1: What is the meaning of an eligibility number and how can I get it?

The SCFHS will advise you if you need to take a prometric exam and will grant you eligibility for the appropriate professional test and issue an eligibility number so that you can schedule your exam. The eligibility number is unique to you and allows you three attempts to pass a licensing exam.

2: What is the purpose of the exam?

To allow SCFHS to assess your knowledge, skills and ability in your chosen medical specialty.

3: If I pass the exam, do I get a practice license?

Not necessarily. In addition to passing the exam, there may be other requirements and procedures required to grant a practice license. Please refer to SCFHS directly in this regard.

4: What is the difference between testing inside and outside Saudi Arabia?

The cost of taking the exam may vary depending on the country where you take the test but the content of the exam is the same everywhere. For further information please see www.scfhs.org.sa

5: What specialty exams are available at Prometric test centres?

A complete list of exams offered at Prometric centres is available on this website. If your specialty is not mentioned, please contact SCFHS for further information.

6: What exams are available through Remote testing Channel?

The below exams are available for remote testing through Proproctor: Promotion exam of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (only Remote testing) Saudi Dental Licensing Bank (Practice) (option to test remotely or in the test centres) Saudi Laboratory Licensing Bank (Practice) (option to test remotely or in the test centres) Saudi Medical Licensing Bank (Practice) (option to test remotely or in the test centres) Saudi Nursing Licensing Exam (Practice) (option to test remotely or in the test centres) Saudi Pharmacy Licensing Exam (Practice) (option to test remotely or in the test centres) Saudi Respiratory Care Licensure Examination (Practice) (option to test remotely or in the test centres) Saudi Radiologic Technologist Licensure Examination (Practice) (option to test remotely or in the test centres)

7: What methods can I use to schedule a test?

The quickest and easiest way to register is online as this will give you up to the minute details of seat availability. You can also schedule by telephone by calling the Prometric Regional Contact Centre. When registering for a test, you must enter the number and issuing country of either your current Passport or Government Issued ID Card. This same Passport or ID must be taken by you to the testing centre for verification at Check-in.

8: How many times am I eligible to take the test?

For Promotion Exams: You are eligible to attempt one time to each of the exams. All other exams: Currently a candidate is allowed three attempts to pass. If the first and second attempts are unsuccessful, you may apply to SCFHS for a reactivation of your eligibility number to obtain a third and last attempt. Generally, your eligibility to take the exam lasts for three months from the eligibility issuance date. During this time you are entitled to take the same exam twice. If your three month period has expired, you must contact SCFHS to determine whether your eligibility period can be extended.

9: What is the procedure to reschedule an exam?

Promotion Exams: These exams are event based and are available for testing at a pre-determined date by SCFHS. Rescheduling and cancelling those exams are not possible and you will not be entitled to any refund, you will lose your original test fee. All other Exams: You can reschedule your appointment at www.prometric.com or by calling Prometric Regional Contact Centres. Please note there is a reschedule penalty period. It is advisable that you reschedule at least 30 calendar days before your scheduled testing date to avoid a reschedule fee (currently $50 per re-schedule). If you reschedule 16 to 30 calendar days before the test date, you will be charged a standard $50 reschedule fee. If you reschedule 15 calendar days or less before the test date, you will not be entitled to any refund, and you will lose your original test fee.

10: How do I cancel a test and do I get a refund?

Promotion Exams: Please refer to the previous question. All other Exams: You can cancel your appointment at www.prometric.com or by calling Prometric Regional Contact Centres. Please note there are cancellation and reschedule penalty periods. It is advisable that you cancel or reschedule at least 30 calendar days before your scheduled testing date as to avoid a cancelation fee (currently $50 per cancelation). If you cancel 16 to 30 calendar days before the test date, you will be charged a standard $50 cancelation fee. If you cancel 15 calendar days or less before the test date, you will not be entitled to any refund, and you will lose your original test fee. No refunds will be processed, unless as an exception with full justification and at Prometric discretion. If cancelling outside the penalty periods you will be allowed to re-book the exam for another date, at no additional charge.

