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Diplôme d'État d'Infirmier — Jury National DESS (DR Congo)

Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Diplôme d'État de Sage-Femme Exam

3 modes

The Jury National assesses candidates in writing, orally, and practically before awarding the diploma

Ministère de la Santé Publique / DESS provincial launch communiqués

GATPA

Active Management of the Third Stage of Labor standard in all DRC maternity units

Programme National de Santé de la Reproduction (PNSR)

CNOS

Conseil National de l'Ordre des Sages-femmes, the national organ of the DRC midwifery order, in force since 3 January 2024

Loi n° 23/051 du 30 novembre 2023

4 years

Duration of the secondary technical midwifery program in ITM/IEM

DESS National Curriculum Framework

SONUB

Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care package tested in clinical exams

Normes de la Santé de la Reproduction RDC

Free 100-question English MCQ study bank for the DR Congo Diplôme d'État de Sage-Femme (Jury National DESS). The official examination is a single French-language national sitting run by the Ministère de la Santé Publique in provincial pools, combining written, oral and practical assessment over about four days, and awarding the Accoucheuse/Sage-Femme A2 state diploma.

Sample Diplôme d'État de Sage-Femme Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Diplôme d'État de Sage-Femme exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the normal measurement of the obstetric conjugate (conjugaison obstétricale / diamètre promonto-rétropubien utile) of the female pelvic inlet?

A.8.5 cm

B.10.5 cm

C.13.5 cm

D.16.0 cm

Explanation: The obstetric conjugate (promonto-retropubic diameter) measures approximately 10.5 cm in a normal gynecoid pelvis. It represents the shortest anteroposterior diameter through which the fetal head must pass during engagement into the pelvic inlet, calculated by subtracting 1.5 to 2.0 cm from the diagonal conjugate (12.0–12.5 cm).

2Where does physiological fertilization of the human ovum by a spermatozoon typically take place in the female reproductive tract?

A.In the ampulla of the fallopian tube (ampoule tubaire)

B.Inside the uterine endometrial cavity

C.Within the graafian follicle of the ovary

D.In the cervical canal

Explanation: Fertilization normally occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube (the widest and longest section of the uterine tube). The resulting zygote begins mitotic cleavage as it travels along the tube, reaching the uterine cavity as a blastocyst approximately 4 to 5 days later for implantation.

3How many blood vessels are normally present in a healthy human umbilical cord at term, and what type of blood do they carry?

A.Two umbilical arteries carrying deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta, and one umbilical vein carrying oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus

B.Two umbilical veins carrying oxygenated blood, and one umbilical artery carrying deoxygenated blood

C.One umbilical artery and one umbilical vein of equal diameter

D.Four umbilical capillaries embedded directly in skeletal muscle

Explanation: A normal term umbilical cord contains three vessels surrounded by Wharton's jelly: two umbilical arteries (which carry deoxygenated blood and metabolic fetal waste from the internal iliac arteries to the placenta) and one umbilical vein (which transports oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetal ductus venosus and inferior vena cava).

4What is the primary physiological mechanism responsible for supine hypotensive syndrome (syndrome de compression aorto-cave) in pregnant women during the third trimester?

A.Acute rupture of a cerebral aneurysm

B.Compression of the inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta by the heavy gravid uterus when lying supine, leading to reduced venous return, decreased cardiac output, and hypotension

C.Sudden excessive secretion of thyroid hormone

D.Acute allergic reaction to amniotic fluid

Explanation: When a pregnant woman in late gestation lies flat on her back (supine), the weight of the gravid uterus compresses the inferior vena cava and descending aorta against the lumbar spine. This reduces venous return to the right atrium, decreasing stroke volume and blood pressure (causing dizziness, pallor, and fetal hypoxia), which is immediately relieved by turning into the left lateral tilt position.

5Using Naegele's rule, what is the Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD / Date Probable d'Accouchement - DPA) for a pregnant woman whose Last Normal Menstrual Period (LNMP / Date des Dernières Règles - DDR) was May 12, 2026?

