This is a two day course on 18th and 19th March. Please make sure you are available to attend both days.

Your Mentor is required to attend a training session on a date 26th March 12-2pm

Cervical sample taking is one element of a complex screening pathway. The NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) requires that all cervical sample takers have undertaken appropriate training to acquire the level of knowledge, clinical skill and understanding of the cervical screening programme, needed to undertake the role of the cervical sample taker and uphold the standards of the NHSCSP.

The Cervical Sample taker initial training course provided by Coventry and Warwickshire training hub is designed to equip the clinician with these necessary skills, closely following the NHSCSP guidance of training and education. The training course programme consists of 2 days theory, accredited by the RCN, followed by a 9-month element of practice based practical training, for which you will need to identify a suitably qualified and experienced sample taker in your practice to act as your mentor. Applications are considered from the relevant qualified health care professionals working within the Coventry and Warwickshire area, who meet the NHSCSP training and education guidance and course criteria (see below).

This training course is a comprehensive programme of learning, requiring support, protected time and commitment from the trainee, mentor and practice manager/employer. Please do not underestimate these requirements to successfully complete the course. The training period is a maximum of 9 months.

The following UK registered healthcare professionals are eligible to undertake the role of cervical sample taker:

  • Registered Nurses
  • Registered Nursing Associates*
  • Registered Midwives
  • Physicians Associates who are registered on the Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Registered (PAMVR) working within a suitable primary care role.
  • Registered paramedics working in primary care where cervical sample taking is relevant to their clinical practice.
  • Registered healthcare professionals working in integrated sexual health (ISH) clinics.
  • General Medical Council (GMC) Registered Medical Doctors

* Taking cervical samples is a delegated activity and the nursing associate works within the remits of their professional code.  The screening provider must consider safety, quality, competency and the treatment of disease, disorder or injury legislation when deploying a nursing associate.  When a nursing associate has registered with the NMC, a registered professional listed under the legislation (registered nurse or GP) will need to supervise their practice.  The individual who provides this professional support must be present at the GP practice in order to undertake indirect supervision of the nursing associate when carrying out the procedure.

See guidance for further information.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-cervical-sample-taker-training/training-for-cervical-sample-takers-education-pathway

How to book:

  • On receipt of your online booking, an information pack will be sent via email. 
  • Please take time to read and understand the course information, criteria and guidance
  • Trainees will need to ensure they have a mentor in place and the support of their practice to undertake this training course.
  • By signing the course agreement, you, your mentor, and practice manager/employer (all parties) are confirming that having read the course information and guidance, they are fully committed to this programme.  Your completed agreement must be returned prior to the 2-day theory training to enable your attendance.
  • Your place will only be confirmed once we have processed your completed Course Agreement form signed by you, your mentor, and your practice manager.

Day 1: Virtual via Microsoft Teams

Day 2: Will start at 9am virtually followed by practical session, venue tbc

The cost of the course includes 20% VAT.

RCN accredited until 19th August 2025. Accreditation applies only to the educational content, and not to any product. RCN cannot confirm competence of any practitioner.

Please do not underestimate the requirements on your time and commitment (and that of your mentor) to complete this course. The training period is a maximum of 9 months.

**Terms & Conditions apply**

This event is funded, through the Training Hub, by public money. Non-attendance therefore comes at a cost to patients, the NHS, and the public. Spaces at our events might be limited and your absence may prevent others from benefiting from the opportunity. If you are no longer able to attend, please notify us by replying to this email as soon as possible. For cancellations less than 72 hours prior to the course start date and all ‘no-shows’, we reserve the right to charge a £50.00 administration fee.