If you’re a healthcare or social services professional planning to work in Dubai, getting licensed by the Community Development Authority (CDA), UAE is an essential step. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from eligibility to examination till final licensing and study materials.
CDA licensing is required for professionals working in social and behavioral support roles. Here’s a list of eligible professions and their qualification criteria:
🧑⚕️ Social Worker
Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
Experience: Minimum 1 year
🧠 Social Counsellor
Qualification: Master’s in Counseling, Psychology, or Education with a specialization in Counseling
Experience: Minimum 1 year
🧩 Social Therapist / Behavior Analyst
Qualifications:
MSc in Psychology or Education with Behavior Analysis specialization
OR BSc in Psychology, Education, or Nursing with Applied Behavior Analysis program
Experience: Minimum 1 year
🧠 Assistant Behavioral Analyst
Same field with support supervision requirements
🧑🔬 Psychologist
Qualification: MSc in various Psychology fields
Experience: Minimum 1 year
👩🎓 Assistant Psychologist
Qualification: BSc in Psychology
Note: Can work under supervision of a licensed Psychologist
🎓 Special Education Teachers / Learning Support Teachers
Qualification:
Master’s in Special Education
OR BSc in Special Education + 5 years of experience
Counselling psychologist materials are also available.
💡 Exam Training Opportunity
If you don’t pass the first time, don’t worry! The British University of Dubai offers an Online Training Program for the following:
Psychologists
Social Workers
Special Education Teachers
Social Counsellors
Cost: AED 8,000 (paid upfront) Language: English or Arabic Content: Communication, social services practices, and problem-solving
🔄 License Renewal
Validity: 2 Years
Renewal Timeline: Start process at least 2 months before expiry
📥 Receiving Initial Approval Email
Once the credentialing process is completed, you’ll receive a message like this from CDA:
“Greetings from the Community Development Authority. Kindly fill out the attached application form. Your credentialing process has been completed. The next step is to register for the professional practice exam.”
📑 Final Step: Job Offer & Licensing
Once you receive a job offer, submit it to CDA. They’ll then proceed with issuing your final license.
💬 Need Help With the Process?
Feeling overwhelmed? 😓
Nursing Manthra is here to support you every step of the way—from filling out the application to completing your Dataflow, booking your exam, and preparing you for success!
Becoming a licensed professional under CDA opens doors to impactful careers in social and healthcare services in Dubai. With the right guidance and preparation, you can complete the process smoothly—and Nursing Manthra is always here to help.
I already processed and submitted my documents and is ready for exam since last year. But due to personal reason I couldn’t take the exam. I noticed the CDA is not emailing me with new updated exam dates. Am I still be eligible to take the exam? Or you can contact me through my whatsapp for easier communication. 0588517967
is it important for assistant behavioral analyst to attend the training ? It it is, then what’s the duration of the training and ia there any cost for it?
I find its difficult to process myself in CDA licencing process. So kindly guide me step by step by step process
please contact whatsapp number
I already processed and submitted my documents and is ready for exam since last year. But due to personal reason I couldn’t take the exam. I noticed the CDA is not emailing me with new updated exam dates. Am I still be eligible to take the exam? Or you can contact me through my whatsapp for easier communication. 0588517967
kindly contact us through nursingmanthra WhatsApp. WhatsApp icon given in this website , click on that and you will direct to our WhatsApp
is it important for assistant behavioral analyst to attend the training ? It it is, then what’s the duration of the training and ia there any cost for it?
If im from a different country, am I still expected to fly to Dubai to take the exam in person? Is there not a virtual option?
you can attend exam in your country
if you need any more clarification feel free to contact me in
WHATS APP: +971502 515 717
follow this link to what’s App me.
https://bit.ly/2Tl1bMV