LAST UPDATED: Dec 23, 7 AM
If you’re a healthcare professional in Cameroon—or hoping to become one—there’s something important you need to know.
The medical field here is changing fast. The government is making big moves to improve the quality of training and make sure our health workers meet both local and international standards.
One of the major changes is the MINSANTE Aptitude Test. Whether you’re a nurse, lab technician, pharmacist, midwife, or any other medical worker, this test is now a must if you want to get licensed and move forward in your career.
Recently, the Ministry of Public Health shared an official update about the 2024 National Special Aptitude Test, including new procedures and key dates you shouldn’t miss.
In this post, I’ll break down what the test is all about, why it’s so important, and how you can get yourself fully prepared to pass it.
What Is the MINSANTE Aptitude Test?
Let’s break it down simply.
The MINSANTE Aptitude Test is a national exam set up by Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Health.
It’s aimed at anyone who holds a diploma in a healthcare-related field and wants to become a licensed medical professional.
This includes people with:
BTS (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur)
HND (Higher National Diploma)
HPD (Higher Professional Diploma)
DSEP (Diplôme Supérieur d’Études Professionnelles)
Or a Bachelor’s degree (Licence) issued by the Ministry of Higher Education or a state-recognized university.
In short, if you’ve studied to become a nurse, lab technician, pharmacist, midwife—or any other health professional—and you want to work legally in Cameroon or even abroad, this test is your gateway.
The exam checks how prepared you are to step into the field. It’s not just about book knowledge.
You’ll be tested on real-world thinking, problem-solving, and the kind of decisions you’ll have to make when lives are on the line.
According to a recent communique from the Ministry (dated 8th October 2024), this year’s test will include both written and practical components.
The end goal? To officially register qualified candidates into the Order of Medico-Sanitary Personnel—giving them the license to start working professionally.
Why Does This Test Matter So Much?
This isn’t just another formality. It’s a quality control measure—and a big one.
Passing the MINSANTE Aptitude Test proves that you’re ready to handle the real demands of the medical world.
It shows that you’re not just trained—you’re truly capable. And in a sector like healthcare, that kind of credibility matters.
Without this test, you can’t get your professional license.
That means no official practice, no hospital work, and no real career progress—whether you want to stay in Cameroon or take your skills abroad.
The government introduced this test not to make things harder, but to raise the bar across the board.
It’s part of a national push to make sure every healthcare worker meets the same high standards.
It’s about safety, consistency, and trust in the system.
So if you’re serious about your medical career, this test isn’t something to fear.
It’s something to prepare for—and pass.
Important Dates You Need to Know
For the 2024/2025 academic year, the government has made some major changes to how medical training is handled in Cameroon.
If you’re already in a training program, don’t worry—you’ll still continue under the current system.
But there’s one thing you can’t skip: the MINSANTE Aptitude Test, which is set to take place in November 2024.
This decision applies to a wide range of healthcare professionals: nurses, midwives, lab technicians, pharmacists—you name it.
If you want to move forward and get licensed, the test is non-negotiable.
Here are the key dates you need to mark on your calendar:
Application Deadline: Submit your physical application file to your Regional Delegation of Public Health by November 8, 2024.
Written Exam: Takes place on November 16, 2024.
Practical Exam: Date hasn’t been announced yet. Only those who pass the written test will be allowed to sit for the practical.
Also, keep in mind—these dates have been updated. So if you saw earlier timelines, this is the one to follow now.
Make sure your documents are ready, and don’t leave anything to the last minute. This is your shot to prove you’re ready for the next level.
Why Preparing Properly Matters
Let’s be real—this test isn’t something you want to take lightly.
The MINSANTE Aptitude Test isn’t just about memorizing textbook facts.
It’s about applying what you know in real-life medical situations.
That means critical thinking, quick decision-making, and practical knowledge—not just theory.
If you want to pass on your first try (and you should), you’ve got to prepare the right way. That means:
Understanding the structure of both the written and practical exams
Practicing questions that reflect real clinical scenarios
Reviewing official documents and press releases from the Ministry of Public Health
The Ministry has already laid out what kinds of skills will be tested, so don’t guess—go straight to the source.
The better you understand what’s expected, the more confident you’ll feel on exam day.
And just so you know, this test isn’t a one-time thing.
It’s now part of the system going forward.
Every new wave of healthcare professionals will have to go through it.
So if you’re in school now, this is something you’ll need to face sooner or later.
What If You Don’t Pass?
Here’s the truth: not everyone passes on the first try.
But that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road.
If you don’t make it through, the Ministry has a plan for that.
You’ll be given the chance to take part in additional training to help build up the skills you’re missing.
After that, you’ll take another certification exam, still organized by MINSANTE.
The point isn’t to punish you—it’s to make sure you’re truly ready to handle the responsibilities that come with working in healthcare.