A.February 19, 2027

B.February 12, 2027

C.March 19, 2027

D.December 12, 2026

Explanation: Naegele's rule calculates the estimated date of delivery by adding 7 days to the first day of the LNMP, subtracting 3 months, and adding 1 year: Day: 12 + 7 = 19; Month: May (month 5) - 3 months = February (month 2); Year: 2026 + 1 = 2027. Thus, the EDD is February 19, 2027.

6At how many weeks of gestation is the uterine fundal height (hauteur utérine) normally palpable at the level of the maternal umbilicus in a singleton pregnancy?

A.12 weeks

B.20 to 22 weeks

C.28 weeks

D.36 weeks

Explanation: In a normal singleton pregnancy, the uterine fundus reaches the superior border of the pubic symphysis at 12 weeks, the midpoint between the symphysis and umbilicus at 16 weeks, the level of the umbilicus at 20 to 22 weeks (measuring ~20 cm), and the xiphoid process at 36 weeks.

7What is the primary objective of the First Leopold Maneuver (première manœuvre de Léopold / palpation du fond utérin)?

A.To determine which fetal pole (breech or head) occupies the uterine fundus

B.To locate the fetal back and extremities on the lateral sides of the uterus

C.To assess whether the presenting part is engaged in the pelvic inlet

D.To determine the degree of cervical dilation

Explanation: The first Leopold maneuver involves palpating the upper abdomen and uterine fundus with both hands to determine fetal lie and identify which fetal pole occupies the fundus (a soft, irregular, non-ballottable mass indicates the breech; a hard, round, smooth, ballottable mass indicates the head).

8According to national and WHO reproductive health guidelines, what is the recommended schedule for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp / TPI) using Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) in malaria-endemic areas of the DRC?

A.A minimum of 3 doses of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP), administered as directly observed therapy (DOT) at least one month apart, starting in the second trimester (from week 13) up to the time of delivery

B.Daily oral SP tablets throughout all nine months of pregnancy

C.A single dose administered strictly during the first 6 weeks of gestation

D.SP administration only after a positive blood slide for malaria

Explanation: Under the DRC National Malaria Control Programme (PNLP) and WHO policy, all pregnant women in endemic areas should receive at least 3 doses of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP / Fansidar: 3 tablets containing 500/25 mg SP as DOT) at each scheduled ANC visit starting from the 13th week (2nd trimester), spaced at least 4 weeks apart.

9What is the standard routine daily micronutrient supplementation recommended for pregnant women during antenatal care (CPN) to prevent maternal nutritional anemia and neural tube defects?

A.Daily 60 mg elemental iron combined with 400 mcg (0.4 mg) folic acid

B.Daily 1000 mg vitamin C with calcium tablets only

C.Daily 500 mg aspirin and vitamin D

D.Weekly vitamin B12 injections with no iron

Explanation: Routine antenatal care guidelines recommend daily oral supplementation with 30–60 mg of elemental iron (e.g., 200 mg ferrous sulfate containing 60 mg elemental iron) and 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid throughout pregnancy to expand maternal hemoglobin mass, meet fetal growth demands, and prevent neural tube defects.

10What is the normal baseline fetal heart rate (FHR / rythme cardiaque fœtal - RCF) range during labor?

A.60 to 90 beats per minute

B.110 to 160 beats per minute

C.180 to 220 beats per minute

D.220 to 260 beats per minute

Explanation: The normal baseline fetal heart rate in a term fetus during labor ranges from 110 to 160 beats per minute (bpm). A baseline <110 bpm defines fetal bradycardia, and >160 bpm defines fetal tachycardia, both of which require immediate evaluation for fetal hypoxemia, maternal fever, or cord compression.

