Healthcare givers get UAE licences in home country

Abu Dhabi: Registered nurses, physicians, dentists and pharmacists who are interested in applying for a job in Abu Dhabi can now register, schedule and sit licence examinations in their own home countries, the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) announced on Sunday.

The HAAD has signed a five-year contract with Pearson VUE - who delivers exams through a comprehensive and secure network of test centres across 165 different countries - to launch online licence examinations to help attract high-caliber health professionals in 15 different specialties.

Dr Ahmad Al Mazrouei, chairman of the HAAD, described the initiative as promoting transparency and accessibility in the capital city's healthcare sector.

"Computer-based testing is the first choice for most international high-stake licensure exams. The applicants will be able to register, schedule and sit for the exams in their home countries," Al Mazrouei said.

"The registered nurse examination has been the first specialty to be tested, to be followed by 15 other healthcare professional specialties." Phase 2 of the testing programme, in addition to the registered nurse examination, will include other specialties tailor made for physicians, dentists, pharmacists and clinical support specialties.

Testing will be done on demand when a candidate feels he/she is ready and will not be constrained by available dates and seats.

HAAD will be using a CERTS software programme, to review and analyse the test results.