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Saudi Commission for Health Specialties

Professional Classification and Registration of Health Practitioners Manual

1430 A.H. – 2009 A.D.

5th Edition

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Commission for Health Specialties

Professional Classification and Registration of Health Practitioners Manual

1430 AH – 2009 A.D.

5th Edition

Contents

No. Subject PageIntroduction

I General Definitions

II Principles and StandardsIII Degrees and Certificates That Are Not Professionally ClassifiedIV Health Related Courses and Changing Specialties4-1 Health-related courses4-2 Changing specialtyV Classification of Health Assistants, technicians and Health Specialists

5-1 Optometry5-2 Medical Laboratories

5-3 Nutrition5-4 Psychology5-5 SociologyVI Pharmacology6-1 Classification of pharmacists6-2 Pharm.D.VII AcupunctureVIII Spinal AdjustmentIX NaturopathyX Medicine, Dentistry and PodiatryXI Post-Graduate Specialty Certificates/Degrees in Medicine

11-1 Examples of certificates equivalent to the Saudi Specialty CertificateXII Subspecialty and Non-certified Subspecialty TrainingXIII Additional SpecialtiesXIV Definitions of Some Special Certificates14-1 Field Epidemiology Diploma

14-2 Degrees/certificates from the Russian Federation and Ukraine14-3 Degrees/certificates from Poland14-4 Degrees/certificates from the Czech Republic14-5 Bachelors of nursing, applied medical sciences and equivalents from the

Philippines and IndiaXV Visiting DoctorsXVI General TermsXVII Professional Classification and Registration FeesXVIII Certificate AttestationXIX Continuous Medical Education

Resolution

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees,by virtue of the powers vested in him and as decided in the first meeting of the Board of Trustees on 29 April 2008, during which the memo submitted to the Board requesting the approval of the Professional Classification and Registration Manual was discussed,

hereby decides to:

1. approve the 4th edition of the Professional Classification and Registration Manual, issued in 2005.

2. authorize the Executive Board to approve any future amendments in order to keep up with new developments relating to professional classification or registration.

Saudi Commission

for Health Specialties

السعودية الهيئة

للتخصصات

Minister of Health

Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Dr. Hamad bin Abdullah al-Mani’

Introduction:

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS), based on the belief in the important role it was assigned in the field of health professions and in order to accomplish the tasks it was entrusted with carefully and honestly, appreciates the trust granted by our prudent government pursuant to Royal Decree No. M/2, dated 6/2/1413 AH. Accordingly, the Commission believes that it should start off with addressing the goals related to establishing the proper standards and criteria for the practice of health professions and classification of health-related degree holders into the appropriate professional levels according to their academic qualifications and practical skills, as it is axiomatic that any shortcoming in professional practice would endanger a human life in our dear country.

The Commission, in an effort to put things into perspective and establish general rules for dealing with practitioners according to their qualifications and experience, set the required criteria and procedures for the equivalency of health-related degrees as well as the subsequent professional evaluation and classification of degree holders. Therefore, the Commission established several, accurate and objective criteria for assessing pre-graduation (training) and post-graduation (actual) experience and certifying practitioners. Essentially, the minimum requirements for qualifying to any professional level are the requirements for the programs approved by the Kingdom, which are used as benchmarks for all degrees that need to be classified. It should be noted, and stressed, that the Commission does not mean to belittle or question the academic competence of any institution whatsoever; the purpose is to put everyone in the place they deserve due to the great disparity in training methods and periods across countries, distinguish those who are competent and up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, and nominate strong and honest practitioners who can be entrusted with human lives in the healthcare sector to assume roles that correspond to their abilities. Moreover, we would like to note that the ad hoc committees responsible for the assessment of professional abilities and capacities, as well as assessment tests and professional classification, aim to ensure the required basis for safe practice, away from verbal complexity and sheer academics.

HE the Minister of Health, Chairman of the Commission’s Board of Trustees, issued decision No. 9A/28, dated 12/4/1428, adopting the Professional Classification and Registration Guide and authorizing the Commission’s Executive Council to approve any future amendments, in order to keep up with new developments relating to professional classification or registration.

Prof. Hussein Mohammad al-Freihi

Secretary General

I. General Definitions

No. Word/Phrase Definition1-1 The Commission Saudi Commission for Health Specialties1-2 Practitioner One who holds the required academic qualifications and has

the experience to safely hold a specific job in the Kingdom’s healthcare sector.

1-3 Professional registration

Creating a record for the health practitioner in the Commission’s database in order to keep track of his professional development and acquaint him with the Saudi Medical Code of Ethics.

1-3-1 Professionalre-registration

Updating the practitioner’s data and his commitment to continuous training and education programs after the registration period expires. The registration period is no more than three years for non-Saudis and no more than five years for Saudis, while practitioners over 60 must provide proof of their physical fitness for practice.

1-4 Professionalclassification

is a sequential process starting with the verification and authentication of qualifications and experiences and their relevance, and ending with a professional assessment is conducted to ensure that the minimum standards for safe practice are met regarding practical, clinical and theoretic practice; and accordingly, determining the professional level based on degrees, experience and assessment.

1-5 Professional assessment

A procedure performed by the Commission to determine the competence as well as the academic and professional level of the applicant, it includes either one or more of the following:1. A consultant studies the application to decide the appropriate level.2. Written examination.3. Academic, practical and clinical assessment by a specialist committee.

1-6 Hospital A hospital that accommodates the primary specialties and has at least one consultant or specialist registrar in each specialty.

1-7 Specialty center A facility specialized in one medical specialty or medical support science where consultants work.

