If you are a specialist doctor aiming to build your medical career in Saudi Arabia, obtaining a licence through the Saudi Commission for Health Specialities (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 practise as a specialist doctor, whether in government hospitals or private institutions, you must hold a valid SCFHS licence. 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 the following:
- ✅ 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. Data flow 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 specialisation.
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 specialty.
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
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.
