Course Overview

The Certificate of Competence in Breast Cancer (CCB), launched in 2015, was the first academic programme dedicated to strengthening the clinical and scientific capabilities of oncology professionals in the management of breast cancer.

This 17-month, part-time programme combines four online modules with three in-person seminars, offering participants a well-rounded educational experience supported by renowned academic and clinical experts.

Upon successful completion of the programme and the final examination, participants will receive an academic certificate jointly awarded by the European School of Oncology (ESO) and Ulm University. 

The certificate grants 14 ECTS credits, corresponding to 381 hours of workload, along with a diploma supplement issued by Ulm University.

Programme Details

• Duration: 15 months
• Credits assigned: 14 ECTS
• Structure: 5 online modules + 3 in-person seminars
• Collaborating University: Ulm University
• Start date (next cohort): March 2026

ESO College Membership

Participants in the programme are eligible to enrol in ESO College.
Those who complete the course and pass the final exam will earn 400 ESO College Credits, unlocking access to additional benefits, including tailored career development opportunities and advanced learning resources.
Visit the ESO College dedicated section for more information on membership and benefits.

Key Dates

•    Applications open: May 2025
•    Application deadline: 15 September 2025
•    Programme start: March 2026
•    Seminar 1: 25–27 March 2026 – EBCC-15, Barcelona (Spain)
•    Seminar 2: Autumn 2026 – Learning to Care Seminar, Padova (Italy)
•    Seminar 3 + Final Exam: June/July 2027 – Ulm (Germany) (exact date TBD)

Contacts

Alexandra Zampetti
azampetti@eso.net

Admission

Admission is via competitive application only. A maximum of 25 participants per cohort will be selected. Applications must be submitted with all required documentation before the published deadline.

Attendance

Attendance at all seminars and modules is mandatory in order to be eligible for the final certificate.

Insurance

Participants must arrange their own personal and travel insurance. ESO accepts no liability for events related to seminar attendance.

Eligibility Criteria

This programme is open to:

• Medical doctors with a master’s degree or equivalent, and at least 2 years’ residency in a relevant oncology setting
• Natural scientists with a master’s degree and at least 2 years of oncology-related experience

Additional criteria that may strengthen your application

• Further professional experience related to the course of studies or completion of an additional qualification in oncology
• Publications (impact factor > 10)
• At least 1 year of international oncology experience

Participation

Admission to the certificate is competitive and limited to 30 selected participants.

Who Should Apply

The ideal candidate profile includes:

• Completed oncology specialisation at least 2 years ago
• Being engaged in clinical trials or research
• Fluency in English
• Age up to 50 years
• Being based in Europe, the Mediterranean region, or Latin America

Priority will be given to candidates who:

• Are ESO College members
• Have attended previous ESO activities

How to Apply

Candidates must complete an online application form and upload the following PDF or JPEG documents:

• Recommendation letter (on official letterhead, signed)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copy of medical or science degree (original + certified English translation)
• Transcript of records (original + certified English translation)
• Proof of professional experience in oncology (employment/reference letters)
• Supporting documents for additional qualifications

Selection Process

The current two-step selection method ensures a transparent and unbiased selection of top candidates for participation in this activity:

• Automated Scoring using a predefined system
• Committee Evaluation of qualitative answers

The tuition fee is 4'900 EUR for all participants.

What’s Included

• Access to all online modules
• Registration and accommodation for 3 in-person seminars
• Participation in all required exams

Travel expenses are not included.

Financial Aid

A CAS Financial Aid Fund is available for candidates unable to cover the full fee.  Requests are reviewed on a case by case basis.

Cancellation

All cancellation requests must be sent in writing and will be evaluated individually.

Chairs

• Wolfgang Janni, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, DE
• Matteo Lambertini, Policlinico San Martino Hospital, Genoa, IT
• Elzbieta Senkus, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, PL

Advanced Breast Cancer Chair

• Fatima Cardoso, ABC Global Alliance, Lisbon, PT

Course Coordinator

• Brigitte Rack, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, DE

ESO College Chair

• Alexandru Eniu, Genolier Cancer Center, Genolier, CH

Conceptual Development and Organisation

• Alexandra Zampetti, ESO, Bellinzona, CH