1-8 On-the-job training The qualified practitioner’s attendance of a training program to learn a new technology pertaining to his specialty. The training course is not considered a qualification and half of its actual hours are counted as credit hours.

1-9 Training center A hospital or specialty center recognized by the official authorities for training purposes.

1-10 Experience Ongoing practice in the specialty field. Experience is counted as follows:A. Each year of service at a hospital or a specialty center is equivalent to one year of experience.

B. Each year of service at a health center or an equivalent facility is equivalent to six months of experience.C. If the practitioner does not practice his specialty, his experience is not counted and he is considered non-practicing.

1-11 Experience acquisition

The required experience to qualify for a higher level or for those who demonstrate professional shortcomings, either by failing the professional assessments administered by the Commission or by non-practicing.

1-12 Non-practicing Not practicing the specialty field for two or more years.1-13 General practitioner

/General dental practitioner

Holder of a bachelor’s degree in general medicine or dentistry who has at least completed the internship year.

1-14 Resident A. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in general medicine or dentistry who has completed the internship year and has at least one year of experience in the specialty field.B. Holder of a diploma (one year) in a medical specialty.C. Holder of a diploma/master’s degree (no less than two years) in a medical specialty, but does not yet have the required experience to qualify as a senior house officer.

1-15 Senior house officer Holder of a specialty degree (no less than two years) who has the required experience. The total period of training to receive the degree as well as the actual experience must be four years.

1-16 Specialist registrar Holder of the Saudi specialty certificate (or equivalent).1-17 Consultant Holder of the Saudi specialty certificate (or equivalent) who

has at least three years of experience in the specialty field at a recognized hospital or center.

1-18 General specialty Major specialty in one field of medicine, such as internal medicine and surgery. Training is carried out within a specific method at recognized center after receiving a bachelor of medicine. The practitioner must practice in the same specialty field.

1-19 Subspecialty Specializing in a subspecialty of general medicine. Training is carried out through the acquisition of practical and theoretical experience after receiving a post graduate degree in a general specialty, e.g. specializing in cardiology after specializing in internal medicine.

1-20 Non-certified subspecialty

Specializing in a medical subspecialty (cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, etc), without receiving a post graduate degree in general specialty. Training is carried out after receiving a bachelor of medicine. The practitioner must practice in the same specialty field.

1-21 Non-practitioner Holder of medical or health qualification who is not entitled to practice in the specialty because of non-practicing for two years.

1-22 Saudi Specialty The highest professional certificate the Commission awards

Certificate physicians. It is awarded after completing standardized clinical training and passing the required assessments. It is equivalent to a PhD.

II: Principles and Standards of Professional Registration and Classification:

2- 1) In principle, the Commission recognizes all certificates issued by recognized and internationally renowned universities, authorities and equivalent institutions. However, it preserves the right to reject any certificate that contravenes the regulations and standards applicable in the Kingdom.

2-2) Saudis who receive their degrees (bachelor’s, master’s or PhD) from abroad must get a certificate of equivalency from the Ministry of Higher Education.

2-3) The Commission recognizes all domestic health training programs supervised by Saudi universities and similar institutions which comply with the requirements set by the Commission. However, the Commission preserves the right to exclude any program that fails to meet the requirements and to subject its graduates to professional classification as required.

2-4) The Commission recognizes certificates issued by private health institutes and community colleges that are licensed by the relevant authorities in the Kingdom, provided that their graduates pass the Commission’s classification examinations.

2-5) All applicants for professional classification must pass the professional assessment procedures enforced by the Commission.

2-6) The Commission is aware of the difference between the certificate and its holder; therefore, it recognizes professional classification as a way to classify practitioners based on their abilities and experience at the time of assessment.

2-7) Whereas professional classification aims to qualify candidates for professional practice, the time acknowledged for classifying certificates in clinical specialties is the same as the actual time spent in practical training in the specialty field.

2-8) The health training and educational programs accepted by the Commission are standardized programs which practitioners join and gradually advance both in terms of level and responsibilities according to specific standards, and provided at competent training centers, provided that they meet the minimum limits of training set by the Commission.

2-9) Health certificates and qualifications are classified according to the program’s minimum admission requirements.

2-10) Adding the hours of different courses together and decreasing the required period of experience is not allowed for qualification purposes in the healthcare sector.

2-11) In classifying practitioners, the Commission observes the regulations and statutes effective in the Kingdom, including the Health Professions Statute, Practice of Health Professions Regulations and Private Health Institutions Regulations, in addition to the Commission’s training regulations and statutes.

2-12) Overlapping training periods to obtain different qualifications are counted only once.

2-13) If a preliminary decision assigns a lower qualification level based on the applicant’s score in the examination, reclassification is not allowed before the elapse of one year as from the date of decision or assessment.

2-14) Holders of degrees equivalent to the Saudi Specialty Certificate who are, in accordance with Saudi universities’ regulations, promoted to associate professors while working at their universities, may be classified as consultants upon the Professional Classification Committee’s recommendation.

2-15) Certificates that are not included in this manual shall be classified in accordance with the applicable training regulations in the Kingdom.

2-16) Classification applications submitted by non-Saudis who do not have the required experience shall not be accepted, unless they are born in the Kingdom or regular residents who have at least finished high school in the Kingdom. In such cases, they must work under the supervision of a specialist until they complete the required (two) years of experience.

III: Degrees and Certificates That Are Not Professionally Classified:

3-1) Purely academic programs in nature that do not include patient care, clinical practice or practical training in the field.

3-2) Health Certificates acquired through honorary training programs, as a visiting physician or a non-practicing attaché, or those acquired through correspondence and the like.

3-3) Certificates related to folk medicine which is not acknowledged in the Kingdom.

