A Comprehensive Guide to Therapist CDA Licensing in Dubai

Alshaimaa

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20 Oct 2023

Becoming a licensed therapist in Dubai is a multi-faceted journey that involves adhering to specific guidelines and procedures. Various regulatory bodies, notably the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Community Development Authority (CDA), oversee this process. The DHA focuses on licensing health and medical professionals, while the CDA handles licenses for social and community welfare professionals. In the realm of psychology, the CDA manages licensing for counseling psychologists, counselors, marriage and family therapists, and individuals with non-clinical degrees in psychotherapy and counseling.

Step 1: Attestation of Degree

The initial step in obtaining a therapist license in Dubai involves getting your degree attested. Degree attestation verifies the authenticity of educational degrees obtained outside the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is a prerequisite for professionals aiming to work in the UAE. This process typically includes submitting your original degree certificate and supporting documents to the relevant authorities for review and authentication. Shivanee emphasizes the importance of utilizing agencies that specialize in this process to ensure proper attestation.

Step 2: Submission to DataFlow

Following degree attestation, the next step is submitting the attested documents to DataFlow, a screening process that allows the CDA to verify your authenticity and assess your degree qualifications in detail.

Step 3: Submission to the Ministry of Education (MoE)

The subsequent step involves submitting your transcripts, degree, and DataFlow results, addressed to the MoE. Applicants must create a user ID and password to apply for equalization, with the option to select "equalization services." The MoE evaluates degrees and certificates earned outside the UAE to ensure they meet local quality standards. The process typically takes a minimum of two months and may take longer if additional documents are required.

Step 4: Receiving Equivalency

Upon successful evaluation by the MoE and the granting of equivalency, you will receive an SMS notification confirming your eligibility to apply for a therapist license. Notably, a second DataFlow report addressed to the CDA is required at this stage.

Step 5: Experience

Primary Source Verification of qualifications and work experience. All the below documents should be sent to www.dfgateway.com , to start the verification process.

• CDA application form.

• Letter of Authorization (signature required)

• Passport copy

• CV

• Copy of the highest academic degree

• Professional license copy (if available)

Experience letter (last 3 years)

Step 6: Application to the CDA

The final step is to apply to the CDA via email. The application process includes submitting multiple documents:

•CDA Licensure Application form

• Picture (.jpg format)

Copy of valid Passport

• Copy of valid Emirates ID

• Copy of the academic degrees (including the copy of the attested translation

• Copy of academic transcript

• Copy of the equalization report by the Ministry of Education, UAE

• Letter of experience(s) (the last 3 years)

• Good Conduct Certificate issued by Dubai Police (if resident of Dubai) or from the police department of respective Emirate or Good Conduct Certificate from Country of Residence ( if residing less than 6 months in Dubai)

• Dataflow report

• A training certificate from the British University if the application is for a license for additional categories (Behavior Analyst - Assistant Behavior Analyst - Assistant Psychologist - Learning Support Teacher)

Step 7: Licensing Exam

While the therapist licensing process in Dubai may seem daunting initially, it primarily entails waiting and exercising patience. Some aspects require periodic follow-ups with authorities to ensure the correct documentation is submitted.

Refer to the CDA website for the most up-to-date information.