SLE Dermatology Exam 2026: Eligibility, Syllabus & MCQs

SLE Dermatology Exam Quick Summary

The Saudi Licensing Exam (SLE) Dermatology specialty exam is a computer-based Prometric MCQ exam covering general dermatology, dermatopathology, dermatologic surgery, and cosmetic dermatology, with a passing score generally in the 60-70% range depending on classification level.

Saudi Licensing Exam (SLE) Dermatology Specialty Exam

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) administers this specialty exam as part of its physician classification and licensing process, assessing a dermatologist's knowledge and clinical judgment in diagnosing and managing skin, hair, nail, and mucous membrane conditions, along with dermatologic therapy and surgery.

Eligibility criteria for the SLE Dermatology exam

To apply for SCFHS classification and sit the Dermatology specialty exam, candidates are generally expected to meet the following:

Primary medical degree: A recognized MBBS, MD, or equivalent medical degree from an accredited institution.

Specialization in Dermatology: Completion of a recognized residency, Diploma, Master's, or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Dermatology from an accredited institution.

Post-specialization clinical experience: Generally 2-4 years of post-specialty experience for Specialist-level classification, with 5+ years (or equivalent) required for Consultant-level classification. The exact figure depends on your qualification and prior classification.

Valid license & Good Standing Certificate: An active license to practice in your home country (or country of last employment), plus a Certificate of Good Standing confirming no disciplinary action.

DataFlow PSV & Mumaris Plus registration: All educational, professional, and licensing documents must be verified through DataFlow, and your application is processed through SCFHS's Mumaris Plus portal (mumaris.scfhs.org.sa).

SLE Dermatology exam exemption criteria

SCFHS's general physician exemption route is evaluated by which certifying body issued your specialist credential, not by naming dermatology specifically. If you hold one of the following, you may be considered for exemption from the written exam:

US ABMS board certification — active certification from the American Board of Dermatology (an ABMS member board).
UK CCT — Certificate of Completion of Training in Dermatology.
Australian/New Zealand fellowship — relevant fellowship from a recognized Australasian college.
Canadian Royal College certification — FRCPC in Dermatology.

Exemption is evaluated case-by-case as part of SCFHS classification and is not guaranteed — confirm your specific eligibility through the Mumaris Plus portal rather than assuming it applies.

SLE Dermatology exam syllabus

The exam draws from the following core subject areas, consistent with the general dermatology curriculum used across Gulf licensing exams:

Basic science of the skin
Pruritus and papulosquamous dermatoses
Urticaria, erythemas, and purpuras
Vesiculobullous diseases
Adnexal, hair, nail, and mucous membrane diseases
Metabolic, rheumatologic, and systemic diseases with skin manifestations
Genodermatoses and pigmentary disorders
Infections, infestations, and bites
Disorders due to physical agents
Disorders of dermal connective tissue and subcutaneous fat
Vascular disorders and neoplasms of the skin
Dermatological therapy
Dermatological surgery and cosmetology

Many questions are presented as image-based clinical case scenarios — testing recognition of lesion morphology and distribution — rather than isolated fact recall.

SLE Dermatology study material & questions

Our Qbank offers high-yield MCQs with real exam-style simulation, detailed explanations, and analytics, updated for the current exam pattern.

Subscribe to the Qbank →

SLE Dermatology exam format

70-150

MCQs

2.5-3 hrs

Time allowed

60-70%

Passing score

SCFHS specialist exams are delivered as computer-based tests via Prometric. A dermatology-specific question count and duration are not separately published — the figures above reflect the general range across SCFHS specialist exams, which varies somewhat by specialty. Passing scores are typically set higher for Senior Registrar than Registrar classification.

Preparation tips for the SLE Dermatology exam

Study clinical images actively

Many questions are image-based — practice recognizing lesion morphology, distribution patterns, and classic presentations, not just reading descriptions.

Prioritize high-yield disease groups

Papulosquamous disorders, vesiculobullous diseases, and skin neoplasms are consistently well represented.

Know first-line therapy

Be precise on standard treatment protocols and drug classes for common dermatoses — therapy questions are frequent.

Practice under timed conditions

Simulate the multi-hour, image-heavy format so pacing isn't a surprise on exam day.

Sample Practice MCQs

Test your knowledge with these original clinical scenario-style questions. Tap a question to reveal the answer.

> Question 1: Papulosquamous Dermatoses

A 34-year-old presents with a single oval, salmon-colored, scaly patch on the trunk ("herald patch"), followed a week later by smaller similar lesions arranged along skin cleavage lines in a "Christmas tree" pattern. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer: Pityriasis rosea.

Explanation: The herald patch followed by a Christmas-tree distribution of smaller oval plaques along Langer's lines is the classic presentation of pityriasis rosea, a self-limiting condition that typically resolves within 6-8 weeks without specific treatment.

> Question 2: Infections & Infestations

A patient presents with intensely pruritic, linear burrows in the finger web spaces and wrists, worse at night, with similar symptoms reported in multiple family members. What is the most likely diagnosis and first-line treatment?

Answer: Scabies — treat with topical permethrin 5% cream applied to the whole body, with treatment of close contacts.

Explanation: Linear burrows in classic sites (finger webs, wrists), nocturnal pruritus, and household clustering are characteristic of scabies. Permethrin 5% is first-line; all household/close contacts should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfestation.

> Question 3: Vascular Disorders & Neoplasms

A fair-skinned patient with significant sun exposure history presents with a slowly growing, pearly papule with rolled borders and visible telangiectasia on the nose. What is the most likely diagnosis and appropriate next step?

Answer: Basal cell carcinoma — confirm with biopsy, then treat with surgical excision (or Mohs surgery for high-risk facial sites).

Explanation: A pearly, rolled-border papule with telangiectasia in a sun-exposed area is the classic nodular basal cell carcinoma presentation. Biopsy confirms the diagnosis before definitive surgical management; Mohs surgery is preferred for cosmetically or functionally sensitive sites like the nose.

Frequently Asked Questions

> What does the SLE Dermatology exam cover?

It covers general dermatology, dermatopathology, dermatological surgery and cosmetology, and management across conditions including papulosquamous dermatoses, vesiculobullous diseases, infections and infestations, pigmentary disorders, and skin neoplasms.

> How many questions are on the SLE Dermatology exam?

A dermatology-specific figure isn't separately published. SCFHS specialist exams generally range from about 70 to 150 MCQs over 2.5-3 hours, with the exact count varying by specialty.

> What is the passing score for the SLE Dermatology exam?

Generally in the 60-70% range, with Senior Registrar classification typically requiring a higher score than Registrar classification.

> Does the SLE Dermatology exam include an oral or viva component?

This isn't clearly established either way. Some SCFHS specialist categories do involve an oral or clinical assessment, but it isn't confirmed specifically for Dermatology from independent sources. Confirm directly with SCFHS through the Mumaris Plus portal for your specific case.

> Can dermatologists be exempted from the SLE Prometric exam?

Possibly. SCFHS's general physician exemption route recognizes holders of specific certifications by issuing body — US ABMS board certification (including the American Board of Dermatology), UK CCT in Dermatology, recognized Australian/NZ fellowships, and Canadian Royal College certification (FRCPC). This isn't guaranteed; confirm your individual eligibility through the Mumaris Plus portal.

Ready to prepare with real exam-style questions?

Get high-yield topic-wise MCQs and detailed explanations built for the SLE Dermatology exam.

Subscribe to the Dermatology Qbank

TESTIMONIALS