3-4) Certificates issued by non-health colleges and institutes.

3-5) Bachelor’s degrees in education, such as domestic economy and special education.

3-6) Bachelor’s degrees and diplomas granted by non-medical laboratories, such as chemistry, biology or zoology labs.

3-7) Certificates that are not subject to recognized training programs or those are acquired while working for non-recognized training centers.

3-8) Registration certificates that are considered as practice licenses or membership certificates of certain associations which are granted after passing the licensing examination in some countries such as the United Stated of America.

3-9) Certificates obtained or granted through distance education or correspondence study which contravene the regulations of higher education.

3-10) Bridge programs provided by some universities to graduates of institutions abroad, such as bridge program in radiology at Sudan University for Science and Technology.

3-11) Diploma of Psychiatric Practice (DPP); issued by Ain Shams University in cooperation with King’s College London.

3-12) Dermatology diploma or PhD granted by Boston University, USA, and similar certificates in the field of human medicine.

3-13) Certificates issued by the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of the United States.

IV: Health-Related Courses and Changing Specialties

4-1 Health-related Courses:

4-1-1) Full time health-related qualification courses that need full devotion and provided by a specialized body, which have standardized programs that are approved by the Commission. The credit hours of such courses are fully counted.

4-1-2) Courses provided by none-academic institutions, which the trainee finishes without having to be fully devoted to or to join one of the institution’s departments, which are compliant with cooperative training regulations and after which the trainee is granted the certificate without taking an exam. Half of such courses’ actual hours are counted as credit hours.

4-2 Changing specialty

4-2-1) A specialty may be changed if the following conditions are met:

A. Current specialty and desired specialty must be in the same field of practice and on the same professional level.

B. The applicant must have at least two years of experience in the new specialty field.

C. The applicant must take an assessment in the new specialty field.

V: Classification of Health Assistants, technicians and Health Specialists:

Level Basic qualification for admission

Required studying and training period for the

certificate after the basic qualification

Remarks

Medical Assistant Elementary education 1-3 yearsIntermediate proficiency 1-2 years

Technician Intermediate proficiency 3 years minHigh school 1-3 years

Senior Technician High school Community college(3 years min)

Specialist Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a recognized health field from a recognized university or college

-

Experience + studying period = 4

yearsSenior Specialist Master’s degree or equivalent

from a recognized university or specialized scientific body

Studying period is counted as 2 year max

PhD or equivalent

Consultant PhD or equivalent from a recognized university or specialized scientific body

-Min 3 years

of experience

in the specialty

field

Remarks:

1. Admission of Medical Assistant categories shall be limited to the fields of nursing, midwifery and first aid only.

2. The professional classification certificates of specialist and consultant medical assistants shall be as follows:

A. Laboratory Specialist (specialty …………..)

B. Laboratory Specialist (senior specialist, specialty………..)

C. Laboratory Specialist (consultant, specialty…………..)

5-1 Optometry:

5-1-1) Optometrist: holder of a bachelor of optometry who has the necessary experience. An optometrist must have good knowledge of the eye, its different parts and the function of each part, in addition to being capable of examining the eye, fitting lenses, diagnosing and treating diseases of the eye.

5-1-2) Optometric Technician: holder of a diploma in optometry (two years min) or equivalent from a recognized institute or college obtained after graduation from high school. An optometric technician must have good knowledge of the eye, its different parts and the function of each part, in addition to being capable of examining the eye, under the supervision of an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

5-1-3) Dispensing Optician: holder of a Diploma in Optical Dispensing (two years min) or equivalent from a specialized institute. A dispensing optician’s job is limited to eyeglass and lens sales and fitting. He must be familiar with all types of medical eyeglasses, sunglasses, frames and contact lenses, as well as their pros and cons.

5-2 Medical Laboratories:

In addition to the provisions of Article 5, the categories below in the area of medical laboratories may be classified as follows:

5-2-1) Holders of bachelor’s degrees in specialties indirectly related to medical laboratories, such as biochemistry or general microbiology are classified as a laboratory technicians, provided that they attend a one-year qualification course in the specialty field or have a minimum experience of two years in the specialty field at specialized medical laboratories.

5-2-2) Holders of master’s degrees in medical laboratories or equivalents, obtained after a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or general microbiology, are classified as specialists, provided that at least 50% of the program is practical training.

5-3 Nutrition:

Given the provisions of Article 5, categories in the nutrition field are classified on the following basis:

5-3-1) Holders of diplomas in clinical/therapeutic nutrition (two years min), obtained after graduation from high school or recognized community college, are classified as dietetic technicians. A dietetic nutrition must work under the supervision of a clinical nutrition specialist.

5-3-2) Holders of bachelor’s degrees in (clinical/therapeutic) nutrition from health faculties are classified as (clinical/therapeutic) nutrition specialists after a one-year internship.

5-3-3) Holders of master’s degrees or equivalents in (clinical/therapeutic) nutrition obtained after a bachelor’s in nutritional sciences, provided that the practical training program in (clinical/therapeutic) nutrition is no less than two years, are classified as specialists in (clinical/therapeutic) nutrition or as senior specialists after gaining the required experience.

5-3-4) Holders of bachelor’s degrees in nutritional sciences from faculties of science, agriculture, &c. are classified as specialists in clinical nutrition, provided that they successfully complete a qualification program approved by the Commission in (clinical/therapeutic) nutrition; and accordingly, their professional level is decided based on their performance in the qualification program.

5-3-5) Staff members working currently in nutritional sciences who are included in the health list are classified and registered according to their current positions in coordination with their employers. They are considered exceptional cases that future cases should not be benchmarked against.

