Since 2014, the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) in Saudi Arabia has implemented exam regulations for all healthcare professionals. The policy was created due to concerns about the professional quality of healthcare before practicing knowledge and skills in the workplace. However, the SCFHS appointed two providers to implement the examination for foreign nationals and citizens by Prometric and Pearson Vue.
These healthcare professionals, especially nurses face challenges in reaching the passing grade on the examination. The blueprint from SCFHS was released as a guide, and the guidelines were shared through the system. Furthermore, passing grade were calculated based on the professional group, such as nursing and midwifery, which were divided into two categories: technicians and specialists.
For nursing technicians, the passing grade is 45% from 150 questions, while for nursing specialists, it is 50% from 210 questions. Additionally, for midwifery technicians, there are 150 questions with a passing grade of approximately 55%, and for midwifery specialists, there are 230 questions with a passing grade of 60%. Furthermore, SCFHS assigns different testing providers either Prometric or Pearson Vue for each category, but generally both providers are similar.
Many healthcare professionals have questioned the selection of examination providers by SCFHS. However, the most important factors are not the provider but the strategies of nurses and midwives to achieve a passing result. Both providers administer the exam based on the blueprint provided by SCFHS and adhere to the regulation. Ultimately, the providers are responsible for organizing the exam, while SCFHS makes the final decisions. In my experience, the main difference between the two providers is the announcement of exam results. Pearson Vue releases results within 2-3 days, while Prometric takes 7 to 25 days.
Recently, a friend who works as a healthcare professional in Najran province contacted me about her upcoming exam schedule. The SCFHS had designated her as a nurse specialist, and the Pearson Vue was the assigned provider. She asked me about the rules of the exam and the provider that was given. We discussed many things about the examination, including tips and tricks to pass an exam.
From my experience and other healthcare professionals experience, I have summarized three ways of passing the Saudi Licensure Examination by SCFHS. First, study the exam blueprint, including the number and type of questions, topic sections, and passing grades. For example, in nursing specialist, there are many sections as part of the exam, such as fundamental of nursing, adult and maternal-child nursing, as well as nursing management and leadership. Each sections have different percentages and proportions, but we have to complete those questions from the easiest to the hardest based on our strategies for answering the questions.
Second, develop a comprehensive study plan by creating the study schedule, allocating time for each topic and section, and reviewing the questions. It is difficult to do these things for nurses and midwives who work in healthcare settings. In fact, they have to struggle to find time and opportunities to study because sometimes, the work schedule changes frequently and the department where they work has different shifts that affect their study. However, it all comes down to the nurse how to manage and organize their time, because passing the examination is difficult, while working without a license is dangerous.
Third, utilize support system and resources. It is important for new nurses to attend a study group or preparation course to discuss and share knowledge about exam. In addition, nurses also use an online preparation exam to broaden their understanding and practice answering exam question that they find difficult. However, the significant impact of a support system not only motivates us but also helps us design our study methods in order to develop a comprehensive study plan, either by group or individually. Do not seek out someone who simply shares their success without teaching and sharing their knowledge deeply, and do not read those materials base on the question and answer without understanding the blueprint.
