To practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Kingdom of Bahrain, internationally educated nurses (IENs) must obtain a professional license from the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA). The process is centralized, requiring eligibility checks, mandatory credential verification, and passing the national licensure examination.

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Phase 1: Eligibility and Credential Verification

This stage verifies that your professional and educational background aligns with the NHRA’s Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR).

Confirm Eligibility and Experience

For the Registered Nurse (RN) title, non-Bahraini applicants must generally meet the following:

• Education: Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (minimum four academic years) or a recognized equivalent.
• Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of recent, continuous clinical experience post-qualification is typically required for non-Bahraini nurses.
• Professional Status: Possess a valid, active license to practice as an RN in your home country.
• Age Limit: Non-Bahraini new applicants must be no more than 65 years of age.

Apply Through the NHRA MEHAN Portal

The entire licensing journey is conducted through the NHRA’s official online platform, MEHAN (mehan.nhra.bh). You must register an account and complete the application form.

Initiate Primary Source Verification (DataFlow/PSV)

The NHRA mandates Primary Source Verification (PSV) for all core documents through an authorized company like DataFlow or Quadrabay.

• Documents for PSV: You must upload your degree, transcripts, professional license, Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) (must be recent, issued within the last six months), and detailed experience letters.
• Outcome: A Positive DataFlow Report confirming the authenticity of your documents is mandatory before the NHRA grants exam eligibility.

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Phase 2: The Bahrain Nursing Licensure Examination (BNLE)

After successful verification, you must pass the national competency assessment.

Receive Eligibility and Schedule the Exam

Once the NHRA approves your verified documents, they will issue an Eligibility Code via the MEHAN portal. This code allows you to book your test slot.

Pass the NHRA Prometric Exam

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

• Format: The exam typically lasts 2.5 hours.
• Passing Score: A minimum score of 60% is required to pass the exam for all NHRA professions.
• Attempts: You are typically allowed four attempts within a three-year period from your first attempt. Failure after four attempts requires a minimum of six months of additional training before reapplying.

Receive the Exam Result

Upon successfully passing the Prometric exam, the NHRA will complete the final administrative steps for licensure.

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Phase 3: Final Registration and Licensure

The final steps integrate your professional qualification with a job in Bahrain.

Secure an Employment Offer

Although not mandatory to apply for the license, securing an employment offer from a licensed healthcare facility in Bahrain is required to finalize the process and obtain your work visa. The employer will submit an invitation via the electronic system.

Complete Final Requirements

The final application steps, often coordinated by your employer, include:

• Providing a Health Fitness Certificate issued by a licensed facility in Bahrain.
• Submitting a copy of your CPR (Central Population Registry) and valid passport.

Receive Your NHRA Professional License

Once all requirements are approved and the final licensing fee (which varies by profession but is typically around BD 60 for General category licenses) is paid, the NHRA issues your electronic Professional Practice License. This authorizes you to legally practice as a Registered Nurse in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Maintain CPD and Renewal

Your license must be renewed periodically. To maintain it, you must comply with the NHRA’s requirements for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which mandates a minimum of 20 CPD hours annually.