5-3-6) Holders of bachelor’s degrees in nutritional sciences from faculties of science, agriculture, &c. are classified as non-clinical food services technicians and must work exclusively in supervising food services.

5-4 Psychology:

This specialty includes: (clinical counseling neurological and forensic/criminal psychology), which are classified in accordance with the provision of Article 5 of this manual, provided that bachelor’s degrees holders are classified as follows:

5-4-1) A holder of bachelor’s degree in psychology is professionally classified as an assistant psychology specialist, provided that he works under the supervision of a senior specialist or a consultant in Psychology.

5-4-2) A holder of bachelor’s degree in psychology who have a minimum of three years of experience is classified as a psychology specialist.

5-5 Sociology:

5-5-1) A holder of bachelor’s degree in sociology is classified as a sociologist.

5-5-2) A holder of bachelor’s degree in social service or equivalent is classified as a social specialist.

VI. Pharmacology

6-1) Classification of pharmacists:

Pharmacists are classified and registered as follows:

Level Degree ExperiencePharmacist (Bachelor’s/master’s degree)

from a recognized university or scientific body

Senior Pharmacist Master’s degree or equivalent in pharmacology after gaining

the required experience

Program + experience = 4 years

PhD in pharmacologyConsultant Pharmacist PhD or equivalent in

pharmacology from a recognized university

min 3 years of experience

6-2) Pharm.D.

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degrees in clinical pharmacology are classified as follows:

A. Pharm.D. that takes at least two years (studying/training) after receiving a bachelor’s degree in pharmacology is equivalent to a master’s degree.

B. Pharm.D. that takes at least six years (study/training) after finishing high school and a one-year accredited residency training program are equivalent to master’s degree.

C. Pharm.D. that takes at least two years (studying/training) after receiving a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and a two-year accredited residency training program is equivalent to a PhD.

D. Pharm.D. that takes at least three years (studying/training) after receiving a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and a two-year accredited residency training program is equivalent to a PhD.

VII. Acupuncture:

A. In order to be classified for practicing acupuncture the applicant must be at least a specialist registrar and attend at least (200) training hours or work fulltime in acupuncture for two months at a recognized center.

B. Graduates of institutions that are specialized in acupuncture following high school who undergo three years of training are classified as acupuncture technicians.

VIII. Spinal Adjustment:

Holders of bachelor’s degrees in chiropractic sciences are classified as chiropractic specialists and must work under the supervision of a senior house officer.

IX. Naturopathy:

Holders of bachelor’s degrees in naturopathy from recognized centers are classified as naturopathic specialists and must work under the supervision of a consultant in internal medicine, family medicine, orthopedics, neurology or neurosurgery. Their practice is limited to naturopathy and nutrition. However, they may use basic diagnostic methods such as blood tests, chemistry and x-rays), but may not write prescriptions.

X. Medicine, Dentistry and Podiatry:

10-1) Holders of bachelor’s degrees or equivalents are classified as general practitioners in the specialty (general medicine, density or podiatry) after the completion of a one-year internship at a recognized center in the field of general medicine, dentistry or podiatry.

10-2) Holders of bachelor’s degrees in podiatry may only practice in the specialty field. According to their training, they are classified as follows:

A. Surgical specialist.

B. Medical specialist.

10-3) Resident:

To become a resident, the applicant must have at least one year of experience in the specialty field following the internship year or have one of the following certificates:

Degree Country of Origin RemarksDCH India Equivalent to a one-year diploma

Specialty/Specialty registrar Pakistan Equivalent to a one-year diploma

MCPS

France Equivalent to a one-year diploma

A.F.SA.F.S.ACES (a)CES (b)

DESCHB

DU/CU

Medical Specialty Diploma Egypt Equivalent to a one-year diplomaOther diplomas recognized

by the Commission- -

10-4) Senior House Officer: for a practitioner to become a senior house officer in a field of medicine, one of the following requirements must be fulfilled:

Qualification Length * ExperienceMaster’s or equivalent Two years min Master’s plus experience

should be at least four yearsTwo diplomas as explained in

Article 10-3 which complement each other

Two years of experience as of the date the second diploma

was received* The length acknowledged is the period estimated by the Commission for the program based on the level of training.

10-5) Examples of certificates/degrees qualifying for the level of Senior House Officer : Certificates/degrees which are recognized by the Commission and whose post-graduation training period is no less than two years, in addition to practical experience in the specialty field, so that the total period of both the program and acknowledged experience is four years, such as:

No. Certificate/Degree Country of Origin Remarks1 Sudanese Specialization Certificate

(Sudanese fellowship)Sudan Equivalent to a three-

year diploma, excluding those who

became assistant professors at

university hospital for at least three years

2 Clinical MD Sudan Equivalent to two years of experience in

the specialty field3 MD

DNBMch

India Equivalent to a two-year diploma

4 Ph.D Egypt Issued by the Department of

Optometry at Ain Shams University,

Egypt5 Master’s degree Egypt Min two-year

master’s program6 Graduate studies Syria Equivalent to a two-

year diploma7 Specialty certificate Palestine Equivalent to a two-

year diploma8 FCPS* Pakistan Two-year diploma9 Completion of training

in the Saudi or Arabianfellowships


The training must be supervised by the

Commission and the applicant must pass

the assessment10 British and Irish

membership andfellowship

UK and Ireland For those who did not the standardized specialty training

course. Equivalent to a two-year diploma.

11 West Africa medicalcollege fellowship

Nigeria/Africa Equivalent to a two-year diploma if there was no standardized

program12 Family medicine

fellowshipCanada Equivalent to a two-

year diploma.* See Schedule 11-1 for fellowship certificates issued before 30 June 2008.

