If you are a healthcare professional looking to take any of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exams, you may be asking: Does the DHA require OET – Occupational English Test for licensing?
The short answer is no—OET is not mandatory for DHA licensing, but it is accepted as proof of English proficiency. According to the official OET website, DHA is among the healthcare regulators in the UAE that recognize OET scores for nurses and doctors.
In addition to DHA, several other government and healthcare entities in the UAE accept OET, including:
- Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH): Accepts OET for medicine and nursing, with a minimum score of C+ in all four components (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).
- Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA): Accepts OET for multiple healthcare professions, including dentistry, dietetics, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, radiography, and physiotherapy, with a minimum score of C in all components.
- Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA): Recognizes OET for the same range of healthcare professionals with a C grade requirement.
- Willow Corporate Services (UAE): Recognizes OET for all major healthcare professions with a C grade requirement.
While DHA only accepts OET for nurses and doctors, healthcare professionals applying under DHCA, KHDA, or DOH Abu Dhabi can also use OET as proof of English proficiency for a wider range of professions.
Back to our question: Does the DHA require OET for licensing?
No, OET is not mandatory for DHA licensing, but it is an accepted option for doctors and nurses. If you are applying for a DHA license, you will need to provide proof of English proficiency, and OET is one of the recognized tests.
English Language Test Options for DHA Licensing
If you are a non-native English speaker, you can demonstrate English proficiency by taking one of the following tests:
- OET (Occupational English Test) – Accepted but not required
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – Accepted
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Accepted
The specific minimum required scores depend on your profession and should always be verified on the DHA’s official website.
Why OET is a Strong Option for DHA Licensing Candidates
Even though OET is not mandatory, it remains a popular choice among healthcare professionals because it is specifically designed for medical professionals.
Benefits of Taking OET before setting for the DHA exam – we don’t mean that the DHA require OET
✅ Medical-Specific Content: Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, which assess general English skills, OET focuses on healthcare communication, making it more relevant for doctors and nurses.
✅ DHA Licensing Exam is in English: Since the DHA licensing exam is conducted in English, preparing for OET with a structured course, such as Accordemy®’s OET training, can significantly improve comprehension of exam questions.
✅ Boosts Professional Communication Skills: Healthcare professionals need strong communication skills in clinical practice, and OET helps build confidence in medical English.
DHA Licensing Exam and English Language Skills
Even if you do not take OET, IELTS, or TOEFL, having a strong command of medical English is essential for passing the DHA licensing exam – we don’t mean that the DHA require OET.
Why English Proficiency Matters for the DHA Exam
📌 DHA exam questions are in English – Candidates must be able to understand medical case studies, patient histories, and clinical scenarios.
📌 Misinterpretation of questions can lead to failure – Many candidates struggle with comprehending question phrasing, not medical knowledge.
📌 Better English comprehension = higher chances of passing – Taking an OET preparation course with Accordemy® helps candidates train their medical English skills, improving their ability to answer DHA exam questions accurately.
How to Register for OET for DHA Licensing?
If you decide to take the OET for DHA, follow these steps:
Take the Test and Submit Scores: If you achieve the required score, submit your OET results to the DHA.
Check DHA’s Latest Requirements: Visit the DHA Licensing Portal to confirm current policies.
Register for OET: Sign up on the official OET website and select a test date.
Prepare for the Exam: Enroll in a professional OET preparation course, such as Accordemy®’s OET training, to improve comprehension and performance.
Final Thoughts: Should You Take the OET for DHA?
While OET is not a mandatory requirement for DHA licensing, it is still a highly beneficial choice for non-native English-speaking doctors and nurses who want to:
✅ Improve their English proficiency in a medical context
✅ Enhance their communication skills for clinical practice
✅ Increase their chances of passing the DHA licensing exam by improving question comprehension
If you are preparing for the DHA licensing exam, taking an OET preparation course with Accordemy® can ensure that you fully understand DHA test questions and enhance your medical communication skills.
📌 Need expert OET preparation for DHA? Visit Accordemy® today!