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FSRH Diploma (DFSRH)

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Apply for our nationally recognised qualification

Our FSRH Diploma (DFSRH) provides you with the knowledge and skills to enable you to carry out effective contraception consultation as part of a comprehensive approach to SRH care. Our Diploma is accessible to you if you are new to contraception or if you have some existing experience.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physician associates or other healthcare professionals registered in the UK and Ireland, working in primary care, community and integrated services. 

Our Diploma is an ongoing, continuous qualification, and once you have fulfilled the entry requirements you can apply at any time throughout the year. Almost all learning can be completed remotely and you will be supported by experienced FSRH Registered Trainers who will facilitate your learner journey. 

"I really can't recommend the DFSRH enough! The whole Diploma was so well organised and the support was so helpful along the way; and FSRH trainer was amazing! It feels good to have an area of special interest in which I can give my patients up-to-date evidence-based advice"

Dr Jennifer Millard, GP


Ready to take your first step on your Diploma journey? 

The first step to becoming a fully qualified DFSRH is to find a Faculty Registered Trainer to help support your learning. Use our interactive map to connect with a trainer near you. 

Trainer map

For more information on our FSRH Diploma, browse the tabs below. 

Diploma Information

Below we share some information on entry requirements and learning outcomes for our Diploma (DFSRH). You will have up to two years to complete the DFSRH, from the date you are officially accepted onto the DFSRH programme.

What are the entry requirements for the redesigned Diploma?

To successfully apply for the DFSRH, you will need to be able to fulfil all of the following entry requirements. You are also expected to keep all training up-to-date where applicable, for the duration of your DFSRH journey. Their fulfilment will be verified by providing the following information for each:

1.   Registered with a UK or Irish medical professional regulatory body and have a license to practice if that is required by your regulator

  • We recognise the following regulatory bodies:

    • The General Medical Council (UK)
    • Irish Medical Council
    • The Nursing & Midwifery Council (UK)
    • Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland
    • General Pharmaceutical Council (UK)
    • The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland
    • Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Register (UK)
    • Health and Care Professions Council (UK)

2. Able to give an intramuscular injection

Healthcare professionals are asked to self-verify that this skill has been acquired during their undergraduate training or by specific postgraduate training. FSRH does not require any other verification but does regard this self-verification as a matter of probity. Please read the DFSRH 2020 Learner Charter for more information. 

3. Able to give a subcutaneous injection

Healthcare professionals are asked to self-verify that this skill has been acquired during their undergraduate training or by specific postgraduate training. FSRH does not require any other verification but does regard this self-verification as a matter of probity. Please read the DFSRH 2020 Learner Charter for more information.

4. Able to perform a speculum examination

The following healthcare professionals can self-verify by ticking a box:

  • Registered Doctor
  • Registered Physician Associate
  • Registered Midwife
  • Registered Nurse who is a current smear taker
  • Registered Nurse who holds the FSRH LoC IUT

Those healthcare professionals outside of these groups will need have this skill verified, using the provided template, by any member of the 5 healthcare professional groups mentioned above or by a Faculty Registered Trainer (FRT) 

FSRH regards this verification as a matter of probity. Please read the DFSRH 2020 Learner Charter for more information.

And have the following:

5. Resuscitation and anaphylaxis training in line with current UK Guidelines

Upload evidence such as a current certificate or screen grab/scan of email or letter from training provider.

6. Accept the Learner Charter

Candidates are required to read, accept, and abide by the regulations of the DFSRH 2020 Learner Charter. Please read the DFSRH 2020 Learner Charter for more information.

Candidates needing extra time or other reasonable adjustments

If an applicant has a disability, they will be able to request extra time (and other reasonable adjustments) for both the Online Theory Assessment (OTA) and the Assessment Half Day (AHD). Through the DFSRH 2020 application process, applicants will be asked to confirm that they wish to apply for reasonable adjustments with the OTA and AHD. Applicants will be asked to upload evidence as part of their application.

Please read the DFSRH 2020 Reasonable Adjustment Policy, for further information.

You will have a total of two years to complete the DFSRH from formally being accepted on to the programme.

You may be required to arrange an honorary contract with your training provider. This should be considered during the initial conversations with potential Faculty Registered Trainers (FRT).

 

What are some of the learning outcomes of the Diploma?

1. Basic Anatomy and Physiology
2. Health History and Risk Assessment
3. Contraceptive Choices
4. Emergency Contraception
5. Contraception: Managing Side-effects and Complications of Use
6. Planning Pregnancy
7. Unintended Pregnancy and Abortion
8. Early Pregnancy
9. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
10. Needs of Specific Groups
11. Adult and Child/Young Person Safeguarding
12. Psychosexual medicine
13. Cervical Screening

 

How will I be assessed in the redesigned Diploma?

The Diploma is made up of four different assessment frameworks. You will be assessed in the following ways:

  • Independent Learning Portfolio (ILP) The ILP contains a mixture of self-guided learning, topic investigations, case discussion and patient feedback.

  • Online Theory Assessment (OTA) This online multiple-choice assessment will be made up of 50 questions and will take one hour to complete. All questions presented will relate to the DFSRH learning outcomes mentioned below. There will be a practice assessment available.

  • Summative Clinical Assessments (SCA) You will be expected to complete five SCAs within clinical settings.

  • Assessment Half Day (AHD) The Assessment Half Day is a clear, standardised assessment done face-to-face. It consists of a written assessment lasting one hour as well as four stations which you will complete in rotation. Before you go into each station, you will have a short time to read through the case scenario and understand what skills and knowledge will be assessed.

What will my DFSRH journey look like?

Diploma infographic

Download this infographic as a pdf.

Finding a FSRH Primary Registered Trainer

Each FSRH Registered Trainer works within a General Training Programme.

Use our Find a Training Programme map to find a General Training Programme near you, or where you wish to train.

You will be able to speak about your application and find out if they are able to undertake the training and assessment with you.

Candidates from Republic of Ireland doing FSRH qualifications in the UK

Healthcare professionals from the UK or the Republic of Ireland who wish to undertake any FSRH training that does not involve direct contact/treatment of patients in a UK health facility, will be required to be registered/ licenced and in good standing with the relevant UK or Irish regulatory body. For example, doctors wishing to undertake the DFSRH with remote assessments will need to be registered with the General Medical Council or the Irish Medical Council. Please ensure this is considered when joining a training programme.

Healthcare professionals from the UK or the Republic of Ireland who wish to undertake any FSRH training that involves direct contact/treatment of patients in a UK health facility, will be required to be registered/licenced and in good standing with the relevant UK regulatory body. For example, doctors from the UK or the Republic of Ireland wishing to undertake the FSRH Letters of Competence will need to be registered with the General Medical Council. Please ensure this is considered when joining a training programme.

The FSRH currently recognises the following regulatory bodies:  

  • The General Medical Council (UK)
  • Irish Medical Council
  • The Nursing & Midwifery Council (UK)
  • Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland
  • General Pharmaceutical Council (UK)
  • The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland
  • Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Register (UK)
  • Health and Care Professions Council (UK)

How to apply

Before you apply...

We recommend checking our DFSRH entry requirements on the 'Diploma Information' tab first. 

You will then need to secure a Faculty Registered Trainer. Please contact a General Training Programme to connect with a trainer who is suitably located to you or can provide remote training and assessment. 

You will also need a MyFSRH account. You can register for free or login to your existing account.

Nursing Associates
If you are registered as a nursing associate with the Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) please be mindful you are not currently eligible to take the FSRH Diploma or LoCs. 

The ability to undertake a comprehensive patient assessment independently is a fundamental requirement for holders of the DFSRH or LoC which differs from the requirement “to contribute to ongoing assessment” specified in the NMC Standards of proficiency for Nursing Associates (NMC 2018). (nmc.org.uk). 
For this reason, the FSRH Diploma and LoCs qualifications are not currently accessible if you are a registered Nursing Associate. 

How to apply

Once logged in, you can apply through our website. You will be asked for additional evidence to support your application and the £285 course fee will be taken prior to acceptance onto the course.

