Becoming a registered midwife in Nigeria is a noble and rewarding career path. You are not just a healthcare worker, you are the first point of care for mothers and newborns, bringing new life into the world.
As of now, you cannot legally practice midwifery in Nigeria unless you have passed the Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) Certification Exam.
As of October 2023, the NMCN Certification Exam is one of the most difficult exams to take in Nigeria’s health care sector. Many qualified and successful candidates have failed this exam not because of a lack of knowledge but because of a lack of familiarity with the format and style of the questions.
The tricky part about this exam is that you need midwifery past questions and answers from NMCN.
This guide will help you understand the NMCN midwifery exam and how to adequately prepare for the exam and offers you the opportunity to download midwifery past questions and answers in PDF format for free.
What is the Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)?
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) is the statutory body responsible for regulating nursing and midwifery education and practice in Nigeria.
| Function | Description |
| Accreditation | Approves schools of nursing and midwifery |
| Curriculum | Sets the syllabus for training programs |
| Licensing | Conducts the final qualifying examinations |
| Registration | Registers qualified midwives and nurses |
| Discipline | Enforces professional standards and ethics |
Without passing the NMCN licensing exam, you cannot practice as a midwife in Nigeria, regardless of your school grades.
The Importance of NMCN Midwifery Past Questions (PDF Version)
The hard reality is that studying your notes will not cut it for the NMCN exam. The NMCN exam is not your school exam. Here is why past questions and answers are crucial:
1. Questions are Recycled
The Midwifery Council of Nigeria manages a centralized question bank. The previous years’ questions will be repeated, sometimes exactly or with minor changes. Practicing past questions is one of the best exam preparation methods.
2. Learn the NMCN Exam Question Format
NMCN exam questions are heavily focused on clinical application as opposed to hypothetical recall. Questions are phrased to include a clinical vignette and will ask, for example, “What should the midwife do first?” Answering past questions develops the exam mindset.
3. Practice for the NMCN Exam
From now until exam day, it will take a lot of practice before you will be able to comfortably complete the exam in the required time. To help you become familiar with what will be required of you during the exam, it is recommended you answer as many past questions as possible.
4. Identify Knowledge Gaps
If you consistently miss questions on postpartum hemorrhage or newborn resuscitation, you will know exactly which topics need more revision.
5. Prepare for OSCE (Clinical)
Past questions often include sample OSCE stations, helping you understand what examiners look for during practical assessments.
Download Free NMCN Midwifery Past Questions & Answers (PDF)
We have compiled authentic Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) licensing examination past papers from recent years with complete answers and detailed explanations.
👉 [Download NMCN Midwifery Past Questions & Answers PDF (1.6 MB)]
How to Use NMCN Midwifery Past Questions Effectively
Downloading the PDF is just the beginning. Follow this 8-week study plan to maximize your chances of passing:
| Week | Focus Activity |
| Week 1 | Take one full written past paper without time limit. Identify weak areas. |
| Week 2 | Review every wrong answer. Study the topics you failed. |
| Week 3 | Focus on Anatomy & Physiology plus Pharmacology. |
| Week 4 | Focus on Obstetrics (antenatal, labor, postpartum complications). |
| Week 5 | Focus on Newborn Care and Family Planning. |
| Week 6 | Take a full written past paper under timed conditions (3 hours maximum). |
| Week 7 | Practice OSCE stations. Role-play with a study partner. |
| Week 8 | Revise all answers. Focus only on your weakest 3 topics. |
Here are critical study tips:
- Study in a group: It is best to practice with others and teach each other the clinical examples.
- Do OSCE practice out loud: Say your actions and describe your reasoning.
- Memorize using mnemonics: Mnemonics will help you remember important information like the explanation for “HELP” and “REEDA” for assessing a wound.
- Practice for the actual exam: Do an exam practice with no interruptions. Set a timer.
- Take the day before the exam off: Studying the day before the exam will leave you fatigued and have a negative impact on your exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the NMCN midwifery past questions PDF really free?
Yes. There is no payment for this download and no sign-up or hidden fees.
Are the answers right?
The midwifery educators and NMCN examiners who are registered have confirmed the answers. With some answers, we have included a detailed answer to the question.
Do the NMCN repeat questions?
Yes, a lot. The question bank from the council is very repetitive. In the practice of past questions, you will cover about 60-70% of the questions in a practice of 5-7 years of past questions, as many questions come back from previous years and are just rephrased.
What is the minimum score for the NMCN midwifery exam?
You will not pass if you score below 50% in either the written or clinical exams, as you cannot pass by the combined scoring of the two.
Can I take the NMCN exam without going to a midwifery school?
No. You will have to enroll and graduate from the NMCN accredited school of midwifery.
Final Advice for Aspiring Midwives
The NMCN midwifery licensing examination is challenging, but it is not impossible.
Thousands of midwives pass it every year. What separates those who pass from those who fail is not intelligence — it is preparation.
The single most effective preparation tool is consistent practice with authentic past questions and answers, especially under timed conditions.
Do not wait until your school finishes or the exam date is announced. Start practicing today.
📥 Download the full NMCN Midwifery Past Questions & Answers PDF now, and take the first step toward becoming a registered midwife in Nigeria.