About the Diplôme d'État de Sage-Femme Exam

The Diplôme d'État de Sage-Femme / Accoucheuse (Accoucheuse A2) is the official certifying qualification for secondary technical midwifery graduates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Administered nationwide by the Ministère de la Santé Publique through the Direction de l'Enseignement des Sciences de Santé (DESS / 6ème Direction), the Jury National certifies that candidates from Instituts Techniques Médicaux (ITM) and Instituts d'Enseignement Médical (IEM) have mastered antenatal screening (CPN), labor monitoring with the partograph, normal delivery, Active Management of the Third Stage of Labor (GATPA), basic emergency obstetric and newborn care (SONUB), immediate neonatal resuscitation, and family planning counseling. Passing the examination confers the legal right to practice midwifery under the statutory framework of the Ordre National des Sages-Femmes de la RDC, created by Loi n° 23/051 du 30 novembre 2023 and administered by its Conseil National de l'Ordre des Sages-femmes (CNOS).

Assessment

Three assessment modes over roughly four days per pool: épreuves écrites (written subject papers covering obstétrique et soins prénataux, travail et accouchement, pathologies obstétricales et urgences, soins néonatals, planification familiale et déontologie), followed by épreuves orales, and closing with practical/clinical assessment in maternity settings including defence of the evaluation dossier (défense des dossiers d'évaluation).

Time Limit

Typically four consecutive days of épreuves certificatives per pool de passation

Passing Score

Not published by the DESS; results are deliberated by the Jury National and released per pool

Exam Fee

No national fee is published; participation costs are set locally by provincial health divisions (Ministère de la Santé Publique, Hygiène et Prévention — Direction de l'Enseignement des Sciences de Santé (DESS))

Diplôme d'État de Sage-Femme Exam Content Outline

Study emphasis ~12%

Fundamental Obstetrics & Antenatal Care (Obstétrique et CPN)

Female pelvic diameters and planes, fertilization and placental circulation, maternal physiological adaptations including aorto-caval compression, Antenatal Care (CPN/ANC) protocols, Naegele gestational dating, fundal height measurement, Leopold maneuvers, IPTp/TPI malaria prophylaxis, PMTCT/PTME, Rhesus screening, and high-risk pregnancy identification.

Study emphasis ~13%

Intrapartum Care & Normal Delivery (Travail et Accouchement)

Physiology of uterine contractions, cervical dilation stages, cardinal movements of labor, partograph recording (alert and action lines, FHR, amniotic fluid, molding), normal delivery technique, Active Management of the Third Stage of Labor (GATPA / AMTSL), and complete placental inspection.

Study emphasis ~32%

Obstetric Emergencies & Maternal Pathologies (Urgences Obstétricales)

Postpartum hemorrhage (4 Ts: tone, tissue, trauma, thrombin; bimanual and external aortic compression, oxytocin, misoprostol, tranexamic acid, intrauterine balloon tamponade), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (preeclampsia, eclampsia, HELLP, Pritchard and Zuspan magnesium sulfate regimens), third-trimester bleeding (placenta previa vs placental abruption), early-pregnancy emergencies (ectopic pregnancy, abortion types, MVA/AMIU, hydatidiform mole), shoulder dystocia, obstructed labor and impending uterine rupture, uterine inversion, cord prolapse, puerperal sepsis, and Basic Emergency Obstetric Care (SONUB).

Study emphasis ~17%

Immediate Newborn Care & Resuscitation (Soins du Nouveau-Né et Réanimation)

Immediate drying and skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping, APGAR score evaluation, the Golden Minute neonatal resuscitation protocol (airway, bag-and-mask ventilation with room air, chest compressions), ocular prophylaxis and vitamin K, Kangaroo Mother Care (SMK) for low birth weight infants, physiological versus pathological jaundice and kernicterus, birth trauma, neonatal danger signs, and PMTCT/PTME infant prophylaxis.

