Non-gynaecological Cytology
Demonstrate expert professional skills and advanced knowledge in non-gynaecological cytology
IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Non-gynaecological Cytology provides evidence of the scientific and clinical knowledge that underpins the practice of non-gynaecological cytology and the practical competence required to prepare and report a defined range of non-gynaecological cytology specimens.
Candidates who achieve an IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Non-gynaecological Cytology will be able to:
- undertake a role that involves the preparation, evaluation and reporting of the previously defined range of non-gynaecological cytology specimens
- offer expert professional advice on the sampling and interpretation of the previously defined range of non-gynaecological cytology specimens
- participate in the training of biomedical scientists and specialist trainee medical staff in the sampling, preparation, evaluation and reporting of the previously defined range of non-gynaecological specimens
Further information
Who can apply for Non-gynaecological Cytology
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.
Non-gynaecological Cytology qualification structure
The IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Non-gynaecological Cytology 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.
Non-gynaecological Cytology guidance to candidates and trainers
December 2016
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 Non-gynaecological Cytology Portfolio Assessment Indicators
Non-gynaecological Cytology assessment
The examination of an IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Non-gynaecological Cytology 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 Non-gynaecological Cytology Guidance to Candidates and Trainers.
Non-gynaecological Cytology key dates
DEP in Non-Gynaecological Cytology - 2022 Exam Series
- Closing date for applications - Friday 4 March
- Portfolio submission deadline - Friday 25 March
- Written Examination - Monday 9 May (to be sat in own local hospital)
- Microscopy Examination date - Wednesday 22 to Friday 24 June (date will depend on number of candidates and social distancing arrangements that need to be in place at the time
Candidates intending to submit their portfolio in 2022 should note that the Institute will not be accepting hard copies versions of portfolio. Candidates must submit an electronic version of the portfolio of experiential learning to the Head of Examinations at the Institute offices via email to: examinations@ibms.org
Training Events
The North of England Pathology Screening and Education Centre (NEPSEC) are running events in 2022 to support those undertaking this qualification. These events are NOT mandatory but will be useful for those undertaking the qualification.
One event will focus on the written examination. Details of that event can be found here.
The other event will focus on the practical microscopy exam. Details of that event can be found here.
Non-gynaecological Cytology fees and how to apply
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 £386 (from January 2022),
- 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 August 2021)
In November 2020 the IBMS announced new funding for Institute members undertaking IBMS/RCPath Histopathology qualifications. The full statement can be found here.
We are pleased to inform a training grant is also available who work in England who sit the DEP in Histological Dissection, DEP in Non-Gynaecological Cytology, ASD in Histological Dissection, ASD in Cervical Cytology or ASD in Non-Gynaecological exam in 2021 or 2022. More information on the grant that is available and how and when it can be claimed can be found here.
Non-gynaecological Cytology resources
DEP Non-gynaecological Cytology 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 qualification.
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
Non-gynaecological cytology training courses run by the North of England Pathology Screening and Education Centre (NEPSEC).
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.
Deferrals, withdrawals and mitigating circumstances
If you wish to defer, withdraw or highlight any mitigating circumstances please contact examinations@ibms.org as soon as possible.