The Saudi Medical Licensing Exam 2025

The Saudi Medical Licensing Exam 2025

The Saudi Medical Licensing Exam is the qualifying exam introduced by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) as a standardized evaluation tool for medical graduates who intend to practice medicine in Saudi Arabia. The exam aims to ensure a uniform standard of competency among healthcare providers by aligning medical training and evaluation with international standards, promoting the quality of healthcare delivery in the Kingdom. The SMLE is typically taken by those one year away from graduating from their MBBS/MD program, and those who have already graduated and passed with high grades are their ticket to compete for the best postgraduate and internship training programs.

The computer-based exam ranges from 150-200 multiple-choice questions and can contain up to 20 pilot questions. It is a four-hour exam that is divided into two sections of 100 questions, with each section having a time limit of 120 minutes and a total of 30 minutes for a break. The number of questions has varied over the years due to changes in the exam structure. The SMLE assesses a wide range of medical knowledge through multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The types of MCQ can vary but typically include single-best-answer questions, extended matching questions, and multiple true/false questions. The SMLE evaluates candidates on clinical reasoning, interpretation, analysis, decision-making, problem-solving, patient care, and knowledge application. The exam content is updated periodically to reflect changes in medical practice and education.

The SMLE is designed to reflect a test blueprint that was established by the SMLE steering committee, which is made up of representatives from Saudi Medical College Deans. The SMLE blueprint has been periodically updated to better align with the SaudiMEDs framework, which is influenced by CanMEDS and focuses on comprehensive physician competencies. The purpose of the blueprint is to ensure the questions asked are related to what you are expected to know before entry into supervised clinical practice. The blueprint divides the questions along the following proportions: Medicine 30%, Obstetrics and Gynecology 25%, Pediatrics 25%, and Surgery 20%.

Application and Scheduling

To be eligible to register for the exam, you must belong to one of three categories. You must have acquired a year of clinical experience, which may be obtained through internships, residency programs, or clinical practice. The second is to have a recognized primary degree (MBBS or equivalent) from an accredited health science program. Students of Saudi medical schools are eligible to enroll if they are one year away from graduation. Another exam prerequisite is that all applicants must be fluent in English, as the exam will be in English.

The first step in the application process is to validate the authenticity of your documents using Dataflow. The next is to create an account on the SCHFS Mumaris Plus portal and then navigate to the registration section and submit scanned copies of all the required documents, which may include:

  • Valid identification documents, such as a passport or national ID.
  • Proof of graduation from a recognized medical school.
  • Academic transcripts or certificates of completion for medical education and internship.
  • Proof of clinical experience.
  • Any relevant licenses or certifications from previous medical practice.

Plan accordingly because the verification may take 2-8 weeks. Perform a thorough review of your applications and documents, as any slight error or mismatch in detail can derail your application and throw your timeline out of whack. There is a registration fee to pay before you submit your application; the exact amount is unknown but will be shown to you on the portal.

You will be notified when your application has been approved by an email with instructions for accessing your permit, which contains your eligibility number. Use the Prometric website to schedule the exam, and enter your eligibility number and other details before selecting your preferred date and location; be aware that scheduling may not be available more than three months in advance.

When to Apply

The SMLE exam is offered in 11 testing periods throughout the year, spread across several days of the month to accommodate the high number of applicants. Since these dates can change annually, checking the official Prometric website for the latest schedule is important. For convenience, Prometric has test centers across Saudi Arabia and the world. These centers are designed to provide a secure and comfortable testing environment, equipped with modern facilities to ensure a smooth exam experience.

When deciding where to take the exam, consider factors like how close the center is to your home or workplace, the availability of transportation, and any other logistical concerns that could affect your travel or preparation. Similarly, selecting the right exam date requires careful planning around your schedule. It’s often a good idea to choose a time when you’re less busy, such as during a break from other commitments, so that you can focus fully on your preparation and performance.

