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DOH (HAAD) Nursing Licensing Examination Syllabus 2026

Download the complete DOH (HAAD) Nursing syllabus and prepare effectively. Explore topics, weightage, and more.

Duration
2h
Questions
70
Fee · General
₹600
Cycle
On-demand

Hero photo by Luke Jones on Unsplash

Written by Dr. Uday KumarReviewed by Dr. Vijay GUpdated 23 August 2026Editorial policy

Always confirm the latest dates, fees and eligibility on the exam provider's official site before applying.

DOH (HAAD) Nursing syllabus 2026 — complete topic list

The HAAD / DOH Nursing Licensing Examination is a crucial step for registered nurses aiming to practice in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The syllabus is designed to assess candidates' knowledge and skills in various nursing domains. Below is the complete list of topics covered in the examination:

  1. 1Fundamentals of Nursing
  • Nursing Process
  • Communication in Nursing
  • Infection Control
  • Patient Safety
  • Health Assessment
  1. 1Medical-Surgical Nursing
  • Cardiovascular Disorders
  • Respiratory Disorders
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Endocrine Disorders
  • Neurological Disorders
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  1. 1Paediatric Nursing
  • Growth and Development
  • Common Childhood Illnesses
  • Immunisation Schedule
  • Nutritional Needs
  • Family-Centred Care
  1. 1Maternal and Child Health Nursing
  • Antenatal Care
  • Intrapartum Care
  • Postpartum Care
  • Newborn Care
  • Family Planning
  1. 1Mental Health Nursing
  • Mental Health Disorders
  • Therapeutic Communication
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Psychopharmacology
  1. 1Community Health Nursing
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Promotion
  • Disease Prevention
  • Environmental Health
  1. 1Professional Issues in Nursing
  • Ethics in Nursing
  • Legal Aspects of Nursing
  • Nursing Leadership
  • Quality Assurance in Nursing

Section-wise breakdown with weightage

The HAAD / DOH Nursing exam consists of multiple sections, each with specific weightage. Understanding the distribution of topics can help focus your studies effectively. The breakdown is as follows:

  • Fundamentals of Nursing: 20%
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing: 30%
  • Paediatric Nursing: 15%
  • Maternal and Child Health Nursing: 15%
  • Mental Health Nursing: 10%
  • Community Health Nursing: 5%
  • Professional Issues in Nursing: 5%

This section-wise breakdown indicates that Medical-Surgical Nursing holds the most weight, making it essential for candidates to master this area.

Subject-wise topics in detail

Each subject area is crucial for the examination. Here’s a deeper dive into the topics:

Fundamentals of Nursing

  • Nursing Process: Understanding the steps of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Communication in Nursing: Techniques for effective communication with patients and healthcare teams.

Medical-Surgical Nursing

  • Cardiovascular Disorders: Management of conditions like hypertension and heart failure.
  • Respiratory Disorders: Care for patients with asthma, COPD, and pneumonia.

Paediatric Nursing

  • Growth and Development: Milestones and assessment techniques.
  • Common Childhood Illnesses: Recognition and management strategies.

Maternal and Child Health Nursing

  • Antenatal Care: Importance of regular check-ups and screening tests.
  • Family Planning: Methods and counselling strategies.

Mental Health Nursing

  • Therapeutic Communication: Building rapport and trust with patients.
  • Crisis Intervention: Strategies for managing acute mental health crises.

Community Health Nursing

  • Epidemiology: Understanding disease distribution and determinants.
  • Health Promotion: Strategies to encourage healthy behaviours in communities.

Professional Issues in Nursing

  • Ethics in Nursing: Ethical principles guiding nursing practice.
  • Legal Aspects: Understanding the legal responsibilities of nurses.

Recent syllabus changes for 2026

As of the latest updates, the DOH has made some adjustments to the syllabus for 2026. Candidates should be aware of the following changes:

  • Increased emphasis on Mental Health Nursing, reflecting growing awareness of mental health issues.
  • More detailed guidelines on Community Health Nursing, focusing on preventative care and health education.
  • Introduction of case studies in the exam format to assess practical application of theoretical knowledge.

Topics ranked by frequency in past papers

Preparation for the HAAD / DOH Nursing exam can be enhanced by understanding which topics frequently appear in past papers. Here are the top-ranked topics:

  1. 1Medical-Surgical Nursing
  2. 2Fundamentals of Nursing
  3. 3Maternal and Child Health Nursing
  4. 4Mental Health Nursing
  5. 5Paediatric Nursing

Focusing your study efforts on these areas may improve your chances of success in the exam. Consider taking mock tests on PractiseExam.com to gauge your understanding and readiness.

Official syllabus PDF download

For the most accurate and detailed information, candidates are encouraged to download the official syllabus PDF from the Department of Health Abu Dhabi's website. This document will provide comprehensive details and should be used as the primary resource for exam preparation. Visit DOH Official Site for more information.

In summary, thorough preparation is key to passing the DOH (HAAD) Nursing Licensing Examination. Utilise the syllabus breakdown, focus on high-weightage topics, and consider practice tests to enhance your readiness.

Always verify on the official notification. Dates, fees and eligibility shift between cycles. Confirm via www.doh.gov.ae before applying.

Quick facts

Sourced from the conducting body — verify on the official notification.

  • Conducting body
    Department of Health Abu Dhabi
  • Exam mode
    Computer-based (Pearson VUE CBT)
  • Duration
    2h
  • Questions
    70 MCQs
  • Fee (general)
    ₹600
  • Cycle
    On-demand
  • Test centres
    250+ cities
  • Open to
    Open to all nationalities holding recognised qualifications
Official source
Quick answers

Frequently asked

The most common questions candidates ask before applying.

What is the format of the DOH (HAAD) Nursing exam?

The DOH (HAAD) Nursing Licensing Examination is a computer-based test delivered via Pearson VUE. It lasts for 120 minutes and consists of multiple-choice questions.

What are the eligibility requirements for the exam?

Candidates must hold a BSc Nursing degree or a 3-year diploma in nursing, along with relevant clinical experience as per the DOH PQR.

How can I prepare for the DOH (HAAD) Nursing exam?

Effective preparation involves understanding the syllabus, focusing on high-weightage topics, and taking mock tests. Consider using standard textbooks and resources recommended by the DOH.

Where can I find the official syllabus for the exam?

The official syllabus can be downloaded from the Department of Health Abu Dhabi's website. It's essential to refer to this document for the most accurate information.

Is there any negative marking in the exam?

No, there is no negative marking in the DOH (HAAD) Nursing Licensing Examination. Candidates receive +1 for each correct answer.

What resources are available for mock tests?

You can find mock tests on LanguageTest.in, which can help you practice and assess your readiness for the exam.

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PractiseExam.com is an educational preparation tool aligned with the published syllabus of each listed examination. We do not guarantee any individual exam result and accept no liability for pass or fail outcomes.