Unani Practitioner 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 BUMS or BEMS graduate planning to practise Unani medicine in the Middle East, your licensing pathway will depend on the country and health authority you are applying to. Some authorities require a computer-based licensing examination, while others use professional assessment, document verification or complementary-medicine licensing procedures.

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

1. What is the Unani Practitioner Exam?

Where a licensing examination or professional assessment is required, it is used to determine whether an applicant has the knowledge, clinical judgement and safety awareness required for the relevant professional title. There is no single Gulf-wide Unani Prometric examination: terminology, assessment method and licensing structure vary by authority. In the UAE, Unani is regulated within Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM). Other jurisdictions use their own complementary or alternative medicine frameworks.

Question type: Where Prometric is used, the assessment is a computer-based multiple-choice examination. The exact number of questions, duration and passing standard vary by health authority and professional category.

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

Delivery: May be computer-based, oral or another authority-approved assessment method. Test provider and test-centre availability vary by regulator.

Result: Result reporting varies by authority. Candidates should rely on the score report or result format issued by their target regulator.

Attempts: Authority-specific. UAE PQR rules provide three examination attempts across the UAE Authorities, while other jurisdictions apply their own attempt policies.

2. Middle East Health Authorities and Regulatory Pathways for Unani Practitioners

Each regulator has its own licensing route, and a licence issued by one authority is not automatically valid in another jurisdiction. The table below summarises the main pathway for Unani practitioners across the authorities covered by this guide.

3. Unani Practitioner Passing Marks and Exam Format

Exam specifications are not identical across the Middle East. For the UAE authorities, the Unani Practitioner CBT specification used for preparation is 100 MCQs in 2 hours with a 60% pass mark. Other jurisdictions should be followed according to the current classification or assessment instructions issued to the candidate.

Note: Exam specifications, booking rules and assessment methods can change. Candidates should always confirm the current instructions issued by their target authority before scheduling.

4. Eligibility Criteria for BUMS/BEMS Graduates

The exact requirements differ by regulator. The UAE Unified PQR provides a clearly published Unani Practitioner route, while Bahrain separately recognises Unani Medicine within its CAM licensing framework. Applicants targeting other jurisdictions should confirm whether Unani is an approved title before relying on a general complementary-medicine pathway.

Qualification: The UAE Unified PQR recognises a Degree of Unani such as BUMS (Bachelor in Unani Medicine and Surgery) or BEMS (Bachelor in Eastern Medicine and Surgery). It also lists Diploma Frazil utTibb Wal Jarahat or an equivalent programme of at least four years full-time including supervised clinical practicum.

Clinical experience: Two years of post-qualification experience in the related field is required for the Unani Practitioner title under the UAE Unified PQR.

Physician privilege route: The UAE PQR lists a separate route for a licensed physician who completes an accredited Unani Medicine training programme of two years full-time, or part-time equivalent of at least 1500 hours of theory/practical training followed by 750 hours of supervised training. Physicians applying for a TCIM privilege must also hold the applicable Authority physician licence.

Scope of practice: Under the UAE Unified PQR, Unani Practitioners may practise Hijama within the scope of their Unani title. Scope permissions in other jurisdictions must be confirmed separately.

Valid licence: A current professional licence or registration from the home country and/or country of last employment is required where applicable by the target authority.

Good Standing Certificate: Required by the UAE PQR and many licensing systems. Under the UAE PQR it must be valid and not older than six months at the time of application.

Primary Source Verification: Education, experience and professional-licence documents may require primary-source verification such as DataFlow where mandated by the target authority. Requirements vary outside the UAE.

BLS certification: A valid Basic Life Support certificate is specifically required for TCIM practitioners under the UAE Unified PQR. Check the current requirement for your target jurisdiction.

English proficiency: Prometric licensing examinations covered by this guide are conducted in English. Any separate English-language proficiency requirement depends on the regulator and applicant category.

Advanced or specialist Unani titles are not standardised across Middle East authorities. Do not assume that an MD (Unani), a short specialty course or a fixed number of training hours automatically creates a recognised specialist title; the qualification, experience and scope must match the title structure published or approved by the target regulator.

