SCFHS licensing for doctors in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) classifies and registers doctors to practise in Saudi Arabia through its Mumaris+ platform, in two stages: professional classification, then professional registration.
Last updated 2026-07-11 Β· figures are indicative snapshots β confirm current values with the source
How do I get licensed as a doctor in Saudi Arabia (SCFHS)?
The SCFHS process has two stages on the Mumaris+ platform: professional classification (which determines your rank and eligibility) then professional registration (the actual licence, which needs residency). Non-Saudi applicants need at least 1 year of experience and no practice gap over 2 years; DataFlow PSV and the SMLE are required. SCFHS registration is valid for 2 years and renewal needs 60 CPD hours.
Classification then registration
Saudi Arabia separates the two steps. Classification decides your professional rank (general practitioner, specialist or consultant) and must happen before registration, which is the licence itself and requires an Iqama (residency). Everything runs through the Mumaris+ portal.
- Non-Saudi applicants need a minimum of 1 year of experience (Saudi-university graduates are exempt); no practice gap may exceed 2 years.(SCFHS β professional classification requirements)
- Ranks: general practitioner, specialist and consultant, with experience requirements rising by tier and by how your qualification is grouped.
Sourced timelines
The SCFHS publishes its service timelines, which help you plan the sequence around DataFlow and the exam.
- Classification: 7 working days for a direct decision, 30 working days if an electronic exam is needed, 35 working days for a practical evaluation.(SCFHS β Mumaris+ FAQ)
- Registration or re-registration: 5 working days; exam results up to 14 working days.(SCFHS β Mumaris+ FAQ)
- Professional registration is valid for 2 years, and renewal for doctors needs 60 CPD hours.(SCFHS β Mumaris+ FAQ)
The SMLE and DataFlow
Verification and the licensing exam run alongside classification. DataFlow PSV is submitted through Mumaris+ before classification, and the Saudi Medical Licensing Examination is the knowledge test.
- SMLE: 200 single-best-answer questions in two 100-question sections (about four hours), pass mark 560 on an 800-point scale.(SCFHS β SMLE Applicant Guide (2024))
- DataFlow primary source verification is required and submitted through Mumaris+ before classification.(DataFlow Group β verification FAQ)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SCFHS classification and registration?+
Classification determines your professional rank and eligibility and comes first; registration is the actual licence to practise and requires an Iqama (residency). Both are handled on the SCFHS Mumaris+ platform.
How much experience do I need for SCFHS?+
Non-Saudi applicants need a minimum of 1 year of experience (graduates of Saudi universities are exempt), and no gap in practice may exceed 2 years. Specialist and consultant ranks require more, depending on your qualification group.
How long does SCFHS licensing take?+
SCFHS publishes service timelines: a direct classification decision takes 7 working days, an electronic-exam route 30 working days, and registration 5 working days β but DataFlow PSV (15β25 working days) and SMLE scheduling extend the overall timeline.
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