Study emphasis ~13%

Postpartum & Lactation Care (Suites de Couches et Allaitement)

Uterine involution and lochia progression, postpartum vital-sign surveillance for occult hemorrhage, lactation physiology (prolactin synthesis and the oxytocin let-down reflex), breast engorgement and puerperal mastitis management, colostrum and exclusive breastfeeding support, postpartum blues versus postpartum depression, postnatal consultations (CPON), and Anti-D immunoglobulin prophylaxis.

Study emphasis ~13%

Reproductive Health, Family Planning & Ethics (Santé Reproductive et Déontologie)

Modern contraceptive methods (hormonal, IUDs including immediate postpartum insertion, emergency contraception, LAM/MAMA), WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria, syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections and vaginitis in pregnancy, respectful maternity care, referral duties, and the ethical standards of the Ordre National des Sages-Femmes de la RDC (Conseil National — CNOS, Loi n° 23/051 du 30 novembre 2023).

How to Pass the Diplôme d'État de Sage-Femme Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Not published by the DESS; results are deliberated by the Jury National and released per pool
Assessment: Three assessment modes over roughly four days per pool: épreuves écrites (written subject papers covering obstétrique et soins prénataux, travail et accouchement, pathologies obstétricales et urgences, soins néonatals, planification familiale et déontologie), followed by épreuves orales, and closing with practical/clinical assessment in maternity settings including defence of the evaluation dossier (défense des dossiers d'évaluation).
Time limit: Typically four consecutive days of épreuves certificatives per pool de passation
Exam fee: No national fee is published; participation costs are set locally by provincial health divisions

Keys to Passing

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Diplôme d'État de Sage-Femme Study Tips from Top Performers

1Review the three steps of Active Management of the Third Stage of Labor (GATPA): 10 IU IM Oxytocin within 1 minute, controlled cord traction with counter-traction, and immediate fundal massage/monitoring.

2Learn both Magnesium Sulfate regimens and keep them apart: Pritchard (4 g IV plus 10 g IM loading, then 5 g IM every 4 hours — the WHO choice where infusion pumps are unavailable) and Zuspan (4 g IV loading, then 1 g/hour IV infusion). Memorize the monitoring parameters before each maintenance dose (patellar reflexes present, respiration >= 16/min, diuresis >= 30 mL/h) and the antidote, Calcium Gluconate 10%.

3Practice interpreting partograph alert and action lines (spaced by 4 hours) to identify prolonged or obstructed labor early.

4Consolidate the steps of the 'Golden Minute' neonatal resuscitation pathway: dry, stimulate, position airway, evaluate breathing/heart rate, and initiate bag-and-mask ventilation if indicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jury National for Midwives (Accoucheuses) in DR Congo?

The Jury National is the official national certifying examination administered annually by the Ministère de la Santé Publique via the Direction de l'Enseignement des Sciences de Santé (DESS) for final-year students in the Accoucheuse / Sage-Femme section at ITM and IEM schools across the DRC.

What professional title is awarded upon graduation?

Graduates earn the Diplôme d'État de Sage-Femme (Accoucheuse A2), which entitles them to legally practice midwifery in health centers, maternity wards, and general reference hospitals, and register with the Ordre National des Sages-Femmes de la RDC through its Conseil National de l'Ordre des Sages-femmes (CNOS), created by Loi n° 23/051 du 30 novembre 2023.

What key clinical protocols are emphasized in the examination?

The curriculum strongly emphasizes the WHO/national partograph for labor monitoring, Active Management of the Third Stage of Labor (GATPA) to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, the Magnesium Sulfate protocol for severe preeclampsia/eclampsia, Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (SONUB), and the Golden Minute neonatal resuscitation algorithm.

Is this practice question bank an official examination paper?

No. The official examination is sat in French and includes oral and practical components in maternity settings. This question bank is an independent English-language MCQ study resource created to help midwifery students review core obstetrical principles, emergency algorithms, neonatal care, and reproductive health standards taught under the Congolese national syllabus. It is not an official translation, does not reproduce any past paper, and cannot substitute for oral or practical practice.