SNLE 2026: The Saudi Nursing Licensure Exam for Nurses — Who Must Sit It, Mumaris+ Classification, Exam Format, Fees, Pass Mark and Preparation
A complete guide to the SNLE, the Saudi Nursing Licensure Exam run by SCFHS through Prometric: who needs it, nurse specialist vs nurse technician classification, exam format and blueprint, fees in SAR, INR, PKR and PHP, retakes and how to prepare.
Every nurse who wants to work in Saudi Arabia meets the same acronym sooner or later: SNLE — the Saudi Nursing Licensure Exam. It is the SCFHS licensing exam for nurses, delivered on computer by Prometric. Your classification (Nurse Specialist or Nurse Technician) decides which paper you sit and what you are paid, so it pays to understand the whole route before you book.
SNLE at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Run by | Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) |
| Delivered by | Prometric, computer-based |
| Who sits it | Nurses and midwives seeking SCFHS registration |
| Format | 100–150 single-best-answer MCQs (Technician papers slightly shorter) |
| Duration | 2.5–3 hours |
| Pass mark | Scaled, around 60% |
Nurse Specialist or Nurse Technician?
SCFHS classifies you before you sit the exam:
- Nurse Specialist — a four-year BSc Nursing. This is the grade most international hires want: it sits higher on the pay scale.
- Nurse Technician — a diploma (for example GNM). It is a valid route, but pay and some job options are lower. See GNM diploma nurses in the Gulf.
- Midwife — classified separately (midwives and assistant nurses).
Your classification is decided on Mumaris+ from your degree and transcripts, so upload complete, clear documents. Details in Mumaris+ classification explained.
Step by step to the SNLE
- Create a Mumaris+ account and submit your application.
- Pay the classification fee and complete DataFlow verification of your degree, registration and experience.
- When SCFHS releases your eligibility, book the SNLE on the Prometric website (booking guide).
- Pass, pay the registration fee and receive your SCFHS registration.
- Your employer completes the visa, medical and iqama.
The whole route, including salaries, is in the SCFHS nursing licence guide.
What the SNLE covers
- Medical-surgical nursing (35–40%) — cardiac, respiratory, renal, endocrine, neuro, GI, peri-operative care.
- Pharmacology and drug calculations (12–15%) — high-alert drugs, infusion rates, insulin, heparin, antidotes.
- Maternal and newborn (10–12%) and paediatrics (8–10%).
- Fundamentals and infection control (10–12%) — isolation precautions, wound care, safe handling.
- Mental health (5–8%) and ethics, leadership and prioritisation (about 5%).
The Registered Nurse blueprint is close to RNT0312. Drill the Registered Nurse question bank, then the most-repeated nursing topics and sample questions with answers.
SNLE and SCFHS fees for nurses (2026)
| Item | USD | SAR | INR | PKR | PHP | Who usually pays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumaris+ classification | USD 55–80 | SAR 210–300 | INR 4,840–7,040 | PKR 15,500–22,500 | PHP 3,140–4,560 | Candidate |
| DataFlow verification | USD 220–340 | SAR 830–1,280 | INR 19,500–30,000 | PKR 61,500–95,000 | PHP 12,500–19,500 | Candidate, often reimbursed |
| SNLE (Prometric) | USD 200–290 | SAR 750–1,090 | INR 17,500–25,500 | PKR 56,000–81,000 | PHP 11,500–16,500 | Candidate |
| Professional registration | USD 130–270 | SAR 490–1,010 | INR 11,500–24,000 | PKR 36,500–75,500 | PHP 7,410–15,500 | Often employer-paid |
All figures are approximate 2026 ranges, converted at fixed rates (USD 1 = AED 3.67, INR 88, PKR 280, PHP 57). Authorities change fees without notice and your bank adds its own card charge, so confirm the amount on the official portal at the moment you pay.
Most Ministry of Health and large private contracts reimburse or pre-pay these costs once you are selected. See SCFHS exam fees 2026.
Four habits of nurses who pass first time
- Prioritisation first: many questions ask what the nurse does first. Use ABC, then safety, then the least invasive action.
- Calculations daily: ten dose and drip-rate questions every day for the last three weeks.
- Timed blocks: about a minute per question, so you are not rushing at the end.
- Review your mistakes by topic, not just by score.
A ready-made schedule: the 30-day study plan.
After the SNLE
Nurse pay by specialty and employer is in nurse salary in Saudi Arabia, and finding a post is covered in how to get a nursing job in Saudi Arabia. Join the Saudi Arabia talent pool to be visible to recruiters while you prepare.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SNLE?
The Saudi Nursing Licensure Exam — the SCFHS licensing exam for nurses, delivered by Prometric.
Is the SNLE hard?
It is a fair, clinically focused paper. Nurses who complete a full question bank and practise prioritisation and calculations usually pass.
Can GNM diploma nurses take the SNLE?
Yes, usually as Nurse Technician. The classification and pay grade are lower than Nurse Specialist.
Where can I sit the SNLE?
At Prometric centres in Saudi Arabia and in many countries, including India, Pakistan and the Philippines.
How long is the SNLE result valid?
A pass supports your registration for a limited period. Register promptly after passing, or you may need to sit it again — see eligibility expired.
Practice banks for this exam
Chapter-wise MCQs with written reasoning on every question, and timed mocks at the real pass mark.