By Shincy George, Nursing Manthra
Updated: September 2026

Applying for a Sharjah Health Authority (SHA) professional licence is easier when you understand the correct order of the process. One common mistake applicants make is starting DataFlow, obtaining unnecessary documents or booking an examination before submitting their SHA assessment application.

In practice, the SHA licensing journey normally follows this sequence:

Document Preparation → SHA Portal Registration → Assessment Application → SHA Fee Payment → DataFlow/PSV Review → Exam or Exam Exemption → Assessment Certificate → Job Search → Employer Licence Activation

Let us look at each stage in detail.

Step 1: Collect and Check All Required Documents

Before opening the SHA application, the first step is to gather all available professional documents.

Depending on your profession and individual case, you may need:

• Passport copy
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Emirates ID, if available
• Educational qualification certificate
• Transcript or mark sheets
• Internship certificate, if applicable
• Professional registration/licence
• Experience certificates
• Good Standing Certificate, where applicable
• Existing DataFlow/PSV reports, if available
• DHA, DOH, MOHAP or other UAE assessment/evaluation documents, if available
• Previous UAE professional licence, if applicable
• Exam exemption supporting documents
• Surgical logbook for applicable specialties
• Additional documents requested under the current UAE PQR

Documents should be clear, complete and consistent.

Pay particular attention to your name, qualification dates, registration dates and employment dates. Differences between documents can result in clarification requests or delays.

SHA states that documents submitted for assessment should be in Arabic or English; documents in another language require appropriate legal translation.

Step 2: Register on the SHA Portal

Once your documents are ready, the next step is to create or access your account on the Sharjah Health Authority electronic portal.

Depending on the options available to you, registration/login may be completed using the authentication method provided by the SHA portal, including UAE PASS where applicable.

After registration:

1. Sign in to your SHA account.
2. Select the healthcare professional assessment service.
3. Enter your personal information.
4. Enter your educational qualifications.
5. Enter professional registration details.
6. Enter your employment and experience history.
7. Select the appropriate profession and professional title.
8. Upload all available supporting documents.
9. Declare previous UAE licensing examinations where requested.
10. Upload existing DataFlow reports and exemption documents, if available.
11. Review the information carefully.
12. Submit the application.

The SHA service page confirms that applicants complete their information, upload the required documents, provide recent DataFlow reports if available and provide examination-exemption documents where applicable.

Important: You Do Not Necessarily Have to Complete a New DataFlow Before Opening the SHA Application

This is an important practical point.

The SHA portal itself guides the applicant through the verification requirement after the assessment application is submitted.

Therefore, do not automatically purchase a completely new DataFlow package before checking whether:

• you already have a previous UAE DataFlow report;
• some of your credentials have already been verified;
• the existing report can be transferred;
• only selected additional documents need verification.

This can prevent unnecessary expenditure.

Step 3: Good Standing Requirement – Fresh Application vs UAE Authority Transfer

This is another area where candidates frequently become confused.

Fresh SHA Application

If you are applying to SHA as a new applicant and are not transferring from another UAE healthcare authority, you should normally prepare a Good Standing Certificate from the relevant professional regulatory authority/council, where required for your profession and application.

For example, depending on the applicant, this may come from the nursing council, medical council, pharmacy council or another competent professional regulator.

The certificate should generally reflect that the applicant is professionally registered and has no adverse disciplinary record.

Transferring From Another UAE Health Authority to SHA

The document workflow can be different when the applicant already holds or previously held a professional licence/evaluation with another UAE health authority.

In certain SHA transfer/recognition workflows, instead of unnecessarily obtaining another standard Good Standing Certificate, the applicant may be asked for an employment/experience letter containing professional-conduct information.

Where such a letter is requested, it is important that the employer does not issue only a simple “worked from X date to Y date” certificate.

The letter should preferably confirm:

• Applicant’s full name
• Professional designation
• Department
• Employment start and end dates/current employment
• Full-time or part-time employment status
• Professional conduct
• Satisfactory performance
• No disciplinary action during the period of employment
• No known professional misconduct/offence
• Medical Director/authorised person’s signature
• Healthcare facility stamp
• Official facility contact details

SHA itself uses similar professional-conduct wording in its Good Standing process, requiring an experience letter that confirms there has been no disciplinary action or relevant professional offence.

