Specialist Plastic Surgery Prometric & Licensing Exam 2026: Complete Syllabus, Passing Marks and Study Guide (DHA, MOHAP, DOH, SCFHS, Oman, Qatar DHP, NHRA, Kuwait MOH)

If you are a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery-trained physician planning to practise as a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in the Middle East, your licensing pathway will depend on the country, the recognition tier of your postgraduate qualification and the health authority you are applying to. Several regulators use a dedicated Plastic Surgery examination, but the exam structure, pass standard and exemption rules are not identical.

This guide covers the major Middle East health authorities and explains the eligibility requirements, exam format, syllabus, reference books and licensing pathways relevant to Specialist Plastic Surgery candidates.

1. What is the Specialist Plastic Surgery Exam?

The Specialist Plastic Surgery licensing or classification examination assesses whether a physician with recognised Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training has the knowledge, operative judgement, reconstructive planning ability, emergency-management skills and patient-safety awareness required for specialist practice. The scope spans wound healing, burns, craniofacial reconstruction, hand and upper-extremity surgery, lower-extremity reconstruction, trunk and genitourinary reconstruction, breast surgery, perioperative care and professional practice.

Question type: Where a computer-based Plastic Surgery examination is required, questions are predominantly single-best-answer multiple-choice questions built around clinical scenarios, operative decision-making, complications and reconstruction. The exact blueprint varies by authority.

Language: English. Prometric licensing examinations covered by this guide are conducted in English.

Delivery: Mainly computer-based testing through Prometric or another authority-approved platform. Some recognised qualifications may qualify for examination exemption, while board-training assessments can include clinical, oral or operative components that are separate from the licensing exam.

Result: Reporting varies by authority. DHA, MOHAP and DOH use the UAE Plastic Surgery specification; SCFHS publishes Registrar and Senior Registrar passing thresholds; Qatar DHP publishes a percentage pass standard; and Bahrain uses its general medical-practitioner licensure examination when an exam is assigned.

Attempts: Authority-specific. The UAE Unified PQR grants three examination attempts across the UAE Authorities, with limited additional-attempt provisions. Qatar's current qualifying-examination page states five consecutive attempts for listed specialist exams, while its physician guidelines still contain a three-trial note; candidates should follow their current eligibility instructions. Bahrain permits four initial licensure-exam attempts within three years.

2. Middle East Health Authorities and Regulatory Pathways for Specialist Plastic Surgery

Each regulator has its own specialist-classification route, and a Plastic Surgery licence or title issued by one authority is not automatically valid in another jurisdiction. The table below summarises the principal pathway across the authorities covered by this guide.

3. Specialist Plastic Surgery Passing Marks and Exam Format

Specialist Plastic Surgery examination specifications differ across Middle East regulators. Across DHA, MOHAP and DOH, the same UAE specification applies: 150 MCQs in 3 hours with a 65% pass mark. SCFHS and Qatar publish separate Plastic Surgery examination structures, while Oman does not currently list a standalone Plastic Surgery Occupational Classification exam.

*Qatar note: the current DHP qualifying-examination page lists Plastic Surgery as 150 MCQs in 3 hours with a 65% pass mark, while the published physician specialty blueprint lists the same examination as 3.5 hours. The older blueprint uses the same 10 content domains as SCFHS and the UAE. Candidates should follow the duration and attempt rules shown on their current DHP eligibility and booking confirmation.

4. Eligibility Criteria for Specialist Plastic Surgery Candidates

The exact requirements differ by regulator and depend heavily on how the postgraduate Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery qualification is classified. A primary medical degree alone is not sufficient for the Specialist Plastic Surgery title; applicants need recognised specialty training and must meet the experience, registration and assessment rules of the target authority.

Primary medical qualification: A recognised MBBS, MBChB, MBBCh, MD or equivalent primary medical degree from an accredited institution, with internship where required by the regulator.

Specialty qualification: A recognised postgraduate qualification or structured residency in Plastic Surgery / Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, or another regulator-recognised equivalent pathway, is required. The exact title granted depends on the authority's recognised-specialty qualification tables.

UAE experience requirement: Under the current UAE PQR, Specialist physicians with Tier 1 or Tier 2 recognised specialty qualifications require no post-specialty experience. For Tier 3 main-specialty qualifications, UAE nationals and children of Emirati women generally require one year after the specialty qualification, while non-UAE nationals require three years.

Saudi classification: SCFHS lists Plastic Surgery as a dedicated classification/licensure examination. The final professional title depends on the applicant's recognised qualification, training and SCFHS classification decision; Saudi board-training examinations are separate from this licensing/classification exam.

Qatar qualification categories: Qatar DHP uses physician specialty categories. Category 1 requires one year of post-qualification experience and no qualifying exam; Category 2 requires two years and no exam; Category 3 requires at least three years of structured postgraduate specialty training, three years of post-qualification experience and the DHP qualifying examination.