All eligible candidates may take the SMLE up to four times a year, starting from the first attempt to obtain a passing score. If you pass the SMLE on your first attempt, you can retake it twice to better your score and improve your chances of securing a good residency slot. The results are released 2-6 weeks after the end of a test window and will contain two reports, a statement of results, and a feedback report on your performance compared to other test-takers.

Tips for Preparing for the SMLE

To excel in the SMLE, it is important that you have a structured study plan and use high-quality resources. Here are some tips to aid your preparatory process.

Understand the SMLE blueprint: Review the blueprint provided by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) before you commence studying for the exam. It outlines the exam’s structure, topics, and question distribution.

Dedicated Study Plan: Create a detailed study plan to guide your preparations and revisions. We recommend you allocate 3-6 months for preparation and break study time into daily sessions focused on specific topics. Reserve the last month for intensive review and mock exams.

Study Materials: Here are some recommended textbooks and resources:

  • Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine: A trusted reference for internal medicine topics.
  • Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine: A concise guide for clinical scenarios and differential diagnoses.
  • UpToDate and Medscape: Valuable for understanding current clinical guidelines and practices.
  • Kaplan Medical Notes: Comprehensive notes and videos covering core subjects.
  • SaudiMEDs and CanMEDS resources: Ideal for competency-based learning and physician training.

Question Bank: A good question bank is invaluable when preparing for an exam, and CanadaQBank for SMLE is one of the most comprehensive and simplified Qbanks out there. It covers multiple-choice questions (MCQs) similar to those on the SMLE, including case-based scenarios, diagnostic reasoning, and clinical management. The questions reflect the difficulty level of the actual SMLE, helping students build their confidence. CanadaQbank offers mock exams with a format and time structure identical to the SMLE so that users can practice under timed conditions, improving their time management skills and exam readiness. Users can also customize their mock tests by choosing specific topics or subjects for targeted practice or adjusting the number of session questions to match their study plan. To top it off, each question is accompanied by detailed explanations for correct and incorrect answers, reinforcing your learning and understanding. The user-friendly interface allows you to flag questions for review, track your progress, and highlight your weak areas, allowing you to focus your efforts more effectively.

How CanadaQBank Can Help You Ace Your SMLE exam

The Saudi Medical Licensing Exam (SMLE) is for Saudi graduates who are planning to practice medicine in any field of specialty and those who wish to participate in an internship or residency. There are four sections: First Aid and Basic Life Support, English Language Proficiency, Psychological Evaluation, and Integrated Clinical Skills.

The SMLE is based on the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health in 2009. The exam also includes a diagnostic skill test related to which area you want to specialize in, such as cardiology or urology.

With CanadaQBank, you get exclusive access to 4488 of the best carefully picked SMLE multiple-choice questions for you to practice with 24/7. We know you won’t get all the questions right on your first attempt, so we compiled a list of answers and detailed explanations to help you know where you got it wrong and how to improve on it for better performance in your exams. With us, the only option is acing your SMLE. We guarantee you’ll pass your exams or get three months free.

Exam criteria for SMLE

The exam is a mandatory exam taken by all Saudi medical students and non-Saudi medical students who seek registration in Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. It is a written test and covers the following topics:

  1. Medical ethics and law
  2. Pharmacology/pharmaceutics/chemical therapeutics
  3. Biochemistry/biological sciences (e.g., immunology)
  4. Human anatomy & physiology
  5. Pathology & clinical microbiology

The applicant must be a Saudi national or a non-Saudi national who is eligible to take this examination and has completed all of the following:

  1. Verify your academic details with the data flow.
  2. If you’re a practitioner residing in Saudi Arabia, create a Mumaris account.
  3. Enrolled in an approved clinic or hospital; and
  4. Have passed all required exams at least 30 days before their scheduled date
  5. Evaluation of the applicant’s electronic file and data.
  6. The applicant must be enrolled in a licensed medical college and obtain a certificate stating that he has completed the requirements of medical education by regulations (ministry of higher education). This must be approved by the authority responsible for licensing colleges in his country.

The Saudi licensing examination is conducted through a computerized system and is available on the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties website. To apply for this exam, you need to fill out an application form which must be submitted before the registration deadline. You can also download it from their website if you don’t have constant access to the internet or if you want to complete your application offline.

