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100+ Free Dip Obst(SA) Practice Questions

Prepare for the Diploma in Obstetrics of the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of South Africa: Dip Obst(SA) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Dip Obst(SA) Exam

100 Qs

Practice MCQs

Dip Obst(SA) Curriculum Adaptation

R18 950

Exam Fee

CMSA Fee Schedule SS2026

6 months

Supervised Training

CMSA Diploma Regulations

OSPE/OSCE

Clinical Components

CMSA Exit Examination Format

The CMSA Dip Obst(SA) diploma evaluates obstetric proficiency for medical officers in South Africa with an examination fee of R18 950. The exit exam includes an online written paper, OSPE, and OSCE. This practice bank provides 100 clinically rigorous practice MCQs for written revision.

Sample Dip Obst(SA) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Dip Obst(SA) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 24-year-old primigravida attends her first antenatal booking visit at a community health centre in Limpopo at 14 weeks gestation. According to Maternity Care in South Africa guidelines, which routine screening test should be offered at this booking visit?
A.Oral glucose tolerance test
B.HIV rapid test with same-day result
C.Group B streptococcus vaginal swab
D.Non-stress test
Explanation: HIV testing with same-day result is offered at the first antenatal booking visit per SA guidelines, enabling early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (TLD) to achieve viral suppression before delivery. OGTT is performed at 24–28 weeks for gestational diabetes screening. GBS screening is not routine in SA primary antenatal care.
2A pregnant woman at 8 weeks gestation asks how many routine antenatal visits she should expect if her pregnancy remains uncomplicated. According to the SA focused antenatal care schedule, what is the minimum number of planned visits?
A.4 visits
B.6 visits
C.8 visits
D.12 visits
Explanation: Maternity Care in SA recommends a minimum of 8 antenatal visits for uncomplicated pregnancies, with the first visit before 20 weeks, visits at 20, 26, 30, 34, 36, 38, and 40 weeks. Fewer than 8 visits is associated with increased perinatal mortality in resource-limited settings.
3A 28-year-old woman at 22 weeks gestation presents with painless bright red vaginal bleeding. Ultrasound shows the placenta completely covering the internal cervical os. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A.Placental abruption
B.Placenta praevia
C.Vasa praevia
D.Cervical ectropion
Explanation: Placenta praevia presents with painless antepartum haemorrhage, typically in the second or third trimester, with the placenta implanted over or near the internal cervical os. Placental abruption causes painful bleeding with a tender, woody uterus. Digital vaginal examination is contraindicated until praevia is excluded.
4At a rural clinic in KwaZulu-Natal, a midwife measures the symphysis-fundal height (SFH) of a woman at 32 weeks gestation. The SFH measures 26 cm. What does this finding most likely suggest?
A.Normal fetal growth for gestational age
B.Suspected small-for-gestational-age fetus requiring further assessment
C.Macrosomia requiring elective caesarean section
D.Multiple pregnancy
Explanation: From 20 weeks, SFH in centimetres should approximate gestational age in weeks (±2–3 cm). An SFH of 26 cm at 32 weeks suggests lagging fundal growth, raising concern for fetal growth restriction (SGA). Ultrasound for estimated fetal weight and umbilical artery Doppler is indicated.
5A pregnant woman at 16 weeks gestation has a haemoglobin of 9.8 g/dL. She is asymptomatic and taking no iron supplementation. What is the first-line management according to SA antenatal guidelines?
A.Blood transfusion
B.Oral ferrous sulphate 200 mg daily with counselling on adherence
C.Parenteral iron sucrose infusion
D.Reassurance only — no treatment until Hb below 8 g/dL
Explanation: Mild-to-moderate antenatal anaemia (Hb 8–10.9 g/dL) is managed with oral iron supplementation (ferrous sulphate 200 mg daily) plus dietary counselling and deworming if indicated. Blood transfusion is reserved for severe symptomatic anaemia (typically Hb <7 g/dL or Hb <8 g/dL with cardiac compromise).
6Which of the following is a recognised antenatal danger sign that should prompt immediate referral to a higher level of care?
A.Mild ankle oedema in the third trimester
B.Vaginal bleeding at any gestational age
C.Occasional Braxton Hicks contractions after 30 weeks
D.Mild heartburn in the second trimester
Explanation: Vaginal bleeding at any stage of pregnancy is an antenatal danger sign requiring urgent assessment to exclude placenta praevia, abruption, or miscarriage. Mild dependent oedema, Braxton Hicks contractions, and heartburn are common benign pregnancy symptoms when not accompanied by danger features.
7A 30-year-old G2P1 woman at 18 weeks gestation had a previous caesarean section for breech presentation. She wishes to attempt vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). Which factor most strongly supports a trial of labour?
A.Previous classical (vertical) uterine incision
B.Previous low transverse uterine incision with no other contraindications
C.Maternal BMI of 42 kg/m²
D.Suspected macrosomia with estimated fetal weight 4.5 kg
Explanation: A previous low transverse uterine incision is the strongest predictor of successful VBAC with lower uterine rupture risk (~0.5–1%) compared to classical incision (4–9% rupture risk). Classical incision, extreme obesity, and suspected macrosomia are relative or absolute contraindications to VBAC in district settings.
8A 26-year-old woman at 34 weeks gestation with a twin pregnancy presents with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. On examination the uterus is tense and tender, and fetal heart rates are absent for both twins. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A.Placenta praevia
B.Placental abruption
C.Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes
D.Uterine inversion
Explanation: Placental abruption presents with painful vaginal bleeding, a tender woody uterus, and fetal compromise or death. Risk is increased in multiple pregnancy, hypertension, and trauma. Placenta praevia causes painless bleeding. Uterine inversion occurs postpartum, not antenatally.
9A pregnant woman at 28 weeks gestation is diagnosed with active syphilis (positive RPR with titre 1:32). What is the recommended treatment according to SA STI guidelines?
A.Oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 14 days
B.Benzathine benzylpenicillin 2.4 million units IM weekly for 3 weeks
C.Oral azithromycin 1 g single dose
D.Intramuscular ceftriaxone 250 mg single dose
Explanation: Benzathine benzylpenicillin remains the treatment of choice for syphilis in pregnancy, given as 2.4 million units IM weekly for 3 weeks (late latent or unknown duration). Adequate treatment prevents congenital syphilis. Doxycycline is contraindicated in pregnancy. Azithromycin and single-dose ceftriaxone are inadequate for established syphilis.
10A 32-year-old HIV-positive woman at 10 weeks gestation has a CD4 count of 450 cells/µL and is not yet on antiretroviral therapy. According to current SA HIV guidelines, what is the recommended management?
A.Defer ART until CD4 falls below 200 cells/µL
B.Initiate TLD (tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir) immediately regardless of CD4 count
C.Start zidovudine monotherapy until delivery only
D.Initiate ART only if viral load exceeds 1000 copies/mL at 34 weeks
Explanation: SA guidelines recommend immediate lifelong ART (TLD as first-line) for all HIV-positive pregnant women at diagnosis (Treat All policy), regardless of CD4 count, to achieve viral suppression and prevent mother-to-child transmission. Zidovudine monotherapy is obsolete. ART must not be deferred.