Professional licence and Good Standing: A valid professional registration/licence and a recent Certificate of Good Standing are commonly required. The documents must support the professional title and scope claimed in the application.

Primary Source Verification: The primary medical degree, postgraduate Plastic Surgery qualification, professional licence and claimed experience may require primary-source verification such as DataFlow or another regulator-approved provider.

Training documentation: Regulators may request residency/training certificates, operative logs, transcripts, board or fellowship certificates, experience letters and evidence showing competence across reconstructive, hand, burn, craniofacial, breast and other core Plastic Surgery domains.

Aesthetic and advanced reconstructive scope: Licensing as a Specialist Plastic Surgeon does not automatically confer every advanced aesthetic, microsurgical or subspecialty privilege. Complex craniofacial surgery, microsurgery, gender-affirming procedures, advanced hand surgery and certain aesthetic procedures may be subject to facility privileging, scope-of-practice rules and documented competence.

Examination exemption is not uniform. UAE authorities apply PQR-based exemption rules, Qatar exempts Category 1 and Category 2 physician specialty qualifications from the qualifying exam, and other regulators apply their own recognition and assessment policies. Candidates should not book an examination until the regulator confirms that an exam is required for their specific qualification and title.

5. Specialist Plastic Surgery Syllabus and Core Study Areas Across Middle East Health Authorities

The 10 study areas below are directly supported by the UAE Specialist Plastic Surgery examination guideline and match the current SCFHS Plastic Surgery blueprint. Qatar's published Plastic Surgery blueprint uses the same 10 domains with item counts that closely mirror the SCFHS weighting. SCFHS gives 15% each to Head/Neck/Craniomaxillofacial, Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity and Genitourinary System/Trunk; Burn and Breast each carry 10%; the remaining four domains each carry 5%. This makes the core content framework unusually consistent across the major Gulf examinations.

Topic 1: Wound Repair and Integument

Wound-healing biology, acute and chronic wound assessment, debridement, infection control, grafts, local/regional/free flaps, pressure injuries, scar management, hypertrophic scars and keloids, tissue expansion, negative-pressure wound therapy, soft-tissue coverage principles and reconstruction of complex integumentary defects.

Topic 2: Anesthesia, Critical Care, Transplant and Immunology

Perioperative assessment, airway and anesthetic considerations, fluid and blood-product management, shock, nutrition, analgesia, venous-thromboembolism prevention, postoperative critical care, immunology of grafts and transplantation, immunosuppression principles and recognition of life-threatening perioperative complications.

Topic 3: Burns

Burn depth and total-body-surface-area assessment, inhalation injury, airway management, fluid resuscitation, escharotomy/fasciotomy indications, burn wound excision and grafting, infection and sepsis, electrical and chemical burns, nutrition, rehabilitation, scar/contracture management and reconstructive planning after major burns.

Topic 4: Head, Neck and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery

Facial trauma and fractures, soft-tissue injury, craniofacial reconstruction, cleft lip and palate, congenital craniofacial anomalies, facial nerve considerations, head-and-neck defect reconstruction, local and free flaps, orbital/nasal reconstruction, facial aesthetics and recognition of complications requiring staged or multidisciplinary care.

Topic 5: Upper Extremity and Hand Surgery

Flexor and extensor tendon injuries, peripheral nerve injury and repair, fractures/dislocations relevant to hand reconstruction, replantation and revascularisation principles, carpal tunnel and compression neuropathies, Dupuytren disease, hand infections, congenital hand anomalies, soft-tissue defects, tendon transfers and rehabilitation.

Topic 6: Lower Extremity Reconstruction

Traumatic and oncologic lower-extremity defects, timing and selection of soft-tissue coverage, local and free flaps, open-fracture reconstruction, vascular considerations, diabetic and neuropathic foot wounds, pressure injuries, limb salvage versus amputation, chronic osteomyelitis interfaces and postoperative rehabilitation.

Topic 7: Genitourinary System and Trunk Reconstruction

Reconstruction of abdominal and chest-wall defects, pressure-sore surgery, genital and perineal reconstruction, congenital and acquired genitourinary defects, lymphedema principles, complex hernia and soft-tissue defects, flap selection, donor-site management and management of wound or reconstructive complications.

Topic 8: Breast Surgery and Reconstruction

Breast reduction, mastopexy, augmentation, implant selection and complications, oncologic breast reconstruction, tissue expanders, implant-based reconstruction, latissimus/TRAM/DIEP and other autologous options, nipple-areolar reconstruction, symmetry procedures, capsular contracture, implant-associated complications and reconstructive decision-making.

