Complete Guide to the SCFHS Consultant Interview  

What is SCFHS and Why It Matters

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialities (SCFHS) is the principal regulatory body overseeing healthcare practitioners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established to elevate the standards of healthcare delivery, SCFHS is responsible for licensing, evaluating, and classifying healthcare professionals across all specialities.

If you are a doctor trained outside of Saudi Arabia and planning to practise medicine at the consultant level within the Kingdom, the SCFHS Consultant Interview is a crucial milestone in your journey. The interview represents the final formal assessment before you are granted eligibility to work in a consultant role, and it is designed to determine your clinical readiness, ethical grounding, and understanding of the local healthcare framework.

Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in strengthening its healthcare system, and with that comes a growing demand for foreign-trained specialists. However, the bar for entry remains high, as the country aims to ensure that only professionals who meet its clinical, cultural, and regulatory expectations are allowed to practise. The SCFHS Consultant Interview is one of the most important tools used to enforce these standards.

Who is Eligible to Appear for the SCFHS Consultant Interview?

Eligibility for the SCFHS Consultant Interview is based on a combination of academic qualifications, recognised certifications, verified clinical experience, and compliance with Saudi Arabia’s classification guidelines. All foreign-trained doctors must also complete the official classification process through the Mumaris+ portal.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must hold a postgraduate medical degree such as:

• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Master of Surgery (MS)
• Diplomate of National Board (DNB)
• Doctorate of Medicine (DM)
• Magister Chirurgiae (MCh)

These degrees must be awarded by institutions listed in SCFHS’s approved directory and supported by documented residency or fellowship training.

Specialist Certifications

To qualify as a consultant, candidates are expected to possess a recognised board certification, including:

• Arab Board of Medical Specialisations
• Royal College Membership or Fellowship (UK)
• American Board Certification
• National Boards from Canada, Australia, or the EU
• Indian certifications such as DNB (post-MD) or DM/MCh

While the Arab Board is preferred, it is not mandatory. However, the absence of a regional board may trigger additional peer review or evaluation by the SCFHS Classification Committee.

Clinical Experience

A minimum of three to five years of independent clinical experience following specialist training is expected. SCFHS gives preference to candidates who have worked in teaching hospitals or tertiary care centres and who can demonstrate supervisory or academic experience.

Eligibility for Foreign-Trained Doctors

Foreign-trained doctors must go through SCFHS’s Professional Classification system via the Mumaris+ Portal. The classification process evaluates your qualifications, experience, and certifications to determine whether you qualify as a Consultant, Specialist, or General Practitioner under the SCFHS framework.

For reference, see the SCFHS Professional Classification Guidelines.

Structure and Format of the SCFHS Consultant Interview

The SCFHS Consultant Interview is a structured oral examination conducted by a panel of senior consultants nominated by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialities. It is the final gateway to achieving Consultant classification and employment eligibility in the Kingdom.

Format Overview

Interview Mode

All interviews are conducted exclusively online through Zoom. Each applicant will attend two sessions, with each session lasting 30 minutes.

What to Expect

The interview is primarily case-based and scenario-driven, covering:

• Management of speciality-specific acute and chronic cases
• Ethical decision-making and patient autonomy
• Understanding of Saudi clinical protocols and healthcare regulations
• Adaptability to cultural and professional norms in Saudi Arabia
• Comparison of international and local practice standards

Candidates are evaluated not only on technical accuracy but also on their ability to communicate clearly and demonstrate a respectful, culturally aligned approach to care.

Application Process and DataFlow Verification

The application process for the SCFHS Consultant Interview is multi-phased and digitally managed via the Mumaris+ Portal. This unified licensing platform is used for classification, document uploads, interview tracking, and final licensing.

Step 1: Create Your Mumaris+ Account

Begin by registering on the Mumaris+ system, which manages all licensing and classification workflows for healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia.

Step 2: Submit Required Documents

You will be prompted to upload scanned, certified copies of the following:

• Valid passport and personal ID
• Medical degree certificates (basic and postgraduate)
• Residency and fellowship completion certificates
• Active medical license from your home country
• Certificate of Good Standing
• Proof of employment experience (past 5+ years)

Step 3: Primary Source Verification (DataFlow)

All uploaded credentials are subject to Primary Source Verification (PSV) through SCFHS’s verification partner, the DataFlow Group. This involves direct confirmation with issuing authorities, universities, and hospitals. The process typically takes 2 to 6 weeks.

DataFlow must be initiated and tracked from within the Mumaris+ portal. Candidates are advised to respond promptly to any requests for clarification or resubmission.

Step 4: SCFHS Classification

Once your documents are verified, SCFHS will evaluate your case under the Unified Professional Classification framework. If deemed eligible for the Consultant category, your classification will be updated in Mumaris+.

Step 5: Interview Scheduling

After Consultant classification is confirmed, you will be notified about upcoming interview dates. Interviews are held throughout the year, with slots allocated based on your specialty and panel availability.

You can monitor scheduling and notifications through your Mumaris+ dashboard.

What Happens After the Interview?

The SCFHS Consultant Interview outcome plays a pivotal role in determining your classification and licensure status in Saudi Arabia.

Interview Result

You will receive your result within 1–2 weeks via your Mumaris+ account. Outcomes include:

• Approved – Consultant classification confirmed
• Conditional – Further clarification or documents required
• Not Approved – May reappear after a cooling-off period or feedback integration

Employment Offer and Contract

Once approved, you are eligible to receive offers from hospitals and medical institutions within Saudi Arabia. The offer letter usually contains details about salary, housing allowance, insurance, and other benefits.

Classification Finalisation

Once your interview is approved, your Consultant classification will be updated in the Mumaris+ portal. Only then can you proceed to employment steps or respond to job offers.

Employment and Licensing

Hospitals can now extend formal offers based on your SCFHS status. After accepting an offer, your employer will support the work visa process, which includes:

• Medical clearance
• Attestation of documents
• Coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

Once you arrive and complete onboarding, your Consultant Licence becomes officially linked to your employing facility via SCFHS records.

Why Choose PrepMedico for SCFHS Preparation?

The SCFHS Consultant Interview is a formal and clinically focused assessment that requires more than academic knowledge. Many candidates benefit from a structured approach that mirrors the interview format and expectations.

PrepMedico’s programme is built to support that need through a combination of mentorship, case-based learning, and guided practice.

The course includes:

• Weekly sessions with consultants familiar with the SCFHS process
  
• Mock interviews with performance-focused feedback
  
• Case discussions aligned with local clinical guidelines
  
• Support with document review and DataFlow processes
  
• Group learning opportunities to exchange insights and strategies
  

This format is intended to help candidates prepare systematically and approach the interview with clarity and confidence.

Key Takeaways

The SCFHS Consultant Interview is not simply a formality. It is a robust process that tests your clinical competence, communication style, and readiness to adapt to Saudi Arabia’s unique healthcare environment. With proper preparation and guidance, it is possible to succeed.

If you are a foreign-trained doctor aspiring to practise in Saudi Arabia, consider enrolling in a structured preparation programme. The right mentorship can mean the difference between an average performance and a confident, impactful interview.

To review the latest guidelines, classification standards, and licensing pathways, you may also refer to the official SCFHS website.

To learn more about how PrepMedico can support your SCFHS journey, visit: https://prepmedico.com/scfhs/ 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)