Who should have a Pap smear? You and your doctor can decide when it's time for you to begin Pap testing and how often you should have the test. In general, doctors recommend beginning Pap testing at age 21. Doctors generally recommend repeating Pap testing every 3 years for women ages 21-65. Women age 30 and older can consider Pap testing every 5 years if the procedure is combined with testing for HPV. If you have certain risk factors, your doctor may recommend more-frequent Pap smears, regardless of your age.