✅ How to Pass the DHA Prometric General Surgery Exam – A Complete Guide for Surgeons in Dubai

If you’re planning to practice General Surgery in Dubai, passing the DHA Prometric exam is a critical milestone. This exam tests your knowledge, surgical skills, and clinical decision-making abilities, ensuring you meet the standards set by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

This step-by-step guide will help you understand the exam format, focus on key surgical topics, and provide actionable tips to pass with confidence. Let’s get started!

📝 1. DHA General Surgery Exam Format: What to Expect

Before diving into your books, it’s essential to understand how the DHA General Surgery exam is structured:

Question Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Number of Questions: Approximately 100–150
Time Limit: 2.5 to 3 hours
Answer Type: Single best answer
Exam Mode: Computer-based (via Prometric testing centers)

Topics range from preoperative care to surgical techniques and postoperative management. For the latest format updates, always refer to the official DHA website.

📚 2. Key Topics to Focus On

Success in the DHA exam depends on mastering a broad range of general surgery topics. Make sure to cover the following:

Surgical Anatomy

Abdominal, thoracic, and musculoskeletal anatomy relevant to procedures.

Preoperative and Postoperative Care

Patient optimization, fluid management, wound healing, and complication prevention.

Common Surgical Procedures

Appendectomy, cholecystectomy, hernia repairs, and more.

Emergency Surgery

Trauma, acute abdomen, and surgical emergencies.

Infection Control

Prevention and management of surgical site infections.

Anesthesia Basics

Understanding different anesthesia types and associated risks.

Surgical Instruments

Familiarity with tools and correct usage in various procedures.

📘 Recommended resources:

Schwartz’s Principles of Surgery
Bailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery

📖 3. Study Tips for Effective Preparation

It’s not just what you study, but how you study that matters. Follow these tips to make the most of your prep time:

Build a Study Schedule: Stick to daily or weekly plans to stay consistent.
Use Question Banks: Practice DHA-style MCQs from reliable online platforms.
Review Sample Papers: Familiarize yourself with the types and difficulty level of past questions.
Prioritize High-Yield Topics: Focus on surgical complications, infection control, and trauma management.
Study in Groups: Join study groups to discuss and reinforce complex concepts.
Take Breaks: Short breaks between sessions improve focus and retention.

🎯 4. Practice with Mock Exams

Mock exams are one of the best tools for real-time readiness. Here’s how they help:

Simulate Test Conditions: Build exam-day confidence
Improve Speed & Accuracy: Learn how to tackle questions under pressure
Identify Gaps: Focus on topics where your score is consistently low

🖥️ Use Prometric-style mock platforms or apps designed for medical licensing exams.

⏳ 5. Master Time Management During the Exam

Managing your time during the DHA exam is just as important as knowing the content. Keep these tips in mind:

Don’t Dwell Too Long: Spend no more than 1–2 minutes per question.
Use the Skip Strategy: If unsure, skip and return later.
Mark Questions: Use the review feature to flag difficult questions.

With practice, you’ll develop an internal clock to keep pace throughout the exam.

🧘‍♂️ 6. Stay Calm & Confident on Exam Day

Test anxiety is common — but manageable. Here’s how to stay cool under pressure:

Sleep Well the Night Before
Eat a Brain-Boosting Meal (oats, eggs, or fruit)
Stay Hydrated, but avoid overloading on caffeine
Arrive Early at the test center to avoid last-minute stress
Trust Your Prep: You’ve done the work—now show what you know!

🚀 7. After the Exam: What’s Next?

Once the exam is complete:

Results: You’ll typically receive them within a few weeks.
Passed? Great! You can proceed to:
- Medical fitness tests
- Document verification
- Receiving your DHA eligibility letter
Didn’t Pass? Don’t stress. Many candidates succeed on the second attempt. Review weak areas and revise with a stronger plan.

💭 Final Thoughts

Passing the DHA General Surgery exam is a vital step in becoming a licensed surgeon in Dubai. With focused study, strategic preparation, and a confident mindset, you’re already on the path to success. 🏆

Need Extra Help?

🔹 Whether it’s mock tests, personalized study plans, or licensing assistance—Namazj has your back.
👉 Contact Namazj today to take the stress out of your exam journey!

Courses List