All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for EHPLE Medicine

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Exam Review

Key Facts: EHPLE Medicine Exam

200 MCQs

Total questions on the national computer-based licensing examination

MoH HHrIPR-LEO National Examination Guidelines

Two blocks of 100

Total examination duration divided in a morning and an afternoon block of 100 questions each

MoH Implementation Guideline (blocks of <=120 questions, >=30-minute break)

Not published

Standard national examination registration fee

MoH registration portal (hple.moh.gov.et)

Modified Angoff

Standard-setting methodology used to establish the round cut score

HHrIPR-LEO Psychometric Assessment Framework

5 Domains

Core clinical departments evaluated on the medical doctor blueprint

EHPLE Doctor of Medicine Blueprint

Renewable

License status subject to regular periodic renewal and CPD credits

Ethiopian Health Professionals Licensure Regulations

The Ethiopian Health Professionals Licensing Examination (EHPLE) for Medicine is the mandatory national exam for MD graduates seeking licensure in Ethiopia. Administered by the Ministry of Health's HHrIPR-LEO, the computer-based exam runs as 200 four-option MCQs in a morning and an afternoon block of 100 questions each. The official blueprint weights Patient Care 81% (internal medicine 16%, surgery 14%, gynecology and obstetrics 14%, pediatrics 11%, emergency and critical care 10%), with Scholar, Leadership and Management, and Health Promotion each 5% and Professionalism 4%. This practice bank delivers 100 questions with detailed rationales.

