Introduction

The healthcare landscape in the State of Qatar has grown remarkably, making it an attractive destination for internationally trained General Practitioners (GPs). The Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP), under the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), oversees the licensing requirements to ensure high standards of care and patient safety. For GPs aspiring to practice in Qatar, passing the Qatar DHP MOPH Exam (formerly referred to as the “Qatar Prometric Exam”) is a fundamental step toward obtaining licensure.

Exam Overview

1. Name and Recognition
   • Official Name: Qatar DHP MOPH Exam for General Practitioners
   • Purpose: Mandatory licensing exam to ensure quality medical care and practitioner competence in Qatar.
   • Administrator: Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP) under the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH).
   • Exam Conduction: Computer-based, typically via Prometric test centers worldwide.
2. Key Reasons to Take the Exam
   • Licensure: Required to practice legally as a GP in Qatar.
   • Credibility: Confirms that a GP meets the country’s clinical and ethical standards.
   • Career Opportunities: Opens doors to a thriving medical sector with strong government support.

Exam Structure and Format

1. Format
   • Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): Typically 150 questions.
   • Time Allocation: Around 3 hours to complete all questions.
   • Language: English only.
   • Question Style:
     • Single-best-answer format.
     • Mix of direct questions and scenario-based clinical vignettes.
2. No Negative Marking
   • Incorrect answers do not incur penalties.
   • Tip: Always attempt every question, even if unsure.
3. Approximate Weightage of Specialties

   While the exact distribution may vary, a commonly referenced breakdown is:

Medical Specialty	Approx. Weightage
Family Medicine	18%
Internal Medicine	12%
Emergency Medicine	12%
Pediatrics	9%
Obstetrics and Gynecology	9%
Psychiatry	9%
General Surgery	6%
Other Disciplines (e.g., Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, etc.)	Varies

Detailed Breakdown of Exam Content

The exam content spans a wide range of primary care topics:

1. Family Medicine (Approx. 18%)
   • Chronic disease management (e.g., Diabetes, Hypertension).
   • Preventive care (screening protocols, immunizations, lifestyle advice).
   • Patient counseling and health education.
2. Internal Medicine (Approx. 12%)
   • Common adult conditions: Endocrine disorders, Cardiovascular diseases, Respiratory illnesses, and more.
   • Emphasis on clinical diagnosis and management.
3. Emergency Medicine (Approx. 12%)
   • Recognition and initial management of acute life-threatening conditions (e.g., Acute MI, Stroke, Trauma).
   • Both adult and pediatric emergencies.
4. Pediatrics (Approx. 9%)
   • Growth and developmental milestones.
   • Common pediatric illnesses and immunization schedules.
   • Pediatric emergencies (e.g., Dehydration, Seizures).
5. Obstetrics and Gynecology (Approx. 9%)
   • Prenatal care, high-risk pregnancies, labor management.
   • Common gynecological conditions (e.g., PCOS, Fibroids).
   • Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and its management.
6. Psychiatry (Approx. 9%)
   • Major mental health disorders (e.g., Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia).
   • Basic psychopharmacology.
   • Initial management of psychiatric emergencies.
7. General Surgery (Approx. 6%)
   • Pre-operative and post-operative care.
   • Initial management of surgical emergencies (e.g., Acute abdomen, Trauma).
8. Other Specialties
   • Dermatology: Common skin conditions.
   • Neurology: Strokes, seizures, headaches.
   • Cardiovascular disease: Further depth on heart disease management.
   • Haematology: Anemias, bleeding disorders.
9. Pharmacology
   • Drug interactions, contraindications, and side effects.
   • Mechanism of action of commonly used medications.
10. Public Health & Ethics

• Patient safety protocols, managing medical errors, epidemiology basics.
• Preventive medicine strategies, screening guidelines.
• Principles of ethical practice and confidentiality in healthcare.

Marking System and Passing Criteria

1. Scoring
   • Based on total number of correct answers out of 150.
   • No negative marking.
2. Passing Score
   • Generally 60% (i.e., 90 correct answers out of 150).
   • Advice: Aim well above 60% to maximize comfort and confidence.
3. Result Validity
   • May vary; some regions have a validity of 3–5 years for similar exams.
   • Always verify with official DHP MOPH guidelines for updates.

Exam Logistics

1. Duration
   • 3 hours total; pace yourself accordingly.
   • Break policies vary—check official Prometric guidelines.
2. Fees
   • Exam Fee: Often cited around 238 USD (approx. 870 QAR), but confirm on Prometric or MOPH website.
   • Dataflow Primary Source Verification: Approx. 1100 QAR (fees can vary).
   • DHP Application Evaluation Fee: ~100 QAR.
   • License Fee: ~600 QAR.
   • Rescheduling Fees: ~40 USD if within 29–5 days before exam; no fees if >30 days.
   • Tip: Always check the latest fee structure since costs may change.
3. Scheduling and Frequency
   • Offered multiple times a year via Prometric test centers worldwide.
   • Check official Prometric or DHP websites for available dates and centers.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the Qatar DHP MOPH Exam (General Practitioners)

1. Verify Eligibility Criteria

Before beginning the application process, it is crucial to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements set by the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP) under the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). Typically, this includes:

• A valid passport
• A recognized medical qualification (e.g., MBBS or its equivalent)
• Minimum 5 years of relevant clinical experience post-internship (commonly required for General Practitioners)

Tip: Fulfilling these prerequisites is essential before proceeding further in the application process.

