SMLE Residency Matching Score Calculator
See how competitive you are for Saudi Board residency programmes
How Your SCFHS Residency Matching Score Is Calculated
The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) uses an aggregated scoring formula out of 100 points for residency matching. Your final score is derived from three components:
GPA Formula: (Your GPA ÷ Max GPA) × 30
Your SMLE score contributes the most (55 points), followed by your GPA (30 points) and CV achievements (15 points). Use the calculator above to see your estimated aggregate score and which Saudi Board specialties you are competitive for.
Saudi Board Specialty Competitiveness Rankings (2025)
The chart below shows the most competitive Saudi Board specialties based on 2025 SCFHS matching data. Specialties like Ophthalmology and Dermatology require the highest aggregate scores, while Family Medicine and Community Medicine are more accessible.
Top 10 Most Competitive Specialties (2025)
Specialties with the highest median scores across Saudi Arabia in 2025
Whiskers show the range from lowest to highest city score for each specialty
SMLE Score Bands for Residency Matching
Your SMLE scaled score (200–800) determines your competitiveness band for Saudi Board residency matching. Here's what each band means:
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the SCFHS residency matching score calculated?
The SCFHS matching score is calculated out of 100 points: your GPA contributes up to 30 points, your SMLE scaled score contributes up to 55 points, and your CV criteria contribute up to 15 points.
What is a good SMLE score for Saudi Board residency?
A score of 560 or above is considered passing for residency matching. Competitive specialties like Dermatology and Ophthalmology typically require SMLE scores between 640 and 720.
How many points does GPA contribute to residency matching?
GPA contributes up to 30 points, calculated as (Your GPA ÷ 100) × 30. For example, a GPA of 85 gives you 25.5 points.
What CV achievements count toward my SCFHS matching score?
Published research (+5 pts), postgraduate degree (+3 pts), 6+ months clinical experience (+3 pts), healthcare volunteering (+2 pts), and current employment at a healthcare institution (+2 pts). Maximum 15 points.
Which Saudi Board specialties are most competitive?
Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Cardiology, and Plastic Surgery are the most competitive Saudi Board specialties, typically requiring SMLE scores above 680. Family Medicine and Community Medicine are the most accessible.
How can I improve my residency matching score?
Focus on maximizing your SMLE score since it contributes the largest share (55 points). Then add research publications, postgraduate qualifications, clinical experience, and healthcare volunteering to boost your CV component.
Want a More Accurate Prediction?
Take our Scaled Grand Mock — the only SMLE simulation with real 200–800 scoring and percentile benchmarking.
Take the Scaled Grand Mock →Related Resources
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