Topic 9: Patient Safety

Correct patient/site/procedure verification, surgical safety checklists, antibiotic and VTE prophylaxis, blood-product safety, implant/device safety, infection prevention, perioperative monitoring, medication safety, prevention of wrong-site surgery, adverse-event recognition, escalation and disclosure, and safe transfer of care.

Topic 10: Professionalism and Ethics

Informed consent for reconstructive and aesthetic procedures, realistic expectations, body-image and psychological considerations, confidentiality, photography and social-media ethics, conflicts of interest, advertising, documentation, disclosure of complications, referral obligations, professional boundaries and ethical scope-of-practice decisions.

Cross-Authority Focus: UAE, SCFHS and Qatar Use Essentially the Same 10-Domain Plastic Surgery Blueprint

The UAE guideline and current SCFHS blueprint use the same 10 major domains. Qatar's published Plastic Surgery blueprint also uses the same domains and allocates 23 of 150 questions each to Head/Neck/Craniomaxillofacial, Upper Extremity and Genitourinary/Trunk, 22 to Lower Extremity, 15 each to Burn and Breast, 8 to Wound Repair, and 7 each to Anesthesia/Critical Care/Transplant/Immunology, Patient Safety and Professionalism/Ethics. Candidates can therefore use one core content framework while adapting mock-exam timing and weighting to the target authority.

6. Recommended Reference Books

The UAE Specialist Plastic Surgery guideline and the current SCFHS Plastic Surgery blueprint list the same six core references. Use the latest available editions and supplement them with current specialty consensus statements and evidence where management has evolved:

Plastic Surgery by Stephen J. Mathes and Vincent Rod Hentz, latest applicable edition. Broad reference for reconstructive principles, wounds, regional reconstruction and major plastic-surgery domains.

Green's Operative Hand Surgery, latest edition. Core reference for hand trauma, tendon and nerve repair, compression neuropathies, replantation, congenital problems and complex upper-extremity reconstruction.

Plastic Surgery by Peter C. Neligan and colleagues, latest edition. Comprehensive modern reference covering reconstructive, craniofacial, breast, hand, burn, lower-extremity and aesthetic surgery.

Selected Readings in Plastic Surgery, latest available series. High-yield evidence review across reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery topics.

Essentials of Patient Safety, SCFHS, latest edition. Reference for perioperative safety, systems-based care and prevention of avoidable harm.

Professionalism and Ethics, Handbook for Residents, SCFHS, latest edition. Reference for consent, professional conduct, ethical decision-making and scope-of-practice responsibilities.

Beyond textbook study, exam-day preparation benefits from high-quality MCQ practice. The Specialist Plastic Surgery MCQ bank on prometricguide.com is designed around the 10-domain cross-authority framework above and includes 2500 plus questions with detailed explanations covering reconstructive principles, burns, craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, lower-extremity reconstruction, trunk/genitourinary reconstruction, breast surgery, patient safety and professional practice.

7. Two Ways We Can Help You Get Licensed

Prometric Guide supports Specialist Plastic Surgery exam preparation across the Middle East, while our sister company Alzantra International supports the UAE licensing process.

For Exam Preparation: Prometric Guide (All Middle East Authorities)

Whether you are targeting DHA, MOHAP, DOH Abu Dhabi, SCFHS Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar DHP, NHRA Bahrain or Kuwait MOH, our Specialist Plastic Surgery MCQ bank provides one broad preparation base covering the core specialist knowledge shared across these licensing destinations:

2500 plus Specialist Plastic Surgery MCQs mapped to the 10-domain cross-authority framework.

Detailed explanations with references to Mathes & Hentz, Green's Operative Hand Surgery, Neligan, Selected Readings, patient-safety material and current specialty evidence.

Free introductory mock tests and topic-wise practice sets.

High-yield coverage of wound repair, burns, craniofacial surgery, hand and upper extremity, lower extremity, trunk/genitourinary reconstruction, breast surgery, perioperative care, patient safety and ethics.

Access on any device, unlimited attempts.

Explore the full Specialist Plastic Surgery exam preparation package on prometricguide.com.

For UAE Licensing Paperwork: Alzantra International (DHA, MOHAP, DOH)

For UAE licensing, Alzantra International supports Plastic Surgery candidates targeting Dubai, the Northern Emirates and Abu Dhabi with documentation and licensing coordination.

DataFlow / primary-source verification of the medical degree, Plastic Surgery specialty qualification, professional licence and experience.

DHA Sheryan Specialist Plastic Surgery application and assessment coordination for Dubai.

MOHAP specialist evaluation and licensing application for the Northern Emirates.

DOH Abu Dhabi Specialist Plastic Surgery application through TAMM.

Medical degree, Plastic Surgery residency/specialty qualification, experience and supporting-document preparation guidance.

Eligibility submission, tracking and follow-up.

CBT or additional assessment coordination where required.

Specialist licence activation and UAE facility-credentialing support.