2. Compile Required Documents

Once eligibility is confirmed, the next step is to gather and prepare all necessary documentation. Commonly required documents include:

• Medical degree certificate and transcripts
• Experience certificates (detailing clinical work history)
• Copy of valid passport
• Certificate of Good Standing from your country’s medical council or licensing authority
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) formatted according to DHP MOPH specifications
• Official translations if documents are not in English or Arabic

3. Register on the DHP MOPH Online Portal

After compiling documents, candidates must proceed to online registration via the DHP portal on the official MoPH website (https://www.moph.gov.qa).

• Create a personal account on the DHP portal.
• Complete the online application form, including:
  • Personal information
  • Educational qualifications
  • Clinical experience details

If direct links are inaccessible, navigate through the main MoPH homepage to locate the DHP section.

4. Initiate Primary Source Verification (Dataflow Process)

The Dataflow Group’s Primary Source Verification (PSV) is a mandatory step in the licensing process.

• Verifies your educational credentials, clinical experience, and professional licensure.
• Submit scanned copies of all required documents via the Dataflow system.
• This verification is conducted directly with the issuing institutions.

5. Pay Application and Evaluation Fees

During the application process, candidates must pay several fees, which may include:

Fee Type	Approximate Amount
Application & Evaluation Fee (DHP MOPH)	~100 QAR
Dataflow Verification Fee	~1100 QAR (varies)
Prometric Exam Fee	~238 USD

6. Register for the Prometric Exam

Once your eligibility is confirmed and Dataflow verification is in progress:

• Visit the Prometric website (https://www.prometric.com)
• Schedule your exam at a preferred date and testing center
• An Eligibility ID may be required (if sponsored by a healthcare employer)

📆 Choose your exam slot wisely to allow adequate preparation time.

7. Appear for the Exam

On your scheduled exam date:

• Report to the Prometric testing center well in advance
• Bring a valid passport or ID as proof of identity
• Follow all Prometric test center guidelines

8. Post-Exam Licensing Process

After passing the exam and receiving a positive Dataflow PSV report:

1. Secure employment with a healthcare facility in Qatar (often required to proceed further).
2. Your employer will assist in completing the final steps of the licensing process.
3. Submit the final application for your professional license to DHP MOPH.
4. A temporary license may be issued initially, followed by full licensure.

Preparation Strategies and Tips

1. Create a Study Schedule
   • Allocate 2–3 months (or more) depending on your baseline knowledge.
   • Give extra time to topics with higher weightage (e.g., Family Medicine, Internal Medicine).
2. Use Case-Based Learning
   • Practice with scenario-based questions to sharpen clinical reasoning.
   • Example: “A 52-year-old patient with poorly controlled diabetes arrives with foot ulcers. What is the best initial management?”
3. MCQ Practice
   • Aim to solve hundreds of MCQs from reliable question banks such as Edubros.org
   • Simulate exam conditions with timed mock tests, Edubros effectively provide this service
4. Identify Weaknesses
   • Track low-scoring areas in mock exams.
   • Allocate extra revision time to weaker subjects (e.g., Pediatrics, Psychiatry).

Estimated Study Timeline

While individual needs vary, here’s a recommended schedule for a 3-month prep:

• Week 1–4: Rapid but thorough review of major areas (Family Medicine, Internal Medicine).
• Week 5–8: Deep dive into Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Surgery, Psychiatry. Increase MCQ practice.
• Week 9–10: Review less emphasized specialties (Dermatology, Neurology).
• Week 11: Intensive full-length mock exams (simulate 3-hour sessions).
• Week 12: Final revision of high-yield topics and last-minute flashcards.

Exam Frequency and Dates

The exam is likely offered multiple times a year, potentially quarterly or bi-annually, but specific dates for 2025 must be checked on the official website or through customer service.

Appeals Process

In case of failure, candidates can typically retake the exam, with a maximum of three consecutive attempts and a mandatory six-month gap after the third attempt, not exceeding five total attempts, based on similar regional policies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Q: What is the passing score for the DHP MOPH exam?

   A: Generally 60%, which typically means 90/150 questions correct.

2. Q: How do I schedule my exam date?

   A: After DHP eligibility confirmation, visit the Prometric website to choose a convenient test center, date, and time.

3. Q: Are Qatari nationals or certain degree holders exempt from the exam?

   A: Some categories, such as Qatari practitioners or those with specific postgraduate degrees, may be exempt. Check official DHP exemption criteria.

4. Q: Can I retake the exam if I fail?

   A: Yes. A maximum of five attempts is often allowed, though rules on spacing attempts vary. Verify with official guidelines.

5. Q: Do I need a job offer in Qatar before taking the exam?

   A: A job offer is not always required to sit the exam, but you often need sponsorship and an employer to complete the final licensing steps in Qatar.

6. Q: How can I confirm the latest fees?

   A: Always consult the DHP MOPH or Prometric official websites, as fees are subject to change.

7. Q: Can I pause the exam midway?

   A: Break policies differ; check Prometric rules. If unscheduled breaks are taken, the clock usually keeps running.

Additional Helpful Tips and Checklists

1. Document Checklist
   • Valid passport
   • Medical degree and internship certificate
   • Experience certificates (≥5 years post-internship if required)
   • Good standing certificate
   • Updated CV (as per DHP format)
   • Official translations (if documents not in English/Arabic)
2. Exam Day Essentials
   • Arrive 45 minutes early to the test center.
   • Carry passport and any required printouts (admission letter).
   • Be mindful of items not allowed (phones, watches, etc.).
3. Post-Exam Licensing Steps
   • If you pass and have positive Dataflow results, you or your employer can submit final documents for your Qatar medical license.
   • Pay any remaining fees (e.g., license issuance fee).