Navigating the Saudi Nursing Licensure Exam (SNLE) : Preparing for the Saudi Nursing Licensure Exam
What Is the SNLE?
The Saudi Nursing Licensure Examination (SNLE) tests whether you’re ready to provide safe, competent, and ethical nursing care in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system.
It measures your theoretical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and decision‑making skills — not just memorization.
Why the SNLE Matters
Passing the SNLE shows that you meet international professional standards and are ready to provide safe, evidence‑based care in one of the fastest‑developing healthcare systems in the Middle East.
It’s more than just an exam — it’s the beginning of your journey as a Saudi‑licensed nurse.
Who Can Take the SNLE?
To be eligible, you must:
- Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an equivalent degree from an accredited university.
- Have document verification (DataFlow) completed and approved by the SCFHS.
Be in the final year or have finished your internship if you’re a recent graduate.
International candidates (including from Indonesia) apply online through the Mumaris Plus system on the SCFHS website.
Exam Format and Structure
Here’s what you need to know about the test itself:
| Category | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Question Type | 200-210 Multiple‑Choice Questions (MCQs) | |
| Structure | Two parts, each with 100-105 questions | |
| Duration | 2 hours per part (4 hours total) | |
| Break | 30 minutes between sections | |
| Passing Score | 500 out of 800 | |
| Attempts Allowed | Up to 4 attempts a year - 3 regular tries using the same eligibility ID - 1 chance with request for 4th exam attempt |
Each question has four options, and you must choose the single best answer.
The questions are designed to test not only knowledge, but also clinical judgment and nursing ethics relevant to real‑life situations
The SNLE covers four major nursing domains, reflecting what you’ll encounter in everyday practice
| Domain | Percentage | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Fundamentals | 20% | Basic care, infection control, pharmacology, nutrition, and patient assessment. |
| Adult Nursing | 40% | Medical‑surgical topics, emergency, psychiatric, and community care. |
| Maternal and Child Health Nursing | 30% | Nursing care for pregnant women, infants, and children. |
| Management & Leadership | 10% | Patient safety, delegation, quality improvement, and unit management. |
How to Apply for the SNLE
Step 1: Create your SCFHS account
Visit scfhs.org.sa → choose Mumaris Plus → create a practitioner account.
Step 2: Submit your documents
Upload your nursing diploma, transcript, passport copy, BLS certificate, and employment experience (if any). Then complete DataFlow verification.
Step 3: Pay fees
- Registration fee: around 200 SAR
- Classification fee: 900 SAR
- Exam fee (Prometric): around 289 USD
Step 4: Receive your eligibility number
After verification, SCFHS will email your Eligibility ID, used to book an exam schedule.
Step 5: Schedule your exam
Go to the Prometric or Pearson VUE website, select your test center (can be outside Saudi Arabia), and choose your preferred date
Test Availability
The SNLE is offered multiple times per year.
As of 2025, testing periods typically occur every month between January and December — depending on demand and center capacity
Tips for Success
- Start early — allow at least 3–4 months of review time.
- Study smart — use quality references such as Brunner & Suddarth’s Medical‑Surgical Nursing, Timby’s Fundamentals of Nursing, and Maternal‑Child Nursing Care by Perry.
- Practice with MCQs — online SNLE practice tests accurately reflect the question style.
- Focus on clinical reasoning — expect case‑based questions that require logical decisions.
- Rest & manage stress — the test is long, so time management and focus matter.
- Review English medical terms — as the exam is conducted entirely in English.
<h2>After the Exam</h2>
If you pass, you’ll receive an SCFHS classification certificate, valid for one year.
This allows you to apply for nursing jobs or complete your professional registration in Saudi Arabia.
If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam up to three times using the same eligibility code. More than three attempts require a new application.
For Indonesian nurses, taking the SNLE can open doors to rewarding hospital careers and international experience.
With proper preparation, discipline, and faith in your abilities, you can succeed — and proudly represent Indonesia’s excellence in global nursing care.