Submission of an official willingness from the applicant to take this examination.

You must submit an official willingness from the applicant to take this examination. The applicant must be enrolled in a licensed medical college and obtain a certificate stating that he has completed the requirements of medical education by the regulations. This must be approved by the authority responsible for licensing medical colleges in his country (ministry of higher education).

SMLE Exam process

The exam consists of two parts; Part 1, which is held in Saudi Arabia, and part 2, which is held in your own country.

Part 1: This is a written test that takes place over three days. You will have 90 minutes to complete each section. You are expected to answer 50 questions correctly out of 60 total questions in each section. If you fail any section more than once during this period, then you will lose 5% of your total score for that exam session.

Part one of the SMLE evaluates your knowledge of basic science, clinical medicine, and skills related to patient care. It consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology; diagnosis; treatment approaches; signs/symptoms/complaints; risk factors for disease progression.

Part 2: This clinical exam lasts for about 24 hours and covers numerous topics, including anatomy/physiology; pathophysiology/diagnosis; pharmacology; physical examination skills such as blood pressure measurement (BP)

Part two consists of multiple-choice questions pertaining specifically to your country’s systems & policies governing licensing practices within that jurisdiction; how these policies affect health professionals’ ability to practice effectively without violating any laws or regulations governing privileges granted under such licenses issued by other authorities outside its borders (i.e., residency programs).

The test includes multiple choice questions, fill-in-the-blank questions, and short answer questions. The test is designed to assess and evaluate the quality of physicians with a medical degree who wish to practice in Saudi Arabia.

Each case simulates a real-world scenario that you may encounter as a physician. The cases are written in Arabic, but you can still read them and apply the knowledge and skills learned from previous exams.

The cases are designed to be realistic, not just theoretical or hypothetical situations. They will test your judgment, not just your knowledge of medical terminology and procedures.

How to pass your SMLE with CanadaQBank

We want you best prepared before taking your SMLE exam; that is why we have gathered over 4000 multiple choice questions covering all categories vital in passing your SMLE exam. It doesn’t stop there, our real MCQ interface gives you a true simulation of the exam – this way you can feel the pressure and get used to it. Our MCQ interface was specifically designed for those who have exam fever to help keep you calm when you finally go for your SMLE test.

We offer continuous updates to keep you on track with new questions and answers to better prepare you for any surprises ahead. You will be able to see your cumulative performance and your performance by category to see which subjects you need to improve on. Tests are timed, so you don’t get too comfortable. In due time and with frequent practice, you will be able to complete your exam in a shorter time.

Note that apart from the SMLE, CanadaQBank also provides extensive resources for many other medical exams such as PLAB, PEBC, USMLE, RCSFE, and so on.

FAQs about Saudi Medical Licensing Exam

Here are the most common questions asked about the SMLE exams. Read them carefully to get familiar with everything you’ll need to guarantee your success.

What are the categories in the exam?

The Saudi medical licensing exam is divided into two levels: Level 1 and Level 2.

Level 1 consists of a multiple-choice test that you must pass to be qualified to sit for the Level 2 exam.

How much time does an average student take to prepare for SMLE?

The average time to prepare for the exam is 3-4 months. Students with no experience in medical exams should start preparing at least six months before the exam, while those with previous experience can start preparing at least three months before the exam.

How much does it cost for a student to apply for SMLE?

The cost of applying for the Saudi Medical Licensing Exam (SMLE) depends on the number of attempts you wish to take. The first attempt costs SR5,000, and subsequent attempts are free.

What is the exam format?

The Saudi Medical Licensing exam consists of a multiple-choice test. The exams are conducted in Arabic and English, with an option for the candidates to take it in both languages for the first level only.

How many questions are there?

There are 100 questions in each part of the exam. Part 1 has 70 multiple-choice questions and 30 short answer questions, while Part 2 has 50 multiple-choice questions and 50 short answer answers. Part 3 is also 100 questions.

