The Prometric exam for GCC medical licensing
The Prometric exam is the computer-based licensing test that Gulf health authorities use to check an internationally-qualified doctor’s clinical knowledge — Prometric delivers and proctors it, while each authority sets its own content, passing score and eligibility rules.
Last updated 2026-07-11 · figures are indicative snapshots — confirm current values with the source
What is the Prometric exam and where can I sit it?
It is a computer-based, multiple-choice licensing exam used by DHA (Dubai), DoH (Abu Dhabi), MOH (UAE), SCFHS (Saudi Arabia), Qatar’s DHP and other Gulf authorities. You can sit it at Prometric test centres worldwide — often in your home country before relocating. Each authority sets its own passing score: Qatar’s DHP exam is 150 questions over 3 hours with a 65% pass for physicians, while Saudi Arabia’s SMLE is 200 questions with a pass mark of 560 on an 800-point scale.
How the exam works
Prometric is the testing vendor, not the regulator. You apply to a health authority for eligibility, complete DataFlow verification, receive an eligibility ID, then schedule the exam through Prometric’s booking portal using that authority’s program code. Because Prometric operates test centres globally, most doctors sit the exam before they move to the Gulf.
- Each authority (DHA, DoH Abu Dhabi, MOH UAE, SCFHS, Qatar DHP, NHRA Bahrain, Oman) independently sets its own question count, passing score and specialty requirements.
- Exams are sat at Prometric centres worldwide, so you can usually test in your home country first.
Saudi Arabia — the SMLE (sourced example)
The Saudi Medical Licensing Examination is one of the clearest primary-sourced examples of the format. It is a substantial single-day exam with a scaled score.
- SMLE: 200 single-best-answer questions, delivered as two sections of 100 questions (120 minutes each) with one 30-minute break — about four hours of testing.(SCFHS — SMLE Applicant Guide (2024))
- Pass score: 560 on a 200–800 scale, set by a standard-setting panel; up to four sittings a year are allowed until you pass.
Qatar — the DHP qualifying exam (sourced example)
Qatar’s Department of Healthcare Professions publishes its qualifying-exam format directly, including how the pass mark differs by role.
- DHP qualifying exam: 150 multiple-choice questions over 3 hours; the pass mark is 65% for physicians and dentists, 60% for GPs and general dentists.(Qatar DHP (MOPH) — Qualifying Examination)
- Applicants may sit up to five attempts.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I sit the Prometric exam in my own country?+
Usually yes. Prometric runs test centres worldwide, so most doctors sit the Gulf licensing exam in their home country before relocating. You book it through Prometric’s portal after the health authority confirms your eligibility and your DataFlow verification is complete.
What score do I need to pass?+
It depends on the authority. Qatar’s DHP exam requires 65% for physicians; Saudi Arabia’s SMLE requires 560 on an 800-point scale. Each Gulf authority sets its own passing score, so check the requirement for the country you are applying to.
Do all Gulf countries use Prometric?+
The major authorities — DHA, DoH Abu Dhabi, MOH UAE, SCFHS in Saudi Arabia, Qatar’s DHP, NHRA in Bahrain and Oman’s board — all use Prometric-delivered exams, each with their own content and pass mark.
Earn as a telemedicine doctor while you plan your move
GeraClinic is a telemedicine platform where licensed doctors consult patients online. It is free to apply, with no signup or monthly fees — you set your own hours and fee and keep 85% of every consultation while you work through the pathway above.