XI: Post-Graduate Specialty Certificates/Degrees in Medicine:

Certificates equivalent to the Saudi Specialty Certificate, which, based on experience, qualify the practitioner to immediately become a specialist registrar or a consultant if he had three years of experience.

11-1) Examples of certificates equivalent to the Saudi Specialty Certificate:

No.

Certificate/Degree Country of Origin Remarks

1 Saudi universities’ fellowships


2 Arab Fellowship Syria Those completing their training in the Kingdom must obtain a certificate of completion from

the Commission3 Specialty from Jordan

Medical CouncilJordan (JMC) Those completing their training

in the Kingdom must obtain a certificate of completion from

the Commission4 Egyptian Fellowship Egypt Those completing their training

in the Kingdom must obtain a

certificate of completion from the Commission

5 MD Egypt Must be received while training at a recognized university

hospital6 Higher Diploma in

Medical Studiesfrom the

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific

Research

Algeria Bachelor of Medicine is not obligatory

7 Specialty fromTunisia and Morocco

Tunisia & Morocco

8 British and Irishfellowships

UK and Ireland The applicant must have 4-5 years of residency experience at

a recognized center9 CCST

Certificate of Completion of Specialty

Training

UK and Ireland Qualifies for a consultant

10 Czech Fellowship Czech Republic specialist registrar/written testconsultant/test & assessment

committee11 PhD UK The applicant must have 4 years

of residency experience at a recognized center and be

registered with the General Medical Council

12 German/Austrianspecialty certificate

(Facharzt)

Germany & Austria

13 C.E.S(Certificat d’ Etudes

Specialisces)

France Was awarded to European nationals until 1985, when it

was replaced with D.E.S14 D.I.S

(Diplome Interuniversitaire de

Specialitie)

Awarded to foreigners

15 Specialty from theBelgium Ministry of

Health(Medicin Specialitie)

Belgium

16 Specialty from Italy(Diplome di medico

specialists)

Italy

17 Specialty from Denmark

Denmark (Speciallaege)18 Specialty from the

Ministry of Health based on the recommendation of Luxemburg medical

school (diploma dimedico specialists)

Luxemburg Holder must have spent at least 4 years of residency (Registrar

Ship)

19 Specialty from the Netherlands (SCR)

Netherlands A recognition and registration certificate issued by “Net do or

de Specialisten Registraticommissie” (SRC)

20 Swiss Specialty Swiss Medical Association (FMH) or equivalent

21 F.M.H in orthopedicsurgery

FMH in Switzerland

22 Specialty from Sweden(Certificate of

Specialization Swedish Board)

Sweden

23 Specialty (PhD)from Spain

Spain

24 Specialty (PhD) from Portugal

Portugal

25 Australian Fellowship Australia26 American Board from

ABMSUSA

27 The Canadian Fellowship

From the Royal College of Physicians and

Surgeons of Canada

Canada

28 MD or MS + DNB/MD + DM in internal

medicine subspecialties

IndiaPakistan

Bangladesh29 MD + MCH in surgical

specialties30 FCPS Pakistan The applicant must have worked

as an assistant professor for at least three years; certificates of experience must be issued or

attested by College of Physicians & Surgeons

Pakistan (CPSP) , except for fellowships issued after 30 June

200831 Master’s/fellowship South Africa Equivalent training to that

required by the Saudi Specialty Fellowship is required

32 DEDCHD ( Diplome D’Etat de Docteur en Chirurgie Dentaire + DESO ( Diplome Eu

Sciences Obontologiques) in

dentistry

France Diploma in dental surgery + diploma in dental sciences

33 European Board Europe The applicant must have standardized training at the country of origin which is

equivalent to the Saudi Specialty Certificate

34 Lebanese Specialty - The Lebanese University- American University

- Makassed Hospital - The Makassed Philanthropic Islamic Association of

Beirut35 MD University of Karachi36 Specialty from Brazil Brazilian Medical

Association, Brazil37 The Royal College of

Dentists of Canada’s fellowship

The Royal College of Dentists of Canada

38 Iraqi Specialty Iraq There must be standardized training equivalent to the Saudi

Specialty Certificate39 Kuwaiti Specialty Kuwait There must be standardized

training equivalent to the Saudi Specialty Certificate

XII: Subspecialty and Uncertified Subspecialty Training:

12-1) A non-certified subspecialty fellowship is a training fellowship for qualification purposes obtained by a trainee through a standardized training program after passing an examination in the same subspecialty at a recognized academic institution. It is classified as a non-certified subspecialty fellowship following a postgraduate degree in general specialty.

12-2) A non-certified subspecialty training course (fellowship) which does not include an examination at the end and in which the fellow is awarded a certificate of completion by the academic institution or university hospital is equivalent to a course commensurate with its actual training period.

12-3) Requirements for granting the title of non-certified Consultant in a subspecialty:

[a.] Three-year non-certified subspecialty fellowship, preceded by a postgraduate degree[b.] Two-year non-certified subspecialty fellowship, preceded by one year of experience in

the same subspecialty[c.] Three years of training in the non-certified subspecialty, in addition to one year of

experience in the same subspecialty[d.] Two years of training in the non-certified subspecialty in addition to two one years of

experience in the same subspecialty[e.] One year of training in the non-certified subspecialty, in addition to four years of

experience in the same subspecialtyor

a.[f.] Six years of experience in the subspecialty in specialized units at a recognized center, preceded by a postgraduate degree.

12-4) The holder of a specialty certificate who completes a three-year training program and has four years of experience in the same specialty, so that total training and experience are seven years, is qualified to become a non-certified consultant in the subspecialty. However, the title shall be limited to the subspecialty.

