Prometric Healthcare Professional Licensing Examination (Gulf States)
Administered by Prometric on behalf of SCFHS (Saudi), DHA/HAAD/MOH (UAE), QCHP (Qatar), NHRA (Bahrain)
Licensing exams required for healthcare professionals seeking to work in Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait. Each country has its own licensing authority, but exams are administered through Prometric centres.
Quick Facts
Format
Multiple-choice questions, specialty-specific
Duration
Varies by exam (typically 3 to 4 hours)
Passing Score
Varies by licensing authority (typically 60% to 70%)
Valid For
Varies by country (typically 1 to 2 years)
Cost
USD 200 to USD 400 (varies by country and profession)
Cost in Naira
Approximately N310,000 to N620,000
Test Centres in Nigeria
- Prometric Test Centre Lagos (Victoria Island)
What is Tested
Clinical Knowledge
Core clinical knowledge in your specialty area, including diagnosis, investigation, and management.
Pharmacology
Drug prescribing, dosage calculations, drug interactions, and therapeutic protocols relevant to your profession.
Professional Practice
Ethics, patient safety, infection control, and professional standards as practised in Gulf healthcare settings.
How to Register
- 1
Determine which licensing authority you are applying to (SCFHS, DHA, HAAD, MOH, QCHP, etc.).
- 2
Apply for eligibility through the relevant licensing authority's website.
- 3
Once approved, receive your eligibility ID or scheduling permit.
- 4
Create an account on prometric.com and schedule your exam.
- 5
Pay the exam fee (USD 200 to 400).
- 6
Select the Prometric centre in Lagos and choose a date.
- 7
Sit the exam with valid identification.
Tips for Nigerian Candidates
Gulf Prometric exams can be taken at the Prometric centre in Lagos (Victoria Island).
Saudi Arabia (SCFHS) is the most common destination for Nigerian healthcare workers going to the Gulf.
Recruitment agencies often handle the Prometric booking process for you. Verify their legitimacy before paying.
Some Gulf employers sponsor the exam fee and even provide study materials. Negotiate this upfront.
The Prometric centre in Lagos serves multiple exam types. Ensure you book the correct exam code.
Processing of Gulf licensing after passing the exam can take 2 to 6 months depending on the country.
Gulf salaries for healthcare professionals are typically tax-free. Factor this into your career decision.
Preparation Tips
Each Gulf country has slightly different exam content. Confirm which exam you need: SCFHS, DHA, HAAD, MOH, or QCHP.
Prometric exams are specialty-specific. Study materials for your exact profession and specialisation.
Use past questions and study guides specific to the licensing authority (e.g., SCFHS review materials for Saudi).
Focus on clinical guidelines commonly used in Gulf hospitals (many follow American or British guidelines).
Pharmacology questions are common across all Gulf exams. Review drug dosages and interactions.
Many candidates find Gulf Prometric exams easier than PLAB or USMLE, but preparation is still essential.
Allow 1 to 3 months of preparation depending on your clinical experience level.
Recommended Resources
Cost Breakdown
Exam Fee
USD 200 to USD 400 (varies by country and profession)
In Naira
Approximately N310,000 to N620,000
Who Needs This Exam
Healthcare professionals seeking to practise in Saudi Arabia (SCFHS), UAE (DHA/HAAD/MOH), Qatar (QCHP), and other Gulf states
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Exam fees, visa costs, and requirements change frequently. The information on this page was last reviewed in April 2026. Always confirm fees and requirements directly with the official body before making payments or decisions.
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