Determinants of Saudi Nursing Licensure Examination Failure among Indonesian Nurses: A Cross-sectional Study

Sep 2, 2026

Many Indonesian nurses working in Saudi Arabia face major obstacles when attempting to pass the Saudi Nursing Licensing Exam (SNLE) and obtain registered nurse status. This cross-sectional study evaluates factors tied to SNLE failure and their implications for the future presence of Indonesian nurses in Saudi Arabia. Data from 137 nurses (Nov 2024–Feb 2025) was analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression based on a self-administered questionnaire.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

| | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Determinants of Saudi Nursing Licensure Examination Failure among Indonesian Nurses: A Cross-sectional Study
Akhir Fahruddin, RN, MPH1*; Hadiyah Chairanny, RN, MSN 2; Ade Koswara, RN 3
1 Department of Research and Education, Indonesian National Nurses Association (INNA), Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
* Correspondence Author. Email: [akhir.fahruddin@gmail.com](akhir.fahruddin@gmail.com)
2 Department of Nursing Management, King Saud Medical City (KSMC), Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
3 King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC), Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. | | | | | ARTICLE INFO
Article History:
Received: March 8, 2025
Accepted: May 18, 2025 | | ABSTRACT
Background: Many Indonesian nurses in Saudi Arabia encounter challenges in passing the Saudi Nursing Licensing Exam (SNLE) to become registered nurses. Purpose: This study aims to analyze the factors contributing to examination failure and their implications for the presence of Indonesian nurses in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2024 and February 2025, involving 137 nurses selected through simple random sampling. The independent variables included demographic data, exam preparation, English proficiency, and external support. The dependent variable was exam outcomes, and data was collected through a self–administered questionnaire to determine both internal and external factors. Data was analyzed with chi-square and logistic regression to examine the significance of these factors. Results: Three factors statistically influenced the Saudi Nursing Licensing Exam (SNLE) results among Indonesian nurses: work experience (p = 0.021; <0.05; OR = 0.14), SNLE difficulties (p = 0.039; <0.05; OR = 8.64), and alignment with nursing material and the nursing blueprint (p = 0.025; <0.05; OR = 0.11). Conclusion: The study highlights that work experience, SNLE difficulties, and exam alignment with nursing materials are identified as predictors of SNLE results. Implications for Nursing: An evaluation of the many aspects that influence examination results is important. Enhancing training, offering mock exams, and improving Englishlanguage proficiency through an integrated educational curriculum will be significant for Indonesian nurses to pass the exam.
Keywords: Indonesian nurses, Saudi Arabia, Prometric, Exam, Registered Nurse. | | | Variable | Categories | N (%) | | --- | --- | --- | | Demographic characteristic | | | | Age Group | 20-25 years old | 20 (14.60) | | | 26-30 years old | 44 (32.12) | | | 31-35 years old | 32 (23.36) | | | >36 years old | 41 (29.93) | | Gender | Male | 25 (18.25) | | | Female | 112 (81.75) | | Workplace | Public Hospital | 25 (18.25) | | | Private Hospital | 28 (20.44) | | | Clinic | 84 (61.31) | | Work Experience | Less than 1 year | 19 (13.87) | | | 1-3 years | 54 (39.42) | | --- | --- | --- | | | 4-6 years | 24 (17.52) | | | 6 years and above | 40 (29.20) | | Level of Education | Diploma | 67 (48.91) | | | Bachelor | 70 (51.09) | | Graduation Institution | Private University | 83 (60.58) | | | Public University | 54 (39.42) | | Exam Result | Failed | 63 (45.99) | | | Passed | 74 (54.01) | | Exam Material | Theory | 44 (32.12) | | | Patient Safety | 6 (4.38) | | | Medical Terminologies | 26 (18.98) | | | Ethical and Legal Issues | 51 (37.23) | | | Clinical Practice | 10 (7.30) | | Employer Support | No | 75 (54.74) | | | Yes | 62 (45.26) | | Study Methods | Self-study | 120 (87.59) | | | Online Resources | 12 (8.76) | | | Study Groups | 2 (1.46) | | | Nursing Exam Course | 3 (2.19) | | Study Time | Less than 1 Month | 30 (21.90) | | | 1-3 Months | 78 (56.93) | | | 3-6 Months | 16 (11.68) | | | 6 Months and above | 13 (9.49) | | English Proficiency | | | | English Proficiency Perception | Moderate | 65 (47.45) | | | Good | 55 (40.15) | | | Excellent | 2 (1.46) | | | Poor | 14 (10.22) |

FAQs

What was the purpose of the study?

To analyze factors contributing to SNLE failure among Indonesian nurses and discuss implications for their presence in Saudi Arabia.

How was the study conducted?

A cross-sectional design was used between November 2024 and February 2025 with 137 nurses selected by simple random sampling, using a self-administered questionnaire and chi-square and logistic regression.

Which factors significantly influenced SNLE outcomes?

Work experience, SNLE difficulties, and alignment with nursing material and the nursing blueprint were identified as significant predictors of SNLE results.

Sep 2, 2026

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