Because document requirements can vary depending on the type of transfer and previous authority record, candidates should follow the exact requirement generated in their SHA application rather than obtaining documents unnecessarily.

Step 4: Pay the SHA Assessment/Application Fees

After submitting the assessment application and completing the required initial review steps, the system generates the applicable payment.

The current published SHA professional assessment fee is:

Professional Category	Published SHA Assessment Fee
Nurses & Midwives	AED 300
Allied Healthcare Professionals / Technicians	AED 300
Pharmacists	AED 300
TCIM Therapists	AED 300
Physicians	AED 500
Dentists	AED 500
TCIM Practitioners	AED 500

These amounts are the published SHA assessment/service fee +5% VAT.

Step 5: SHA Reviews the Application and Determines the DataFlow Requirement

After the assessment application and relevant payment are completed, the application proceeds for review.

At this stage, SHA determines which professional credentials require Primary Source Verification (PSV/DataFlow).

This is where there are two common situations.

Situation A: You Already Have a DataFlow Report

If you previously completed DataFlow for an authority such as:

• DHA
• DOH Abu Dhabi
• MOHAP
• Another accepted UAE licensing process

you should provide the previous report/details during your SHA application.

You may then be given an option to transfer/reuse the existing DataFlow verification.

A transfer is generally considerably less expensive than repeating the complete verification.

For some transactions, applicants may see a charge in the range of approximately AED 220 for an individual report/transfer item, but the exact amount should not be treated as a universal fixed fee.

If several reports or documents need to be transferred, the total cost will increase accordingly.

Example

If a candidate already has verified:

• Nursing degree
• Nursing registration
• Employment certificate

SHA/DataFlow may determine which existing reports can be reused and whether any additional verification is required.

Therefore, applicants should not automatically repeat every document verification.

Situation B: You Do Not Have a Previous DataFlow Report

For a fresh applicant without previous PSV, the system will identify the documents that require verification.

The candidate then makes the DataFlow payment generated for that particular case.

A fresh DataFlow application can commonly reach approximately AED 1,000–1,400 or more, but there is no single fixed DataFlow fee for every candidate.

The amount depends on factors including:

• Number of qualifications
• Number of professional licences
• Number of employers
• Number of documents requiring verification
• Additional document verification
• Country/source of documents
• Additional checks requested

For SEO and accuracy, the blog should therefore say:

SHA DataFlow charges vary according to the number and type of credentials requiring Primary Source Verification. A fresh application may commonly cost around AED 1,000–1,400 or more depending on the case, while applicants with previously verified UAE DataFlow reports may only need report transfer or additional-document verification. Always pay the amount generated in the official system.

Step 6: DataFlow Verification Starts

Once the necessary DataFlow payment has been completed, the verification process begins.

DataFlow may contact:

• University or educational institution
• Nursing/medical/allied health council
• Licensing authority
• Employer/hospital
• Other credential-issuing organisation

The purpose is to establish that the documents are genuine and were issued by the stated source.

How Long Does SHA DataFlow Take?

There is no guaranteed completion date.

In many straightforward cases, applicants may receive the result within approximately one month, but verification may take longer where:

• The university does not respond
• The employer does not respond
• Contact details are outdated
• Additional documents are required
• Verification is conducted internationally
• The issuing institution requests a different verification method

Candidates should regularly monitor their DataFlow case and ensure that their university, council and employer respond promptly.

Step 7: SHA Determines Whether You Need an Examination

While the DataFlow process is progressing, the applicant’s examination requirement or eligibility for examination exemption is also determined.

Not every SHA applicant needs to sit a new examination.

There are broadly two possibilities:

Exam Exemption or SHA Examination Required

SHA Exam Exemption – Who May Qualify?

Exam exemption depends on the applicant’s professional category, previous licence/examination and the current UAE Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR).

The PQR specifically contains exam-equivalency criteria, and SHA states that a person with a valid assessment/licence from a UAE health authority or someone who meets PQR exemption criteria may be exempt from the licensing examination.

Depending on the applicant’s case, exemption may potentially apply where the professional has an eligible:

• Current/previous UAE healthcare professional licence
• DHA eligibility/evaluation
• DOH assessment/licence
• MOHAP evaluation/licence
• Recognised previous UAE licensing examination
• Recognised international licence/examination included in the current PQR equivalency tables

However, having a foreign licence by itself does not guarantee exam exemption.

