Imagine how disgusting it is when you hire a worker for a critical job, only to realize they lack the right skills. To solve this, Saudi Arabia launched the Skill Verification Program (SVP) under Vision 2030. SVP ensures that only qualified professionals can work in key industries like construction, engineering, and manufacturing in Saudi Arabia.
- How does it work?
- A Look Back: The History of SVP
- What is the Saudi Skill Verification Program (SVP)?
- How Does the SVP Work?
- Why SVP Matters: Benefits for Employers and Workers
- Important Details About the SVP Exam
- Introducing Espoir Academy: Empowering Careers with Comprehensive Skill Verification Programs
- Key Highlights of Espoir Academy:
- Available Trades at Espoir Academy for SVP
How does it work?
Image credit – https://indtoday.com/saudi-starts-skill-verification-program-for-indian-job-seekers/
Foreign workers must pass a skill test before coming to Saudi Arabia or renewing their work permits. These tests—both theoretical and practical—prove they truly know their job. This program helps companies reduce hiring mistakes, ensures higher productivity, and boosts workplace efficiency.
If you’re a skilled worker or an employer in Saudi Arabia, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Skill Verification Program, the test process, and its long-term benefits.
A Look Back: The History of SVP
The Saudi Skill Verification Program (SVP) was officially launched in July 2021 as part of Saudi Vision 2030.
The impact was immediate and massive. In the first year, over 2 million foreign workers took the skills test, and more than 1 million successfully passed! This meant that employers could now hire with confidence, knowing their workers had the right expertise.
Saudi Arabia is successfully building a stronger, more competitive workforce with mandatory skill assessments in place.
So, what’s next for SVP? As the program expands, more industries and job roles will demand skills verification tests to ensure higher standards across the labor market.
What is the Saudi Skill Verification Program (SVP)?
The Saudi Skill Verification Program (SVP) is a mandatory testing system for foreign workers in the private sector. It ensures that only qualified professionals receive or renew their work visas. This initiative helps improve workforce quality and supports Saudi Vision 2030 by preventing unqualified labor from entering the job market.
The Skill Verification certificate remains valid for five years from the date of issue. There are options to revalidate the certificate. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development issues the certificate upon successfully passing the Skill Verification test.
How Does the SVP Work?
Foreign workers must pass a skills test before they can:
- Get a new work visa
- Renew an existing visa
The program is applicable to various professions, ensuring workers have the knowledge and hands-on skills needed for their roles.
The Two-Part SVP Test
The SVP test is divided into:
Theoretical Exam – Covers:
- Workplace safety guidelines
- Industry regulations
- Basic job skills
Practical Exam – Assesses:
- Practical experience
- Ability to apply technical skills effectively
- Proficiency in completing tasks efficiently
Why SVP Matters: Benefits for Employers and Workers
For any employee who desires career growth in Saudi Arabia or for any employer seeking to have a skilled workforce, SVP presents game-changing benefits.
- Higher Job Security – A certified worker is more valuable and less likely to lose their job. For companies, skilled employees mean less turnover and better stability.
- Better Salaries & Career Growth – Certified professionals earn better pay and have more opportunities for promotion. Businesses benefit from higher efficiency and improved overall performance.
- Safer Work Environment – Trained workers follow safety rules, reducing workplace accidents. Fewer incidents mean lower costs and better compliance for employers.
- Easier Hiring & Visa Processing – Workers with SVP certification get faster visa approvals. Employers save time and avoid legal complications in hiring foreign talent.
- Stronger, More Competitive Workforce – SVP helps create a skilled and credible workforce, improving job opportunities. Businesses gain a reliable team and stronger industry standards.
With SVP, everyone wins—workers, businesses, and the economy as a whole!
Important Details About the SVP Exam
The SVP exam is crucial for foreign workers in Saudi Arabia, and it’s important to understand the key points of the exam process.
| Key Point | Details |
| Exam Structure | The exam has two stages: 1. Theoretical Exam (computer-based) 2. Practical Exam |
| Attempt Limit | You can attempt the test up to three times. If you fail all three attempts, deportation may follow. |
| Test Failures | If you fail the test three times, deportation may occur. |
| Test Question Leak | If questions are leaked, the test center loses its license to operate, and legal actions will be taken. |
| Program Occupations | The occupations requiring the Skill Verification test are regularly updated and announced via the Ministry’s official channels and the website. |
The SVP exam ensures a high standard of skilled workers, so it’s crucial to stay informed about the rules and requirements.
Introducing Espoir Academy: Empowering Careers with Comprehensive Skill Verification Programs
At Espoir Academy, we empower individuals with the skills they need to thrive in the global workforce. As a premier trade testing and training center in Kerala, we are proudly affiliated with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence (KASE).
Our mission is to train and develop human resources in India for the ever-growing demand in the international skilled job market, especially in industries like Oil & Gas, Rig Power Plants, and Petrochemicals. We work closely with industrial experts to ensure that our training programs meet the latest industry standards.
Key Highlights of Espoir Academy:
- National Skill Development Focus: We train and prepare workers for international job opportunities through the National Skills Development Program under Naipunyam 2014.
- Comprehensive Skill Verification Programs: We proudly offer Skill Verification Programs (SVP) for Saudi Arabia, helping aspirants obtain the required certifications for Saudi work visas.
- Seamless Registration Assistance: We guide our trainees throughout the registration process on the Takamol website to address any challenges like payment via credit cards.
- 100% Placement Guarantee: We are dedicated to providing a 100% placement offer to all our successful trainees, ensuring they have a clear career path upon course completion.
Espoir Academy is more than just a training provider; we are a bridge to a better future. Our goal is to help students gain the skills they need to succeed in modern, diversified industries across the world.
Together, let’s build a skilled workforce for a promising tomorrow.
Available Trades at Espoir Academy for SVP
At Espoir Academy, we offer a range of skilled trades to prepare individuals for SVP for employment in Saudi Arabia.
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Welder
- Chef
- Food and beverages counter server
- Construction worker
- Automotive Electrician
- Auto Mechanic
- Auto Electrician
- HVAC
- HVAC Mechanic
- Building Electrician
- Electrical Devices Maintenance Technician
- Power Cable Connector
- Pipe Installer
- Blacksmith
- Blacksmithing
These trades equip our trainees with the practical skills and knowledge needed for success in today’s competitive industries.
Master these trades, become well-equipped for rewarding career opportunities.
Want to know more about SVP?