XIII: Additional Specialties:

Additional specialties is the acquisition of additional skills/techniques related to the main specialty, the practice of which requires obtaining an additional license; moreover, the holder must have complete a training course or have sufficient experience at a hospital or a specialty center in the required field, such as:

1. Infertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF), for gynecologists, obstetricians and senior house officers in embryology and endocrinology.

2. Laser eye surgery (for consultant ophthalmologists).

3. An additional license to use hair removal and excimer laser is granted to a dermatology senior house officer/consultant who attends a two-hour (min) training course - approved by the Commission - after having passed the professional assessment administered by the Commission.

4. An additional license to use laser, intense pulse light (IPL) , radio waves and photodynamic therapy (PDT) is granted to a dermatology (senior house officer/consultant) who attends a four-hour training course - approved by the Commission - after having passed the professional assessment administered by the Commission.

5. Endoscopy license for non-gastroenterology consultants, i.e. specialists in internal medicine, pediatrics and general surgery.

6. Circumcision license (physicians who are not urologists, pediatricians, plastic surgeons or general surgeons).

7. Analgesia (for consultants in anesthesia or neurosurgery).

8. Endoscopic surgery (for surgical consultants).

9. Ultrasound (for non-radiologists).

10. Hair transplantation (for dermatologists and plastic surgeons).

11. Dental implantology.

A- Additional license for dental implants (prosthodontic component):

The additional license for the prosthodontic component of the implant is granted to a senior house officer/consultant in oral and maxillofacial surgery or periodontology who completes at least 100 hours of standardized training on the prosthodontic component in one or more recognized courses at scientific institutions/commissions recognized by the Commission. After passing the theoretic and clinical assessment, the trainee must provide proof that he trained on the prosthodontic component – no less than 15 cases – issued by the recognized training institution/commission, not a commercial company.

B- Additional license for dental implants (surgical component):

The additional license for the surgical component of the implant to is granted to a senior house officer/consultant in oral prosthodontics or restorative dentistry who completes at least 100 hours of standardized training on the surgical component in one or more recognized courses at scientific institutions/commissions recognized by the Commission. After passing the theoretic and clinical assessment, the trainee must provide proof that he trained on the surgical component – no less than 15 cases – issued by the recognized training institution/commission, not a commercial company.

C- Additional license for dental implants (prosthodontic/surgical component) for general dentists:

The additional license for the prosthodontic/surgical component of the implant to is granted to a general dentist who has at least four years of experience and standardized training on one or both components of dental implantology. The dentist must attend at least 200 hours of training – one or more courses – on the prosthodontic and surgical components (100 hours each) of the implant at a scientific institution/commission recognized by the Commission, not a commercial company. Moreover, the dentist must finish treating 20 cases surgically and prosthodontically (documented by the recognized training institution/commission. After passing the theoretic and clinical assessment, the license is given either in the prosthodontic component, the surgical component or both.

XIV: Definitions of Some Special Certificates:

14-1 Diploma in Field Epidemiology:

A diploma awarded by the School of Medicine at King Saud University in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Physicians and non-physician practitioners are eligible for admission. This diploma is equivalent to a two-year diploma in the same specialty.

14-2 Degrees/certificates from the Russian Federation and Ukraine:

14-2-1) Nursing and technical certificates: less than four years after high school qualifies the applicant to practice as a (technician) if he passes the assessment, while more than four years qualifies the applicant to practice as a (specialist).

14-2-2) Bachelor of Pharmacy: duration is five years; equivalent to a bachelor of pharmacy in the Kingdom.

4-2-3) Dentistry: duration is five years; equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and a training (internship) year.

14-2-4) General Medicine: six years plus one year of training (internship year). It is called “Stagior” in Russian, i.e. (bachelor’s/diploma) and it is equivalent to a bachelor of medicine / bachelor of surgery in the Kingdom.

14-2-5) Specialist Certificate (Clinical Ordinatura): “KauhuUeckou opguka type” in Russian. At least three years of training is required to receive the certificate. It is equivalent to a two-year program: specialist = master = magista and qualifies its holder to practice as a senior house officer after gaining the required experience.

14-2-6) Fellowship (PhD/MD): “Kandidate Nauk” in Russian. It requires three to five years of training after receiving a master’s degree. It is equivalent to the Saudi Specialty Certificate (PhD).

14-3 Degrees/certificates from Poland:

14-3-1) Nursing, including:

A. Nurse: four years of studying at a secondary nursing school after middle school and it is called “Dyplom Pielegniarki/Pielegniarza”.

It is equivalent to the diploma granted by secondary health institutes and qualifies its holder to practice as a nursing technician.

B. Qualified nurse: two years of studying at a nursing institute after high school and it is called “Dyplom dielegniarza”, “Diplom Pyplomowanego” or “Pielegniarki Dyplomowanej”.

It is equivalent to the diploma granted by advanced secondary health institutes and qualifies its holder to practice as a nursing technician.

C. Bachelor of Nursing: four years of studying at the school of medicine- nursing department and it is called “Dyplom Magistra Pielegniarstwa”.

It is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and qualifies its holder to practice as a specialist.

D. Pharmacy: its duration is five years and it is called “Dyplom Magistra Farmacji”.

It is equivalent to a bachelor of pharmacy.

E. Dentistry: five years plus an internship year. It is called “Dyplom Lekarza Stomatologa” and it is equivalent to a bachelor of dentistry.

F. Medicine: six years plus an internship year. It is called “Dyplom Lekarza Medyeyny” and it is equivalent to a bachelor of medicine / bachelor of surgery in the Kingdom.