11: How can I locate my nearest test centre?

To locate your nearest test centre visit www.prometric.com . After requesting SCFHS, click on “Locate a Testing Centre” and this will provide you with all the necessary information.

12: How quickly can I schedule an appointment?

For Promotion Exams: you can book online within a certain specified registration window that will be announced by SCFHS. All other exams: The quickest way to schedule an appointment is by booking online. This should be done at least 2 working days before the desired test date. When registering to test, you must enter the number and issuing country of either your current Passport or Government Issued ID Card in line with the ID policy for this program. This same Passport or ID must be taken by you to testing centre for verification at Check- in. If you are testing outside of your country of citizenship, you must present a valid passport.

13: If I cannot get the date I want, what can I do?

The general aim is to provide you with a suitable appointment date for testing within the next 2 weeks. In the unlikely event that you are unable to find a seat online, please contact a Prometric Regional Contact Centre.

14: While I am scheduling and I get an error message “Eligibility not recognized” or “My eligibility expired”, what does this mean and what should I do?

If this message occurs, you should contact SCFHS. It could be that your eligibility period had expired or that your eligibility number has to be reset. The eligibility number reissuance or reset can only be done via SCFHS.

15: How many test centres are available in Saudi Arabia?

More than 20. A centre is available in each major city and in many others. To locate a centre nearest to you please visit www.prometric.com (request SCFHS, click on “Locate a Testing Centre” then this will provide you with all the necessary information).

16: How do I know that my appointment is confirmed?

When your registration has been successfully made you will receive an email confirmation. All the information that you need, including your confirmation number, contact details of the testing centre and the ID requirements you must bring with you is detailed in this email. If you do not receive your email confirmation within 24 hours of registering please contact a Prometric Regional Contact Center.

17: Can I schedule at any test centre?

Yes, you can reserve a seat in any location listed for SCFHS examinations.

18: How can I pay for my exam?

If booking online, by telephone or an email to a Prometric Regional Contact Centre then your testing fee can be paid with a major credit card (MasterCard, Visa, America Express). Unfortunately, payment cannot be made in cash.

19: What documents should I take to the test center on testing day for my identification?

You should take to the testing centre the same form of identification that you used to register with SCFHS, usually your Passport or Government Issued ID Card. At check in, it will be verified and if not matching your registration record then you may be refused testing. If you are testing outside of your country of citizenship, you must present a valid passport. If you are testing within your country of citizenship, you must present either a valid passport, driver's license, national ID or military ID. Primary ID must be a valid, non-expired, official, government-issued ID bearing a recent photo and signature. The ID should be in English characters; however, the signature does not have to be in English. If he primary ID does not contain either a photo or a signature then secondary ID must be presented that does contain this information. All other personal items must be locked in a locker for test security purposes, so please limit what you bring to the Testing Centre.

20: What is the duration of the exam?

Exams are of 1-7 hours duration, depending on the exam title.

21: How many questions in my specialty?

Generally 40 to 300 questions to answer depending on the exam title.

22: What type of questions do I have in my test?

Mostly multiple choice format, so you simply select the correct answer from choices that are available.

23: Will I get my result at the end of my test?

The majority of the exams offer a Notice of Completion which will detail when your score will be available. For most exams the result is available within 7-10 days but for some exams you will receive a score or a performance report when your exam has ended either by email or directly from the test centre administrator. Please keep your certificate in a secure place and provide it to SCFHS on demand. Prometric cannot issue a replacement certificate or score information letter. If you misplace your certificate please contact SCFHS directly.

24: What is the passing score for my specialty?

This varies according to which exam you are taking. Further information can be obtained by contacting SCFHS.

25: What should I do if I get incorrect questions in my test or if I have a complaint during my test?

The exam that you will take has been verified many times. However, if you believe there is an error or have a complaint then you should notify the test centre administrator, or the proctor if you are taking a remote exam, who will file a report. The case will be investigated, and you will be contacted with the outcome or for further information, as required.

