');

1. Introduction

The Saudi Nursing Licensing Exam (SNLE) is your official gateway to becoming a licensed nurse in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Whether you're a recent graduate from a Saudi nursing college or an internationally trained nurse seeking to work in KSA, passing the SNLE is mandatory for licensure and postgraduate nursing opportunities.


In this updated 2025 guide, you'll get a step-by-step breakdown of the exam structure, eligibility, blueprint, and top resources—plus a proven roadmap to help you study smarter using real clinical scenarios and high-yield MCQs.

✅ Whether you're preparing for your first attempt or aiming to boost your score for residency selection, this guide will help you move forward with confidence.


2. About the SNLE

The SNLE (Saudi Nursing Licensing Exam) is administered by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) and assesses whether a nurse is ready to practice safely and effectively in Saudi Arabia or eligible for postgraduate nursing training.

🧾 Purpose:
Required for nursing licensure in KSA

Required for postgraduate nursing programs under SCFHS

🩺 Who Can Take the SNLE?
Final-year BSN students in Saudi universities

Graduates of accredited BSN or equivalent programs

Foreign-trained nurses applying for Saudi licensure

💡 Good to Know:
Computer-Based Test (CBT) at Prometric centers

Testing available both inside and outside KSA

You can take the SNLE up to 4 times a year

🧠 Passing this exam demonstrates your clinical knowledge, reasoning skills, and patient safety awareness.


3. SNLE 2025 Exam Format (Updated)

The SNLE tests your ability to apply clinical knowledge to real-life patient scenarios—not just recall facts. Here’s how it works:

🧪 Exam Structure
Total Questions: 200 MCQs
(including up to 10% unscored pilot items)

Exam Split: 2 parts of 100 questions each

Time per Block: 120 minutes per part

Break Time: 30-minute scheduled break between parts

📋 Question Types
Mix of recall and scenario-based questions

Topics reflect both clinical and professional nursing competencies

All questions are multiple choice with four options and only one correct answer

🎯 Scoring
Scaled Score Range: 200–800

Passing Score: 500
(as established by the SCFHS through a formal standard-setting process)

💡 There’s no negative marking, so always attempt every question—even if unsure.



4. SNLE Blueprint (2025 Updated)

The SNLE blueprint is the foundation of your exam preparation. Created by the SNLE steering committee, this blueprint ensures the exam content reflects real-world nursing practice and aligns with what you're expected to know from your training.

📊 SNLE Content Domains
The exam is divided into four major nursing domains, each with multiple subcategories:

🩺 1. Nursing Fundamentals
Basic human needs

Physical assessment

Pharmacology

Nutrition in clinical care

Focus: Prioritization of care and essential nursing skills.

👩‍⚕️ 2. Adult Nursing
Medical nursing (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory)

Surgical nursing

Critical care nursing

Community health nursing

Mental and psychiatric nursing

Focus: Medical-surgical scenarios and acute/chronic illness management.

👶 3. Maternal-Child Nursing
Maternity nursing

Gynecology

Neonatal nursing

Pediatric medical and surgical nursing

Focus: Holistic care across the maternity and pediatric continuum.

🏥 4. Nursing Management & Leadership
Coordinating patient care

Quality and safety management

Interprofessional collaboration

Nursing informatics

Focus: Frontline leadership, delegation, and ethical decision-making.

⚠️ Patient Safety
Patient safety principles are integrated across all domains.

📌 Note:
The blueprint allows for a ±5% variation in domain weight.

No single exam will cover every sub-topic, but high-weight areas (Adult Nursing, Maternity, and Safety) are tested more frequently.

✅ Pro Tip: Align your study hours based on this blueprint. Focus more time on Adult Nursing and Maternal Health—where most questions come from

5. Eligibility & Registration Process

Before you begin studying, make sure you're eligible to take the SNLE and understand the full registration process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you navigate it smoothly.

📝 Who Can Apply for the SNLE?
You are eligible if you:

Hold a recognized BSN or equivalent degree from an accredited institution.

Are a final-year nursing student in a Saudi university (within 12 months of graduation).

Are an intern currently undergoing the required internship year.

Are a foreign-trained nurse planning to work in Saudi Arabia and approved by SCFHS.

🌐 How to Apply for the SNLE
Create an account on the SCFHS Mumaris+ portal.

Submit your documents for classification and licensing.

Wait for SCFHS approval and eligibility.

