This education activity has been developed by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer (ACPCC).
About this module
IMPORTANT: Please be aware that this module does not replace formal training to become a Cervical Screening Provider. If you wish to undertake the required training to become a Cervical Screening Provider, please get in contact with your State or Territories Family Planning service.
This module provides a broad overview of cervical cancer, human papillomavirus, cervical anatomy, and how we can eliminate cervical cancer through primary and secondary prevention strategies. Importantly, the key role of healthcare providers and practice staff is highlighted throughout this module.
These modules should take 1.5 hours to complete. You do not need to complete them in one sitting – your progress will be saved as you go.
This module will begin with an assessment of your existing knowledge. At the end of the module, you will be prompted to complete another assessment. This will provide you with an opportunity to see what you have learned over the course of this module.
Throughout, you will find quiz questions designed to reinforce content as you progress. These formative questions will not count towards your final assessment score.
Learning outcomes
At the completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Identify the anatomical features of the female pelvis and cervix that are relevant to cervical screening.
2. Identify the link between human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cell abnormalities and the development of cervical cancer.
3. Identify primary and secondary prevention of cervical cancer strategies, and their role in the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem.
4. Outline the cervical screening options available in the current National Cervical Screening Program guidelines.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
RACGP
This activity is accredited with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) as a CPD Approved Activity for the 2026-2028 triennium. Upon completion of this course in its entirety, participating GPs will be allocated the following CPD hours:
Educational Activities: 1 hour
Reviewing Performance: 0.5 hours
ACRRM
This activity is accredited with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine for the 2026-2028 triennium. Upon completion of this course in its entirety, participating GPs will be allocated the following CPD hours:
Educational Activities: 1 hour
Reviewing Performance: 0.5 hours
CPD – Nurses
You will receive a certificate of completion as evidence of your learning.
AMA CPD Home
This activity is accredited with the Australian Medical Association as a CPD Approved Activity for the 2026-2028 triennium. Upon completion of this course in its entirety, participants will be allocated the following CPD hours:
Educational Activities: 1 hour
Reviewing Performance: 0.5 hours
Audience
This module is designed for primary healthcare practitioners across Australia involved in the delivery, oversight, or support of cervical screening using self‑collection.
How to navigate
This module supports self-paced, short, focused learning. You can revisit it at any time.