If you’re a healthcare professional aspiring to work in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, one of the key steps is to pass the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) exam. This examination assesses the qualifications and competency of professionals in various medical fields, ensuring that only those with the right skills and knowledge are licensed to practice in Abu Dhabi. However, before you can sit for the HAAD exam, there are several requirements you must meet. These requirements include educational qualifications, professional experience, document verification, and more.
In this blog, we’ll break down the major HAAD exam requirements to help you understand the steps and documents needed to successfully complete the process.
Educational Qualifications
One of the primary requirements for taking the HAAD exam is meeting the necessary educational qualifications. Your academic credentials should be aligned with the standards set by the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi. The specific qualifications you need will vary depending on your professional category (e.g., doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, etc.), but here are some general guidelines:
Degree or Diploma: You must hold a recognized degree or diploma in your field. For instance, doctors should have a recognized MBBS degree, while nurses should hold a diploma or degree in nursing.
Accredited Institutions: Your educational qualifications should come from accredited institutions that meet HAAD’s standards. You’ll need to check whether your institution is recognized by HAAD’s approved list of schools.
Postgraduate Qualifications: Depending on your profession, some positions may require additional postgraduate qualifications, especially for specialized roles such as surgeons or consultants.
It is important to ensure that your educational documents are authentic and that they have been attested by the appropriate authorities, as these will be verified during the application process.
Expert Experience
In addition to educational qualifications, professional experience plays a vital role in determining your eligibility for the HAAD exam. Each category of healthcare professionals has its own set of experience requirements:
Doctors: Generally, doctors are required to have a minimum of two years of post-internship experience. Specialized fields may require more years of experience in a particular discipline.
Nurses: Nurses must also have post-graduation experience, typically ranging from one to two years depending on the category of nurse (registered nurse, specialist nurse, etc.).
Pharmacists and Technicians: These professionals may also need a specific number of years working in their field after graduation.
It’s important to have documented proof of your experience from your previous employers. This can include letters of experience, certifications, or even contracts that outline your tenure in each position.
Primary Source Verification (DataFlow)
The Primary Source Verification (PSV) process, conducted through DataFlow, is an essential requirement for the HAAD exam. This process is designed to verify the authenticity of your educational and professional credentials, ensuring that your qualifications are legitimate.
Submit Documents for Verification: You’ll need to submit your degree certificates, professional licenses, and experience certificates for primary source verification. DataFlow will then contact your educational institutions and previous employers to verify the information.
Payment: There is usually a fee associated with the DataFlow verification process. This is a necessary step, and your application will not proceed until your credentials are successfully verified.
Tracking Your Application: You can track the progress of your document verification through the DataFlow website, and once complete, you’ll receive a report confirming that your credentials have been validated.
It’s critical to ensure that all the documents you provide are accurate and authentic because any discrepancy or false information can lead to a rejection of your application.
