Test and Preparation 

Crush the Saudi SMLE Test: Start Your Medical Career in Saudi Arabia

How to Pass the Saudi SMLE Test

Updated: 26 September 2025

Embarking on a medical career in Saudi Arabia is a dream for many doctors, offering a chance to work in cutting-edge hospitals and enjoy a vibrant lifestyle. The Saudi Medical Licensing Examination (SMLE) is your gateway to this exciting future. Designed by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS), this test ensures you're ready to deliver top-quality care. Don’t worry—this unique guide breaks down everything you need to succeed, from registration to study tips, in simple steps that make the process feel like a breeze.

📘 What is the SMLE?

The Saudi Medical Licensing Examination (SMLE) is a must-pass test for doctors aiming to practice general medicine or pursue residency in Saudi Arabia. Managed by the SCFHS(Saudi Commission for Health Specialties), it checks your ability to handle real-world medical cases safely. The exam includes 300 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) over 4.5 hours, split into two parts with a 30-minute break. Questions cover key areas:

  • Internal Medicine (~20%)
  • Surgery (~15%)
  • Pediatrics (~15%)
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology (~15%)
  • Family Medicine, Emergency, and others (~35%)

A passing score of 60% (480/800) unlocks your license, valid for five years, paving the way for a rewarding career in Saudi’s healthcare system.

📘 Who Can Take the SMLE?

To sit for the SMLE, you need a recognized medical degree (like MBBS) and proof of a completed internship. If you’re trained outside Saudi Arabia, your documents must be verified for authenticity. Here’s what qualifies you:

  • MBBS or equivalent from an accredited medical school.
  • Completed one-year internship or equivalent clinical experience.
  • Good standing with your home country’s medical council (e.g., PMC in Pakistan, NMC in India).
  • No age or nationality restrictions—just valid credentials.

Think of it as proving you’re a skilled doctor ready to make a difference in Saudi hospitals.

📘 How to Register

Registration starts with the SCFHS Mumaris+ portal, your hub for licensing. Create an account, upload your documents, and get them verified through DataFlow. Once approved, you’ll receive an eligibility number to book your exam via Prometric. Here’s the flow:

  1. Create an account on SCFHS Mumaris+.
  2. Upload degree, internship certificate, and ID.
  3. Pay for DataFlow verification (4-8 weeks processing).
  4. Receive eligibility number from SCFHS.
  5. Book your exam slot on Prometric.com.

Keep digital copies of all receipts and confirmations for smooth sailing.

📘 Fee Structure

Investing in the SMLE is investing in your future in Saudi Arabia. Costs vary slightly by year and currency exchange, but here’s a 2025 estimate:

  • DataFlow Verification: SAR 850 (~USD 227 / PKR 63,000)
  • Mumaris+ Eligibility Fee: SAR 200 (~USD 53 / PKR 15,000)
  • SMLE Exam Fee (Prometric): USD 270 (~SAR 1,015 / PKR 75,000)
  • Rescheduling Fee: SAR 250 (~USD 67 / PKR 18,500)
  • Retake Fee: Same as exam fee (USD 270)

Payments are non-refundable, so double-check your application details. Use a valid credit card, preferably in USD for Prometric fees.

📘 Step-by-Step Application Guide

Applying for the SMLE is simple if you follow these steps carefully:

  1. Sign Up: Go to SCFHS Mumaris+ and create an account.
  2. Submit Documents: Upload clear scans of your medical degree, internship certificate, passport, and a passport-sized photo.
  3. Pay for Verification: Complete the DataFlow payment (SAR 850) to verify your credentials.
  4. Wait for Eligibility: Expect an eligibility number within 4-8 weeks via email.
  5. Book Exam: Visit Prometric.com, select SMLE, enter your eligibility number, choose a test center and date, and pay USD 270.
  6. Confirm: Print your exam confirmation and bring it with a valid passport or ID on test day.

Pro tip: Start the process 3-4 months before your preferred test date to avoid delays.

📘 Test Dates for 2025

The Professional Practice Licensure Exam (SMLE) is offered in multiple testing periods throughout 2025. Below is the official schedule. It's crucial to book your exam via Prometric.com as soon as your preferred period opens for registration, as seats can fill up quickly.

Testing PeriodExam DatesRegistration Status
First1 January to 23 JanuaryClosed
Second2 February to 19 FebruaryClosed
Third2 March to 20 MarchClosed
Fourth6 April to 24 AprilClosed
Fifth4 May to 22 MayClosed
Sixth15 June to 3 JulyClosed
Seventh13 July to 14 AugustClosed
Eighth1 September to 18 SeptemberOpen
Ninth1 October to 23 OctoberOpen
Tenth2 November to 20 NovemberOpen
Eleventh1 December to 25 DecemberClosed

📘 Test Centers (Egypt, Pakistan, Philippines, and More)

Prometric operates SMLE test centers worldwide, making it accessible for doctors in Egypt, Pakistan, the Philippines, and beyond. Arrive 30 minutes early with your confirmation and passport. Here’s where you can test:

Egypt

  • Cairo: New Cairo Prometric Testing Center
  • Alexandria: Prometric Center at Alexandria University

Pakistan

  • Karachi: Bahria University Prometric Center
  • Lahore: University of the Punjab Testing Center
  • Islamabad: Prometric Center at Quaid-i-Azam University

Philippines

  • Manila: Quezon City Prometric Center
  • Cebu: Cebu City Testing Facility

Other Countries

  • India: Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad
  • Bangladesh: Dhaka Prometric Center
  • UAE: Dubai, Abu Dhabi
  • USA, UK, Malaysia, and more (search Prometric’s site)

Visit Prometric.com and filter by SMLE to find exact addresses and book.

📘 How to Prepare for the SMLE

Preparation is your secret weapon. Start with the SCFHS blueprint, which outlines topic weights (e.g., internal medicine 20%, pediatrics 15%). Build a 3-6 month study plan:

  • Months 1-2: Review core topics using textbooks like Davidson’s Principles of Medicine.
  • Months 3-4: Practice 100-150 MCQs daily via platforms like CanadaQBank or ExamCure.
  • Final Month: Take full-length mock exams to mimic test day.

Join online communities (e.g., WhatsApp groups for SMLE prep) to share tips. Focus on high-yield topics like common diseases, drug doses, and patient scenarios.

📘 Pro Tips to Ace the SMLE

Imagine walking into a Saudi clinic, confident and licensed. To get there, use these expert tips:

  1. Know the Blueprint: It’s your guide to what matters most.
  2. Practice Timing: Answer 300 questions in 4.5 hours—speed is key.
  3. Understand “Why”: Don’t just memorize; learn why answers are correct.
  4. Form Study Groups: Connect with peers online for motivation.
  5. Rest Before Test Day: A clear mind boosts performance.

If you don’t pass, don’t panic—you get up to three attempts per year (or three in six months in Saudi). Review your feedback report, focus on weak areas, and try again.

📘 Your Next Steps

Passing the SMLE is your ticket to a thriving medical career in Saudi Arabia, with tax-free salaries and state-of-the-art facilities. Follow this guide, stay focused, and practice daily. You’re not just passing a test—you’re stepping into a world of opportunity. Start today, and soon you’ll be making a difference in Saudi’s healthcare landscape!

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