How to Apply for Specialist Doctor Licensing in Saudi Arabia (SCFHS)

If you are a specialist doctor aiming to build your medical career in Saudi Arabia, obtaining a license through the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) is a crucial step. Whether you are an MD, MS, DM, MCh, or a specialist dentist, you must clear the licensing process that includes credential verification (DataFlow), SCFHS eligibility approval, and the Prometric exam. This guide provides detailed, authoritative, and practical information on how to apply for specialist doctor licensing in Saudi Arabia

Why Licensing Is Mandatory for Specialist Doctors

Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector is strictly regulated to maintain high clinical standards. To practice as a specialist doctor, whether in government hospitals or private institutions, you must hold a valid SCFHS license. This applies to:

• New applicants with postgraduate degrees
• Doctors with Gulf experience shifting to Saudi Arabia
• Medical professionals who completed degrees outside Saudi Arabia

The SCFHS licensing process ensures that only competent, verified professionals enter the healthcare workforce, improving patient safety and healthcare quality.

Who Needs to Apply – Eligible Specializations

You're eligible to apply as a Specialist doctor if you hold:

• ✅ Postgraduate qualification (MD/MS, DNB, equivalent)
• ✅ Valid professional license from your home country
• ✅ Minimum 2 years of experience after your postgraduate degree
• ✅ Relevant specialty aligned with SCFHS-approved categories

 Common Specialist Categories:

Specialty Eligible Degrees Licensing Level

General Surgery MS General Surgery, DNB Specialist

Pediatrics MD Pediatrics Specialist

Internal Medicine MD Internal Medicine Specialist

Obstetrics & Gynecology MS OBG, DGO + Experience Specialist (if eligible)

ENT / Ophthalmology MS ENT / MS Ophthalmology Specialist

Orthopedics MS Orthopedics Specialist

Anaesthesiology MD Anaesthesia Specialist

Radiology MD / DNB Radiology Specialist

Dentistry (with MDS) MDS (any specialty) Specialist Dentist

Key Components of the Licensing Process

1. SCFHS Eligibility Approval

This is the first step where your education, experience, and qualifications are reviewed by SCFHS. Upon approval, you are issued an "Eligibility ID," which is required to book your Prometric exam.

2. DataFlow Verification

DataFlow is a third-party verification process for your degree and experience certificates. It confirms their authenticity directly from the source (university or employer). It is mandatory before getting eligibility.

3. Prometric Exam

Once you receive your eligibility ID, you must schedule and pass the SCFHS Prometric exam. This is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) that evaluates your clinical knowledge and decision-making skills in your area of specialization.

Documents Required

To begin your licensing process, the following documents are needed:

• Passport copy
• Passport-size photo
• MBBS and specialty degree certificates
• Mark lists / transcripts
• Internship certificate
• Registration certificate (India or other country)
• Experience certificate (if applicable)
• Updated CV
• Good standing certificate
• DataFlow report (if already done)

All documents must be clear, attested (if required), and translated into English where applicable.

Step-by-Step SCFHS Licensing Process for Specialists

Step 1: Register on Mumaris Plus (SCFHS Portal)

Create an account on the Mumaris Plus portal and submit your profile with accurate details.

➡️ Upload scanned documents clearly and correctly. Any mismatch can delay your process.

Step 2: Apply for Saudi DataFlow Verification

The SCFHS uses DataFlow for Primary Source Verification (PSV) of your degrees, registration, and experience.

📌 Timeline: ~30–45 working days

Trueway Tip: Many applications are rejected due to unclear scans, missing details, or wrong employer contacts. Trueway helps prepare and submit them professionally to avoid delays.

Step 3: Obtain SCFHS Eligibility ID

Once DataFlow is cleared, SCFHS will issue an Eligibility ID. This is valid for 3 months and is required to book your Saudi Prometric Exam.

Step 4: Book & Take the Prometric Exam

The Saudi Prometric Exam is a computer-based MCQ test based on your speciality.

