When you turn 21, this is the best time to start getting a Pap smear test. If you are between the ages of 21 to 29, you can only get the Pap smear test once every two years if your Pap smear test turns out to be normal. Once you turn 30, you may need to reduce the number of visits to once every three to five. You will also need to take a Pap smear test with HPV once you turn 30.