The exam has a time limit of 4 hours, but you can take as much time as you want between each question.

How long are the exams?

The Saudi Medical Licensing Exam is 4 hours long and consists of 5 sections: Clinical Medicine, Basic Science, Clinical Skills, General Skills, and a Psychiatric Examination. Candidates must pass all five sections with a minimum score of 70%.

Will I be able to work in Saudi Arabia if I fail on my first or second attempt?

If you fail on your first or second attempt, it is not guaranteed that you will be able to work in Saudi Arabia. You will have to wait for a year before retaking the exam.

Will I be able to work in Saudi Arabia without taking the exams?

The exam is not mandatory for working as a doctor in Saudi Arabia. However, you must pass both levels of the exam to work there. You can apply for this type of position directly through your local health authority or by looking online at their website.

Conclusion

If you are interested in becoming a physician in Saudi Arabia, you should consider taking the SMLE. Not only will it help you get into medical school and practice medicine there, but it also gives you more opportunities for employment than any other graduate program in the country.

What is the SMLE Exam?

The SMLE Exam (Saudi Medical Licensing Exam) is necessary for doctors that want to legally practice medicine in Saudi Arabia, either as a specialist or general practitioner. Also, this exam is vital if one wants to do a health-related post-graduate degree in Saudi Arabia. This exam can be taken in Saudi Arabia or several other countries. If you take the exam in Saudi, you will need the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties to give you an eligibility number (SCFHS Exam). However, if the exam is taken outside Saudi, you will not need additional requirements. The SMLE exam is different for general practitioners and the various medical specialties.

The SMLE is not a difficult exam to pass, provided you put in the work. However, it is important to aim for a high score because the higher you get, the higher your chance of getting a better job.

CanadaQBank is here to walk you through the registration process, application requirements, and how to excel in the exam

Requirements To Apply for the SMLE Exam

  • Firstly, before you apply, you must either already have an MBBS/MD degree from a recognized institution, be at most one year away from graduation, or be starting an internship.
  • You also need at least one year of experience post house job before you can write the exam.
  • An original degree certificate.
  • Certificate of registration issued by the Saudi authority.
  • Transcript of your qualification.
  • An Iqama copy if you are staying inside Saudi Arabia. This is to prove that you are either legally employed or attached to one who is.
  • A current sponsor identification letter. This is used if you are dependent in Saudi, under an employer, or came on a visa.

How To Schedule and Write The exam

The steps for applying for the exam are as follows:

1. Submit all your necessary documents to DataFlow Group for verification. This website is the verification partner for the Saudi Commission. You will have to submit your original degree certificate, complete work experience, and other relevant documents. After this, you will receive an issue verification report. This entire process will take around 2 to 8 weeks. Other requirements include a letter of employment from your past employer (this is necessary for specialties), educational credentials, completed SCFHC form, Resume, Iqama Passport, and application fee.

2. After this is complete, you will have to create an account in Mumaris Plus. This website is the unified portal for health practitioners in Saudi. Here, you can update your personal data and apply for an eligibility number, classification, and registration services. After creating your account on the portal, you will have to upload your document again—documents such as your transcript, original degree certificate, and Iqama copy. You will pay 1,100 riyals to complete your application at this stage and move further.

Once payment is complete, they will issue you an eligibility numberin an email to write the exam. Visit the Prometric website to schedule your exam date using this eligibility number.

3. Go to the Prometric website and choose the SMLE exam. Type in your eligibility number and the first four letters of your surname. Then schedule your date. The fee for this will be 280 dollars.

Note that you have three attempts to write this exam per year for those writing the exam outside Saudi. For those writing it in Saudi, it is three times in 6 months.

It is advised to complete your visa before applying for this examination.

What does the SMLE Exam Entail

This exam consists of 300 multiple choice questions that include up to 20 pilot

questions. These pilot questions are generally not scored. The SMLE exam is a six-hour examination with scheduled breaks. It is divided into three sections of 100 questions, each with a time allocation of 120 minutes for each part. These MCQs have four options from which the candidate will choose the best answer. If you are doing SMLE for General Practice, the MCQs will have questions from internal medicine, ophthalmology, gynecology & obstetrics, surgery, statistics, pediatrics, and psychiatry.

