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Required CME Hours for Professional Classification Renewal 2026 - Complete Guide

9 May 2026 5 min read 11,620 views
Required CME Hours for Professional Classification Renewal 2026 - Complete Guide

Official Updated Guide 2026

Every healthcare practitioner in Saudi Arabia needs a specific number of Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours to renew their classification. Find out exactly how many hours you need.

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) requires every healthcare practitioner in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to complete a specific number of Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours each registration cycle, ensuring ongoing professional development and maintaining the quality of healthcare provided to patients.

The required hours vary based on the professional category (not the specialty), and the professional classification is valid for two years, after which it must be renewed by completing the required hours through the Mumaris Plus platform.

+40,000
Healthcare Practitioners Served
2-4
Days for Hours to Reflect
100%
Accredited by SCFHS

Required CME Hours for Each Professional Category

According to the official regulations of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, professional categories are divided into 4 main categories, each with a specific number of hours required for classification renewal:

Professional Category Required Hours Examples
🔧 Technicians 20 hours Nursing technician, Lab technician, Radiology technician, Pharmacy technician, Anesthesia technician, Physical therapy technician
👨‍⚕️ Specialists 40 hours Registered Nurse, Nursing specialist, Lab specialist, Physical therapy specialist, Nutrition specialist
💊 Pharmacists 40 hours Pharmacist, Clinical pharmacist, Pharmacy specialist, Pharmacy consultant
🩺 Physicians 60 hours General physician, Dentist, Medical specialist, Consultant, Family physician, Emergency physician
💡 Important Note: The professional category (technician/specialist/physician) determines the required hours, not the specialty. So a lab technician and a nursing technician both need 20 hours, while a physical therapy specialist and a nutrition specialist both need 40 hours.

Choose Your Category for Detailed Information

Each professional category has its own specific requirements and methods for accumulating hours. Choose your category from the cards below to learn the complete details:

🔧

Technicians

20 hours

For all nursing, lab, radiology, pharmacy, and anesthesia technicians, and other healthcare technicians.

Learn More →
👨‍⚕️

Specialists

40 hours

For nurses, physical therapy specialists, nutritionists, lab specialists, and all bachelor's degree holders.

Learn More →
💊

Pharmacists

40 hours

For pharmacists at all levels: General, Clinical, Specialist, and Consultant pharmacists.

Learn More →
🩺

Physicians

60 hours

For all physicians: General, Specialist, Consultant, Dentists, and all medical specialties.

Learn More →

What Happens If You Don't Complete Your Hours?

⚠️ Important Warning: If the required CME hours are not completed by the end of the registration period, the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties allows renewal of the classification for one year only, available only once throughout the practitioner's registration.

After using this opportunity, completing the required CME hours becomes a mandatory requirement for renewing the classification, and it cannot be renewed without them. Therefore, we recommend completing the hours at least three months before the end of the registration period.

How to Accumulate Your Hours Quickly and Easily?

Earning accredited CME hours is a very simple process with the CME Hours platform. Follow these three steps:

1
📚

Choose the Right Course

Browse our collection of courses accredited by SCFHS, and choose what suits your professional category and the number of hours you need.

2
💻

Attend the Course Online

Our courses are online with flexible (evening) schedules that fit your professional life. Attend from anywhere at your convenience.

3

Get Your Hours

Your hours are automatically added to your Mumaris Plus account within 2-4 days, with an instant electronic certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many CME hours are required to renew the classification?

The hours vary based on the professional category: Technicians 20 hours, Specialists 40 hours, Pharmacists 40 hours, and Physicians 60 hours. These hours are required for each registration cycle (two years).

What is the difference between Technicians and Specialists?

Technicians are those who hold a one-year health diploma after high school. Specialists are those who hold a bachelor's degree in their specialty. The difference in academic qualification determines the professional category and consequently the required hours.

Do Consultants need different hours than Specialists?

In medicine, the consultant falls under the physicians category (60 hours). However, in nursing, a nursing consultant falls under the specialists category (40 hours). The professional category determines the hours, not the job title.

How often is the classification renewed?

The professional classification is valid for two years and is renewed every two years after completing the required CME hours. You can apply for re-registration up to three months before the end of the registration period.

How can I earn accredited CME hours?

You can earn accredited CME hours through courses accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, either in-person or online. With CME Hours, your hours are automatically added to your Mumaris Plus account within 2-4 days of completing the course.

Can I get hours from outside Saudi Arabia?

Yes, you can add hours obtained from outside the Kingdom through the Mumaris Plus system, provided they are from accredited entities. Log in to Mumaris Plus → My Services → Add CME Hours.

When should I start collecting hours?

We recommend starting as soon as you receive your new classification. Try to complete 50% of the hours in the first year and 50% in the second year to avoid pressure at the end of the period. Renewal applications are available up to three months before the end of registration.

Ready to Renew Your Classification?

Browse our collection of courses accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, and choose what suits your professional category and needs.

Browse Accredited Courses →
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