Apply for the FSRH Diploma (DFSRH)

What happens next?

We will let you know by email within 10 working days whether you have been accepted. You may be contacted by a member of the team within this time if additional information or evidence is required. 

If you have been accepted onto the DFSRH pathway, you will receive an acceptance email providing the next steps. You will also need to update your Faculty Registered Trainer that you have been accepted and can proceed with training and assessment.

If your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion, you will receive an email and a refund on your payment.  

Fees

Diploma Fee Structure

1) Application fee

Our Diploma will require an upfront cost of £285* to apply for the qualification. This will payable at the start of the qualification application process. 

This gives you access to:

  • The DFSRH curriculum and assessment framework
  • A range of learning resources
  • Support from a FSRH Faculty Registered Trainer

*£50 non-refundable application admin fees.

*This fee has been recently updated for 2023.

2) Local training and assessments

As well as the initial upfront cost of £285, you may need to cover the costs of local training and assessments, if these are not taking place in your own workplace as part of your ongoing training.

Local training includes one-to-one support from a Faculty Registered Trainer, or someone nominated by them if appropriate, to complete the five Summative Clinical Assessments and some work in your Independent Learning Portfolio.

You may also need to cover the cost of the Assessment Half Day (AHD) if this is not taking place in your own workplace as part of your ongoing training.

These local costs will vary and FSRH does not control what local providers will charge.

You can begin searching for local training programmes and FRTs now by using our Find a Training Programme Map.

3) Diplomate membership

Once you have successfully completed our qualification, you will also need to pay the membership fee for that year to be awarded your Diplomate status. This offers you a range of Diplomate membership benefits.

The subsequent full annual Diplomate membership fee will then be due on the 1 January the following year. If you continue your membership, recertification of your Diploma after five years is free as a benefit of membership.

Overall summary of fees

Enrolment Fee £285 This cost is set by FSRH and needs to be paid when you first apply to enrol on the Diploma.
Summative Clinical Assessments  and Independent Learning Portfolio sessions  Cost is set locally This cost is set locally and will vary; FSRH cannot advise on this cost. You may not have to pay this cost if the sessions are taking place in your workplace as part of your development.
Assessment Half Day Cost is set locally This cost is set locally and will vary; FSRH cannot advise on this cost. You may not have to pay this cost if this assessment if it is taking place in your workplace as part of your development.
Diplomate Membership £121 (2023 price) 

£18 (2023 price)		 This cost is set by FSRH and needs to be paid when you complete all elements of your Diploma.

The £18 fee is a change of membership fee if you are already a current member of the FSRH (such as an Associate) and are applying for the Diploma,
Overall possible cost of taking the Diploma £406 - £1,085 or more (estimate, but may be more depending on local costs) £361 cost is based on a scenario where you pay the enrolment fee at the beginning, a full year membership fee at the end, and where training costs are set locally we are not able to set a true estimate cost. 

*Additional costs may apply if you have to re-take any of the assessments.

My Trust are paying for my Diploma qualification what do I need to do?

If your trust is making payment by invoice, there will be a separate form that will need to be completed. The invoice form can be found via the Diploma Application. 

If you wish to ask for an update on your invoice payment, you can contact Finance directly via finance@fsrh.org.

DFSRH recertification fee

There's no charge to recertify as this is a benefit included in your annual membership fee. However, you must have paid your membership fee continuously for the five years leading up to recertifying.

If you have not, and you wish to recertify, you can contact us to discuss your options. 

Learning resources

All DFSRH learning materials will be located on our new FSRH Training Hub, making it easier for you to access your learning. Once your application is accepted, you will gain access to our DFSRH curriculum, syllabus and assessment templates.

Take a look at some of our DFSRH learning resources listed below.

eSRH Learning

We recommend that you start with eSRH learning as this will help prepare you for the DFSRH assessments. eSRH is free to NHS professionals and some other employees.

The e-SRH programme has been updated to be more relevant to current practice and compliment our redesigned FSRH Diploma (DFSRH) curriculum.

