Diagnostic Cytopathology

To apply you must be a Member or Fellow of the IBMS, HCPC registered with five years post-registration experience in cytology, with at least two years current practical experience in the preparation and evaluation of non-gynaecological cytology specimens. 

you must also:

• have a single named consultant pathologist trainer who has overall responsibility for mentoring and guiding you and monitoring your progress
• be working in a laboratory that is a UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) registered laboratory and 
• that has IBMS laboratory post-registration training approval

If you are unsure whether your laboratory has IBMS laboratory approval for please check with your laboratory manager or training officer.

The IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Diagnostic Cytopathology is a professional vocational qualification assessed by completion of portfolio of evidence and a written and practical examination.

The portfolio of evidence provides a record of your training and should contain evidence of regular assessments of your competence in reporting the specimen types covered by this qualification by your named consultant pathologist supervisor. Once your named consultant pathologist supervisor is satisfied that your training is complete you can submit your portfolio and go on to the written and practical examinations. 

Diagnostic Cytopathology guidance to candidates and trainers 

Please note that this guidance document still uses the old title of Non-Gynaecological Cytology. The document will be updated shortly to reflect the new agreed qualification title.

This document was updated to provide greater clarity on the audit requirements of the portfolio and the submission of the portfolio. Information on the structure of the microscopy examination has also been amended to reflect that this may vary depending on the number of candidates entering the exam.

DEP Diagnostic Cytopathology Portfolio Assessment Indicators

The examination of an IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Diagnostic Cytopathology involves three assessments:

• a portfolio assessment 
• a written examination
• a practical examination 

Portfolio assessment

You must meet 28 standards in order to pass your portfolio assessment and progress to the written examination. Your portfolio will be independently assessed by two members of the Conjoint Examination Board.

Written examination

This paper lasts 75 minutes with candidates being expected to answer five questions from a choice of six. 

Practical assessment 

Urinary Tract and Effusion Cytology Practical Microscopy: You will be expected to examine 14 cases (6 urines and 8 serous effusions) consisting of slides with summary clinical information, preparing full reports and discussion on all 14 cases in 112 minutes. 

Respiratory Cytology Practical Microscopy: You will be expected to examine 8 cases consisting of slides with summary clinical information, preparing reports and discussion on all 8 cases in 64 minutes. 

Full details of the qualification, learning outcomes and assessment are available in our Diagnostic Cytopathology Guidance to Candidates and Trainers. 

 (The title of this guidance document still uses the old title of DEP in Non-Gynaecological Cytology. This document will be updated shortly to reflect the revised title of this qualification)

DEP in Diagnostic Cytopathology - 2024 Exam Series

Closing date for applications: Friday 16 February 2024

Portfolio Submission Deadline: Friday 1 March 2024

Written Examination: (sat in your local hospital): Tuesday 7 May

Microscopy Examinations: These will take place between Wednesday 3 and Friday 5 July at NEPSEC in Wakefield. The exact day will depend on the number of candidates who pass (or who have previously passed and have 'banked')  the written exam.

Portfolio Submission Information: Candidates intending to submit their portfolio in 2024 should note that the Institute will not be accepting hard copies versions of portfolio. It could be submitted either via email(s) or by providing a link to a shared folder such as, but not limited to, One Drive, We Transfer or Google Docs. The shared folder should not require the Head of Examinations to set up an account to access the information but could require a password which should be sent with the link to the shared folder. The portfolio can also be submitted by placing it on a USB stick and sending that to the IBMS marked for my attention as the Head of Examinations.

If the portfolio is being submitted via email(s) or a link to a shared folder the email address to use is examinations@ibms.org

Training Events: The North of England Pathology Screening and Education Centre (NEPSEC) are running event in early 2024 to support those undertaking this qualification. See the resources section below for more information.

 

To apply for the qualification in the year in which you plan to submit your portfolio for assessment you will need to submit to the IBMS Examinations Team:

• payment of £420
• a completed application form 

Fees can be paid by:

• credit or debit card payment by phone on +44 (0)207 731 0214 or 
• purchase order from your hospital Trust

Once your application has been accepted you will be sent confirmation of your candidacy and a reminder of the submission deadline for your portfolio. Please note that if you withdraw from the qualification at any point a £50 administrative fee will be applied to any refund.

Training Grant Available (Updated 11 December 2023)

We are pleased to inform that a training grant of £1,000 per candidate continues to be available to employers of candidates in England who are undertaking the DEP or ASD in Diagnostic Cytopathology or ASD in Cervical Cytology. More information on the grant that is available and how and when it can be claimed can be found here.

 

DEP Diagnostic Cytopathology Portfolio assessment indicators 

Guidance on Recognising and Avoiding Plagiarism

Please see the key dates section above for information on training events in support of this qualificatio

You can find discipline-specific reading lists to support you in completing an IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice on our Science Reading page.

You can find articles and online resources to support you in completing an IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in our Resources section. 

British Association for Cytopathology website

North of England Pathology Screening and Education Centre Training Event

The NEPSEC will be running a two-day event on 29 February and 1 March 2024 at the NEPSEC in Wakefield and will cover both the written and practical exam elements of this qualification. More details about the event can be found here. The event is not mandatory but it will provide useful advice, tips, guidance and experience for those undertaking this qualification.

Position Statement on Role Requirements and Banding for Scientists undertaking Reporting within Cellular Pathology Departments

As an aid to departments wishing to utilise the opportunities offered by the scientist reporter the Institute has described in outline the expected job content, the qualifications required for each role and the appropriate Agenda for Change (or equivalent) pay grade. The position statement can be found here.

If you wish to defer, withdraw or highlight any mitigating circumstances please contact examinations@ibms.org as soon as possible.