What is the SPLE Exam?

The Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Exam (SPLE) is designed to ensure that pharmacists meet Saudi Arabia’s professional standards. It’s administered by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS), and passing it is a requirement to practise pharmacy in the country. The SPLE assesses your knowledge and skills, covering all aspects of pharmacy practice.

Who Can Take the SPLE Exam?

First things first—are you eligible? Let’s find out. Here’s what you’ll need to be eligible to sit for the SPLE exam:

• PharmD Degree: You need to have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree.
• Registered Pharmacist: You should already be a registered pharmacist in your home country or Saudi Arabia.
• Work Experience: You’ll need at least 1 year of work experience in either a community or hospital pharmacy.

If you meet these criteria, you’re all set to start the process of getting your licence in Saudi Arabia.

The 3-Step Process to Becoming a Licensed Pharmacist in Saudi Arabia

The path to becoming a licensed pharmacist in Saudi Arabia is actually pretty straightforward. It involves three main steps: Dataflow, Classification, and the SPLE Exam itself. Let’s go through each step.

1. Dataflow: Eligibility Check

The first step is the Dataflow process, which is like a background check to verify your qualifications and work experience. Think of it as the “eligibility check” phase, where all your credentials are verified to ensure you meet the requirements.

• Timeframe: Dataflow typically takes between 25 to 35 days to complete.
• Cost: The fee for Dataflow is 840 Riyal.

Once this step is completed, you can move on to the Classification stage.

2. Classification: Getting Your Eligibility ID

After Dataflow comes the Classification process, which officially determines whether you can take the SPLE exam. This is where you’ll be issued an Eligibility ID—an important piece of information that you’ll need when you book your SPLE exam.

• Timeframe: Classification takes around 5 to 8 working days.
• Cost: The fee for this step is 200 Riyal.
• Eligibility ID: Once your Eligibility ID is issued, you can make three attempts to pass the SPLE within a one-year period.

3. Taking the SPLE Exam

Now comes the big part—the SPLE exam itself. This is a computer-based test with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) designed to test your pharmacy knowledge. And the good news? You don’t have to travel to Saudi Arabia to take it. The exam is available at Prometric testing centres worldwide, including many locations in India.

• Format: The SPLE consists of 210 MCQs, split into two sessions of 105 questions each. You have a total of 4 hours to complete the exam.
• Passing Score: You’ll need to score at least 536 out of 800 to pass.
• Exam Fee: The cost of the exam is USD 289.
• Results: Results are typically available within 2 to 6 weeks.
• Attempts: You can take up to four attempts in one year to pass the SPLE.

Exam Format: What to Expect

The SPLE is held at Prometric testing centres and is entirely computer-based. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:

• Number of Questions: You’ll answer 210 MCQs, split into two sessions (105 questions per session).
• Time Limit: You have a total of 4 hours to complete the exam.
• Subjects Covered: The questions will touch on various areas of pharmacy practice, such as pharmacology, clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical chemistry, and pharmacy law.

The exam is comprehensive but manageable, especially if you’ve had good practice and experience in pharmacy. Nevertheless we are still here to help you out with your license without you sitting for the exams.