Once approved, you’ll receive a Scheduling Permit with your exam eligibility window.

Schedule your exam date via Prometric’s online portal.

💰 Exam Fee
Exact fee may vary slightly by region/test center.

Must be paid during the scheduling process.

📍 Test Locations
SCFHS-approved Prometric centers inside Saudi Arabia and internationally.

Testing is computer-based at secure centers.

📅 Important Rules
You can take the SNLE up to 4 times per year.

You cannot take the SNLE twice in the same testing window—only your first attempt will be counted.

SCFHS is not responsible for seat availability if you delay your registration.

Once you take the exam, it cannot be canceled or rescheduled.

⚠️ Be sure your passport or Saudi ID matches your name exactly as it appears on your scheduling permit. If not, you will be denied entry on test day.


6. Top Resources for SNLE Preparation

To pass the SNLE confidently, it’s essential to use reliable, updated resources that reflect the blueprint and the clinical reasoning style of the exam. Below are the top preparation materials officially referenced in the SCFHS SNLE Guide—plus additional tools to help you study smarter.

📘 Recommended Textbooks by SCFHS
🟦 Nursing Fundamentals
Timby’s Fundamental Nursing Skills and Concepts (12th Ed.)

Kozier & Erb's Fundamentals of Nursing (10th Ed.)

Bates' Nursing Guide to Physical Examination

Pharmacology: A Patient-Centered Nursing Process Approach (9th Ed.)

Nutrition Essentials for Nursing Practice (9th Ed.)

🟩 Adult Nursing
Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing (14th Ed.)

Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment & Management (11th Ed.)

Critical Care Nursing Diagnosis and Management (9th Ed.)

Community & Public Health Nursing (7th Ed.)

Clinical Nursing Skills and Techniques (Perry & Potter)

🟨 Maternal-Child Nursing
Foundations of Maternal-Newborn and Women’s Health Nursing (7th Ed.)

Wong’s Essentials of Pediatric Nursing (9th and 11th Ed.)

🟥 Mental Health Nursing
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (Videbeck)

Manual of Psychiatric Nursing Care Plans

🟪 Leadership & Informatics
Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing (Marquis & Huston)

Informatics and Nursing: Opportunities and Challenges (Sewell)

Quality and Safety in Nursing (Sherwood & Barnsteiner)

💡 Additional Study Tools
ExamCure SNLE MCQs Bank – With clinical scenario-based questions aligned to the SCFHS blueprint.

Free SNLE mock tests – Available on the SCFHS website.

Crash notes & high-yield summaries – Condensed notes to review last-minute.

Mobile apps – Use SNLE-style quiz apps for on-the-go revision.

🧠 Tip: Stick to 2–3 core textbooks per domain, and spend most of your time practicing MCQs with explanations.

7. Study Plan & Preparation Tips

Preparing for the SNLE requires strategy, consistency, and clinical reasoning—not just memorization. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or retaking the exam, a focused study plan can make all the difference.

📅 Suggested Study Duration
Depending on your background and availability, choose one of the following:

✅ 4-Week Plan (intensive revision for repeaters)

✅ 8-Week Plan (ideal for full-time students)

✅ 12-Week Plan (best for working nurses or those with weaker foundations)

🧭 How to Structure Your Study
Follow the SCFHS Blueprint:
Allocate time based on domain weight and your personal weaknesses.

Week-by-Week Focus:
Example (8-week plan):

Weeks 1–2: Nursing Fundamentals + Pharmacology

Weeks 3–4: Adult Nursing

Week 5: Maternal-Child Nursing

Week 6: Mental Health + Community Nursing

Week 7: Leadership & Ethics + Mock Test 1

Week 8: Revision + Mock Test 2

🧠 Effective Study Strategies
🔁 Daily MCQ Practice: Use clinical-scenario-based questions to train your decision-making.

📒 Use Crash Notes: Review high-yield summaries regularly.

⏱️ Simulate Exam Timing: Take 200-question mock tests under real-time constraints.

🧩 Focus on Application: Don’t just memorize—practice how to analyze and respond to a patient case.

📌 Daily Time Breakdown (Flexible)
1 hour: Read core content (e.g., Timby, Brunner, etc.)