The particular licence or examination must satisfy the current PQR and SHA’s applicable requirements.

Previous UAE Exam Results

Candidates who have recently passed a recognised examination through another UAE health authority should upload the relevant:

• Eligibility letter
• Evaluation certificate
• Passing result
• Professional licence

where applicable.

The validity/acceptability of previous examination results should always be confirmed against the current PQR and SHA portal decision rather than relying on a general rule.

The current PQR states that listed equivalency examinations must be valid at the time of licensing and, where the source document itself does not state a validity period, the listed equivalency may generally be accepted within five years from issuance, subject to the applicable criteria.

Step 8: If Not Exempt – Complete the SHA Licensing Examination

If the applicant does not qualify for examination exemption, SHA will require the relevant assessment/examination.

Depending on the healthcare profession, assessment may take the form of:

• Computer-based/Prometric-style examination
• Written examination
• Oral examination
• Other professional assessment where applicable

Not every profession follows exactly the same examination method.

The applicant should therefore follow the examination instruction generated for the professional title selected in the SHA application.

SHA Exam Fee

The examination cost is not one universal amount for every profession.

Depending on profession, examination method, test provider and testing location, candidates may encounter fees of approximately USD 200–300, but the exact amount shown in the official booking system should be treated as final.

Step 9: Book and Complete the SHA Examination

Once examination eligibility is issued:

1. Follow the exam scheduling instructions.
2. Select an available examination date.
3. Choose an appropriate examination centre, where applicable.
4. Pay the examination fee.
5. Prepare according to the professional syllabus/blueprint.
6. Attend the examination.
7. Obtain the examination result.

For certain professions, the assessment may be oral or written rather than a standard Prometric examination.

Applicants should therefore never book an examination independently before receiving the correct SHA eligibility/instructions for their professional category.

Step 10: Complete Both Requirements – DataFlow + Examination

For candidates who require both PSV and an examination, these processes may progress during the same overall assessment period.

In simple terms:

DataFlow must be completed successfully + Required SHA examination must be passed

before the professional assessment can normally be completed.

If the applicant qualifies for examination exemption, then the exam stage does not apply, but all other assessment and verification requirements must still be satisfied.

Step 11: Receive the SHA Assessment Certificate

Once:

• SHA has reviewed the application;
• required documents are accepted;
• required PSV/DataFlow verification is completed;
• the examination is passed or an exemption is approved; and
• any additional SHA requirements are satisfied,

the applicant can receive the Sharjah Health Authority Healthcare Professional Assessment Certificate.

The official SHA service describes this certificate as the output of the professional assessment process.

Assessment Certificate Does NOT Mean You Can Start Working

This is extremely important.

The SHA assessment certificate establishes the professional title for which you have been assessed.

It is not the final active professional licence.

SHA specifically states that a healthcare professional cannot begin practice simply after receiving the assessment certificate. A professional licence must first be issued.

Step 12: Start Searching for a Job

Once you receive the assessment certificate, you can actively approach healthcare facilities operating under the relevant SHA jurisdiction.

You can apply to positions according to the professional title shown in your assessment certificate.

For example:

Registered Nurse assessment → Apply for Registered Nurse vacancies

Medical Laboratory Technologist assessment → Apply for Medical Laboratory Technologist positions

Specialist Physician assessment → Apply for the approved specialty/title

Always ensure that the employer/facility can activate the same professional category awarded in your SHA assessment.

Step 13: Employer Activates the Final SHA Professional Licence

Once you secure an eligible job, the final licensing stage is largely linked to the employing healthcare facility.

SHA states that the healthcare facility representative logs into the SHA portal, completes the required information, uploads the documents and pays the prescribed licensing fees. After approval, the professional licence is issued under the facility.

Therefore, the sequence is:

Assessment completed → Find employer → Employer submits licence application → Licence activated → Professional can start practising

Depending on the licensing type, the employer may need documents such as:

• SHA assessment certificate
• Offer/employment letter
• Medical malpractice insurance
• Relevant facility documents
• NOC for applicable part-time licensing
• Health report for professionals over 60, where required
• Other documents generated by the SHA portal

The healthcare facility itself must also hold a valid and active licence.

