Table 2.

Aims, content and assessment of training courses on colposcopy.

Course	Aims/objectives	Theoretical element	Practical element	Exam	Ongoing education
BSCCP Colposcopy Training Programme (10)	To ensure the quality of colposcopists and colposcopy services within the NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP). To enable trainees to obtain defined core knowledge, and develop the necessary skills and personal and professional attributes to enable competency in colposcopy.	Core knowledge and core competences defined, including both clinical and generic competences. Professional values not detailed but expected to be acquired through practice and supervision.	Trainees are required to carry out at least 150 colposcopies under supervision.	Successful completion of an objective structured clinical examination required for accreditation.	Attendance at one or more BSCCP-approved conferences or meetings every 3 years required to maintain certification.
ASCCP Colposcopy Education Program (34)	None specified.	ASCCP Comprehensive Colposcopy online or in-person course. Knowledge of 2019 Risk Based Management Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Tests and Cancer Precursors and colposcopy standards recommended.	Hands-on element to in-person courses. Hands-on training and mentorship recommended but not required.	Online exam tests knowledge of ASCCP course, including asking about management of cases using images. Exam certifies completion of course ONLY.	No.
EFC one-day course in basic colposcopy (33)	“The participant knows basic colposcopical methodology and can apply that in a clinical setting”	Lectures on theoretical background of colposcopy, the principles of colposcopy, colposcopic diagnosis and colposcopic management of cases.	Interactive problem-solving sessions including image analysis and case management. No hands-on requirement.	No.	No.
IARC/ IFCPC Distance Learning Colposcopy Course (36)	Train people in low- and middle-income countries to screen HPV-positive women and women with pre-cancerous cervical disease	Online courses covering around 30 topics	15 directly supervised cases (at least 3 high grades), and 50 indirectly supervised cases (at least 10 high grades). Remote possible but trainee must attend clinic at least once.	Objective structured clinical examination.	No.
IGCS Pre-invasive Disease Program (37)	To provide a framework for basic training in pre-invasive disease of the female lower genital tract. To enhance clinical knowledge and skills in pre-invasive cervical disease management for all healthcare providers in any setting.	Two online phases cover theoretical knowledge (basic and advanced). Each phase has five e-learning modules, with a pre- and post-test for each.	Phase 3 is practical hands-on training. An online qualifying assessment must be completed before starting. Mentoring and supervision, and logbook completion required.	Pre- and post-test for each e-learning module. Minimum score required to proceed to next module. Logbook completion, mentor assessment and attendance at an approved course required for completion of Phase 3 and certification.	Potential to set up local Project Echo group as part of continuing clinical practice.

BSCCP, British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology; ASCCP, American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology; EFC, European Federation of Colposcopy; IARC/IFCPC, International Agency for Research on Cancer/ International Federation for Cancer Prevention and Colposcopy; IGCS, The International Gynecologic Cancer Society.