To practice as a nurse in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), all health practitioners, including internationally educated nurses (IENs), must obtain professional classification and registration from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). The entire process is managed through the SCFHS’s online portal, Mumaris Plus, and culminates in passing the national licensing examination.

---

Phase 1: Eligibility and Professional Classification

This initial stage involves creating your profile and validating your credentials.

Meet SCFHS Eligibility Criteria

For the Registered Nurse (RN) title, you generally need to meet the following:

• Education: Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent degree from an accredited institution. Diploma holders may be classified for other categories.
• Experience (for Foreign Nurses): A minimum of two (2) years of clinical nursing experience is typically required post-qualification.
• Professional Status: Must hold a valid, active nursing license from your home country.
• Good Standing: Provide a Certificate of Good Standing (GSC) from your current licensing body, issued within the last six months.

Create a Mumaris Plus Account

The entire licensing journey is conducted through the SCFHS’s unified electronic platform, Mumaris Plus. You must register an account and complete your profile details.

Submit for Professional Classification and Verification

You apply for the Professional Classification Service via Mumaris Plus. This two-part step is crucial:

• Document Upload: Upload all required documents, including your BSN degree, transcripts, license, GSC, and experience letters.
• DataFlow Verification: All submitted documents must undergo mandatory Primary Source Verification (PSV) through the DataFlow Group, the SCFHS-approved verification company. DataFlow directly contacts the issuing sources to authenticate your credentials. This process usually takes about 6 weeks.

Receive Professional Classification

Once your documents are verified and reviewed by the SCFHS, you will be granted a Professional Classification (e.g., Registered Nurse). This official degree confirms your qualification level and makes you eligible for the licensing exam.

---

Phase 2: The Saudi Nursing Licensure Examination (SNLE)

Passing the national competency exam is mandatory for all IENs seeking to practice in KSA.

Apply for the SNLE

After receiving your Professional Classification approval, you apply for the Saudi Nursing Licensure Examination (SNLE) through the Mumaris Plus portal.

Receive Eligibility and Schedule the Exam

The SCFHS will issue an Eligibility Number (or scheduling permit) that allows you to book your test slot. The SNLE is administered by Prometric testing services.

Pass the SNLE Prometric Exam

The SNLE assesses your core nursing knowledge and skills:

• Format: A Computer-Based Test (CBT), typically consisting of 200 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Scoring: The results are reported on a scale of 200 to 800, with a recommended passing score of 500 (approximately 62.5% correct).
• Syllabus: The exam covers Nursing Fundamentals, Adult Nursing (Medical/Surgical/Critical Care), and Maternal & Child Nursing.
• Attempts: You are generally allowed up to four attempts per year to pass the SNLE.

---

Phase 3: Final Registration and Practice

The final steps involve securing employment and officially activating your license.

Secure an Employment Offer

With your successful SNLE result and Professional Classification, you are qualified to seek and accept a job offer from a Saudi healthcare facility. Securing a Saudi employer/sponsor is mandatory for the final steps and for obtaining a work visa.

Apply for Professional Registration

Once employed, your employer will assist you in applying for Professional Registration through the Mumaris Plus system. This final step requires:

• Your passed SNLE result.
• A Letter of Employment Identification from your Saudi employer.
• Proof of valid legal residency (Iqama/Work Visa).
• A Medical Report (especially if over 65).

Receive Your SCFHS Professional License

Upon final approval and fee payment, the SCFHS issues your official Professional Practice License. This license is valid for two years and legally authorizes you to work as a Registered Nurse in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Maintain CPD and License Renewal

To renew your license every two years, you must fulfill the required hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as mandated by the SCFHS.