NHPC / HPR-REQ / 01
Health Professional Registration
Every health professional must register with NHPC before practising in Somalia. Article 25 of the NHPC Act Lr.31.
Who this applies to
- Graduates of a recognised health training institution seeking to practise in Somalia.
- Any health professional who must be registered before commencing work (Art. 25(1)).
- Foreign-qualified practitioners follow additional steps — see the Foreign-Qualified Practitioners page.
Registration classes
| Class | Who it’s for | Maximum duration | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provisional registration — Art. 28 | A graduate of a Council-recognised institution entering supervised practice. | Maximum 2 years (Art. 28(6)) | - A qualification from an educational institution recognised by the Council.<br>- Employment under supervision for a designated, fixed period.<br>- You may practise only at a health facility or institution approved by the Council (Art. 28(5)). |
| Permanent (general) registration — Art. 29 | A professional who has completed provisional registration, the internship and the assessment. | Valid 3 calendar years (Art. 29(4)) | - An approved Diploma or Bachelor qualification from a Somali institution established by law, or a recognised foreign institution.<br>- Previously registered provisionally and completed the designated period.<br>- A 24-month full-time internship at a Council-approved hospital (Art. 29(3)).<br>- Pass the assessment of competent and safe practice (Art. 29(2)), and provide original testimony documents. |
| Specialist registration — Art. 30 | An already-registered professional holding a postgraduate qualification in a recognised specialty. | Recognised specialty registration cannot exceed 24 months (Art. 30(4)) | - An approved postgraduate qualification in the determined specialty (Art. 30(1)(a)).<br>- You must already be registered, and the specialty must be recognised (Art. 30(2)(b)).<br>- Your background must directly relate to your previous education (Art. 30(2)(a)). |
- Provisional registration — Art. 28
A graduate of a Council-recognised institution entering supervised practice.
Maximum duration:Maximum 2 years (Art. 28(6))
- A qualification from an educational institution recognised by the Council.
- Employment under supervision for a designated, fixed period.
- You may practise only at a health facility or institution approved by the Council (Art. 28(5)).
- Permanent (general) registration — Art. 29
A professional who has completed provisional registration, the internship and the assessment.
Maximum duration:Valid 3 calendar years (Art. 29(4))
- An approved Diploma or Bachelor qualification from a Somali institution established by law, or a recognised foreign institution.
- Previously registered provisionally and completed the designated period.
- A 24-month full-time internship at a Council-approved hospital (Art. 29(3)).
- Pass the assessment of competent and safe practice (Art. 29(2)), and provide original testimony documents.
- Specialist registration — Art. 30
An already-registered professional holding a postgraduate qualification in a recognised specialty.
Maximum duration:Recognised specialty registration cannot exceed 24 months (Art. 30(4))
- An approved postgraduate qualification in the determined specialty (Art. 30(1)(a)).
- You must already be registered, and the specialty must be recognised (Art. 30(2)(b)).
- Your background must directly relate to your previous education (Art. 30(2)(a)).
Key legal facts
Article 25(3) — The Council approves or rejects a complete application within 30 days.
Article 26(1)(b) — A prescribed interview and examination are required.
Article 29(3) — A 24-month full-time internship is required for permanent registration.
Article 29(4) — General (permanent) registration is valid for three calendar years.
Article 39 — Practising without registration is an offence — a fine of up to US$2,000.
Required documents
- 1
University degree certificate, authenticated by the Ministry of Education
- 2
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- 3
Internship / university training completion certificate
- 4
Secondary school certificate
- 5
Certificate of good conduct (police clearance)
- 6
Application file / folder
- 7
Two (2) passport-size photographs
- 8
National identity card (NIRA) or passport
The process
- 1
Prepare your documents
Gather all eight required documents above. Incomplete applications are not accepted.
- 2
Submit your application and pay the fee
Applications are submitted online through the NHPC portal, with the prescribed fee (Art. 25(1)).
- 3
Assessment — interview and examination
The Health Professionals Assessment Committee conducts the prescribed interview and examination (Art. 26(1)(b)).
- 4
Council decision within 30 days
The Council approves or rejects the application within 30 days of receipt; reasons are given for any refusal (Art. 25(3), 25(5)).
- 5
Registration issued; complete your internship
Provisional registrants complete a 24-month full-time internship and pass assessment before permanent registration (Art. 28, 29(3)).
After registration — Ongoing obligations
- 1
Display your practising certificate
Show your practising certificate in a conspicuous place at your place of practice (Art. 45).
- 2
Report changes to your details within 7 days
Notify the Secretary General of any change affecting your registration records within seven days (Art. 31).
- 3
Complete continuing professional development (CPD)
CPD is a requirement for licence renewal (Art. 44(2)(c), 34(5)(b)(i)).
- 4
Renew your licence to practise every two years
A licence to practise is valid for two calendar years and must be renewed before it expires (Art. 42(8)).
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration application fee | TBC |
| Examination fee | TBC |
| Certificate of registration issuance | TBC |
- Registration application fee
Amount:TBC
- Examination fee
Amount:TBC
- Certificate of registration issuance
Amount:TBC
Fees are set by the Council under Article 23 and published separately. Amounts marked TBC are not yet confirmed — do not pay any amount requested outside official NHPC channels.
Documents & Forms
Registration Requirements for Health Professionals — The documents an individual health professional must submit to register with NHPC under Article 25. — NHPC / HPR-REQ / 01·260 KB·SO/EN·Updated2026-07-16
- National Health Professionals Council Act, Lr.31 — The full legal framework establishing the NHPC and regulating health professionals, facilities, and training institutions. 73 Articles. — NHPC / ACT / Lr.31·339 KB·EN·Updated2026-07-16
Frequently asked questions
How long does registration take?+
The Council decides within 30 days of receiving a complete application (Art. 25(3)). Incomplete applications are not accepted, so submit every required document.
Do I have to sit an examination?+
Yes. A prescribed interview and examination conducted by the Council are a registration requirement (Art. 26(1)(b)).
How long is my registration valid?+
General registration is valid for three calendar years (Art. 29(4)). Renew before it expires to keep practising lawfully.
I qualified abroad — where do I apply?+
Foreign-qualified practitioners follow additional steps and document authentication under Articles 36–38 and 60. See the Foreign-Qualified Practitioners page.
What happens if I practise without registering?+
It is an offence under Article 39, carrying a fine of up to US$2,000. Six months after the Act commenced, no unregistered professional may provide health services (Art. 72).
Ready to apply?
Applications are submitted through the NHPC portal. This website does not process applications or payments.
This page summarises Articles 24–30, 39 and 72 of the NHPC Act Lr.31. The Act is the authoritative source; where this summary differs, the Act prevails.