26: What should I do if SCFHS do not receive my result?

For such and other similar post-testing issues please contact SCFHS and they will coordinate with Prometric.

Guide to Saudi Commission for Health Specialties Prometric Exam

July 22, 2022

Doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals wishing to work in Saudi Arabia may be required to take the appropriate Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) Prometric Exam prior to licence approval. In this article we address the 25 frequently asked questions.

1: What is the meaning of an eligibility number and how can I get it?
The SCFHS will advise you if you need to take a prometric exam and will grant you eligibility for the appropriate professional test and issue an eligibility number so that you can schedule your exam. The eligibility number is unique to you and allows you three attempts to pass a licensing exam.
2: What is the purpose of the exam?
To allow SCFHS to assess your knowledge, skills and ability in your chosen medical specialty.
3: If I pass the exam, do I get a practice license?
Not necessarily. In addition to passing the exam, there may be other requirements and procedures required to grant a practice license. Please refer to SCFHS directly in this regard.
4: What is the difference between testing inside and outside Saudi Arabia?
The cost of taking the exam may vary depending on the country where you take the test but the content of the exam is the same everywhere. For further information please see www.scfhs.org.sa
5: What specialty exams are available at Prometric test centres?
A complete list of exams offered at Prometric centres is available on this website. If your specialty is not mentioned, please contact SCFHS for further information.
6: What exams are available through Remote testing Channel?
The below exams are available for remote testing through Proproctor:

Promotion exam of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (only Remote testing)
Saudi Dental Licensing Bank (Practice) (option to test remotely or in the test centres)
Saudi Laboratory Licensing Bank (Practice) (option to test remotely or in the test centres)
Saudi Medical Licensing Bank (Practice) (option to test remotely or in the test centres)
Saudi Nursing Licensing Exam (Practice) (option to test remotely or in the test centres)
Saudi Pharmacy Licensing Exam (Practice) (option to test remotely or in the test centres)
Saudi Respiratory Care Licensure Examination (Practice) (option to test remotely or in the test centres)
Saudi Radiologic Technologist Licensure Examination (Practice) (option to test remotely or in the test centres)
7: What methods can I use to schedule a test?
The quickest and easiest way to register is online as this will give you up to the minute details of seat availability. You can also schedule by telephone by calling the Prometric Regional Contact Centre. When registering for a test, you must enter the number and issuing country of either your current Passport or Government Issued ID Card. This same Passport or ID must be taken by you to the testing centre for verification at Check-in.
8: How many times am I eligible to take the test?
For Promotion Exams: You are eligible to attempt one time to each of the exams.

All other exams: Currently a candidate is allowed three attempts to pass. If the first and second attempts are unsuccessful, you may apply to SCFHS for a reactivation of your eligibility number to obtain a third and last attempt.

Generally, your eligibility to take the exam lasts for three months from the eligibility issuance date. During this time you are entitled to take the same exam twice. If your three month period has expired, you must contact SCFHS to determine whether your eligibility period can be extended.
9: What is the procedure to reschedule an exam?
Promotion Exams: These exams are event based and are available for testing at a pre-determined date by SCFHS. Rescheduling and cancelling those exams are not possible and you will not be entitled to any refund, you will lose your original test fee.

All other Exams: You can reschedule your appointment at www.prometric.com or by calling Prometric Regional Contact Centres. Please note there is a reschedule penalty period. It is advisable that you reschedule at least 30 calendar days before your scheduled testing date to avoid a reschedule fee (currently $50 per re-schedule). If you reschedule 16 to 30 calendar days before the test date, you will be charged a standard $50 reschedule fee. If you reschedule 15 calendar days or less before the test date, you will not be entitled to any refund, and you will lose your original test fee.
10: How do I cancel a test and do I get a refund?
Promotion Exams: Please refer to the previous question.

