SLE Pediatrics Exam 2026: Eligibility, Syllabus & MCQs

Last updated on 22-Sep-2026, by Dr. Muhammad Dr. Muhammad

 

SLE Pediatrics Exam Quick Summary

The Saudi Licensing Exam (SLE) Pediatrics specialty exam is a 200-question, computer-based Prometric test covering general pediatric medicine and neonatology, with a passing score of 65% for Registrar-level classification and 70% for Senior Registrar.

Saudi Licensing Exam (SLE) Pediatrics Specialty Exam

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) administers this specialty exam as part of its physician classification and licensing process, evaluating a candidate's knowledge and clinical judgment in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents, spanning neonatology, pediatric emergencies, growth and development, and general pediatric medicine.

Eligibility criteria for the SLE Pediatrics exam

To apply for SCFHS classification and sit the Pediatrics 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 Pediatrics: Completion of a recognized residency, Diploma in Child Health (DCH), MD, MS, DNB, or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Pediatrics 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 Pediatrics exam exemption criteria

Possible exam exemption
Pediatricians holding an active board certification from a recognized authority, such as a US board certification, a UK Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), a Canadian Royal College fellowship, or an equivalent Australian/New Zealand fellowship, may be considered for exemption from the written Prometric exam during SCFHS classification. Exemption is evaluated case-by-case as part of the classification review and is not automatically guaranteed, so confirm your own status directly with SCFHS through the Mumaris Plus portal rather than assuming it applies.

Classification and exemption eligibility are assessed individually by SCFHS, check your specific profile through the Saudi Licensing Exam overview and the Mumaris Plus portal.

SLE Pediatrics exam syllabus & weightage

The exam draws from the following subject areas, based on published SCFHS-aligned blueprints:

Domain
Weight
Growth, Development, Adolescent Medicine & Behavior
15%
Acute Care (ER, PICU, NICU)
15%
Allergy, Immunology & Infectious Diseases
10%
Respiratory Conditions
10%
Neurology
10%
Gastroenterology
5%
Metabolic & Endocrine Disorders
5%
Cardiovascular Conditions
5%
Hematology & Oncology
5%
Renal & Musculoskeletal Disorders
5%
Pediatric Surgery
5%
Professionalism & Ethics
5%
Patient Safety
5%

Most questions are presented as clinical scenario-based MCQs focusing on clinical decision-making and evidence-based guidelines, each typically with 4-5 answer choices and one correct answer.

SLE Pediatrics study material & questions
Our Qbank offers 850+ high-yield MCQs focused on the Pediatrics specialty, with comprehensive explanations built in exam-style practice format.

SLE Pediatrics exam format

200
MCQs (2 x 100)
4 hours
Time allowed
65% / 70%
Registrar / Senior Registrar

The SLE Pediatrics exam is delivered as a computer-based test via Prometric, split into two 100-question papers with a short break between them. Questions emphasize scenario-based clinical judgment, including recognizing red-flag presentations in infants and children, over isolated fact recall.

Preparation tips for the SLE Pediatrics exam

Prioritize the high-weight domains
Growth & development and acute/emergency care together make up 30% of the exam, build your revision schedule around these first.
Practice scenario-based MCQs
Expect vignette-style questions requiring you to judge severity and next steps in a child, not just recall a fact.
Pace yourself across both papers
With 200 questions in 4 hours split into two papers, aim for roughly 1.2 minutes per question and use the break to reset focus.
Use topic-wise question banks
Since official past papers aren't public, high-yield question banks reviewed by practicing doctors are the closest available proxy for actual exam content.

Sample Practice MCQs

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

> Question 1: Growth & Development
An 18-month-old is not yet walking independently and has fewer than 6 words in her vocabulary. Her parents report she was born at term with no complications. What is the most appropriate next step?

Answer: Refer for a formal developmental assessment and screen for hearing impairment.

Explanation: Failure to walk by 18 months and limited expressive vocabulary are both developmental red flags requiring structured evaluation rather than reassurance alone. Hearing loss is a common, treatable cause of speech delay and should always be screened early.
> Question 2: Acute Care
A 6-month-old presents with lethargy, a bulging fontanelle, and a high-grade fever. Blood pressure is stable but the infant is irritable when handled. What is the most appropriate immediate step?

Answer: Stabilize the airway/breathing/circulation, then proceed urgently to lumbar puncture and empirical antibiotics for suspected bacterial meningitis, unless signs of raised intracranial pressure contraindicate immediate LP.

Explanation: A bulging fontanelle with fever and lethargy in an infant is a classic presentation of bacterial meningitis. Time-critical empirical antibiotic therapy should not be delayed for confirmatory testing; LP and imaging are pursued as clinically appropriate alongside treatment.
> Question 3: Respiratory
A 9-month-old presents with a 2-day history of rhinorrhea, low-grade fever, and now wheeze with mild subcostal recession. Oxygen saturation is 96% on room air and the infant is feeding well. What is the most likely diagnosis and initial management?

Answer: Bronchiolitis, manage supportively with nasal suctioning, adequate hydration, and close monitoring; bronchodilators and corticosteroids are not routinely recommended.

Explanation: Bronchiolitis is the most common cause of wheeze in infants under 12 months, typically viral (often RSV) in origin. Evidence-based management is supportive care; routine use of bronchodilators or steroids has not been shown to change outcomes in typical cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

> What does the SLE Pediatrics exam cover?

It covers general pediatric medicine and neonatology across domains including growth and development, acute/emergency care, allergy/immunology/infectious diseases, respiratory conditions, neurology, gastroenterology, metabolic and endocrine disorders, cardiovascular conditions, hematology-oncology, renal and musculoskeletal disorders, pediatric surgery, professionalism and ethics, and patient safety.

> How many questions are on the SLE Pediatrics exam?

The exam consists of 200 MCQs, split into two 100-question papers, with 4 hours allowed in total.

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

Candidates generally need to score 65% for Registrar-level classification, or 70% for Senior Registrar-level classification.

> Can pediatricians be exempted from the SLE Prometric exam?

Possibly. Pediatricians holding an active board certification (e.g. US board certification, UK CCT, Canadian Royal College fellowship, or an equivalent Australian/New Zealand fellowship) may be considered for exemption during SCFHS classification, though this is evaluated case-by-case and isn't guaranteed.

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