Effective 7 August 2024: The RCOG will launch revised Special Interest Training Modules (SITMs), and ASMs will no longer be available for new registration. Trainees starting ST6 from August 2024 must undertake SITMs; those already enrolled in ASMs can complete them by 7 August 2026.
ASMs overview overview and guidance
The Advanced Skills Modules (ASMs) are concise modules which concentrate on a specific area of clinical practice.
To support trainees through their advanced training, we provide comprehensive resources and guidance documents. These documents ensure that trainees have access to all necessary information and support materials.
Key resources:
- Definitive Document for the Advanced Training Curricula (2019 - GMC approved): This document contains full details of all the Advanced Training Skills Modules, Advanced Skills Modules, and Advanced Professional Modules. Please use this as a reference point.
- Guidance documents for 2019 advanced training curriculum: Embedded in the ePortfolio and available on RCOG Learning.
- Training matrix of educational progression: See our guidance documents developed to support the advanced curriculum on the RCOG eLearning website.
ASM in Safe Practice in Abortion Care
This ASM replaces the Abortion Care ATSM.
The ASM will prepare you to provide abortion care based upon best practice and covers medical and surgical methods of termination up to 23+6 weeks’ gestation. The surgical skills, however, may be undertaken to one of three thresholds: 13+6 weeks, 18+6 weeks or 23+6 weeks.
- The application process for the 13+6 and 18+6 weeks threshold follows the ATSM application process. The module can be undertaken by NTN holders, non-training grades and consultants.
- For the 23+6 weeks gestation threshold, a national recruitment process will be introduced and further information will be available here once the process has been determined.
This ASM can be undertaken by NTN holders (ST6 and above) in advanced training, non-training grades and post-CCT holders.
ASM completion
Once you have completed your ASM and all components have been completed to the satisfaction of your Preceptor and Educational Supervisor, please follow the below steps for completion.
- Download the ASM completion form
- Complete and sign the form
- Obtain required approvals from:
- Educational Supervisor
- Preceptor
- SITM Director (previously known as ATSM Director)
- Send the completed form to specialinterest@rcog.org.uk who will issue your completion certificate.
It is important to note your ASM must be completed by 7 August 2026, at which point the ASMs will be decommissioned. Please refer to our 2024 curriculum implementation and transition plan for further information.