2 hours: MCQ practice with explanation review

30 min: Flashcards or crash notes

1 hour: Mock test block (2–3 times per week)

💡 Tip: Use your scheduled 30-minute break during the real SNLE to reset and refresh. Practice mock tests in 2 blocks of 100 questions to build stamina.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid in SNLE Prep

Even strong candidates fall short due to common, preventable errors. Learn from others’ experiences—avoid these traps to increase your chances of passing the SNLE on your first try:

❌ 1. Studying Without the Blueprint
Many nurses dive into textbooks randomly. Instead, follow the official SCFHS blueprint so you know exactly what to focus on and how much time to spend per topic.

❌ 2. Memorizing Without Understanding
The SNLE focuses heavily on clinical scenarios. If you memorize facts without understanding the “why,” you’ll struggle to apply that knowledge in decision-making questions.

❌ 3. Ignoring Practice Questions
Reading alone isn’t enough. Practicing SNLE-style MCQs daily trains your brain to analyze, eliminate wrong options, and manage time under pressure.

❌ 4. Not Timing Yourself During Mocks
Time management is key in a 200-question, two-part exam. If you don’t practice under timed conditions, you risk running out of time during the real test.

❌ 5. Using Outdated or Non-Aligned Resources
Not all nursing books or question banks are designed for the SNLE. Make sure your resources match the latest SCFHS blueprint and contain Saudi-context clinical guidelines.

❌ 6. Skipping Mental Health & Leadership
These topics are often underestimated but carry a significant number of questions. Be sure to review Psychiatric Nursing, Informatics, and Leadership principles thoroughly.

❌ 7. Not Reviewing Incorrect Answers
Don’t just move on after a wrong answer. Always review explanations—both for the correct and incorrect options—to avoid repeating the same mistake.

💡 Tip: Track your weak areas weekly. This lets you adapt your study plan and focus where it matters most.

9. SNLE Success Stories & Insights from Past Takers

One of the most motivating parts of preparing for the SNLE is learning from those who already passed—many on their first attempt. These nurses once stood exactly where you are, and their insights can guide your mindset and study approach.

🌟 Success Story: Fatimah – Passed on First Attempt (Score: 640)
“I started studying 2 months before the exam. I followed the SCFHS blueprint, used ExamCure’s MCQ bank daily, and took full mock tests every weekend. The key was consistency and mastering scenario-based questions. Don’t rely only on notes—practice is everything.”

🌟 Success Story: Joseph – Repeater Turned Top Scorer
“I failed my first attempt because I only studied theory. The second time, I changed my strategy—focused on high-yield MCQs, especially Adult Nursing and Mental Health. I passed with 610. Don’t give up—just upgrade your method.”

🌟 What High Scorers Have in Common
✅ Practiced hundreds of clinical MCQs
✅ Used timed mocks regularly
✅ Focused on blueprint-aligned content
✅ Took care of their mental and physical health
✅ Stayed consistent with their plan

💬 Common Advice They Give:
“MCQs are your best friend. Practice more than you read.”

“Take the break during the exam—it really helps.”

“Don’t panic. Many of the questions are manageable if you trained with realistic vignettes.”

💡 Tip: Surround yourself with positive energy. Join study groups, Telegram channels, or follow motivational pages that keep you focused and connected to other candidates.

10. Free SNLE Sample MCQs (2025-Style)

 Here are 5 high-yield, scenario-based sample questions to help you understand the type and depth of the SNLE. Each question includes the answer and explanation—just like you'll find in the real exam.

🔹 Q1: Adult Nursing – Chest Pain
A 52-year-old male with a history of hypertension and diabetes presents to the emergency department with central chest pain radiating to the left arm. He is diaphoretic and anxious. ECG shows ST-segment elevation in leads V2–V5. What is the most appropriate initial nursing action?

A) Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
B) Start IV fluids
C) Prepare for cardiac catheterization
D) Administer aspirin
✅ Answer: D. Administer aspirin
🧠 Explanation: Administering aspirin early reduces mortality in myocardial infarction. While nitroglycerin and cath lab prep are also important, aspirin is the most immediate and accessible intervention.

🔹 Q2: Maternal-Child Nursing – Preeclampsia
A pregnant woman at 34 weeks gestation presents with a BP of 160/110 mmHg, 2+ proteinuria, and complaints of headache and visual disturbances. Which is the priority nursing action?

A) Provide a low-sodium diet
B) Monitor deep tendon reflexes
C) Prepare magnesium sulfate
D) Position in Trendelenburg
✅ Answer: C. Prepare magnesium sulfate
🧠 Explanation: Severe preeclampsia with CNS symptoms requires seizure prophylaxis using magnesium sulfate. Monitoring reflexes is important after starting the drug.