Sample EHPLE Medicine Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the EHPLE Medicine exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 56-year-old male with a history of hypertension presents to the emergency department with severe, retrosternal crushing chest pain of 2 hours' duration radiating to his left shoulder and jaw. An electrocardiogram (ECG) reveals 3-mm ST-segment elevations in leads II, III, and aVF with reciprocal ST depression in leads I and aVL. The nearest primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) facility is 4 hours away. Which of the following is the most appropriate reperfusion strategy according to Ethiopian Standard Treatment Guidelines?
A.Immediate intravenous fibrinolytic therapy (e.g., streptokinase) if no contraindications exist
B.Immediate transfer for primary percutaneous coronary intervention within 4 hours
C.Oral clopidogrel and aspirin dual therapy with watchful waiting without reperfusion
D.Immediate unfractionated heparin infusion alone without fibrinolytic therapy
Explanation: In acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), when anticipated door-to-balloon time for primary PCI exceeds 120 minutes and symptom onset is within 12 hours, immediate fibrinolytic therapy (such as streptokinase) is indicated within 30 minutes of medical contact unless contraindicated. Early fibrinolysis restores coronary patency and reduces transmural necrosis and mortality. After initiating fibrinolysis, transfer to a PCI-capable center is planned.
2A 62-year-old female with long-standing ischemic cardiomyopathy presents with progressive exertional dyspnea, orthopnea requiring three pillows, and bilateral pedal edema. Vital signs show BP 138/86 mmHg, heart rate 82 bpm, and oxygen saturation 94% on room air. Physical examination reveals an elevated jugular venous pressure (JVP), bibasilar lung crackles, and an S3 gallop. Which medication is contraindicated during this acute decompensated state?
A.Intravenous furosemide
B.Initiation or upward titration of beta-blockers
C.Oral enalapril
D.Spironolactone
Explanation: Starting or uptitrating beta-blockers in acute decompensated heart failure can cause acute hemodynamic collapse because their negative inotropic effect blunts essential sympathetic compensation. Beta-blockers should be initiated or titrated only once the patient is clinically euvolemic and stable. Decongestion with intravenous loop diuretics is the priority in acute decompensation.
3A 34-year-old male with a history of rheumatic mitral stenosis presents with acute-onset palpitations, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. Blood pressure is 82/50 mmHg, heart rate is 168 bpm and irregularly irregular, and respiratory rate is 28 breaths/min. ECG demonstrates atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response. What is the immediate treatment of choice?
A.Intravenous digoxin 0.5 mg over 20 minutes
B.Intravenous diltiazem bolus followed by infusion
C.Immediate synchronized direct current electrical cardioversion
D.Oral amiodarone 400 mg stat dose
Explanation: In a hemodynamically unstable patient with rapid atrial fibrillation (manifested here by hypotension, tachypnea, and lightheadedness in the setting of rheumatic mitral stenosis), immediate synchronized electrical cardioversion is the mandatory treatment. Rate control with medications is reserved for hemodynamically stable patients.
4A 28-year-old male with a history of intravenous drug use presents with high-grade fever, chills, fatigue, and pleuritic chest pain for two weeks. On physical examination, a new 3/6 holosystolic murmur is heard best at the lower left sternal border that increases with inspiration. Chest radiography reveals multiple bilateral cavitary pulmonary nodules. Which pathogen is the most likely cause of this patient's condition?
A.Staphylococcus aureus
B.Streptococcus viridans
C.Pseudomonas aeruginosa
D.Enterococcus faecalis
Explanation: Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of acute infective endocarditis in people who inject drugs, characteristically involving the tricuspid valve. Tricuspid regurgitation produces a holosystolic murmur that intensifies on inspiration (Carvallo sign), and right-sided septic emboli frequently shower the pulmonary circulation, causing multiple cavitary pulmonary infiltrates.
5A 48-year-old man presents to the clinic with severe headache and blurred vision. His blood pressure is 220/130 mmHg. Funduscopic examination demonstrates bilateral papilledema and flame-shaped retinal hemorrhages. Serum creatinine is 2.4 mg/dL (baseline was 1.0 mg/dL 3 months ago). Which of the following defines this clinical presentation and its immediate management target?
A.Hypertensive emergency; reduce mean arterial pressure by no more than 20–25% within the first hour using IV antihypertensives
B.Hypertensive urgency; reduce blood pressure to below 120/80 mmHg within 2 hours using sublingual nifedipine
C.Hypertensive emergency; rapidly normalize systolic blood pressure to below 120 mmHg within 30 minutes
D.Hypertensive urgency; prescribe oral hydrochlorothiazide and discharge home for follow-up in 48 hours
Explanation: Severe blood pressure elevation accompanied by acute target organ damage (papilledema, acute kidney injury, hypertensive retinopathy) represents a hypertensive emergency. The therapeutic goal is a controlled reduction of mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 20–25% over the first hour, avoiding precipitous drops that could induce cerebral or renal hypoperfusion and infarction.
6A 68-year-old male with a history of severe COPD presents with acute exacerbation. Room air oxygen saturation is 84%, arterial blood gas shows pH 7.31, PaCO2 58 mmHg, and PaO2 52 mmHg. Along with bronchodilators and systemic steroids, which oxygen delivery target is recommended?
A.Target oxygen saturation of 88–92% using controlled low-flow oxygen (e.g., Venturi mask)
B.Target oxygen saturation of 98–100% using a 100% non-rebreather mask
C.Withhold supplemental oxygen entirely to prevent loss of hypoxic respiratory drive
D.Target oxygen saturation above 95% using high-flow nasal cannula at 60 L/min
Explanation: In acute COPD exacerbations with hypercapnic respiratory failure, uncontrolled high-concentration oxygen therapy can worsen ventilation-perfusion mismatch and reduce minute ventilation, leading to worsening hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis. Titrated oxygen therapy targeting SpO2 between 88% and 92% provides adequate tissue oxygenation while minimizing the risk of severe CO2 retention.
7A 24-year-old female presents with acute severe asthma exacerbation, unable to complete sentences, respiratory rate 34 breaths/min, pulse 124 bpm, and PEFR 40%. What is the immediate first-line medical intervention?
A.Inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist (salbutamol) combined with ipratropium bromide nebulization plus systemic corticosteroids
B.Immediate endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation
C.Intravenous aminophylline infusion as monotherapy
D.Subcutaneous epinephrine injection and oral montelukast
Explanation: Immediate first-line management of acute severe asthma includes high-dose inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonists (salbutamol) combined with an inhaled anticholinergic (ipratropium bromide) via nebulizer, alongside early administration of systemic corticosteroids (e.g., intravenous hydrocortisone or oral prednisolone) to reduce airway inflammation.
8A 32-year-old woman on oral contraceptives presents with sudden pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, tachycardia, and hemoptysis after long travel. What is the most appropriate initial imaging test to confirm pulmonary embolism in this hemodynamically stable patient?
A.Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA)
B.Transthoracic echocardiography
C.Chest radiography alone
D.D-dimer assay
Explanation: In a hemodynamically stable patient with a high clinical probability of acute pulmonary embolism (elevated Wells score due to tachycardia, immobility, and typical pleuritic symptoms), Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) is the diagnostic imaging investigation of choice due to its high sensitivity and specificity.
9A 65-year-old cirrhotic male presents with massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic shock from suspected esophageal varices. Following fluid resuscitation, which pharmacological agent should be initiated immediately before endoscopy?
A.Intravenous vasoactive agent (octreotide or terlipressin) plus prophylactic ceftriaxone
B.Oral propranolol 40 mg twice daily
C.Intravenous tranexamic acid monotherapy without antibiotics
D.Subcutaneous vitamin K injection alone
Explanation: In acute variceal hemorrhage, vasoactive therapy (octreotide or terlipressin) reduces splanchnic blood flow and portal pressure, significantly reducing active bleeding and mortality. Furthermore, short-term antibiotic prophylaxis (intravenous ceftriaxone) is essential in cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage to prevent spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, bacteremia, and early rebleeding.
10A 42-year-old female presents with acute gallstone pancreatitis and elevated lipase. What is the cornerstone of early supportive therapy within the first 24 hours?
A.Aggressive goal-directed intravenous fluid resuscitation with isotonic crystalloids (e.g., Ringer's lactate)
B.Prophylactic broad-spectrum intravenous carbapenem antibiotics
C.Strict nothing-by-mouth (NPO) status for at least 7 days with total parenteral nutrition
D.Emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) within 6 hours
Explanation: Early, aggressive intravenous hydration with balanced isotonic crystalloids (such as Ringer's lactate) is the single most important early intervention in acute pancreatitis to preserve microvascular pancreatic perfusion, counteract third-space losses, and prevent pancreatic necrosis.

