of Qatar, international graduates must obtain licensure from the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP), which operates under the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). The process involves a thorough credential verification, a mandatory national qualifying examination (Prometric), and subsequent employment.

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Phase 1: Eligibility and Credential Verification

This initial stage confirms that your qualifications and experience meet the DHP’s Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR).

1. Confirm Eligibility and Experience

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

• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) of at least four years’ duration or a Diploma in Nursing (minimum three years post-high school).
• Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience post-registration/licensure is typically required for BSN and Diploma holders. Note: If you have less than two years’ experience but are currently licensed, you may be required to complete a supervised internship or equivalent program in Qatar.
• Professional Status: A valid, active license/registration to practice in your home country.
• BLS: A current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification is usually mandatory.

Apply Through the DHP Electronic System

You must apply through the registration/licensing electronic system available on the DHP website to submit an electronic “Apply for Evaluation” request.

Initiate Primary Source Verification (DataFlow)

The DHP mandates Primary Source Verification (PSV) of your core documents through the DataFlow Group.

• Documents for PSV: Upload your nursing degree, transcripts, professional license, Good Standing Certificate (GSC) (must be recent), and work experience certificates.
• Purpose: DataFlow authenticates these credentials directly from their original issuing sources (university, licensing council, employers). A Positive DataFlow Report is crucial for moving forward.

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Phase 2: The National Qualifying Examination

After document verification, you must prove your clinical competency by passing the national licensing exam.

Receive Eligibility and Book the Exam

Once your documents are verified and the DHP grants preliminary approval, you will receive eligibility to book the licensing exam.

Pass the DHP Prometric Examination

The national assessment for nurses is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) administered by Prometric.

• Format: Typically consists of 150 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Duration: The exam time is approximately 3.5 hours.
• Passing Score: The minimum required passing score for a Registered General Nurse is typically 50%.
• Attempts: You may take the exam up to five consecutive times; any results after the fifth attempt will not be considered.
• Syllabus Focus: Questions cover core nursing areas, including Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Maternal Nursing, and Professional Ethics/Legislation.

Receive the Assessment Result

Upon passing the Prometric exam, the DHP will issue an Assessment Result or Evaluation Certificate. This result is typically valid for three years and is necessary to apply for a job and final license.

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Phase 3: Employment and Final Licensure

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

Secure an Employment Offer

With a successful Assessment Result, you can actively seek employment from a DHP-licensed healthcare facility in Qatar. Securing a job offer is mandatory, as the facility will assist in converting your eligibility to a license.

Complete Final Requirements and Activation

Your employer will assist with the final documentation required for license activation, which includes:

• Providing proof of your Qatari ID/Residency and completing a mandatory Medical Fitness Test.
• The employer submits the final application to the DHP to Activate Your Professional License.

Receive Professional Practice License

Upon final approval, the DHP issues your official Professional Practice License. You are now legally authorized to work as a Registered Nurse in the State of Qatar.

Maintain CPD and Renewal

To maintain your license, you must complete the required Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours and adhere to the DHP’s regulations for periodic license renewal.