Exam Details Description

Format Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Duration 2.5 to 3 hours

Number of Questions 70 to 150 (varies by speciality)

Language English

Passing Score 60%–70% (varies by category)

Locations (India) Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai

GCC Locations Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Doha, etc.

Trueway Tip: We help you select the correct exam category, location, and time slot. We also provide coaching materials and mock tests if needed.

Step 5: Get Classified and Registered

After you pass the exam:

• SCFHS classifies you as a Specialist
• You receive the SCFHS Registration Certificate
• You are now eligible to be hired officially by a healthcare facility in Saudi Arabia

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Uploading unclear or incorrect documents → leads to DataFlow delays
• Applying under the wrong job title → leads to rejection or re-application
• Booking the exam before receiving eligibility → application wasted
• Not tracking deadlines → Eligibility ID expires in 3 months

At Trueway, we assign a dedicated coordinator to help you avoid all such issues.

How Trueway International Helps Specialist Doctors

With over 10+ years of experience helping Indian doctors migrate to the Gulf, Trueway International offers a reliable, fast, and transparent service for SCFHS licensing.

 Our Services Include:

Service What We Do

Free Profile Evaluation Check your eligibility for SCFHS before spending money

DataFlow Application Document collection, formatting & error-free upload

SCFHS Application Complete setup and application filing on Mumaris Plus

Prometric Slot Booking Right category, location & exam guidance

Online Prometric Coaching for Doctors Live classes, expert trainers, study materials & mock tests

Real-time WhatsApp Support Updates, alerts, reminders & result tracking

FAQS

1. I have an MBBS only. Can I apply as a specialist?

No. To apply as a specialist, you need postgraduate qualifications (like MD/MS, DNB, or equivalent). MBBS doctors can apply under the General Practitioner category.

2. What postgraduate qualifications are accepted by SCFHS?

SCFHS accepts PG degrees recognized by your country’s medical council and listed in the SCFHS Approved Qualifications list. Commonly accepted ones include MD, MS, DNB, MDS (for dentists), etc.

3. I completed my postgraduation from Russia/Ukraine/China. Will it be accepted?

It depends on your university's recognition and clinical internship details. Trueway can evaluate your documents before submission to avoid rejection.

4. How many years of experience are required for SCFHS specialist license?

Generally, at least two years of post-PG experience is required. In some specialties, even more may be necessary.

5. Do I need to complete DataFlow again if I already did it for another Gulf country?

Yes, SCFHS requires a separate DataFlow verification under the Saudi category, even if you did one for UAE or Qatar previously.

6. How long is the Eligibility ID valid?

Eligibility ID is valid for 3 months. If you don’t book your Prometric exam within this time, you may have to apply again.

7. Is Prometric exam mandatory for all doctor categories?

Yes, except for rare exemptions (like consultants with Fellowship + many years of experience), most doctors must pass the Prometric exam.

8. Can I apply for more than one specialty or sub-specialty at the same time?

No, you must apply under one clear category. Applying under multiple roles may result in rejection or delays.

9. Will I get a job immediately after clearing the exam?

Clearing the exam makes you eligible for licensing, but job offers depend on hospital requirements. Trueway can connect you with registered recruiters if needed.

10. Can I attend the exam from India?

Yes. SCFHS Prometric exams can be taken at test centers in cities like Delhi, Kochi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.

11. What is the exam fee for specialist doctors?

It usually ranges between $120–$160 (USD) depending on the specialty and test center.

12. How soon will I get the result?

Results are usually available on Mumaris Plus within 2–7 working days after taking the exam.

Ready to Start Your Saudi Licensing Journey?

📞 Need SCFHS Licensing Support?

Whether you're an MD, MS, or MDS doctor planning to migrate to Saudi Arabia, Trueway International is here to guide you every step of the way.

🔹 Call us:083276 26262

🔹 WhatsApp Now

🔹 Email: tvm@truewayinternational.com

✅ End-to-end Licensing | ✅ Prometric Coaching & Exam Booking | ✅ Fast Track Service Available