About the EHPLE Medicine Exam

The Ethiopian Health Professionals Licensing Examination (EHPLE) for Doctor of Medicine (MD) is the mandatory national standard-setting examination required for medical graduates to practice medicine in Ethiopia. Administered by the Health and Health-related Institutions and Professionals Regulatory Lead Executive Office (HHrIPR-LEO) under the Federal Ministry of Health, the examination evaluates whether candidates possess the essential clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning, decision-making skills, and ethical grounding needed for safe entry-level practice. Passing the examination is mandatory for graduates of all public and private medical faculties in Ethiopia as well as internationally trained Ethiopian physicians seeking registration.

Exam sponsor: Federal Ministry of Health (MoH) — Health and Health-related Institutions and Professionals Regulatory Lead Executive Office (HHrIPR-LEO). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The MoH Implementation Guideline allots roughly 1.25 minutes per question and caps a single block at 120 questions / 2 hours 30 minutes, followed by a break of at least 30 minutes before the second block. A 200-item sitting is therefore delivered as a morning and an afternoon block of 100 questions each.

Time Limit

Two 100-question blocks with a break of at least 30 minutes

Passing Score

Set each round by an expert panel using the Modified-Angoff method (no fixed percentage)

Exam / Certification Fees

Not published by MoH as a fixed public tariff. A registration fee is paid through the official portal (hple.moh.gov.et); candidates who miss a sitting without an accepted reason pay the registration fee plus a 50% penalty (MoH Exam Administration Manual). Confirm the current amount on the registration announcement.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

81%

Patient Care

Internal medicine (16%), surgery (14%), gynecology and obstetrics (14%), pediatrics and child health (11%), emergency and critical care (10%), dermatology (4%), psychiatry and mental health (3.5%), ear, nose and throat (3%), ophthalmology (3%), and dentistry (2.5%).

5%

Scholar

Research literacy, evidence-based medicine, teaching, and continuing professional development.

5%

Leadership and Management

Clinical team leadership, health system management, and resource stewardship.

5%

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Community diagnosis and community-based preventive and promotive interventions.

4%

Professionalism

Ethical principles, medico-legal practice, communication, collaboration, and standards of professional conduct.

Preparing for the EHPLE Medicine Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Set each round by an expert panel using the Modified-Angoff method (no fixed percentage)
  • Assessment: The MoH Implementation Guideline allots roughly 1.25 minutes per question and caps a single block at 120 questions / 2 hours 30 minutes, followed by a break of at least 30 minutes before the second block. A 200-item sitting is therefore delivered as a morning and an afternoon block of 100 questions each.
  • Time limit: Two 100-question blocks with a break of at least 30 minutes
  • Exam / certification fees: Not published by MoH as a fixed public tariff. A registration fee is paid through the official portal (hple.moh.gov.et); candidates who miss a sitting without an accepted reason pay the registration fee plus a 50% penalty (MoH Exam Administration Manual). Confirm the current amount on the registration announcement. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ethiopian Health Professionals Licensing Examination (EHPLE) for Medicine?

The EHPLE for Medicine is the mandatory national qualifying examination administered by the Health and Health-related Institutions and Professionals Regulatory Lead Executive Office (HHrIPR-LEO) under the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health (MoH) to assess clinical competency before granting an independent medical practice license.

Who is required to sit for the EHPLE Medicine exam?

All graduating medical doctors (MD) from accredited Ethiopian public and private universities, as well as foreign-trained physicians wishing to obtain a medical license to practice in Ethiopia, are required to register for and pass the examination.

What is the examination structure, question count, and time allowance?

The examination consists of 200 computer-based multiple-choice questions (MCQs) administered on designated testing centers in a morning and an afternoon block of 100 questions each on the same test day, providing a total examination time of Two 100-question blocks.

How is the passing score determined for each examination round?

The passing score is determined through a criterion-referenced Modified Angoff standard-setting methodology conducted by a panel of expert medical educators and clinicians convened by MOH-HHrIPR-LEO, rather than a predetermined fixed percentage.

What is the official registration fee and portal for the examination?

Candidates register online through the official Health Professionals Licensure Examination portal at https://hple.moh.gov.et/, and the standard national examination fee is a registration fee announced by the Ministry of Health for each round.

Are these practice questions an official EHPLE paper?

No. The EHPLE is set and delivered only by the Federal Ministry of Health; these questions are an independent study aid written against the official Information Booklet blueprint and Ethiopian national clinical guidelines. The official examination is delivered in English as computer-based, four-option, single-best-answer MCQs, so the item format here matches the real assessment, but this bank is not an official past paper, a released item pool, or a simulation of the live testing environment. Always confirm registration dates, fees, and exam-day rules on moh.gov.et/ehple and hple.moh.gov.et.