Key Takeaways
- Must hold a recognized PharmD or BPharm degree.
- SPLE exam is mandatory for licensing under SCFHS.
- Apply and manage licensing through Mumaris+ portal.
- Pass score: 536 out of 800 (computer-based exam).
- License renewal required every 3 years with CPD credits.
- High career growth and tax-free income for pharmacists in KSA.
Introduction: Why Work as a Pharmacist in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia offers excellent career prospects for pharmacists thanks to its expanding healthcare system, modern hospitals, and attractive, tax-free salaries.
To work legally as a pharmacist, you must pass the Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Examination (SPLE) and obtain your license from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS).
Why work in Saudi Arabia:
- Growing healthcare industry
- Tax-free, high-income potential
- Internationally recognized professional standards
- Multicultural work environment
- Opportunities in both public and private sectors
Educational Qualifications Required to Become a Pharmacist in Saudi Arabia
To apply for the SPLE, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
| Pharmacy Qualification | B.Pharm or PharmD degree from an accredited institution |
| Internship/Training | Must be in the internship year or one year away from graduation |
| Verification | Educational documents must be verified via DataFlow |
| English Language | Required if your degree was not taught in English |
How to Register for the SCFHS Pharmacist Licensing Exam
Follow these official steps to register for the Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Examination (SPLE):
- Create a Mumaris+ account via www.mumarisplus.sa
- Submit your application and upload required documents.
- Complete DataFlow verification for your degree and experience.
- Once approved, receive your scheduling permit via email.
- Book your SPLE exam slot at an approved Prometric center.
- Pay the exam fee and confirm your slot.
Key Notes:
- SPLE is offered locally and internationally.
- You are responsible for scheduling your test within your eligibility window.
- You cannot retake the test within the same testing window.
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a Pharmacist License in Saudi Arabia
| Step | Process | Description |
| 1 | Obtain Pharmacy Degree | PharmD or BPharm from an accredited institution |
| 2 | Register on Mumaris Plus | Start your classification process |
| 3 | DataFlow Verification | Validate all academic and work documents |
| 4 | Apply for SPLE | Submit online application through SCFHS |
| 5 | Pass the Exam | Attend and pass the computer-based SPLE |
| 6 | Get Classification Certificate | Issued by SCFHS after passing SPLE |
| 7 | Apply for Registration | Needed after receiving a job offer |
| 8 | Obtain License | Begin legal practice as a pharmacist in Saudi Arabia |
SPLE Exam Overview
| Component | Details |
| Mode | Computer-based (Prometric) |
| Duration | 6 hours (3 sets of 100 + 10 questions) |
| Breaks | 45 minutes total |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Passing Score | 536 / 800 |
| Results | Announced within 2–6 weeks |
| Attempts Allowed | 4 per year; extra attempts allowed for score improvement |
SPLE Blueprint Distribution:
| Content Area | Weightage |
| Basic Biomedical Sciences | 10% |
| Pharmaceutical Sciences | 35% |
| Social/Behavioral/Administrative Sciences | 20% |
| Clinical Sciences | 35% |
Career Opportunities and Salary Overview in KSA
Pharmacists licensed under SCFHS can work across various sectors:
- Hospital and clinical pharmacy
- Community and retail pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical industry (production, QA/QC)
- Academia and research institutions
- Government and regulatory bodies (SFDA, MOH)
Average Monthly Salary:
| Role | Salary Range |
| Entry-level Pharmacist | 9,000 – 12,000 |
| Clinical Pharmacist | 12,000 – 16,000 |
| Senior/Consultant Pharmacist | 16,000 – 20,000+ |
Benefits:
- Tax-free income
- Accommodation and health insurance
- Paid leave and end-of-service benefits
Conclusion
Becoming a pharmacist in Saudi Arabia involves completing your pharmacy degree, passing the SPLE, and registering through SCFHS (Mumaris+).
Once licensed, you’ll have access to stable, well-paid, and globally respected pharmacy roles within Saudi Arabia’s growing healthcare network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – SCFHS Exam for Pharmacists
It’s the Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Examination (SPLE), required to become a licensed pharmacist in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) conducts the SPLE exam.
The test includes 300 multiple-choice questions (plus 30 unscored items), divided into three sets.
You need a minimum score of 536 on a 200–800 scale to pass the SPLE.
You can attempt the SPLE exam up to four times per year.
The exam is available at Prometric centers approved by SCFHS — both within Saudi Arabia and abroad.
SPLE results are typically released within 2–6 weeks after the testing window closes.
Document verification is done through the DataFlow Group verification process.
The SPLE exam is moderately challenging. Preparation using official SCFHS study materials and mock tests is strongly recommended.
Yes, international pharmacists can apply for licensure in Saudi Arabia if they meet SCFHS eligibility requirements and pass the SPLE exam.
