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Qatar DHP Nursing Exam Guide (2026)

A plain-English overview of the Qatar DHP (QCHP) nursing qualifying exam for registered nurses planning to work in Qatar: what it is, the typical steps, the exam format and how to prepare.

What is the Qatar DHP exam?

The Qatar DHP (QCHP) nursing qualifying exam is the licensing exam that registered nurses usually need to pass before they can be licensed by the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP, formerly QCHP). It is a computer-based, multiple-choice test of general registered-nurse knowledge and clinical judgement, delivered through Prometric test centres.

Exam format at a glance

Based on published candidate and prep guides at the time of writing. Confirm the current format when you book.

Typical steps to get licensed

1. Check eligibility. Regulators usually require a recognised nursing qualification, active registration in your home country and, in many cases, post-qualification clinical experience. Check the exact requirements for your qualification.
2. Apply through the regulator. Applications are made through the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP) at Qatar's Ministry of Public Health.
3. Primary source verification. Your certificates, licence and experience are usually verified with the issuing institutions (commonly through DataFlow). Start early, as this can take several weeks.
4. Book and sit the exam once you are approved, at a Prometric test centre.
5. Complete licensing after passing, usually linked to a job offer from a licensed facility.

What the exam covers

Expect questions across the whole of general nursing. These are the 16 topics in our practice bank, each with free sample questions:

• Fundamentals of Nursing & Patient Safety
• Infection Prevention & Control
• Cardiovascular Nursing
• Respiratory Nursing
• Neurological Nursing
• Endocrine & Diabetes Nursing
• Renal, Fluids & Electrolytes
• Gastrointestinal & Hepatic Nursing
• Musculoskeletal, Skin & Wound Care
• Oncology & Haematology Nursing
• Emergency & Critical Care
• Pharmacology & Dosage Calculations
• Maternal & Newborn Nursing
• Paediatric Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Leadership, Ethics & Prioritisation

A 6-week study plan

1. Week 1: Take a timed practice test to find your weak areas. Review fundamentals and infection control.
2. Week 2: Pharmacology and dosage calculations. Practise calculations daily.
3. Week 3: Medical-surgical systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, endocrine.
4. Week 4: Renal, GI, musculoskeletal, oncology and emergency care.
5. Week 5: Maternal, paediatrics, mental health, and leadership and prioritisation.
6. Week 6: Full timed mock tests. Review every rationale, especially for questions you guessed.

Exam-day tips

• Read the last line of the question first so you know what is being asked.
• For "first action" questions, think ABCs and patient safety.
• Eliminate clearly wrong options, then choose the safest remaining answer.
• There is no negative marking reported, so never leave a question blank.
• Watch the clock: you have roughly 72 seconds per question.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in the Qatar DHP nursing exam?

Published candidate guides describe about 150 multiple-choice questions in 180 minutes. Always confirm the current format with the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP, formerly QCHP).

What is the pass mark for the Qatar DHP exam?

Guides commonly quote around 65%, but pass marks can change and may be scaled. Aim to score well above it in practice.

Is there negative marking in the Qatar DHP exam?

Prep guides report no negative marking for Gulf nursing licensing exams, so answer every question.

Where do I take the Qatar DHP exam?

The exam is computer-based and delivered through Prometric test centres. You book after your eligibility is approved by the regulator.