14-3-5) Specialty certificates:

14-3-5-1) Until 1999, specialty programs were divided into two levels and comprised two stages:

A. Level 1: 2-3 years of training; the degree is called “Dyplom I Stopnia” and it is equivalent to a master’s degree.

B. Level 2: 3-4 years of training in addition to a state’s examination. The degree is called “Dyplom II Stopnia”; it is equivalent to a PhD and qualifies the practitioner to become a specialist registrar.

14-3-5-2) Starting early 1999, the European Union specialties’ system was applied and the specialty was changed into one level. The program is now no less than five years, depending on the specialty, and the degree is called “Dyplom Specjalisty”; it is equivalent to a PhD and qualifies its holder to become a specialist registrar.

14-3-5-3) Sub-specialties (such as heart surgery, neurosurgery and plastic surgery):

- Until 1999: it required 3-4 years of training after completing level 1”Dyplom I Stopnia” and passing the state’s examination; it qualifies its holder to become a subspecialist.

- Since early 1999: requires 2-3 years of training after completing “Dyplom Specjalisty” and passing the state’s examination; it qualifies its holder to become a specialist.

14-4 Degrees/certificates from the Czech Republic:

14-4-1) The specialty certificate “Prvniho Stupune” qualifies its holder to become a senior house officer after passing the professional assessment.

14-4-2) The specialty certificate “Druheho Stupune” qualifies its holder to become a specialist registrar or consultant, based on experience.

14-5 Bachelors of nursing, applied medical sciences and equivalents from the Philippines and India:

14-15-1) upon the completion of ten years of general education, holders of bachelor degrees in nursing and applied medical sciences are classified as specialists in their specialties, provided that they have a four-year bachelor degree, the Board Certificate in the same specialty and three years of experience in the whatever specialty stated in the certificate, whether optometry, physiotherapy, nutrition, respiratory therapy, medical labs, dental technology, radiology, etc. except for pharmacy.

XV: Visiting Doctors:

1. Pursuant to Ministerial Resolution No. 2118/20, dated Jun 6 1999 AH, the Commission shall classify visiting doctors according to the following criteria:

1- The visiting doctor must be a consultant in his home country; he must be specialized in rare specialty and familiar with new techniques not available in the Kingdom.

2- The visiting doctor must have a valid practicing license in his home country.3- The visiting doctor must have never been convicted of a Sharia violation, a criminal

offence or a medical error, nor deported from the Kingdom for any reason related to the medical profession.

4- The Commission’s recommendation to invite a visiting doctor is not considered as a permanent classification certificate to work in the Kingdom.

XVI: General Terms:

16-1) Applicants that have health-related certificates from abroad are classified through professional assessment.

16-2) Those who were not qualified because of failing the assessment may be reclassified after spending a training period and gaining new experience at a hospital that accommodates the respective specialty, or after receiving a higher qualification recognized by the Commission. The application is accepted after one year from the date of the decision.

16-3) Practitioners given exceptions who pass the professional assessment are reassessed one year after the professional classification decision. However, a final non-qualification decision is issued for those failing for the second time.

16-3-1) Saudi practitioners who pass on their fourth attempt must be reassessed one year after the classification decision. The classification decision must state (reassessment after one year).

16-4) Classification from one level to another requires a new application and a new assessment.

16-5) Government employees may not be classified as consultants without the approval of their departments.

16-6) Those failing the assessment for a certain professional level may not be classified to a lower level. However, this does not apply to nurses working at health centers, clinics and clinic complexes, as they may take the nursing assistant assessment if they fail the nursing assessment, provided they work exclusively in health centers, clinics and clinic complexes after passing the nursing assistant assessment.

16-7) An applicant for the level of a specialist registrar/consultant who fails the first attempt may redo the assessment. If he passes, he is classified to a lower professional level than what he applied for or to the actual level if it was lower. However, he may submit a new professional classification request to upgrade his level one year after he passes the assessment or one year after the classification decision.

16-8) If a non-physician does not practice for 2-5 years, he must go back to training for 2-6 months, based on the time spent without practicing. However, if a practitioner does not practice for more than five years, he must train for six months if he had previous experience or for one year if he did not have previous experience, in addition to passing the professional classification assessment.

16-9) Non-practicing (physician):

A. 2-5 years: the practitioner's experience is evaluated, he must receive 2-6 months of training in the field of his specialty, based on the time spent without practicing, and he must pass the professional classification assessment.

B. 5-10 years: the practitioner's experience is evaluated, he must receive six months of training in the field of his specialty if he had previous practical experience and one year if he did not practice before, and he must pass the professional classification assessment.

C. Non-practicing for more than ten years: with previous practicing experience must have their experience evaluated, receive one year of training and pass the professional classification assessment.

D. Non-practicing for more than ten years: those without previous practicing experience must train for at least one year at a recognized training center and successfully complete 4 three-month courses in (internal medicine, pediatrics, general surgery and OB/GYN).

16-10) The number of examination attempts shall be as described below.

A. The Commission’s examination administered by Prometric: the applicant is allowed two attempts for the classification examination within three months. If the applicant fails or does not attend the examination, he is given another opportunity to sit for the examination within three months from the date of the last attempt and he must pay the

stipulated fees. However, if the applicant fails or does not attend the examination, he will be automatically declared non-qualified.

B. Scheduled written examinations (committees): the applicant is allowed two attempts in a row. If the applicant fails or does not attend the examination, he is given another opportunity to sit for the examination before the next committee and he must pay the stipulated fees. However, if the applicant fails or does not attend the examination, he will be automatically declared non-qualified.

C. In case of non-qualification, the applicant may apply again one year after the non-qualification decision and he must pay the stipulated fees.