There are two scheduled breaks between sections 1 and 2 and sections 2 and 3. The total time for breaks is 45 minutes. However, you can divide these breaks based on your preference.

The examination contains questions that test your knowledge of medical facts and questions with scenarios that test other skills like analysis, interpretation, problem solving, decision-making, and reasoning.

During the exam, you will be continuously monitored by video, physical walk-throughs, and the observation window during your test. You must have a valid and acceptable ID (Saudi ID, Resident ID, or Passport). Your exam schedule is printed out at the examination hall and presented at the registration desk.

Also, any clothing or jewelry items allowed to be worn in the test room must remain on your person at all times. Removed clothing or jewelry items must be stored in your locker. You must arrive 30 minutes after the scheduled time; if not, you will not be allowed to enter the test centers, and the session will be considered a “No Show”. Then, you will then have to reschedule. Furthermore, you cannot leave the examination hall before thirty minutes have elapsed.

Preparing for your exam

Preparing for your examination is the most important part of passing. You have to make sure you have covered as much as you can. We at CanadaQBank are here for you. We have 4488 of the best simulated MCQs covering different SMLE topics.

Our answers all have detailed explanations to help you understand better. These tests give you the feel of exam situations because you can choose the timed mode. You can also select the specific categories you want to be assessed in; you can tailor your reading.

Another fun thing about our service is that you can compare your performance with others and get continuous updates. Our prices include:

  • $95 per month
  • $135 for two months
  • $175 for three months
  • $250 for six months
  • $335 for nine months
  • $395 for 12 months

To start your Saudi Arabia medical journey and be equipped with all the right tools for success, click here.

How to Spot the Best SMLE Exam Questions to Help You Ace Your Test

Best SMLE Exam Questions

If you’ll be taking the Saudi Medical Licensing Exam (SMLE), it’s important for you to have access to the best possible study tools available. Successful medical students point toward SMLE qbanks as some of the best and most beneficial study tools available. Here, you’ll learn how to spot the qbank questions that are accurate, high quality, and designed to help you pass your exam.

What Makes a Good Question?

The questions you’ll find on the SMLE exam come from numerous topics. They may ask you to define the meaning of a word or to name a part of the human anatomy, for example. It’s important that the SMLE qbank you use offers question that are remarkably similar to those you will find on your exam. In fact, in many cases, the questions in the most helpful qbanks have been written based on past examinations to ensure they are accurate and properly formatted.

Subject Areas and Topics

It’s also important to verify that the SMLE qbank you choose offers you a wide variety of questions from every possible subject area that you may be tested on. The SMLE itself covers 13 different topics ranging from anesthesia and critical care to pediatrics and psychiatry, so you will need to study each of these areas very carefully to ensure your success. Verify that the software provider you choose not only offers questions for each topic, but also gives you the ability to choose which topics to study in any given session.

Accuracy

The next step in ensuring that you have chosen the best SMLE question bank involves making sure the questions and their answers are accurate. Sometimes, software providers will have errors in their materials, and this can lead to disaster for medical students. Some steps you can take to verify the accuracy of the questions involve making sure that each question has been written and reviewed by experts and verifying that each question is accompanied by a detailed answer.

Different Study Modes

Finally, it’s also beneficial for you to make sure that the SMLE qbank software you choose gives you access to various study modes. At least one mode should be formatted similarly to the actual exam – timed and delivered to you in blocks, for example – and another should allow you to study at your own pace, take notes, review previous questions you answered incorrectly, and more. Timed and tutor modes make your study sessions far more productive, and you will get more out of each hour you spend answering questions.

Finding the best possible SMLE qbank to make your study sessions as productive as possible doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Look for questions that cover a broad variety of topics, and make sure they are accurate by double-checking against your textbooks and other materials. Better still, find a platform that offers you a variety of study modes so that you can adjust the questions to your specific needs, and be certain that the questions are written or reviewed by experts.