Certificate in Laparoscopic Surgery
A 6-month blended programme in laparoscopic theory and skills, with a personal tutor and fortnightly feedback.
Explore the CLS
Now enrolling: Certificate in Laparoscopic Surgery, 2026–27
Build your surgical skills before you scrub in.
Simulation-based surgical training
Structured certification programmes that combine online theory, hands-on simulation training and regular expert feedback, so you build real surgical skills safely before you use them with patients. Open to medical students, resident doctors, surgical trainees, specialists, consultants and allied health professionals.
Our certifications
Three certificate programmes built on the same model: learn the theory online, practise the skills in simulation, and be assessed before you are certified.
Coming soon
Certificate in Medical Research
Structured training in research methods for clinicians who want to plan, conduct and publish their own work.
Register your interestComing soon
Certificate in Robotic Surgery
Simulation-based training in the principles and console skills of robotic-assisted surgery.
Register your interestCertificate in Laparoscopic Surgery (CLS)
Your launchpad into laparoscopic surgery
The CLS is a flexible, blended programme delivered by London Surgical Simulation Academy, dedicated to promoting patient safety and surgical practice through simulation-based surgical education and training.
Over 6 months you build systematic knowledge and hands-on skills in laparoscopic surgery, combining online theory with intensive simulation skills training, regular feedback and personal tutor support.
12
online theory topics
9
hands-on skills tasks
10
feedback sessions
6
month programme
What's included
Lap sim induction programme
An induction session in laparoscopic simulation to start your training.
E-learning platform
12 online theory topics across three modules, on any device.
10 feedback sessions
Structured feedback on your progress at 2-week intervals.
Personal tutor
A personal tutor assigned to support you throughout the programme.
Your learning journey
- 1
Learn online
12 e-learning topics across three theory modules, studied on any device at your own pace.
- 2
Train hands-on
Nine structured skills tasks in simulation training and on your own home lap box trainer.
- 3
Induction and feedback
One lap sim induction session and 10 feedback sessions at 2-week intervals.
Programme aims
Develop
laparoscopic surgical skills
Build
your surgical portfolio
Prepare
for the LapPass assessment
Programme structure
A theory component on our e-learning platform and a practical component in the simulation laboratory and on your home lap box trainer, completed over 6 months.
Module 1 theory8 credits
- CLS 1History of Laparoscopic Surgery
- CLS 2Basic Principles & Ergonomics of Laparoscopic Surgery
- CLS 3Operating Room Set-up & Setting Up Laparoscopy Equipment & Tower; Laparoscopic Instruments & Ports
- CLS 4Laparoscopic Access & Closure: Port Placement (Diagnostic Laparoscopy, Laparoscopic Appendicectomy & Cholecystectomy)
Module 2 theory8 credits
- CLS 5Physiological Effects of Creating Pneumoperitoneum
- CLS 6Troubleshooting in Laparoscopic Surgery: Loss of Vision, Space & Exposure
- CLS 7Role of Diagnostic Laparoscopy & Evidence-Based Guidelines on Laparoscopy in Pregnancy
- CLS 8Principles of Laparoscopic Haemostasis: Energy Sources in Surgery (Basic)
Module 3 theory8 credits
- CLS 9Principles of Laparoscopic Haemostasis: Energy Sources in Surgery (Advanced)
- CLS 10Post-operative Care & Complications in Laparoscopic Surgery
- CLS 11Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS): Human Factors, Situation Awareness & Decision-Making
- CLS 12Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS): Communication, Teamwork & Leadership
The theory component is assessed by multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering all three modules.
Module 1: Basic laparoscopic skills12 credits
- 1PEG / Polo transferGrasping, transfer and manipulation of pegs, polo rings and beads.
- 2Pattern cuttingPrecision cutting of a marked circular pattern with laparoscopic scissors.
- 3Needle loadingSafe loading and correct orientation of the needle on the needle holder.
Module 2: Knot-tying12 credits
- 4Roeder's knot in ropeMaking a Roeder's slip knot using rope to master the knot configuration.
- 5EndoloopApplication of a pre-formed endoloop ligature, as used for the appendix base.
- 6Roeder's knot in tubeApplication of the Roeder's knot around a tubular structure.
Module 3: Laparoscopic suturing12 credits
- 7Needle passingPassing the needle between two wound edges using suturing pads.
- 8Intracorporeal suturingInterrupted and continuous sutures with intracorporeal knot-tying.
- 9Extracorporeal suturingSuturing with extracorporeal knot-tying and knot pushing.
Delivered on box trainers in the skills laboratory at our training centres and on your own home lap box trainer, with a skills assessment on the tasks from all three modules.
The CLS is awarded on passing all theory MCQ assessments and the practical skills assessments.
Fees for 2026–27 entry
Fees and enrolment options
Enrol on the programme fee alone, or add the complete lap box and instrument set for £500. The set is supplied by the programme and is yours to keep.
Standard fee
£3,000
programme fee
or 12 monthly payments of £245.83
after a £50 refundable deposit
Medical students
50% discount
£1,500
programme fee
or 12 monthly payments of £120.83
after a £50 refundable deposit
Resident doctors & surgical trainees
Discounted rate
£2,000
programme fee
or 12 monthly payments of £162.50
after a £50 refundable deposit
Medical student status must be evidenced by a letter of enrolment from your medical school; resident and trainee doctor status by confirmation of your training post. Monthly figures assume the £50 deposit is deducted from the total fee and the balance is paid in 12 equal instalments, rounded to the nearest penny, so the final payment may differ by a few pence.
Benefits of full enrolment
- A personalised CLS dashboard to track your progress, assessments and logbook
- Lifetime membership of the Society of Surgical Simulation
- Exclusive access to our laparoscopic anatomy and procedural video library
- Priority booking and preferential rates for skills-laboratory courses
- Free access to the Journal of Surgical Simulation (JSS)
- A personal tutor assigned for the duration of your programme
Spread the cost
£50refundable deposit secures your place, deducted from your total fee
6 monthsreserve your place up to 6 months before your programme starts
12 monthsspread the remaining balance over up to 12 monthly payments
Apply for the Certificate in Laparoscopic Surgery
Complete the online application or scan the QR code. Prefer email? Write to us and we will send you the link to apply. We usually respond within 2 working days.
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