It contains several hours of learning which can be taken at your own pace and at your own convenience. It provides learning, knowledge tests, case studies and supplementary reading for each topic.

eSRH is an externally managed website portal. If you have any difficulties accessing content or registering, you can get in touch with eSRH here.

FSRH learning resources

There are a number of additional FSRH learning resources that you can use to support your learning.

These include:

Resources to help you prepare for the Independent Learning Portfolio (ILP)

For self-guided learning, you can complete the eight learning programmes below to prepare for the redesigned DFSRH. You can start this before applying.

If you have completed any of the e-learning resources listed within the last 3 years (from formal acceptance onto the programme), you will not need to repeat them as long as you can provide evidence that they have been done in this timescale.

Details of the learning resources, and how they will be verified, are listed below.

  Topic Link Access to learning Self-declaration or certificate?
1 Video and reading:
Sayana Press®		 Candidates will need to read the information on this website and watch a short video:www.injectsayanapress.org/ Use provided learning only Self-certified 
2 Video and reading:
Caya®		 Candidates will need to read the information on this website and watch a short video:www.caya.eu/use/ Use provided learning only Self-certified
3 E-learning:
NHS Cervical screening programme (eLfH)		 https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Component/Details/478343

Please note having a smear number does not exempt you from doing the Cervical Screening e-learning. You only need to complete two mandatory modules Cervical Sample Taker Update Training and Primary HPV screening e-learning course for sample takers. The Sample Taker training: the interim assessment module is recommended but not mandatory.		 Use provided learning only Certificate of completion for upload
4 E-learning:
Gender variance and/or LGBTQ+ or equivalent*

https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Component/Details/605784

Complete e-SRH module 10_02 SRH Needs of People Who Identify as LGBTQ or Non-binary, including Knowledge Check section.

  Flexible Self-certified
5 E-learning:
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) (eLfH) or equivalent*		 https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Component/Details/390922 Flexible  Certificate of completion to upload
6 E-learning:
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) (eLfH) or equivalent*		 https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Component/Details/394518  Flexible  Certificate of completion to upload
7 E-learning:
Adult Safeguarding/Support, level 1-2 (eLFH) or equivalent*		  Level 1:

https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Component/Details/391190

Level 2:

https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Component/Details/397576		 Flexible  2x Certificate of completion to upload
8 E-learning:
Child and Young Person Safeguarding/Child Protection level 3 (eLfH) or equivalent* **		  Level 1:

https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Component/Details/390924

Level 2:

https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Component/Details/478968

Level 3:

https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Component/Details/391100		  Flexible  3x Certificate of completion to upload

*Other appropriate resources may be used, but trainers will have discretion in what you can accept to ensure the learning outcomes are met. Courses can be either online and/or face-to-face, and we ask that they are at least one hour in duration.

** As levels are not defined in the same way in Scotland, trainers will have discretion to assess the Safeguarding training that has been completed and sign this off as equivalent to level 3.

Membership

Once you have achieved your Diploma qualification you will become a Diplomate member of FSRH. After completing your qualification, your 'My FSRH' area will show your benefits in full. Many of these will be accessed through the Training Hub.

Your membership subscription is payable annually and your membership runs from 1 January to 31 December each year. Your membership includes:

  • Access to our FSRH Training Hub which is regularly updated with the latest SRH resources and content to help and support your SRH practice
  • Access to our quarterly peer-reviewed BMJ SRH Journal
  • Free five-yearly recertification of your DFSRH qualification via our CPD diary online (available soon)
  • Free SRH webinars and recordings to watch on-demand based on our latest clinical guidance
  • Conference and webinar discounts
  • Our members’ evidence request service where you can search our database for the latest advice, guidance and information on case-specific topics

 

Recertification

If you hold our Diploma, we require you to recertify your qualification every five years. 

Recertification helps you to: 

  • demonstrate the learning outcomes achieved from your qualification(s) have been maintained 
  • show you have the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviour needed to provide safe and effective sexual and reproductive health care (SRH) 
  • meet the requirements of commissioners, who often require clinicians to have certified qualifications 

Recertification is one of our member benefits and free to current FSRH members.  

Find out how to recertify your Diploma here.