ESSENTIAL COURSE

Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine

This award winning course is the recommended starting point for GPs wanting to expand their knowledge and skills in primary care skin cancer medicine.

Focus on core skills for the safe practice of skin cancer medicine. Course participants learn to recognise and describe both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, plus benign lesions – which are commonly confused with malignant conditions.

Techniques for diagnosis are covered including clinical examination, assessing risk factors for skin cancer, basic dermoscopy, and biopsy. Both surgical and non-surgical management options are explored including elliptical surgery and basic suturing techniques.

Enjoy a combination of online learning and practical workshop with:

• Flexible learning
  Complete the 4-week online learning phase at your own pace.
• More time for hands-on practice
  Practical sessions focus on surgical skills with ample time for interaction between presenters and students.
• Ongoing access to content
  Consolidate your skills with on demand access to all course content, including instructional videos (e.g. surgical techniques).
• Robust assessments
  Multi-phase assessment designed to build your confidence in your skin cancer medicine.

Course Information

• Features
• Entry Requirements
• Course Intakes
• Course Timeline
• Course Fees
• Frequently Asked Questions

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Features

• Learn techniques for diagnosis of skin lesions including clinical examination.
• Understand how to assess risk factors for skin cancer.
• Discover basic dermoscopy, and biopsy techniques (shave, punch, and excision).
• Learn surgical skills, including elliptical surgery and basic suturing, as well as non-surgical management strategies.
• Pick up expert tips on setting up a procedure room, wound management, common complications and working with your pathologist.
• NOTE: This course DOES NOT include skin flap surgery. The College does not recommend doctors undertake skin flaps or grafts until completing more comprehensive surgical training to ensure they can safely assimilate flaps and grafts into their clinical practice.

Entry Requirements

• Candidates must be registered medical practitioners.
• Nurses interested in this course should contact SCCA to discuss entry requirements.

Upcoming 2026 Course Intakes

CPD Information

*Disclaimer - please refer to below.

Course Fees

$2,800 AUD/NZD

Member discount $110 AUD/NZD

Fees inclusive of GST

Course Timeline

Successful completion of online learning, face-to-face workshop, and all assessment is required to be awarded the Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine.

The assessment for this course comprises two parts:

1. Online exam: multiple choice format
2. Surgical case studies: five elliptical excisions from a combination of body sites

Hear from our Students

Very informative and user friendly interface. Really well organised layout of online learning made it easy to learn and revise. Workshop was excellent and a great opportunity to practice different suturing techniques.

2025 Course Student

I really enjoyed this course, unlearnt many bad/poor habits and learnt a lot about various skin cancer and their management.

2024 Course Student

I will apply everything I have learned on a daily basis. Thoroughly enjoyed the course and found all topics very relevant to my practice.

2023 Course Student

Frequently Asked Questions

How will this course benefit my clinical practice?

You’ll gain practical and immediately applicable skills in recognising, diagnosing and managing skin cancer in a primary care setting. Many participants report improved diagnostic accuracy and confidence performing skin procedures following the course.

What can I expect from the learning experience?

You’ll complete four weeks of flexible online study followed by a practical face-to-face workshop. The workshop focuses on surgical techniques, providing plenty of hands-on practice and time to interact with experienced presenters. Online modules include videos, readings and assessments designed to build your knowledge and confidence step-by-step.

Can I complete this course while working full-time?

Yes. The course is designed for practising doctors and allows flexibility throughout the four-week online phase. The face-to-face workshop is held on a Saturday, making it easier to fit study around your professional schedule.

What if I can't attend the face-to-face workshop on the scheduled date?

If you’re unable to attend your booked workshop, please contact the College as early as possible to discuss alternative dates or future course options. Places are limited, so early notice helps us to accommodate changes where possible. Please note that future attendance is not guaranteed and is subject to SCCA approval.

Download SCCA Education Terms & Conditions

*The above summary shows the hours reasonably required for a diligent person holding the necessary pre-requisite qualifications and knowledge to properly complete all aspects of this CPD activity. If required, additional hours can be optionally self-reported together with supporting evidence.