Lives depend on your knowledge and decisions, so the standards have to stay high.
Once you do pass, you’ll be eligible to join professional groups like the Association of Nurses, Midwives, Lab Technicians, and others.
That’s when you finally get the official license that allows you to practice in Cameroon—and possibly abroad.
So take this seriously. Prepare hard. Show up ready.
And if you fall short, don’t give up—get better and come back stronger.
Requirements for the Special Aptitude Test
Below are the updated registration requirements:
1.Registration Form: A form stamped at 1,500 CFA francs, which must be completed and downloaded from https://examen-national-special-minsante.cm.
2. Certified Birth Certificate: One (1) certified photocopy of your Birth Certificate, signed by a competent civil authority, dated less than three (03) months ago.
3. Payment Receipt: A receipt for the sum of 20,000 CFA francs issued by the Regional Delegate of Public Health from the location where you file your application.
4. Certified Copy of Required Diploma: One (1) certified photocopy of the diploma required for the test. The diploma should be issued either by the Ministry of Higher Education or by the supervising State University.
5. Certificate of Original Diploma Presentation: A certificate proving the presentation of the original diploma, issued by a competent administrative authority.
6. Certified Transcripts: Certified copies of transcripts for your entire curriculum, issued by the institution where you received your training.
7. Criminal Record Extract: One (1) extract from your criminal record, bulletin No. 3, dated less than three (03) months ago.
8. Medical Certificate: A medical certificate signed by a doctor practicing in a public health facility, certifying that you are fit to practice your profession. The certificate should be submitted in a sealed envelope.
9. Passport Photos: Two (2) 4X4 passport-sized photos in color, with a white background.
10. Stamped A4 Envelope: One (1) A4 envelope stamped at 500 CFA francs, bearing the candidate’s address.
Important Notes:
- Incomplete files, files submitted after the deadline, or files containing documents signed in a police station or by a non-competent authority will be rejected without exception.
Ensure that all your documents meet these requirements and are submitted within the designated timeframe to avoid disqualification.
Updated timetable and modalities for the exam
a) Written exams
| DATE | TYPE OF EXAMINATION | TIME | DURATION | PASS MARK | ELIMINATION SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16/11/2024 | Professional exam 1 | 08:00-11:00 | 3 hours | 35% | 05/20 |
| General culture (Law, ethics, and professional conduct) | 11:30-13:30 | 2 hours | 30% | 05/20 | |
| Professional exam 2 | 14:30-17:30 | 3 hours | 35% | 05/20 |
b) Practical exams
The Regional Delegates of Public Health will identify the different sites for practical exams.
Final Thoughts
The MINSANTE Aptitude Test isn’t just another exam. It’s a gatekeeper.
Whether you like it or not, this is now part of the process for becoming a recognized medical professional in Cameroon.
If you want to wear that title, earn that license, and truly serve people—this is the hurdle you need to clear.
You’ve worked hard to get your diploma.
Don’t let poor preparation stop you from crossing the finish line.
Understand what’s at stake. Get the dates locked in. Study with intention.
Find the right materials. And treat this like the serious career step it is.
The future of healthcare in Cameroon is shifting. Standards are rising.
The people who make it through this test will be the ones leading that change.
Make sure you’re one of them.
74 Comments
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If I have already taken the test and past the is the after registration on the oder roll is there a specific dateline for registration or is it open can I register any time after I pass the test
When are the results of the Aptitude test coming out ?
Do I need to be a citizen to write or can I write the exam with my resident permit?
Thanks so much for the detailed info about the National Aptitude test, I did apply with HND while currently doing BNS, will my BNS still matters after the exams??
Secondly, the exam is scheduled for tomorrow and I registered under the Yaounde center, but till now I have no either where and when the exam is to be written in Yaounde.
You should receive the information by sms from INFOSMS.
Check your phone please.
Please how can I subscribe , so I am notified when you post anything ? Thanks
Thank you..
A newsletter form is located around the footer of the homepage of our site.
You need to enter your email address in the box and click subscribe.
Hello Camerland,
Thanks so much for this post, it’s been of great help to acquire knowledge and updates on news related to the government.
It’s a good thing to have the exam hope the same energy will be portrayed when it comes to salaries. Long live Cameroon.
Thanks again
Hello Naomi..
Thank you for the tip.
how is the exams nature sir what are we to read and wc specific areas is one to focus on??
Please after using my HND certificate to write the aptitude test, will I still have to write another test after my degree program?
Are you currently working with your HND Diploma?
Please those that are already licensed and had long registered in the nursing council are they still expected to write this aptitude test?
Please note, there are no exceptions.
This exam overrides any licensure obtained in the past.
Please what about those who are already in the Nursing council who did HND/Bsc are they still required to write? Haven’t been able to get clearificattions on this. Will be grateful to get a quick response since the deadline for registeration is close.
