How to Change Profession in Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE)
What is the Saudi Council of Engineers?
The Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) is the regulatory authority responsible for engineering professions in Saudi Arabia. It oversees registration, licensing, and classification of engineering professionals.
Key functions of the SCE:
- Verifies engineering qualifications
- Issues and renews engineering memberships
- Approves profession changes within engineering disciplines
- Ensures compliance with Saudi labor and engineering standards
Who Can Change Their Profession in the SCE System?
Profession change applies to residents registered with SCE as:
- Engineers
- Technicians
- Draughtsmen
- Surveyors
Conditions to qualify:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid Iqama | Residency permit must be active |
| Verified Qualifications | Degree must match new profession |
| MOFA Attestation | Degrees issued outside Saudi Arabia need embassy attestation |
| No Current Violations | Member must not have SCE or labor violations |
| Employer Sponsorship | Must match data in Qiwa and Absher |
How to Change Profession in Saudi Council of Engineers?
You can change your profession in SCE by completing the following steps:
1. Register or Log in to the SCE Portal
- Visit: https://www.saudieng.sa
- Use your Iqama number and email address
- If new, create an account and verify your email
2. Submit a Profession Change Request
- Go to My Services > Profession Change
- Select the new profession from the list
- Upload required documents (degree, transcripts, attestation)
- Enter current sponsor/employer details
3. Pay the Processing Fee
- Fee range: 250 – 500 SAR
- Pay via Mada, SADAD, or bank transfer
4. Wait for Review and Approval
- SCE evaluates your qualifications and new job title
- You’ll get SMS/email updates
- Approval time: 3 – 10 working days
5. Update Profession in Qiwa and Absher
Once SCE approves the request:
- Employer updates job title in Qiwa
- Confirm the change in Absher using the profession change service
- Final approval from the Ministry of Human Resources
What Documents Are Required for SCE Profession Change?
Here’s a full checklist of required documents:
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering degree | ✔ | Must match new title |
| Academic transcript | ✔ | Required for some titles |
| MOFA attestation (if foreign) | ✔ | For non-Saudi degrees |
| Passport copy | ✔ | Identification |
| Iqama copy | ✔ | Residency verification |
| Employment letter | ✔ | Must state new profession and be stamped |
| Experience certificates | Optional | Useful for senior roles (e.g., Senior Engineer) |
How Long Does It Take to Change Profession in SCE?
- SCE review: 3–10 working days
- Qiwa/Absher updates: 1–3 days
- Full process: approx. 1–2 weeks, depending on employer response
What Are Common Rejection Reasons?
Your request may be rejected if:
- Degree doesn’t match new profession
- Missing or invalid attestation
- Profession not under engineering classification
- Conflicting employer records
- Expired Iqama or SCE membership
Which Professions Are Approved by SCE?
SCE recognizes these job titles:
Engineering Professions:
- Civil Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Architect
- Industrial Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
Technical Professions:
- Engineering Technician
- Draftsman
- Surveyor
- Lab Technician
- CAD Operator
Use the official SCE profession list for up-to-date classifications.
Can You Change Profession from Technician to Engineer?
Yes, but conditions apply:
- Must hold an engineering degree
- Must provide attested documents
- May need assessment or exam
- Pay the engineer classification fee
Technicians without a degree cannot switch to engineer status.
Can You Apply Without Employer Approval?
No. The SCE profession change process requires:
- Employer’s name
- Sponsor ID matching Qiwa and Absher records
- Employer must accept the profession change on Qiwa portal
Without employer approval, the change will not reflect in the government systems.
What Happens After Profession Change?
After approval:
- SCE updates your membership card
- You receive an updated classification certificate
- Your new profession appears in Qiwa and Absher
- Your status is aligned with GOSI (social insurance)
This affects job eligibility, visas, and salary classification.
How Much Does It Cost?
| Fee Type | Approx. Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Profession change fee | 250 – 500 |
| Classification fee | 250 – 1000 |
| Annual membership | 250 – 800 |
| Attestation costs | Varies (MOFA + embassy) |
Fees may change based on your profession type and experience level.
Where to Get Help or Support?
You can contact SCE directly:
- Website: https://www.saudieng.sa
- Call center: 920020820
- Email: info@saudieng.sa
- Visit SCE branches in major cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam)
Live chat is also available via the SCE portal.