Avoid these 7 mistakes to pass DHA easily on the first attempt!
Passing the DHA exam in the first attempt can feel very challenging. You might have heard many people talking about not clearing their first attempt and retaking the exam. This need not be the case for you.
Along with correct preparation, it is equally important to avoid certain mistakes and improper practices to get on the right track. In this blog, I will guide you to 10 mistakes that you should definitely avoid while preparing and writing the DHA exam.
What is DHA exam?
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) conducts the DHA license exam for medical professionals who wish to work in Dubai, UAE. If you wish to work as a nurse in Dubai, you need to clear the DHA exam and obtain your license. Following the right steps, you can clear the DHA exam easily and start your career in a modern, advanced city like Dubai.
7 Mistakes You Should Definitely Avoid
Now, as I mentioned before, let’s discuss 7 mistakes you should avoid while writing DHA.
1. Not understanding the exam format
Imagine you’re a nursing candidate sitting for the DHA exam. You didn’t review the format and assumed you’d have ample time. By the time you reach Question 100, you realize only 20 minutes remain for the remaining 50 questions. Now you’re rushing, second-guessing, and likely making errors. This situation is entirely avoidable with proper planning and familiarity with the format.
A surprising number of candidates approach the DHA exam without a clear idea of what they’ll face. This lack of preparation leads to confusion, poor time management, and even panic during the test. The exam isn’t just about knowing the material—it’s about knowing how the material will be tested.
Without understanding the format, you might make the wrong decisions in your preparation.
- Spend too much time on a specific question.
- Be unfamiliar with a different type of question that might appear in the exam.
- Study too much or too little for certain areas or subjects.
What to do:
- Review official guidelines for the exam format from the DHA website or other credible resources
- Familiarize yourself with different question types. Recently, the DHA exam has started including clinical scenarios in the question paper. So, practice various question types well in advance.
- Practice mock tests and time yourself. If you can, take mock tests in conditions similar to the actual exam.
2. Ignoring the DHA exam syllabus
A significant mistake candidates make is preparing for the DHA exam without referring to the DHA syllabus. The syllabus is your ultimate guide to proper studying and planning. By not looking at the syllabus, you may spend too much preparing for unnecessary topics while leaving out important ones.
What to do:
- Visit the official DHA website to get the most recent syllabus for your profession. Make sure that you download the correct syllabus as updates may include new topics or guidelines.
- Use DHA-specific preparation materials and question banks that align with the syllabus. Consider professional coaching or preparatory courses if needed.
- Regularly check your preparation against the syllabus. Highlight completed topics and revisit any areas where you feel less confident.
3. Relying on general content for preparation
While general medical knowledge forms the foundation of healthcare practice, the DHA exam requires a specific focus on UAE healthcare guidelines and protocols. Popular, international preparation materials are very good in providing you with the vast clinical knowledge required for DHA but they may not contain healthcare standards and practices followed in the UAE. The DHA exam asks questions about UAE-specific medical guidelines so you need to use study materials tailored for DHA.
What to do:
- Use study materials tailored for DHA preparation.
- Join online coaching classes specifically designed for DHA license exams.
Many candidates benefit from professional coaching. Expert education centres like JPR Nursing Education Center specialize in preparing candidates for DHA, HAAD, and MOH exams by providing targeted materials and expert guidance.
DHA standards and regulations evolve. Ensure your study materials reflect the latest updates, especially for UAE-specific healthcare practices.
4. Neglecting Mock Tests and Practice Questions
If you do not have a habit of practising mock tests as a part of your preparation, then you need to make it a habit as soon as possible. Skipping mock tests is a costly mistake. Mock tests give you a fair idea of what you know and how well you can apply it under pressure. Without practising in a simulated environment, you risk poor time management, knowledge gaps, and lack of familiarity with the question patterns.
Common Excuses for Skipping Mock Tests—and Why They’re Wrong
- “I don’t have time for mock tests.”
