QUATE exam:
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APTITUDE TEST IN CERVICAL CYTOLOGY SCREENING
The QUATE (Quality Assurance, Training and Examinations committee) Aptitude Test is an international examination for cytotechnologists who fulfil the criteria for accreditation in their own countries. It is designed to provide an objective assessment of a cytotechnologist’s competence to screen conventional cervical smears or liquid based cytology samples and is available in traditional Papanicoloau, Surepath or Thinprep technologies.
It is held at least once a year, generally on the day of the opening of the European Congress of Cytology, but can also be run in any host country providing sufficient notice is given to the organising committee. These additional examination sessions should ideally be organised by the relevant national cytology society or through an EFCS Council or QUATE Committee member, but approaches from other cytology training centres will be considered. The examination is intended primarily for EFCS member countries but it may be possible to offer the examination in non-European countries by prior agreement of the EFCS/QUATE committee.
As the QUATE Committee is currently in abeyance the Examination Committee will report directly to the EFCS Council from 2012 onwards.
Terminology used is according the “European Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Cervical Cancer Screening”.
The examination is held in English or translated into the language of the host country given sufficient time to do so.
National societies are encouraged to support QUATE examinations and if you have any questions about the exam or are interested in hosting one in your own country please contact either Mr Professor Allan Wilson, Examination administrator, at allan.wilson@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk or Dr Sandra Moslavac, Lead Examiner at (sandra.moslavac@agram-bolnica.hr)
Normally at least six months’ advanced notice is required to hold a session of the examination
Further information for potential hosts is available here
Application for the QUATE Exam
Applications for the QUATE Exam must be made to, and approved by, the local organiser. There are no agreed standard criteria for entry, but applicants should be aware that some European countries have rigorous entry criteria for their own “registry” examinations.
Since the QUATE Exam requires knowledge and experience, it is recommended that candidates with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science or laboratory medicine have seen 5000 LBC or conventional cervical samples.
For example, entry to the UK Certificate in Cervical Cytology Examination, on which the Aptitude Test is based, requires candidates to have seen 5000 LBC cervical samples and completed 2 years training in cervical cytology.
This information is included to give an indication of the standard expected by the examiners.
To view the Form for Application click here: APPLICATION FORM