SHA Licensing Process in Simple Words

For candidates who find the process confusing, remember this simple sequence:

1. Collect all documents

↓

2. Register/Login to SHA portal

↓

3. Enter qualification, registration and experience details

↓

4. Upload available documents

↓

5. Submit professional assessment application

↓

6. Pay SHA assessment/review charges

↓

7. SHA/DataFlow review determines verification requirement

↓

8. Transfer existing DataFlow OR complete fresh DataFlow

↓

9. SHA checks exam exemption

↓

10. If exempt – no new exam

OR

If not exempt – complete required Prometric/written/oral examination

↓

11. Complete DataFlow successfully

↓

12. Pass examination / receive approved exemption

↓

13. Receive SHA Professional Assessment Certificate

↓

14. Search for an eligible job

↓

15. Employer applies for/activates SHA professional licence

↓

16. Receive active SHA licence

↓

17. Start professional practice

Estimated Costs – Practical SHA Licensing Budget

Candidates frequently ask, “How much will the complete SHA process cost?”

There is no single amount because DataFlow and examination costs vary.

A practical breakdown is:

Stage	Approximate / Published Cost
SHA assessment – Nurse/Allied Health/Pharmacist/TCIM Therapist	AED 300 base fee
SHA assessment – Physician/Dentist/TCIM Practitioner	AED 500 base fee
Additional portal/review/VAT/service charges	As generated by portal
Existing DataFlow report transfer	Varies; individual transfer items may be around AED 220 depending on transaction
Fresh DataFlow	Often around AED 1,000–1,400+, depending on documents
SHA examination	Often approximately USD 200–300, depending on profession/test
Full-time licence – Nurse/Allied Health/Pharmacist	AED 1,000
Full-time licence – Physician/Dentist/TCIM Practitioner	AED 3,000

Important: The approximate DataFlow, examination and ancillary charges above should be used only for budgeting. The actual payment generated in the SHA/DataFlow/examination portal is the amount the applicant must follow.

Important Advice Before Starting Your SHA Application

Do not spend money unnecessarily.

Before starting, check:

• Do I qualify for the professional title I selected?
• Do I already have a usable DataFlow report?
• Have my qualification and licence already been verified?
• Can my existing PSV be transferred?
• Do I have a previous UAE licence/evaluation?
• Am I eligible for exam exemption?
• Is my previous UAE exam/equivalency still acceptable?
• Do I really need a fresh Good Standing Certificate?
• Does my experience meet the applicable PQR?
• Are there unexplained gaps in my practice?
• Does the employer I am applying to operate under SHA jurisdiction?

A proper document review before starting can save both time and money.

How Long Does the SHA Licensing Process Take?

There is no guaranteed overall completion time.

SHA currently publishes an 8-working-day review time for its professional assessment service, but this should not be interpreted as meaning that DataFlow, examination and the entire licensing process will finish within eight working days.

For many candidates, DataFlow verification itself may take approximately several weeks and sometimes around a month or longer.

The total time depends on:

• Speed of university response
• Council verification
• Employer response
• Number of credentials
• Existing DataFlow availability
• Examination availability
• Whether an exam exemption applies
• Additional SHA clarification requests
• Document discrepancies

Candidates should therefore start early and avoid making travel or resignation decisions based on an estimated completion date.

Final Advice From Nursing Manthra

The Sharjah Health Authority licensing process is manageable once you follow the correct sequence.

The key is not to rush into paying for DataFlow or an examination before understanding what SHA requires for your specific case.

Start by collecting and checking your documents. Submit the professional assessment application through the SHA portal. Allow SHA to determine your DataFlow and examination requirements. If you already have previous UAE verification or licensing history, use it wherever SHA permits instead of unnecessarily repeating the entire process.

Once your DataFlow is successfully completed and you have passed the required examination—or received an approved exam exemption—you can obtain the SHA Professional Assessment Certificate.

After receiving the assessment certificate, you can proceed with your job search. Once you secure employment with an eligible healthcare facility, the employer/facility representative completes the final professional licence activation process.

Assessment Certificate → Job → Employer Activation → Active SHA Professional Licence.

That is the easiest way to understand the complete process.

If you need assistance for doing SHA license process-Kindly contact Nursingmanthra. +971502515717