Letter of Competence Subdermal Contraceptive Implants Techniques Insertion and Removal (LoC SDI-IR)

Entry requirements

If you do not hold a current FSRH Diploma, MFSRH or FFSRH, you must pass (or have recently passed) our online knowledge assessment (the ‘eKA in SRH’). Find out more about the eKA. 

If you do hold a current FSRH Diploma, MFSRH or FFSRH, there is no need to take the eKA.

Personal beliefs guidance:

At the time of application for your FSRH qualification, you need to confirm you have read the 6 principles of care as outlined in the “Guidance for those undertaking or recertifying FSRH qualifications whose personal beliefs conflict with the provision of abortion or any method of contraception” and agree to abide by them in practice. It is, therefore, important to have read this document prior to commencing training.

Module 17 of the e-SRH

However, everybody must complete Module 17 of the e-SRH. This is an e-learning package, free to NHS professionals, which contains interactive learning modules on various topics. Each module lasts around 20 minutes. Please register with e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH). e-SRH is free to anyone holding an nhs.net email address. 

FSRH Diploma or LoCs - requirement for anaphylaxis training

The entry requirements for the DFSRH, NDFSRH, LoC SDI and LoC IUT include the need for trainees to provide evidence that they are up to date with Basic Life Support and Anaphylaxis Training in accordance with their employer’s local policy. Trainees are encouraged to access local training where available. In the rare instances where this is unavailable, online updating which follows the UK Resuscitation Council standards may be deemed acceptable; there are a number of websites which offer e-learning for a fee. Trainers may choose to accept certificates of completion as suitable evidence. Doctors who register with doctors.net.uk can access free on-line learning through this website.

Practical training

Trainees must first use a model arm to practice inserting and removing subdermal implants. This practice can take place as part of the Course of 5 for the FSRH Diploma, or in a separate training session.

The training then moves to live volunteers: you must complete as many supervised insertions and removals as necessary until your trainer is satisfied that you are competent.

Please note: 
1. Your practical training must be completed through a Faculty-recognised General Training Programme – you can find a list of them on our 'Find a Trainer' page when you register or log into 'My FSRH'. 
2. You must document all your practical training and obtain the signature of your trainer when you competently complete each stage / insertion. Download a training record.

Final steps

Once you have completed both parts of your training, you may apply for your LoC SDI. To do this, log into ‘My FSRH’ and then complete: 
1. Your LoC SDI training record / application form 
2. The online evaluation of your training experience – you can find links to this in ‘My FSRH’

Fast-track arrangements

Experienced practitioners

If you are already experienced in subdermal contraceptive implant techniques and are currently providing subdermal implant contraception, you can fast-track your training by self-certifying. Read the training requirements by clicking the link at the top of this page.

Associated fees and costs

• eKA – £75 per sitting.
• Clinical training – costs are set locally.
• LoC SDI-IR application fee:
  - £60 for current FSRH members* (Associates, Members, Fellows and current holders of the Diploma)
  - £350 for non-members*

To begin your LoC SDI, please Register or log into 'My FSRH'.

*Join us as a member to benefit from reduced application fees
You can also join to become an Associate member when completing your LoC training application using the links above. This will allow you to qualify for the reduced member rate of £60 for each LoC application fee.

The cost of Associate membership is £89 (for LoC applications between 1 Jan – 30 June 2018) or £45 (for LoC applications made between 1 July – 31 December 2018). The subsequent annual Associate membership fee is due on 1 January 2019 and then the following years.

As an Associate member you can recertify your qualification free of charge every 5 years, if you have retained and paid for your annual Associate membership each year. Recertification enables you to demonstrate you have retained the skills and knowledge required for your qualification. This evidence can be used in appraisals and for revalidation.

Associate membership benefits include access to our Journal, clinical guidance, webinars and conference discounts. Take a look at our Associate member benefits.

Contact Us
If you have questions regarding applying for the Letters of Competence including e-KA enquiries, please contact the Education Development Officer by phone on: +44(0)20 7724 5647 or by email to EDofficerLoC@fsrh.org.

Intellectual Property Rights
All intellectual property rights for any FSRH qualification including documents, materials and content belonging to and produced by the FSRH should not be used for purposes other than FSRH training. Should you wish to use any of the IPR for purposes other than FSRH training you must seek the FSRH’s approval in writing with your request via our copyright request form. We aim to respond to submissions of this nature within one working week.