About 55 percent of health institute graduates have failed this year's Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) test which was given in English for the first time. The test, which is required by the Ministry of Civil Service for appointments to health ministry establishments, was described as “very hard” by some of those who sat the examination. Examinees further complained of poor English-language preparation in public education and institutes. SCFHS public and media relations head Abdullah Al-Zuhaiyan said that all health institutes had been notified of the SCFHS move to conduct all tests in English in accordance with the English language approved curriculum, and that the examination could be retaken after a further semester of study conducted in the English language. “It is a final decision that will not be revoked,” Al-Zuhaiyan said. A source at the Ministry of Health said the ministry had no involvement in the decision, but believed it to be a “good move promoting a mastery of work in the field.” The ministries of health and civil service are working with the SCFHS to study the reasons behind the high rate of failure. The SCFHS sets examinations for public and private health institutes which supply graduates in nursing, dentist assistants and technicians, opticians, physical therapists, laboratory technicians, and other specialties.