Please note, there are no exceptions.
This exam overrides any licensure obtained in the past.
I just completed school
So I have just the transcript
Please how do I go about with requirement 4 and 5?
Please contact your school or go to the ministry in Yaounde.
They can help you.
Please if you miss the aptitude test this year can you write next year
Yes. It will be an annual exam!
Please find out with your hospital about the effect of not writing the exam this year.
Hello greetings, please what are the various combination courses for Both professional paper 1 and 2 for medical Laboratory technician, it will greatly help us to prepare for the exams. Thank you
Sorry!!
The details have not been made public yet.
Hello thank you so much for the detailed information however I have a question I have a degree in nursing so does that mean I need just my degree transcript?…not including the HND transcripts right?
You will have to provide your first year to fourth year transcript.
Please what about those who are already out of Cameroon with HND and BNS in Nursing and have not started practicing. What are we going to do about this test ?since it involves practical part also
If you ever want to practice, you will need to take the exam.
The exam is organized annually.
Please am a trained medical sales representative from a private Institution. Am I eligible for the exam?
Hi, I studied as a medical sales representative in a private institution in Douala. Can I write the exam?
Please can those who graduated from the faculty of science in Microbiology and parasitology with a minor in medical laboratory technology write the test?
Are you practicing as a lab technician?
Yes
You will need to write the exam..
What about those who graduated from the state university with a BSc in nursing, Are they also supposed to write the aptitude exam? Please I need help urgently.
Yes please
Where will the exam be written in Douala ?
It will be communicated in the days ahead.
What about those who graduated from the state university with a BSc in nursing, Are they also supposed to write the aptitude exam?
You will have to write the exam
Please I wish to ask if the aptitude written test will be multiple choice questions or easy writing
Sorry!!
We have limited info about that.
Those of us who wrote the Nursing Assistant concour and went in for training and then later on went for the HND/Degree certificates are we also going to write this exams?
If someone included her husband’s name on the registration form as it is on her national identity card whereas all her certificates are not having her husband’s name, is it a problem?
You will have to write please.
You will need to write it please.
Pls I wish to ask for us who wants to enroll for the first year. Are we supposed to write the test? Because I want to enroll into the nursing program am so confused and I need someone to guide me please
Hello!
You will need to write it at the end of your training.
It will be held every year.
I hope that you are planning to enroll in a state university.
No sir private institute
If you are planning to start school this academic year, the program is temporary suspended by the Government.
Private schools are not allowed to take in new students for health sciences until further notice.
What about BSC??
Thank you
Glad you found it helpful
Thank you so much for the update
Please help me out.
Am a Nurse _ midwife, holder of BSc in Nursing and midwifery, from the Faculty of Health science, University of Bamenda. we entered the faculty after succeeding in a competitive entrance .
Am currently working as a midwife ( contract worker, category 9)under the state
Please is the aptitude test structured for nurse_ midwives also if not, how do I go about it? Do I go in for nursing or midwifery?
Please what if one missed the opportunity to sit in for the exams this year, can one still be eligible to register next year?
Please what are the consequences ( in my own case) if I fail to go in for the exams this year.
Thank you
If yes, you will need to write the aptitude test..
Which academic year is eligible for this test??
Reading through no specific year is allocated
I had my degree in 2019
Am I supposed to write?
Yes you would need to write it please.
Thank you so much
I didn’t write HND nor HPD exams
I did a direct 4 years degree program in Nursing/ midwifery in the university of Bamenda, faculty of health sciences.
What about those who had HND 2024, they have just the HND result slip. Does it mean that they cannot sit for the test since they don’t yet have the original certificate of HND?
Your slip is acceptable. Please get to your school for guidance.
How do I take the exams,I am in the USA please
The exam is only written in person and not online.
1) Am I to fill and print the registration form online after wish I will then put the 1500 stamp on it? And if possible can I see how the registration form looks like?
2) where and how to do the medical certificate.
Go to the official website and download the registration form please.
Everything has been explained in the article above.
You will need to create an account on the website before accessing the form.
The MINSANTE Special Aptitude Test is open to health personnel who hold diplomas such as the Higher National Diploma (HND), Higher Professional Diploma (HPD), or equivalent health-related qualifications.
It applies to both current graduates and those who have already completed their training.
Thanks for the information
Please what the requirements for the submission of the document
Thank you Simeonne! Please check the updated article now.
What are the requirements and how do I apply for the test
Hello! Please check the updated article now.
Thank you
Glad it was of help to you
What are the required documents and where are the documents submitted?
Hello! Please check the updated article now.
Thank you very much.
I was not aware of such a test.
Please what are the documents required to apply for the exam?
Thank you Lucy!!
We just updated the article.
Kindly check
What are the requirements and how do I apply for the test