All other Exams: You can cancel your appointment at www.prometric.com or by calling Prometric Regional Contact Centres. Please note there are cancellation and reschedule penalty periods. It is advisable that you cancel or reschedule at least 30 calendar days before your scheduled testing date as to avoid a cancelation fee (currently $50 per cancelation). If you cancel 16 to 30 calendar days before the test date, you will be charged a standard $50 cancelation fee. If you cancel 15 calendar days or less before the test date, you will not be entitled to any refund, and you will lose your original test fee. No refunds will be processed, unless as an exception with full justification and at Prometric discretion. If cancelling outside the penalty periods you will be allowed to re-book the exam for another date, at no additional charge.
11: How can I locate my nearest test centre?
To locate your nearest test centre visit www.prometric.com. After requesting SCFHS, click on “Locate a Testing Centre” and this will provide you with all the necessary information.
12: How quickly can I schedule an appointment?
For Promotion Exams: you can book online within a certain specified registration window that will be announced by SCFHS.

All other exams: The quickest way to schedule an appointment is by booking online. This should be done at least 2 working days before the desired test date. When registering to test, you must enter the number and issuing country of either your current Passport or Government Issued ID Card in line with the ID policy for this program. This same Passport or ID must be taken by you to testing centre for verification at Check- in. If you are testing outside of your country of citizenship, you must present a valid passport.
13: If I cannot get the date I want, what can I do?
The general aim is to provide you with a suitable appointment date for testing within the next 2 weeks. In the unlikely event that you are unable to find a seat online, please contact a Prometric Regional Contact Centre.
14: While I am scheduling and I get an error message “Eligibility not recognized” or “My eligibility expired”, what does this mean and what should I do?
If this message occurs, you should contact SCFHS. It could be that your eligibility period had expired or that your eligibility number has to be reset. The eligibility number reissuance or reset can only be done via SCFHS.
15: How many test centres are available in Saudi Arabia?
More than 20. A centre is available in each major city and in many others. To locate a centre nearest to you please visit www.prometric.com (request SCFHS, click on “Locate a Testing Centre” then this will provide you with all the necessary information).
16: How do I know that my appointment is confirmed?
When your registration has been successfully made you will receive an email confirmation. All the information that you need, including your confirmation number, contact details of the testing centre and the ID requirements you must bring with you is detailed in this email. If you do not receive your email confirmation within 24 hours of registering please contact a Prometric Regional Contact Center.
17: Can I schedule at any test centre?
Yes, you can reserve a seat in any location listed for SCFHS examinations.
18: How can I pay for my exam?
If booking online, by telephone or an email to a Prometric Regional Contact Centre then your testing fee can be paid with a major credit card (MasterCard, Visa, America Express). Unfortunately, payment cannot be made in cash.
19: What documents should I take to the test center on testing day for my identification?
You should take to the testing centre the same form of identification that you used to register with SCFHS, usually your Passport or Government Issued ID Card. At check in, it will be verified and if not matching your registration record then you may be refused testing.

If you are testing outside of your country of citizenship, you must present a valid passport. If you are testing within your country of citizenship, you must present either a valid passport, driver's license, national ID or military ID. Primary ID must be a valid, non-expired, official, government-issued ID bearing a recent photo and signature.

The ID should be in English characters; however, the signature does not have to be in English. If he primary ID does not contain either a photo or a signature then secondary ID must be presented that does contain this information. All other personal items must be locked in a locker for test security purposes, so please limit what you bring to the Testing Centre.
20: What is the duration of the exam?
Exams are of 1-7 hours duration, depending on the exam title.
21: How many questions in my specialty?
Generally 40 to 300 questions to answer depending on the exam title.
22: What type of questions do I have in my test?
Mostly multiple choice format, so you simply select the correct answer from choices that are available.
23: Will I get my result at the end of my test?
The majority of the exams offer a Notice of Completion which will detail when your score will be available. For most exams the result is available within 7-10 days but for some exams you will receive a score or a performance report when your exam has ended either by email or directly from the test centre administrator.

