DHA Vs QCHP Exam 2025-2026

Key Points To Remember

• The QCHP exam is replaced by NPQE from May 1st 2025.

• PSV via DataFlow required for both of the exams.

• NPQE allows 5 attempts | DHA allows 3 attempts.

• DHA passing score is 65% | NPQE passing score is 60%.

• Eligibility criteria: B.Pharm/Pharm.D + 2 years of experience.

• Employer/sponsorship required for license activation.

• License validity: DHA = 1 Year | NPQE = 2 Years

Pharmacists who plan to practice in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) need to have a professional license, which is a must. Both the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in the UAE and the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP) under the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar are in charge of organizing the licensing exams, each with its own set of requirements.

The biggest update is in Qatar: the previous QCHP exam has been officially replaced with the National Pharmacist Qualifying Exam (NPQE) after May 1, 2025.

This article compares the process of getting a pharmacy license in Dubai and Qatar point by point, thus assisting you to plan your career in a way that gives you the most time and

Overview: DHA vs NPQE for Pharmacists

Understanding DHA Pharmacist Licensing (Dubai) Pattern

Pharmacists' licensure in Dubai is under the regulation of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) through its Sheryan portal. The rules for the process, the criteria, the documents, and the examination must all conform to the Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) laid down by the Dubai Health Authority and the regulations applicable in the whole of the UAE.

Step-by-Step DHA Licensing Pathway

1. Self-Assessment (Sheryan Portal – NRG Service)

Applicants initially utilize the Self-Assessment Tool to determine their eligibility.

2. Primary Source Verification (PSV) through DataFlow

It is compulsory to check on degree, license, and experience documents.

3. CBT Assessment (Prometric Exam)

It is a must for pharmacists trained abroad. The exam tests professional competence.

4. Review of Registration Eligibility (If Required)

If any of the following situations occur, the Defense Health Agency (DHA) may conduct a review of a registration on a conditional basis:

• The self-assessment is not completely fulfilled

• The documents are required to be checked manually

• It is necessary to have some waivers or clarifications

5. Get Registered (Document Submission + Fees)

An applicant submits all the necessary documents, pays the required fees, and, if DHA considers it necessary, will be called for an oral assessment.

6. Activate Professional License

It is a must for a licensed facility (employer) to do the activation for a pharmacist to be able to practice legally. Generally, the license is valid for one year and renewable.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for DHA Pharmacist Registration:

• Minimum Qualification:

A B.Pharm, M.Pharm, or Pharm.D from a recognized university

• Post-Graduation Experience:

At least two years of clinical practice after obtaining the license in the home country

• Valid Home Country License:

Must be current and in good standing

• Career Gap Criteria:

  1. Less than 2 years: Generally allowed.

  2. From 2 to 5 years: May be required a supervisor during practice or an evaluation.

  3. More than 5 years: Most of the time, the person is not qualified unless a special permission is given.

Documents Required

It’s compulsory for the candidates to upload the following documents:

• Passport copy (valid)

• Recent passport-size photo

• Pharmacy degree certificate + transcripts

• Work experience certificates

• Home country pharmacist license

• Good Standing Certificate (GSC)

• PSV (DataFlow) verification report

CBT (Prometric) Attempts

• Maximum Attempts: 3

• Unified UAE Rule: These 3 attempts are counted collectively across:

  • DHA (Dubai)

  • DOH/HAAD (Abu Dhabi)

  • MOH (Northern Emirates)

An applicant who fails at DHA and later tries under MOH or DOH will still be counted for the total 3 attempts of the same.

Once 3 unsuccessful attempts have been made, the applicant will be disqualified from all UAE health authorities, unless there is a change in the rules or an exceptional approval.

Estimated Costs

Total Estimated Cost: 3,215 – 4,000 AED

(Subject to changes by DHA, DataFlow, and Prometric)

Understanding the NPQE (Qatar)

Qatar's National Pharmacist Qualifying Exam (NPQE) is under the responsibility of the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP) that is working under the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). Passing the test is a prerequisite for a pharmacist to get a professional license in Qatar.