🔹 Q3: Nursing Leadership
A nurse manager notices that team morale is low after a series of high-stress shifts. What is the most effective leadership response?

A) Increase shift hours for better coverage
B) Organize a meeting to discuss staff concerns
C) Assign additional tasks to busy nurses
D) Ignore the issue to avoid confrontation
✅ Answer: B. Organize a meeting to discuss staff concerns
🧠 Explanation: Collaborative and transparent communication is a hallmark of effective leadership. It improves morale and promotes staff engagement.

🔹 Q4: Mental Health Nursing – Depression
A 26-year-old female with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder is admitted. She says, “My family would be better off without me.” What is the nurse’s best immediate response?

A) Reassure her she is loved
B) Leave her alone to rest
C) Ask directly about suicidal thoughts
D) Notify her family
✅ Answer: C. Ask directly about suicidal thoughts
🧠 Explanation: Nurses must assess suicide risk directly when a patient hints at self-harm. Open, nonjudgmental questioning is therapeutic and essential.

🔹 Q5: Fundamentals – Infection Control
Which of the following actions by a nurse requires intervention during central line care?

A) Using sterile gloves during dressing
B) Applying an occlusive dressing
C) Flushing with normal saline
D) Wearing only clean gloves when accessing the line
✅ Answer: D. Wearing only clean gloves when accessing the line
🧠 Explanation: Central lines are sterile procedures. Using only clean gloves increases infection risk and violates protocol.


📥 Want 15+ more free SNLE-style MCQs with answers & explanations?
👉 Download our free PDF below!

11. Why Choose Exam Cure for SNLE Prep

At Exam Cure, we understand the unique pressure of preparing for the SNLE. That’s why we’ve built a platform specifically tailored to help nurses pass on their first attempt—with full access to exam-style questions, crash notes, and performance tracking.

🎯 What Makes ExamCure Different?
✅ Clinically-Relevant MCQs
All questions are written in realistic SNLE format—clinical vignettes, patient safety focus, and Saudi-context decision-making.

✅ Aligned with the SCFHS Blueprint
Our question banks are structured by domain: Adult Nursing, Maternal Care, Leadership, and more.

✅ Crash Notes for Every Topic
Short on time? Use our visual and condensed notes to quickly revise key concepts.

✅ Mobile-Friendly Learning
Study anywhere, anytime on mobile, tablet, or desktop—track your scores and progress on the go.

✅ Mock Tests with Feedback Reports
Simulate the real exam with full-length mock tests + get detailed performance insights.

✅ Pass Guarantee
If you study with us and still don’t pass, you’ll get free access until you do. No hidden terms.

✅ Flexible Payments via Tabby
Pay in 4 monthly installments in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain. No credit card? No problem.

👩‍⚕️ What Other Nurses Say:
“The MCQs felt exactly like the real SNLE. The explanations were so clear, and the mock tests gave me the confidence I needed. Highly recommend!”
— Sarah A., SNLE Passer, Riyadh

“I failed the first time before using ExamCure. The second time with your crash notes and timed practice, I scored 580. Thank you so much!”
— Joyce L., Jeddah

📲 Join 1,000+ nurses who trust Exam Cure.
👉 Ready to start your SNLE journey?


12. Conclusion + Call to Action

The Saudi Nursing Licensing Exam (SNLE) isn’t just a test—it’s the doorway to your nursing career in the Kingdom. With the right preparation, strategy, and mindset, you can pass it confidently and open the path to exciting opportunities in hospitals, public health, education, and postgraduate training.

✅ You now know:

What the SNLE is and why it matters

The updated 2025 exam format and blueprint

How to apply and prepare

What resources to trust

How to study smarter—not harder

Now it’s your turn to act.


🚀 Ready to Start? Here’s What to Do Next:

🎁 Download Free SNLE Sample MCQs PDF
👉 DOWNLOAD
📚 Join the Full SNLE Course on ExamCure
🧠 1,000+ Exam-Style Questions | Timed Mock Tests | Crash Notes
💳 Price: 183 SAR/AED (≈ $49.99 USD) – Pay in 4 installments via Tabby!

🔗 [Enroll Now Button]
💬 Have questions?
 [Contact Us on WhatsApp]


🎓 Pass the SNLE with confidence.
Let ExamCure be your study partner—and your success story will be next.
Created with