5. Unani Practitioner Syllabus and Core Study Areas Across Middle East Health Authorities

The core study areas below combine the published UAE Unani Practitioner CBT coverage with patient-safety, clinical-assessment and professional-scope principles relevant across complementary-medicine regulation. They are a consolidated Middle East preparation framework, not the syllabus of a single authority. SCFHS publishes profession-specific classification blueprints, but no dedicated Unani exam is currently listed; Saudi complementary medicine is also regulated through NCCAM. Oman and Qatar do not currently publish dedicated Unani Practitioner CBTs, so candidates should verify the assigned classification before applying.

Topic 1: Fundamentals of Unani Medicine

Classical Unani foundations including Umoor-e-Tabaiyya, Arkan, Mizaj, Akhlat, Aza, Arwah, Quwa and Afal; the four humours; temperament; Asbab-e-Sitta Zarooriya; and the principles used to understand health, disease and restoration of balance.

Topic 2: Anatomy and Physiology

Core modern anatomy and physiology required for safe clinical practice, including the normal structure and function of major organ systems and the biomedical foundation needed to recognise abnormal findings and clinical red flags.

Topic 3: Pathology and Disease Management

Classical and modern approaches to disease recognition and management, including Asbab-e-Maraz, Su-e-Mizaj, humoral imbalance, clinical assessment and the therapeutic hierarchy of Ilaj bil Ghiza, Ilaj bil Dawa, Ilaj bil Tadbeer and appropriate referral when a condition falls outside safe Unani management.

Topic 4: Pharmacology in Unani Medicine

Mufradat and Murakkabat, drug temperament and degrees of potency, actions, indications, contraindications, dosage, adverse effects, toxicity and clinically important interactions relevant to safe Unani prescribing.

Topic 5: Regimental Therapy

Ilaj bil Tadbeer procedures such as Hijama, Fasd, Taleeq, Dalk, Riyazat and Hammam, with emphasis on indications, contraindications, infection prevention, patient selection, complications and safe referral.

Topic 6: Unani Formulations and Therapeutics

Common Unani dosage forms and compound preparations, therapeutic selection in clinical conditions, preparation and dispensing principles, and safety considerations for mineral or metal-containing preparations and other formulations.

Cross-Authority Safety Focus: Patient Safety, Referral and Professional Scope

Across Middle East licensing systems, preparation should include safe clinical assessment, recognition of serious or life-threatening conditions, appropriate use of basic investigations, infection-control principles, documentation, informed consent and timely referral. Practitioners must work only within the scope authorised by the regulator and should not delay necessary conventional medical care.

6. Recommended Reference Books

The published Unani Practitioner CBT guideline lists the following five core references. They are useful for UAE and broader Middle East preparation, while candidates targeting another authority should also follow any profession-specific blueprint, content guide or reference list issued for their classification:

WHO Benchmarks for the Practice of Unani Medicine. International reference for education, training, safe practice and professional standards in Unani medicine.

Unani Medicine in India: Its Origin and Fundamental Concepts by Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman. Reference for the historical development and foundational concepts of Unani medicine.

Principles of Unani Medicine by Kabiruddin. Core reference for Unani principles, pharmacology and clinical foundations.

Unani Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Healing by Dr. Izharul Hasan. Broad overview of Unani concepts and therapeutic approaches.

Foundations of Unani Medicine by Shahid H. Bukhari. Reference for the fundamental theory and clinical framework of Unani medicine.

Beyond textbook study, exam-day preparation benefits from high-quality MCQ practice. The Unani Practitioner MCQ bank on prometricguide.com follows the 6 core Unani domains above together with cross-authority patient-safety, diagnostic and referral requirements, and includes 2500 plus MCQs with detailed explanations.

7. Two Ways We Can Help You Get Licensed

There are two distinct phases in your Unani Practitioner journey to the Middle East. Prometric Guide and our sister company Alzantra International each handle a different phase, and we work together seamlessly.

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 Unani Practitioner MCQ bank is designed to provide one broad preparation base covering the core knowledge shared across these licensing destinations:

2500 plus Unani Practitioner MCQs mapped to the 6 core Unani domains and cross-authority safety requirements.

Detailed explanations for every question with references back to the WHO Benchmarks and the core Unani references listed above.

Free introductory mock tests and topic-wise practice sets.

High-yield notes on Unani fundamentals, pharmacology, regimental therapy, formulations, biomedical safety and referral rules.

Access on any device, unlimited attempts.

Explore the full Unani Practitioner exam preparation package on prometricguide.com.

