How to Get Licensed in Saudi Arabia as a Foreign Healthcare Professional

Introduction

Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a global hub for healthcare excellence. With its cutting-edge hospitals, tax-free salaries, and international workforce, it’s no wonder thousands of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and allied health professionals aim to build their careers in the Kingdom. However, before any healthcare professional can practice in Saudi Arabia, they must pass the Saudi Prometric Exam—a licensing test administered by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS).

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about the Saudi Prometric Exam: its structure, application process, preparation strategies, and tips to ensure success.

What Is the Saudi Prometric Exam?

The Saudi Prometric Exam is a standardized, computer-based licensure examination developed by Prometric, a global leader in testing services, on behalf of the SCFHS. It evaluates the competency of foreign-trained healthcare professionals to ensure they meet the clinical and ethical standards required to practice in Saudi Arabia.

The exam is mandatory for various healthcare roles, including:

• Physicians (General Practitioners & Specialists)
• Dentists
• Pharmacists
• Nurses
• Laboratory Technicians
• Radiographers
• Physiotherapists
• Other allied healthcare professionals

Who Needs to Take It?

All foreign-trained healthcare professionals seeking licensure in Saudi Arabia must pass this exam. If you are:

• Applying for a job in a Saudi hospital or clinic
• Planning to migrate to KSA for work
• Seeking license renewal or upgrading your specialty status
  Then you need to take the relevant Saudi Prometric exam for your profession and level of experience.

Key Regulatory Body: SCFHS

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) is the licensing authority overseeing:

• Professional classification and registration
• Licensing exams (including the Prometric)
• Accreditation of healthcare institutions and educational programs

You must apply to SCFHS before scheduling your exam via Prometric.

Types of Prometric Exams by Profession

Each healthcare profession has a specialized exam, tailored to assess your core competencies. Here are a few examples:

1. Doctors

• General Practitioner
• Specialist (e.g., Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery)
• Consultant

2. Dentists

• General Dentists
• Specialists (e.g., Orthodontics, Oral Surgery)

3. Pharmacists

• General Pharmacists
• Clinical Pharmacists

4. Nurses

• Nurse Technicians
• Registered Nurses
• Nurse Specialists

5. Allied Health Professionals

• Lab Technicians
• Radiologic Technologists
• Physiotherapists
• Respiratory Therapists

Each test varies in content, length, and passing score depending on your profession and specialization.

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Create an Account on Mumaris Plus

• Visit the Mumaris Plus platform.
• Register and upload your documents:
  • Passport
  • Degree certificate
  • Transcript of records
  • Internship certificate (if applicable)
  • Medical registration/license from home country
  • Good Standing Certificate
  • Updated CV
  • Passport-sized photo

Step 2: Professional Classification

• SCFHS evaluates your documents.
• You receive an eligibility number upon approval.

Step 3: Scheduling the Prometric Exam

• Visit www.prometric.com
• Select "Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS)"
• Use your eligibility number to book your test
• Choose your test center and pay the exam fee (typically between $80–$300, depending on your specialty and country of exam center)

Exam Format and Content Overview

The exam is computer-based, multiple-choice, and usually includes 100 to 150 questions depending on your profession and level.

Sample Structure:

• Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Question Types: Single best answer MCQs
• Subjects Covered: Varies by profession
  • Doctors: Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Emergency Medicine
  • Nurses: Medical-Surgical, Fundamentals, Pediatrics, Maternal Health, Pharmacology
  • Pharmacists: Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Therapeutics, Laws & Ethics
  • Dentists: Restorative Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Orthodontics

Scoring:

• Results are given as pass/fail
• No negative marking
• Minimum passing score is typically around 50% to 70%, depending on the exam

How to Prepare for the Saudi Prometric Exam

1. Know the Exam Blueprint

Download the official SCFHS exam blueprint for your specialty. It outlines:

• Topic weightage
• Learning objectives
• Skills expected

Visit the SCFHS website for updated blueprints.

2. Use Reliable Study Materials

• Doctors: Kaplan USMLE, Toronto Notes, Oxford Handbook, Past MCQs
• Nurses: Saunders NCLEX Review, Lippincott Q&A, Mosby’s Comprehensive
• Pharmacists: Remington, Dipiro’s Pharmacotherapy, KAPLAN NAPLEX Review
• Dentists: NBDE Part I & II material, Mosby’s Review, Dental Decks

3. Practice with MCQs

• Daily question-solving helps boost familiarity and speed.
• Use:
  • Prometric-style MCQ books
  • Online platforms like CanadaQBank, MedicosMCQ, and past test banks

4. Join Online Forums

• Telegram, WhatsApp, and Facebook groups for Prometric exam takers are invaluable.
• Benefits:
  • Shared study materials
  • Motivation and accountability
  • Real exam experience reviews

5. Enroll in Review Courses (Optional)

• Consider centers offering Prometric coaching:
  • QRS Academy
  • SmashUSMLE
  • Lecturio
  • Local review centers in UAE, Egypt, India, Philippines

Test-Taking Strategies

• Arrive early to the center with your ID and confirmation email.
• Flag tough questions and come back later.
• Read carefully: Watch out for negative wording like "EXCEPT" or "NOT."
• Eliminate wrong answers logically before guessing.
• Time Management: Don’t spend more than 1 minute per question.

After the Exam

Results

• Most candidates receive their results via email within 2–5 working days.
• Pass = You proceed to SCFHS Professional Registration
• Fail = You can retake after a cooling period (usually 3 months)

License Activation

• After passing:
  • Upload your result to Mumaris Plus
  • Apply for a dataflow verification
  • Proceed with professional registration and license issuance

Tips from Professionals Who Passed

1. Start early – give yourself at least 2–3 months of focused preparation.
2. Don’t skip the blueprint – it’s your key to prioritizing content.
3. Practice MCQs daily – the exam is designed to test logic, not just knowledge.
4. Simulate full-length tests to improve your stamina.
5. Keep documents organized for SCFHS and Dataflow procedures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Studying without the exam blueprint
• Over-focusing on rare diseases instead of common clinical scenarios
• Neglecting question-solving practice
• Ignoring ethical or administrative topics which often appear in the test
• Not reviewing the SCFHS candidate handbook

Life After Passing

Passing the Saudi Prometric Exam opens doors to:

• High-paying jobs in KSA hospitals (e.g., MOH, NGHA, King Faisal Specialist)
• Better chances of visa sponsorship and permanent residency pathways
• Career growth and continuing medical education (CME) opportunities

Conclusion: Your Future Starts Here

The Saudi Prometric Exam is more than a licensing test—it’s your gateway to a dynamic and rewarding healthcare career in the Middle East. By understanding the structure, leveraging the right materials, and sticking to a disciplined study schedule, you can position yourself for success.

Remember, the path to licensure may seem daunting, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can rise above every challenge and serve patients with excellence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.