Please keep your certificate in a secure place and provide it to SCFHS on demand. Prometric cannot issue a replacement certificate or score information letter. If you misplace your certificate please contact SCFHS directly.
24: What is the passing score for my specialty?
This varies according to which exam you are taking. Further information can be obtained by contacting SCFHS.
25: What should I do if I get incorrect questions in my test or if I have a complaint during my test?
The exam that you will take has been verified many times. However, if you believe there is an error or have a complaint then you should notify the test centre administrator, or the proctor if you are taking a remote exam, who will file a report. The case will be investigated, and you will be contacted with the outcome or for further information, as required.
26: What should I do if SCFHS do not receive my result?
For such and other similar post-testing issues please contact SCFHS and they will coordinate with Prometric.

All physicians and healthcare professionals working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must attain registration with the The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). Full details of the registration procedures can be read in our article about medical professional registration in Saudi Arabia. As part of the application process, some candidates may be required to take a prometric examination to evaluate their knowledge and skills in their field of practice. This request is frequently met with confusion and alarm, but most candidates have no need to fear, and with good preparation can pass this exam with ease at one of the 3000 prometric testing centres located in 160 countries throughout the world.

In this article we shall provide some background information about the Saudi Commission for Health Specialities and Prometric Testing, the USA based company responsible for its qualifying examinations, and then answer some of the questions which candidates often ask.

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties: Background and Roles

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties is a scientific body founded by virtue of the Royal Decree No.M/2 dated 06/02/1413H, corresponding to 05/08/1992, with responsibility for the regulation of all healthcare professionals working in Saudi Arabia. It is headquartered in Riyadh, the capital city, and has six regional branches at Makkah Al Mukarramah area (Jeddah), the Eastern region (Al Khobar and Al Ahsaa), Assir area (Abha), Al Madinah Al Monowarah Area (Al Madinah Al Monowarah) and Al Qasim area (Buraidah).

The SCFHS has helped to establish modern, state-of-the-art healthcare institutions and is tasked with formulating and maintaining high standards of practice in all the healthcare professions.

Some of its functions include:

approving and supervising professional health specialist programs
accrediting health institutions that provide training
supervising specialty exams and validating their results
certifying qualified professionals
encouraging health research and publication
holding conferences and symposia for the region's health community
setting criteria for practicing health professionals.

When you apply to register as a physician or healthcare professional, the SCFHS will assess your qualifications and experience based upon documents and professional licence records and in some cases will ask you to take the appropriate prometric examination. In most cases physicians and healthcare professionals who have completed postgraduate training in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand will qualify for an exemption from the prometric exam.

If your application is successful, you will receive a credentialing document which details your qualifications and the type of registration attained and a licence card which allows you to practice your profession.

Prometric Testing: A Private Equity Owned Global Testing Company

Prometric, also known as Prometric Testing, is an U.S.A based company in the test administration industry. Its corporate headquarter is located in Canton (Baltimore, Maryland) and it operates a test centre network composed of 3000 sites in 160 countries. Founded as Drake Testing in 1990, it is now owned by Baring Private Equity Asia, headquarted in Hong Kong, which is itself owned by private equity firm EQT of Stockholm, Sweden.

Prometric sells a range of services, including test development, test delivery, and data management capabilities and delivers and administers tests to approximately 500 clients in the academic, professional, government, corporate and information technology markets. The SCFHS is a long standing client.

25 Frequently Asked Questions About the Saudi Commission for Health Specialities Prometric Exam

Applications for Medical Jobs in Saudi Arabia

Candidates wishing to work in Saudi Arabia can view advertised jobs and apply for these by uploading a recent CV which demonstrates possession of the required credentials as set out in the job advert. If no suitable jobs are found, please register your CV and contact us to discuss your options.

Guidance on CV drafting for the specific requirements of the Saudi Arabian medical sector can be sought in our article.

All candidates will need a DataFlow Report with primary source verification of credentials to apply for a medical licence in Saudi Arabia and some employers will want to see this at the start of the recruitment process. Details of how to obtain this are to be found in our guide to the procedures for applying for DataFlow.

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