- You don’t have time not to take them. Mock tests save time by identifying weak areas early.
- “I’ll just focus on studying the material.”
- Knowing the material isn’t enough if you don’t know how to apply it in a timed, high-pressure exam.
- “Mock tests stress me out.”
- That’s the point! By simulating exam stress, mock tests help you build resilience and reduce anxiety for the actual test.
What to do:
- Start with practice questions during your preparation. Try to attempt at least 10-20 questions per day.
- Take full-length mock tests at least 3-5 times before the test. Mimic the exam environment by sitting in a quiet room. Set a timer for yourself like the DHA exam.
- Analyse each attempt. After the mock test, review it yourself and identify the errors.
- Use DHA-specific test platforms. Many online platforms offer mock tests tailored to the DHA exam. Look for options that include realistic question patterns, UAE-specific healthcare guidelines and explanatory answers for better learning.
5. Poor time management
Time mismanagement is common among most people who take an examination. Many candidates tend to spend too much time on a difficult question. This leads to them not having sufficient time for easier questions that can be answered with minimal effort. You need to avoid falling into this practice to answer every question accurately with a calm and focused mind.
What to do:
- As discussed in the previous point, consistently practice mock tests. While answering a mock exam, make it a habit to divide the number of questions by the total duration of the exam to get a rough idea of how much time you can spend on each question. For the DHA exam, it is usually 165 minutes for 150 questions giving you around 65 seconds for each question. Try to answer each question within this time. Strictly adhere to this rule even during mock tests so that you remain calm during the actual exam.
- During the exam, try not to remain stuck on difficult questions. If you can’t answer one question, move on to the next one instead of trying to solve the difficult question. Come back to it later if you have time.
- Practice deep breathing techniques if you get stressed very easily. This will help you stay calm even if you get slightly anxious. Try to relax and refocus on your exam.
6. Overconfidence and lack of confidence
Being overconfident and underconfident can both harm your success in the DHA exam. If you are overconfident, it is highly likely that you take the exam very lightly and not prepare enough. If you are not all confident, you may feel doubtful about every question, even those that you prepare well.
What to do:
- Know that even if you have performed well in similar exams every exam and its atmosphere is unique and different and requires sincere, genuine preparation.
- The feeling of “I already know everything” is very dangerous. Do not skip exam preparation to avoid any unpleasant surprises during the exam.
- If you feel particularly underconfident during your preparation, celebrate small wins to boost your confidence. Reward yourself for studying a tough topic or achieving a particular score during a mock test.
- Trust your instincts while answering questions. Do not second-guess your answers unnecessarily
- Try to strike a healthy balance between the two. Have a confident yet humble mindset while preparing and attending the exam. Keep a rational mind and try not to lose focus.
7. Procrastinating the exam registration
The DHA has specific deadlines for registration, documentation and exam scheduling. Delaying the processes and waiting until the last minute to start is going to increase your stress and divert your focus from the exam preparation. It can also result in missed opportunities and setbacks like late fees or exam rescheduling.
What to do:
- Start as early as possible. Begin by creating a checklist of all the required documents and certificates. You should start doing this a few months before the exam to have ample time to collect and attest the documents if needed.
- Since the registration can be lengthy, set clear deadlines for yourself when you start. Divide the process into small steps and try to complete it before time.
- Seeking professional help for documentation is a highly recommended option. Getting professional experts to complete your documentation process will ease your burden. You can completely focus on the exam preparation without worrying about deadlines and technicalities. Connect with JPR Nursing Education Center, the best DHA consultancy in Nepal for all verification processes done by experts.
Conclusion
Passing the DHA exam on the first attempt requires proper planning, disciplined study, and avoiding common mistakes. By staying informed, using targeted resources, and managing your time wisely, you can achieve your goal of working in Dubai’s healthcare sector.
Start today—prepare smartly and confidently to make your DHA dream a reality!