Part of our Nursing Councils of the World series. Last checked: October 2026.
Nurses in Qatar are licensed by the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP) of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). Many nurses still call it by its old name, the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners (QCHP), and “QCHP” is still the code used when booking the Prometric exam. The biggest employers are Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Sidra Medicine, the Primary Health Care Corporation and private hospitals in Doha.
Who is eligible
- A recognised nursing qualification (BSc preferred; diploma accepted for some categories) and a current licence from your home council.
- Recent clinical experience, normally at least two years after registration for a Registered Nurse. Your grade is decided by your qualification and documented experience.
- BLS, plus IELTS or OET if your employer requests it.
Step by step
- Create an account on the DHP portal and upload your qualification, licence and experience documents.
- Complete DataFlow primary source verification (usually 4–8 weeks).
- Receive exam eligibility from DHP.
- Book and pass the Prometric exam. Results appear in the portal.
- Apply for evaluation through the portal.
- Your licence is issued once a Qatar employer sponsors you.
Two 2025–2026 rule changes to know
- DataFlow is mandatory for everyone from 1 January 2026 (DHP Circular 2025/24), even if you are exempt from the exam.
- Since August 2025, DHP no longer accepts a Certificate of Good Standing sent by email or PO Box. Your DataFlow report now covers it.
The Prometric exam
- Format: 100–150 single-best-answer MCQs with four options and no negative marking, in about 2–3 hours.
- Pass mark: generally around 60%. It can vary, so confirm on your eligibility letter.
- Attempts: many categories allow up to five attempts. Check yours before booking.
- NCLEX exemption: nurses who have passed the NCLEX-RN can be exempted from the Prometric exam. The exemption is generally valid for three years, and DataFlow is still required.
Fees (indicative 2026)
| Stage | QAR | USD (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary evaluation | about 100 | about 27 |
| DataFlow verification | Varies with the number of documents. Typically USD 220–320 across the Gulf. | |
| Prometric exam (paid to Prometric) | reported 1,500–2,500 | 410–690 |
| Final licence | Set by DHP. Confirm at application. Often paid by the employer. | |
Renewal and CPD
Licences are renewed through the DHP portal with proof of continued employment by a Qatar sponsor. Under the DHP CPD Cycle Policy, nurses need 40 CPD credits per two-year cycle, and at least 20 of them must be earned each year:
- Category 1 (accredited group learning): at least 20 credits.
- Category 2 (self-directed learning) and/or Category 3 (assessment activities): at least 20 credits.
Record every activity in the DHP e-portfolio as you go. Falling short at renewal can delay your licence and your residence permit.
Discipline
Complaints about a licensed practitioner are investigated by the MOPH. Sanctions range from warnings and fines to suspension or cancellation of the licence, and serious cases can go to court. Practising without an active licence, outside your licensed category or for an employer that has not sponsored you is a serious violation. Forged documents caught by DataFlow lead to a permanent ban, and the result is shared with other Gulf regulators.
Comparing the Gulf? See Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman.
Sources: DHP/MOPH, CPD Cycle Policy; Rahat Health Care, QCHP exam guide 2026 (updated 23 July 2026); NurseHub GCC, Prometric exam for nurses in Qatar. Confirm requirements on the DHP portal.