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

The exam is only one step in a multi-stage UAE licensing journey. Our Dubai-based sister company Alzantra International handles the complete UAE licensing process end-to-end for BUMS/BEMS graduates targeting Dubai, the Northern Emirates and Abu Dhabi:

DataFlow primary source verification.

DHA Sheryan portal registration and application submission for Dubai.

MOHAP portal registration for the Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, UAQ, RAK, Fujairah).

DOH Abu Dhabi registration through the TAMM portal.

Document preparation, attestation and translation guidance.

Eligibility submission, tracking and follow-up.

Oral assessment and viva coordination where required.

Licence activation, insurance empanelment and clinic setup support across the UAE.

Contact Alzantra International at www.alzantra.ae or [email protected] for professional handholding through the entire UAE licensing process. (Note: Alzantra services cover UAE licensing only. For SCFHS/Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar DHP, NHRA Bahrain and Kuwait MOH licensing paperwork, contact the relevant authorities or authorised service channels directly.)

8. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the Unani Practitioner exam?

For the UAE Unani Practitioner CBT used across DHA, MOHAP and DOH, the passing standard is 60%. Other authorities use their own classification or assessment rules; candidates should follow the current standard issued for their specific pathway.

Am I eligible with a BUMS or BEMS degree?

Yes. BUMS and BEMS are recognised qualification routes for Unani Practitioner under the UAE Unified PQR, subject to the applicable experience and licensing requirements. Bahrain also recognises Unani Medicine as a CAM licensing title. Applicants targeting Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar or Kuwait should confirm whether their qualification maps to an approved current title before proceeding.

How many questions are in the exam?

For DHA, MOHAP and DOH, the Unani Practitioner CBT format is 100 MCQs in 2 hours. Other Middle East authorities use classification- or pathway-specific formats, or may not publish a dedicated Unani CBT.

Which textbooks are officially recommended?

The published Unani Practitioner CBT guideline lists five core references: WHO Benchmarks for the Practice of Unani Medicine, Unani Medicine in India: Its Origin and Fundamental Concepts by Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman, Principles of Unani Medicine by Kabiruddin, Unani Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Healing by Dr. Izharul Hasan, and Foundations of Unani Medicine by Shahid H. Bukhari.

Can I complete the exam from India?

For UAE computer-based examinations, candidates may be able to sit the assessment from India where the assigned examination is offered through an international test centre. Other Middle East pathways may use oral, committee-based or locally administered assessment.

Can a Unani Practitioner perform Hijama?

Under the UAE Unified PQR, Unani Practitioners may practise Hijama within the scope of the Unani title. Other jurisdictions may require a separate licence, privilege or approved scope, so candidates should not assume that the UAE rule applies elsewhere.

How many attempts do I get?

Attempt rules vary. Under the UAE Unified PQR, applicants receive three examination attempts across the UAE Authorities, subject to the PQR rules for additional attempts. Other regulators apply their own attempt policies.

Does every Middle East authority have a dedicated Unani Prometric exam?

No. The UAE publishes a dedicated Unani Practitioner CBT. Bahrain recognises Unani Medicine as a CAM title but does not publish a dedicated Unani Prometric format. Saudi Arabia has no Unani exam in the public SCFHS catalogue, and Unani is not named in NCCAM's public approved-practice list. Oman and Qatar do not publish dedicated Unani CBTs; Kuwait candidates should confirm the assigned pathway with MOH.

Can I use one licence across the entire Middle East?

No. Each licence is valid only for the jurisdiction and professional title approved by that regulator. Every licensing application must meet the target authority's own requirements.

What is the best MCQ bank for Unani exam preparation?

The Unani Practitioner MCQ bank on prometricguide.com includes 2500 plus MCQs aligned to the 6 core Unani domains together with cross-authority patient-safety, diagnostic and referral requirements.

9. Final Thoughts

Unani medicine is formally recognised as a licensed TCIM/CAM profession in the UAE and Bahrain, while the available title and assessment pathway in other Gulf jurisdictions varies by regulator.

Prepare around the 6 core Unani domains, integrate modern diagnostic awareness, procedural safety and referral principles, and verify the current eligibility, exam format and pass requirements issued by your target authority before booking.

Prometric Guide supports BUMS/BEMS graduates preparing across the major Middle East health authorities.