Objective

The objective of the European Diploma in HIV Medicine for healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in HIV is to support efforts to harmonise care across Europe.  

EACS aims to provide clinicians and practitioners with an accessible and standardised platform for showcasing their clinical knowledge in HIV medicine, aligned with a defined European curriculum. This examination is designed to comprehensively assess candidates’ knowledge-based professional competencies in HIV management via Single-Best Answer (SBA) questions. It supports EACS’s commitment to the following objectives:

1. Clinical Practice Harmonisation: Harmonising HIV care standards according to EACS Guidelines ensures that candidates embody best practices, resulting in positive patient outcomes and supporting professional mobility.
2. Professional Competence Certification: Establishing minimum knowledge standards through certification validates successful candidates’ clinical proficiency, ensuring they meet benchmarks for effective HIV management.
3. Continuous Professional Development: Encouraging ongoing competency enhancement in knowledge, attitudes, and collaboration offers candidates a structured learning and development opportunity that fosters a culture of professional innovation.

Through its content, structure, and assessment methodologies, the examination is designed to reflect and assess the dynamic and evolving nature of HIV management in clinical practice.

EACS Core Curriculum

The core curriculum comprising of 14 sections underwent review by multiple stakeholder groups and approved by the EACS Governing Board. It serves as a blueprint for all EACS educational activities including the European Diploma in HIV Medicine.

  Click here to consult the full curriculum

The European Diploma in HIV examination

The European College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) and the RCPI Examinations Department, with nearly 50 years of combined experience in conducting examinations will deliver the EACS European Diploma in HIV Medicine examination online using remote invigilation. This process will include an independent EACS Examination Board responsible for question content, standard  setting, approval of results, general governance decisions, with administrative tasks handled by the RCPI Examinations Department.

Candidate profile

Candidates who take this examination need to be practising medical professionals with at least three years of direct patient care experience in HIV management. They are expected to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a range of evidence-based practices within the field of HIV clinical care.

This includes but may not be limited to:

• Managing co-morbidities and co-infections
• Recognising and responding to drug mechanisms and interactions
• Applying knowledge of pathogenesis and virology
• Utilising relevant diagnostics
• Implementing effective treatment strategies

Candidates from outside Europe are eligible to apply for the European Diploma in HIV Medicine.

Candidates who take this exam are expected to excel in clinical decision-making and be capable of collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive and effective patient management, staying informed of ongoing research and treatment advancements.

Candidates should demonstrate a patient-centric approach to managing HIV-associated conditions, uphold high ethical standards, and demonstrate cultural competence in providing care to specific populations.

They should be equipped to apply their knowledge and skills in developing and delivering clinical interventions and treatment plans that optimise patient outcomes, adhering to EACS Core Curriculum and Guidelines.

  EACS Diploma in HIV Management: Examination Blueprint

Scholarship applications- applications are now closed

EACS offers a limited number of scholarships to support candidates taking the exam for the European Diploma in HIV Medicine. These scholarships cover 50% of the examination fee (equivalent to €375).

Who can apply?

Scholarships are available to EACS members who:

• Work in a European country classified as low- or middle-income.  Consult the list of countries here.
• Hold a primary medical degree.
• Have at least three years of experience working in the field of HIV.
• Can clearly demonstrate their motivation to take the exam.
• Are able to explain the impact that obtaining the European Diploma in HIV Medicine would have on their professional development or clinical practice.

Applicants must be current EACS members. Not a member yet? Join EACS  here.

For further questions, please contact the  EACS Secretariat.

Please note: EACS is unable to award scholarships to individuals or institutions based in countries currently under European Union sanctions.  See the list of sanctioned countries here. All applications will be verified accordingly.