D. Graduates of private health institutes, health colleges, and community colleges in the Kingdom are given two attempts. Those failing the examination must undergo additional training, and then they are given two additional attempts. Those failing the additional two attempts will be assessed by a committee until the Commission implements a system of standardized tests.

16-10-1) The applicant's employer must be notified if the applicant is not qualified.

16-11) The date the board of the college/university adopts the decision is considered the actual date of the certificate.

16-12) Holders of a bachelor of medicine / bachelor of surgery may be classified as medial advertising and pharmaceutical marketing representatives if they pass the pharmaceutical professional classification assessment.

16-13) Classified ophthalmology senior house officers who wish to work in optical centers must apply for an additional license and take a written examination in optometry, provided that they work exclusively in the field of optometry.

16-14) The physical (hearing, sight, etc.), psychological and neural abilities of professional classification or registration applicants over (60) years old must be tested. The result is either "fit for medical practice" or "unfit for medical practice".

16-15) All graduates of government programs below a bachelor's degree must sit for the professional classification examination.

16-16) In accordance with the Health Professional Practice Act issued pursuant to Royal Decree No. M/59, dated 15 December 2005, subscription to cooperative insurance against medical errors is mandatory for all physicians and dentists both in the public and the private sectors.

16-17) Changing professional level:

A. The Commission may change the professional level or revoke the practitioner's classification and registration certificate by virtue of a court order or due to the request of the competent

authorities for reassessment purposes, or if the practitioner turned out to have received the certificate by mistake or in an illegal manner.

B. If the practitioner submits a request to upgrade his professional level, the Commission may either change or revoke the professional classification certificate based on the recommendation of the assessment committee.

16-18) The Commission may amend any article of this Manual whenever it deems appropriate without prior notice.

16-19) The Secretary General may chose to make exceptions to any of this Manual's provisions, if necessary.

XVII: Professional Classification and Registration Fees:

Professional classification and registration fees are paid for with a check written to the order of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, by credit card or by a bank deposit to the Commission's bank account as described below:

A. Professional classification fees:

Level FeesConsultant SAR 1800

Physician (senior house officer/ specialist registrar)

SAR 1500

General Doctor/Dentist SAR 1100Subspecialty Physician (advanced fellowship) SAR 1100 + SAR for each additional

fellowship within the same applicationPharmacist/Health Specialist

(bachelor's/master's)SAR 1100

Pharm.D./Health Specialist SAR 1500(Technician/Nurse/Health Assistant) SAR 600Additional specialties (committees) SAR 1500

Bachelor's degrees from Saudi universities(direct decisions/physicians)

SAR 500

Bachelor's degrees from Saudi universities(direct decisions/non-physicians)

SAR 500

B. Professional registration fees:

Professional Classification

Fees (5 years)*

Professional Classification Fees

(3 years)Annual FeesLevelCategory

SAR 1250SAR 750SAR 250Consultant

Physicians SAR 1000SAR 600SAR 200

Senior house Officer + Specialist Registrar

SAR 800SAR 480SAR 160Resident + General

Doctor/Dentist

SAR 1000SAR 600SAR 200ConsultantNon-physicians

SAR 800SAR 480SAR 160Senior Specialist

SAR 600SAR 360SAR 120Specialist/Pharmacist

SAR 400SAR 240SAR 80Assistant/Technician/

Senior Technician

* The five-year professional registration column is for Saudi practitioners only.

C. Other services' fees:

NO. Document Fees

1 Certificate translation and accreditation SAR 300

2 Reissuance of lost certificate or modification of classification certificate for physicians, pharmacists,

specialists and equivalents

SAR 300

3 Modify or reissue lost registration card SAR 150

4 Certificate of good standing/practice SAR 300

5 Attesting certificates to make sure they fulfill all the Commission's requirements.

SAR 150

XVIII: Certificate Attestation:

Certificates are attested by one of the bodies listed below. The order of the list must be observed, i.e. you may not go to No. 2 if No. 1 is available.

18-1) Saudi cultural attaché in the country of origin.

18-2) Saudi embassy or representative in the country of origin.

18-3) Saudi embassy or representative certification above the certification of the embassy of another country

18-4) The country of origin's embassy in the Kingdom + Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

18-5) Party recognized and approved by the Commission.

XIX: Required Continuous Medical Education and Professional Development Hours for Practitioners in Order to Re-register with the Commission:

A- Required continuous medical education hours by practitioners for re-registration:

Category Average Hours per

Year

Required Hours Details

3 Years 5 YearsPhysicians and dentist

30 90 h 150 h Max (10) hours per year for domestic activities.

Max (10) hours per year for general skills development.

Min (12) hours per year for specialized seminars, conferences and workshops, including accredited online activities.

(10) hours for independent activities, such as specialized reading, writing, and watching relevant scientific films.

Pharmacists 20 60 h for pharmacists &

consultants

100 h for pharmacists

and consultants

Max (7) hours per year for domestic activities.




Nurses 15 45 h for specialists and consultants

75 h for specialists

and consultants





Other applied medical jobs

2-10 60 h for specialists and consultants

100 h for specialists


and consultants Max (5) hours per year for general skills

development.



Technicians 10 30 h for all categories

50 h for all categories

B. Categories exempt from continuous medical education are health assistants - regardless of specialty - and some technicians (optical laboratory technicians, health or hospital management technicians, medical records technicians, medical secretary technicians, biomedical equipment technicians, health monitoring technicians and environmental technicians).

C. ICDL is counted as non-mandatory continuous education hours for practitioners as follows:

- ICDL Start: 10 hours of continuous education, counted only once.

- ICDL, 15 hours of continuous education, counted only once.

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