Are you a doctor who wants to become a GP in Saudi Arabia?
Great news – I’ve got your back!
To make it happen, you’ll need to ace the Saudi Medical Licensing Examination (SMLE).
And here is your go-to guide for the Saudi Licensing Exam for General Practitioners 2024.
How the Saudi Medical Licensing Exam Works?
If you want to be a general practitioner in Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to pass the Saudi Medical Licensing Examination (SMLE).
To get ready, let’s explore how the exam is set up.
| Exam Details | |
| Total Number of Questions | 300 MCQs |
| Pilot Questions | Up to 20 |
| Exam Duration | 6 hours |
| Sections | 3 sections |
| Questions per Section | 100 questions |
| Time Allocation per Section | 120 minutes |
| Scheduled Breaks | 2 breaks |
| Break Placement | Between sections 1-2 and 2-3 |
| Total Break Time | 45 minutes |
| Break Time Allocation | Based on candidate preference |
| Question Format | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Answer Options per Question | 4 options |
| Answer Selection | Choose one best answer |
Steps to Apply
To become a general practitioner in Saudi Arabia, follow these steps to take the Saudi Medical Licensing Exam:
Step 1: Data Flow Verification
To start, applicants need to get their information verified by the Dataflow Group, the official partner of the Saudi Commission.
Just provide your original degree certificate and work experience.
Make sure you have at least one year of post-house job experience and a verification timeline of 2 to 8 weeks.
Step 2: Create a New Account in Mumaris Plus
Mumaris Plus serves as a centralized portal for all practitioners in Saudi Arabia.
After creating an account (as outlined here), you can undertake professional classification, update personal details, and upload necessary documents.
Here’s what you’ll need to submit:
- Original degree certificate
- Registration certificate
- Qualification transcript
- Passport-size photo
- Passport copy
- Iqama copy
Pay the 200 riyals administration fee.
Once your application is reviewed (2 weeks to 2 months), pay an additional 900 riyals to move forward.
Your eligibility number for the exam will then pop up in your email.
Step 3: Prometric Examination
- Visit the Prometric examination website.
- Select “Saudi Commission for Health Specialities (SMLE)” as your examination.
- Enter your eligibility number and the first four letters of your last name.
- Schedule your exam date.
- Pay the $280 examination fee.
- Results will be published within 2 to 6 weeks.
- Attempts Allowed:
- Outside KSA: Up to 3 attempts in one year.
- Inside KSA: Up to 3 attempts in 6 months.
Also read: Check GCCHMC GAMCA Medical Status Online
Step 4: Download Classification Certificate
Once you pass the exam, download your classification certificate from Mumaris Plus.
Step 5: Job Hunt and Registration Under SCFHS
With your classification certificate in hand, start scouting for job opportunities through visa applications or local transfers.
Once you’re under the sponsorship of an institution, it’s time to follow the registration path to snag both the classification and registration certificates from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialities.
Essential SCFHS Rules You Must Know
Know the SCFHS rules about gaps in your professional practice—they’re a big deal.
These rules play a significant role in maintaining and renewing your professional registration.
Gap in Professional Practice Rules by SCFHS
- Teaching, research, or admin experience won’t count as professional practice according to SCFHS.
- Joining any educational program won’t be considered professional practice unless directly related to your field.
SCFHS looks at your real-world experience, like hands-on clinical practice, and values that more than just book knowledge from academics.
Discontinuity Periods and Training
If you take a break from your professional practice for two consecutive years, extra training is needed. The training duration depends on how long your break is:
- For a 2 to 4-year discontinuity period, you’ll need a 3-month training.
- If your discontinuity period is 4 to 6 years, the training period is 6 months.
- If your discontinuity period goes beyond 6 years, buckle up for a 12-month training.
Once you finish the required training, there’s an exam to renew your professional registration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the passing score for the Saudi Prometric exam 2023?
The passing score for the Saudi Prometric Exam is 70%.
-
How many attempts are there in Saudi Prometric exam?
Three attempts to pass a licensing exam.
-
What is the passing grade for SMLE exam?
Achieving a score of 560 on the 200-800 reporting scale is considered passing.
From the Writer’s Desk
In a nutshell, this guide has been curated to help you become a general practitioner in Saudi Arabia.
From acing exams to navigating applications, I’ve simplified every step.
Wishing you a stellar future as a GP!
If this helped you, share it with your friends!
Ma-Salama.
The post Saudi Medical Licensing Exam for General Practitioners (2024) – Your Simplified Guide appeared first on The KSA Today.
