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CervicalCheck

Free cervical screening for women and anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 65.

Last checked July 2026

What it is

Free cervical screening (smear test) for women and anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 65. It is every 3 years from age 25 to 29, then every 5 years from 30 to 65. The test checks for HPV, the main cause of cervical cancer, so changes can be found and treated early.

Who can get it

You have a cervix and you are aged 25 to 65
You are on the CervicalCheck register, which is what triggers your invitation
You are within the recall interval for your age band

Good to know

It is every three years from 25 to 29, then every five years from 30 to 65.
The test looks for HPV, which is the main cause of cervical cancer, so changes get picked up long before they become a problem.
If you have moved house or changed name, check you are on the register, otherwise the invitation will not reach you.

How to apply

Applications go through HSE. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.

Go to the official page →

Checked against the official source on 26 July 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.

Questions people ask

Is a smear test free in Ireland?

Yes. CervicalCheck provides free cervical screening for women and anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 65.

How often should I have a smear test?

Every three years between the ages of 25 and 29, then every five years from 30 to 65.

What age does cervical screening start and stop?

It starts at 25 and runs to 65.

What does the test actually check for?

It tests for HPV, the main cause of cervical cancer, so anything that needs watching is caught early.

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