Guide
How to become a radiation protection officer in Saudi Arabia
The steps the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) publishes for licensing a radiation protection officer, and where a qualification course fits in.
Who is a radiation protection officer?
The person licensed by the NRRC to oversee radiation protection at a facility that holds radioactive sources or radiation-generating equipment, such as industrial radiography, nuclear gauges and laboratories. The NRRC links the officer to the facility through that facility's radiation practice licence.
Licensing steps
Academic qualification
A radiation protection officer licence requires at least a bachelor's degree; a diploma may be considered if it is in the field of the radiation practice. Registering for the exam is open to all disciplines.
Registering for the NRRC exam
Registration is online through the Radiation Protection Officers Portal: you choose the exam that matches the radiation practice you work in, pay the exam fee to the NRRC, then choose the location and date. The fee is not refundable once paid and the exam type cannot be changed afterwards; the registration stays valid for one year, during which you can schedule or reschedule your exam.
The exam
The exam is computer-based at centres across the Kingdom; some centres are for men and others for women. Results are published within five working days and sent by e-mail. Cancelling or rescheduling must be done at least 24 hours ahead; missing the exam without cancelling bars registration for three months, and a candidate who does not pass may retake the exam three months after the last attempt.
Applying for the licence
After passing the exam you sign in to the portal through the National Single Sign-On (Nafath), choose to issue a new licence and the exam type you passed, and attach your academic qualification. The service is free and takes five working days according to the service page.
Linking to the facility
The radiation protection officer is linked to the facility through the facility's radiation practice licence, and then formally takes up the role there.
The NRRC has announced a full review of the licence renewal requirements, which it will publish on its website once approved.
Where the qualification course fits
The NRRC's pages do not list a specific training course among the licence requirements; the course's role is to prepare you for the exam. The Center's course runs five days and 40 training hours, with a curriculum designed in line with the NRRC's approved exam system, plus course material and a practice question bank in the trainee area. Registering for the NRRC exam and paying its fee are done by the candidate directly with the NRRC.
Sources
The information above comes from the NRRC's own pages, consulted on 12 October 2026. What the NRRC publishes is always the reference, and its requirements may change.