About the Dip Obst(SA) Exam

The Diploma in Obstetrics Dip Obst(SA) is awarded by the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of South Africa to medical officers demonstrating competence in district-level maternity care. Candidates require 6 months supervised training at a teaching or CMSA-approved hospital. The examination assesses antenatal care, intrapartum management, obstetric emergencies, medical disorders in pregnancy, and neonatal immediate care per South African national guidelines.

Assessment

Exit examination: 1 online written paper; Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE); and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Blueprint available (Dip Obst(SA) Blueprints — June 2024). This study adaptation provides 100 practice MCQs for written revision only.

Time Limit

Online written paper, OSPE, and OSCE components

Passing Score

Overall 50% with written subminimum

Exam Fee

R18 950 (Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA), College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists)

Dip Obst(SA) Exam Content Outline

20%

Antenatal Care & Pregnancy Complications

Booking visit schedule, danger signs, anaemia and syphilis screening, HIV testing and referral, gestational age assessment, multiple pregnancy, placenta praevia, placental abruption, and preterm labour risk stratification.

20%

Labour & Delivery / Partogram

Stages of labour, active management of third stage, partogram interpretation, fetal heart rate monitoring, malpresentation, induction of labour, assisted vaginal delivery, and caesarean section indications.

20%

Obstetric Emergencies

Postpartum haemorrhage management, eclampsia and magnesium sulphate, obstructed labour, shoulder dystocia, uterine rupture, and ESMOE emergency protocols.

10%

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Pre-eclampsia diagnostic criteria, severe features, HELLP syndrome, antihypertensive therapy on the SA EML, and timing of delivery.

15%

Maternal Medical Disease in Pregnancy

HIV in pregnancy (TLD, viral load monitoring), anaemia management, gestational diabetes screening and treatment, TB in pregnancy, and malaria prophylaxis.

10%

Postnatal Care, Contraception & TOP Act

Postpartum monitoring, puerperal sepsis, breastfeeding support, postnatal family planning, and Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act 92 of 1996.

5%

Neonatal Immediate Care & Resuscitation

Essential newborn care, thermal protection, APGAR scoring, initial neonatal resuscitation steps, and referral of sick neonates.

How to Pass the Dip Obst(SA) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Overall 50% with written subminimum
  • Assessment: Exit examination: 1 online written paper; Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE); and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Blueprint available (Dip Obst(SA) Blueprints — June 2024). This study adaptation provides 100 practice MCQs for written revision only.
  • Time limit: Online written paper, OSPE, and OSCE components
  • Exam fee: R18 950

Keys to Passing

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

Dip Obst(SA) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the ESMOE algorithms for postpartum haemorrhage, eclampsia, obstructed labour, and shoulder dystocia — these are high-yield for both written and clinical components.
2Review Maternity Care in SA guidelines for antenatal visit schedule, partogram action lines, and active management of the third stage of labour.
3Know HIV in pregnancy management per SA guidelines: TLD initiation, viral load monitoring at 34 weeks, and intrapartum/neonatal prophylaxis pathways.
4Familiarise yourself with NCCEMD recurring themes: delays in seeking care, transport, and facility readiness for obstetric emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the CMSA Dip Obst(SA) exit examination?

The exit examination comprises one online written paper, an Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE), and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). A blueprint is published (Dip Obst(SA) Blueprints — June 2024). This study bank provides 100 single-best-answer MCQs for written revision only.

What are the eligibility requirements for Dip Obst(SA)?

Candidates must complete 6 months of supervised training at a teaching hospital or CMSA-approved hospital before sitting the exit examination.

What is the examination fee for Dip Obst(SA)?

The examination fee is R18 950 as listed on the official CMSA diploma page and SS2026/FS2027 examination fee schedule.

Does this practice question bank replace the OSPE or OSCE?

No. This is an English-language MCQ study adaptation for written revision. It does not assess practical skills, clinical performance, or structured examination competencies required for the OSPE and OSCE components.