Exam Authority

• Regulator: Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP)

• Governing Body: Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Qatar

• Exam Title: Pharmacist – NPQE (Prometric-based assessment)

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the NPQE and to register with the DHP, the applicant should possess the following:

• An educational degree in Pharmacy (or higher – M.Pharm/Pharm.D)

• At least 2 years of pharmacy experience after graduation

• A license which is valid in the applicant's home country

• No significant employment gap which is longer than the regulatory allowances

Licensing Pathway

The steps to obtain a pharmacist license in Qatar are basically the following:

1. Eligibility / Initial Registration

One has to submit their degree, experience and ID details through the DHP system.

2. Primary Source Verification (PSV)

It is done through DataFlow, confirming:

• Degree & transcripts

• License

• Experience certificates

• Good Standing Certificate

3. NPQE (Prometric Exam)

The candidate completes the 150 MCQ examination.

4. Final Licensing / Registration

The new license will need to be activated by the applicant after obtaining a job in Qatar.

NPQE Exam Blueprint

The NPQE covers four main domains:

1. Basic Biomedical Sciences

2. Pharmaceutical Sciences

3. Social, Behavioral & Administrative Sciences

   • Pharmacy Law & Ethics

   • Pharmacy Management
     
     

4. Clinical Sciences

   • Clinical Pharmacy

   • Therapeutics

These categories correspond to the official exam structure that is utilized for test preparation and assessment.

Required Documents

The applicants should have the below documents ready:

• Passport copy + national ID

• Recent passport-size photo

• Pharmacy degree & transcripts

• Work experience certificates

• Home country pharmacist license

• Good Standing Certificate (GSC)

• Updated CV/resume

• PSV DataFlow report (submitted later in the process)

Estimated Costs

Total Estimated Cost: 2,600 – 4,300 QAR

(Subject to changes by DHP, DataFlow, and Prometric)

Key Differences Between NPQE & DHA

• Jurisdiction: NPQE = Qatar | DHA = Dubai

• Exam Attempts: NPQE = 5 | DHA = 3

• Passing Score: NPQE = 60% | DHA = 60–75%

• PSV Timing: NPQE before the exam | DHA before registration

• License Validity: NPQE = 2 years | DHA = 1 year

• Cost Comparison: The price for the DHA is a bit higher.

Which Exam Should You Choose?

NPQE (Qatar) is ideal if:

• It is a must for you to have a job in Qatar

• You want more exam attempts (5)

• You have a minor career gap

• You prefer longer license validity (2 years)

DHA (Dubai) is ideal if:

• You plan to work in Dubai

• You can manage slightly higher fees

• You have minimal practice gaps

• You can succeed within 3 attempts

Additional Tips for Pharmacists

• Start Early: Get your PSV and documents ready 2–3 months prior to registering for the exam

• Mock Exams: Working on Prometric-style questions is a good way to build up your confidence

• Document Accuracy: Wrong information in your academic records or an experience letter may cause the verification process to take longer

• Understand Local Regulations: Each licensing authority requires that you follow the local standards of pharmacy practice

• Time Management: The tests are timed, and so are you; try to finish your MCQs within the given time when you practice

About Elite Expertise – DHA Exam Preparation

• Leading Platform: Focuses on pharmacist exam preparation, the DHA licensing exam for Dubai in particular.

• Comprehensive Course: Includes expert-led modules, mock exams, and personalised mentorship.

• Proven Success: Claims a 98% pass rate with more than 5,000 pharmacists trained.

• Structured Pathway: Helps overseas-trained pharmacists follow a step-by-step guide to get their DHA license.

Final Words

If you go for NPQE (Qatar) or DHA (Dubai) mainly depends on what you want to achieve in your professional career is based on the conditions of your qualification, and how prepared you are to meet the requirements of each authority. In essence, both routes require you to have the right set of documents, a clearance for your PSV, and to be well-prepared for your Prometric-style exam. However, the differences are in the time taken, the amount of money to be spent, and the rules concerning the license.

The change by Qatar to the NPQE has brought about a more structured and competency-based licensing system for the country, whereas Dubai is still luring pharmacists due to its simplified DHA registration and employment-linked activation model.

Knowing the test format, how many times you can take it, the costs, and the licensing procedure beforehand, you will be able to save time and make a move to the Gulf with confidence. After proper preparation, both places are great career opportunities for pharmacists in 2025 and the following years.