Contact Alzantra International at www.alzantra.ae or [email protected] for UAE licensing support. For SCFHS/Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar DHP, NHRA Bahrain and Kuwait MOH, use the relevant regulator's official pathway.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for Specialist Plastic Surgery?

For DHA, MOHAP and DOH, Specialist Plastic Surgery is 150 MCQs in 3 hours with a 65% pass mark. SCFHS publishes 65% for Registrar and 70% for Senior Registrar. Qatar DHP publishes 65% for the Plastic Surgery qualifying exam. NHRA Bahrain publishes 60% for Bahrain licensure examinations when an examination is assigned.

Which postgraduate qualifications can lead to the Specialist Plastic Surgery title?

A recognised primary medical degree plus an accepted postgraduate Plastic Surgery / Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery qualification or structured residency is the basic pathway. Recognition depends on the target authority's qualification tables; the degree title alone does not guarantee Specialist classification or an exam exemption.

How many questions are in the Specialist Plastic Surgery exam?

DHA, MOHAP and DOH use the same UAE specification: 150 MCQs in 3 hours. SCFHS uses 200 MCQs in 4 hours. Qatar DHP lists 150 MCQs; its current page states 3 hours, while the published Plastic Surgery blueprint states 3.5 hours. Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait should be followed according to the assessment actually assigned.

Which reference books should I use?

The UAE and SCFHS Plastic Surgery guidelines list Plastic Surgery by Mathes and Hentz, Green's Operative Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery by Neligan, Selected Readings in Plastic Surgery, SCFHS Essentials of Patient Safety and the SCFHS Professionalism and Ethics handbook. Use the latest available editions and current specialty guidance.

Can I complete the exam from my home country?

Often yes when the assigned examination is delivered through an international testing network such as Prometric. Availability depends on the authority, eligibility period, exam provider and test centres shown during scheduling.

How is the SCFHS Plastic Surgery classification exam different?

SCFHS lists Plastic Surgery as a dedicated classification exam with 200 MCQs over 4 hours. Head/Neck/Craniomaxillofacial, Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity and Genitourinary System/Trunk each carry 15%; Burn and Breast each carry 10%; Wound Repair, Anesthesia/Critical Care/Transplant/Immunology, Patient Safety and Professionalism/Ethics each carry 5%. The passing score is 65% for Registrar and 70% for Senior Registrar.

How many attempts do I get?

Attempt rules vary by authority. UAE examinations follow the Unified PQR framework of three attempts across the UAE Authorities, with limited provisions for additional attempts. Qatar's current exam page states five consecutive attempts for specialty exams, while its physician guideline still includes a three-trial note; follow the current DHP eligibility instructions issued to you. Bahrain allows four initial attempts within three years before retraining rules apply.

Does every Middle East authority use the same Specialist Plastic Surgery exam?

No. DHA, MOHAP and DOH use the same UAE specification; SCFHS uses a 200-question classification exam; Qatar uses its own 150-question Plastic Surgery qualifying exam when required; Bahrain may assign the general medical-practitioner licensure exam; and Plastic Surgery is not currently listed as a standalone Occupational Classification exam on the public OMSB list.

Does the Plastic Surgery exam cover cosmetic surgery as well as reconstruction?

Yes, but the official licensing blueprint is much broader than cosmetic surgery alone. It tests wound repair, burns, craniofacial surgery, hand and extremity reconstruction, trunk/genitourinary reconstruction, breast surgery, perioperative care, patient safety and ethics. Aesthetic principles are integrated within several domains, especially head/neck and breast, but the licence and facility privileges determine which procedures a surgeon may actually perform.

What is the best MCQ bank for Specialist Plastic Surgery exam preparation?

The Specialist Plastic Surgery MCQ bank on prometricguide.com includes 2500 plus questions aligned to the 10-domain cross-authority framework, with detailed explanations covering reconstructive principles, burns, craniofacial and hand surgery, extremity reconstruction, breast surgery, patient safety and professional practice.

9. Final Thoughts

Specialist Plastic Surgery is a recognised physician specialty across the major Middle East health authorities, but the licensing examination is not uniform. The UAE authorities use a common 150-question specification, SCFHS uses a separate 200-question classification examination, Qatar uses its own Plastic Surgery qualifying exam when required, and other regulators may use broader physician-licensure or authority-specific assessment pathways.

Prepare around the complete Plastic Surgery scope: wound healing and integument, burns, perioperative/critical-care principles, craniofacial reconstruction, upper-extremity and hand surgery, lower-extremity reconstruction, trunk and genitourinary reconstruction, breast surgery, patient safety and professionalism. Because procedural standards and reconstructive techniques evolve, use current editions and contemporary specialty evidence in addition to regulator-listed references.

Prometric Guide supports Specialist Plastic Surgery candidates preparing across the major Middle East health authorities.