Certifying Basic Training Programmes in Urology

A mark of excellence
As part of efforts to harmonise urological training in Europe, the EBU’s Urological Training Programme Committee (UTPC) certifies residency training programmes in urology. Sixteen years after this initiative was first introduced in 1994, the title “EBU-Certified Training Centre” has now become a distinctive measure of quality control.

To qualify for EBU certification, the medical institution offering a Residency Training Programme in Urology (RTPU) must meet the educational standards as defined by the official national organisations. The institution must also meet the UEMS and EBU requirements such as a minimum of five years in offering specialist training. For a full, five-year certification the training programme must cover the EBU Urology curriculum.

The EBU conducts an objective evaluation in certifying Residency Training Programmes in Urology. The process benefits a training programme since not only areas for further improvement are identified but is also ensures that standards are consistently maintained. Thus, as a measure of quality, the EBU Certification implies unequivocal endorsement of the reliability of a centre offering basic training.

Certification process
Certification, granted for either three or five years (full certification), is based on information collected during the application period and on a one-day site visit of the department during which the residents and teaching staff are interviewed. The collected information is evaluated using a well-defined score system. Areas to be evaluated include the educational programme, supervising staff, department facilities, and how the educational programme is implemented with regards to the department’s goals, the educational climate and the clinical and theoretical training. 

Written training programmes, completed resident’s EBU logbooks and a list of publications are amongst the required documents.  

The site visit is carried out by two UTPC members coming from two European countries and not from the country where the application originates to ensure impartiality. Based on the site visit report which has been discussed by the UTPC either a three-year or a five-year certification is granted.

Certifying Residency Training Programmes in Urology
The EBU has the following criteria in certifying Urological Training Programmes in urology:

  • A minimum of five years in offering specialist training.
  • A Residency Training Programme in Urology must meet national standards as defined by the national official organisations. An institute which has not received approval from its own Residency Review Committee (or any equivalent body) cannot acquire or be granted EBU certification. 
  • For a five-year certification the training programme must cover the EBU urology curriculum.

Application Process
The Certification process is outlined in the documents listed below:

When applying for RTPU Certification, please make sure you submit all the documents listed below: