ACE ACCREDITATION EXAMINATION – LEVEL I | ACE 2026
The Academy of Clinical Embryologists (ACE) invites eligible candidates to appear for the ACE Accreditation Examination – Level I during ACE 2026 in Agra.This prestigious certification provides an opportunity for embryologists to validate their expertise, strengthen professional credentials, and benchmark their knowledge in clinical embryology and IVF laboratory practices.
Limited to only 50 candidates – early registration is highly recommended.
Exam Details
- Date: 07 August 2026
- Venue: Hotel ITC Mughal, Agra
- Timing: 04:00 PM IST
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
M.Sc. in Clinical Embryology or Life Sciences as per ART Bill (2021) guidelines and regulatory requirements.
Professional Experience
Minimum 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience working as an Assistant Embryologist in an active IVF facility.
All qualifications and experience must be verifiable through official documentation from recognized institutions and employers.
Required Documents
- Degree Certificates
- Experience Letters
- Valid Photo Identification
(All documents must be uploaded in PDF/JPEG format during the online application process.)
Examination Pattern
- MCQ Format covering embryology knowledge and laboratory practices
- 150 Questions
- Duration: 2 Hours
- No Negative Marking
- Passing Score: 80% (Minimum 120 correct answers)
Examination Fee
₹6,000 (Plus applicable GST)
The examination fee includes:
- Document review
- Eligibility verification
- Full theory examination administration
Note: Registration fee is non-refundable once submitted.
Check complete details & apply here:
- accreditation@theaceorg.in
- +91 97406 85293

COURSE OUTLINE
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1. Molecular and Cell Biology
- 1.1 Intracellular structures: Cell membrane; microvilli; cytoplasm; cytoskeleton; microtubules; actin and intermediate filaments; centrioles; nucleus and chromosomes; mitochondria; endoplasmic reticulum; Golgi apparatus; cortical granules
- 1.2 Metabolism in the mammalian cell: Carbohydrates; fats and lipids; proteins; enzymes; cytokines; metabolic pathways; reactive oxygen species
- 1.3 Fundamental principles of molecular biology: DNA and RNA structure; replication; transcription; translation; secretion
- 1.4 Mitosis and meiosis: Cell cycle; checkpoints; signals and controls
- 1.5 Cell-cell interaction: Membrane receptors (function, type, regulation); signaling; junctions
- 1.6 Physiological processes: Movement of proteins, ions and vesicles; exocytosis; endocytosis; phagocytosis
- 1.7 Apoptosis and senescence
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2. Genetics in Reproduction
- 2.1 Basic genetics principles: Genes, genotype and phenotype; Mendelian inheritance; pedigree interpretation; chromatin and chromosomes; structure and characteristics of sex chromosomes
- 2.2 Genetic mechanisms: Mitosis and meiosis; recombination; errors; mosaicism; chromosomal anomalies; epigenetics
- 2.3 Monogenic diseases and chromosomal abnormalities: Mutations—SNPs, CNVs, deletions, insertions
- 2.4 Genetic causes of infertility: Testing in males and females; ageing effects on offspring
- 2.5 Genetic analysis and diagnosis: Cytogenetics; molecular genetics; PCR; real-time PCR; PGT-M/SR/A; array CGH; NGS; WGS; SNP array
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3. Embryology
- 3.1 Embryonic stem cells: Origins; definitions; characteristics
- 3.2 Fetal ovary and testis: Regulation; organogenesis; sex differentiation/determination; germ cells; migration; timeline
- 3.4 Gamete interaction up to 1st cleavage: Acrosome reaction; chromatin decondensation; fertilisation; oocyte activation; meiosis II; pronuclei; spindle; syngamy
- 3.5 Embryo development: Cleavage; morula; blastocyst; metabolomics; axis formation; morphokinetics
- 3.6 Implantation and post-implantation: Hatching; decidualization; window of implantation; adhesion; invasion; gastrulation
- 3.7 Early pregnancy: hCG; biochemical pregnancy; ultrasound; monozygotic twinning; ectopic pregnancy; miscarriages
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4. Female Reproduction
- 4.1 Anatomy and function: HPG axis; ovaries; uterus; sexual characteristics; menstrual cycle; menopause
- 4.2 Oogenesis: Hormonal regulation; FSH/LH receptors; granulosa/theca cells; meiosis; morphology
- 4.3 Oocyte competence: Nuclear/cytoplasmic maturity; polar bodies; zona; cumulus; dysmorphisms
- 4.4 Diagnosis of infertility: Aetiology; genetics; hormones; ovarian reserve; donor screening
- 4.5 Ovarian stimulation: Agonists/antagonists; ovulation induction; OHSS; fresh vs cryo cycles; complications
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5. Male Reproduction
- 5.1 Anatomy and function: HPG axis; Sertoli/Leydig cells; accessory glands; ejaculation disorders
- 5.2 Spermatogenesis: Endocrine regulation; Sertoli/Leydig functions; maturation; blood–testis barrier
- 5.3 Spermatozoa competence: Maturity; morphology; acrosome; tail; capacitation; motility
- 5.4 Diagnosis of male infertility: Semen analysis; obstructive vs non-obstructive azoospermia; DNA fragmentation
- 5.5 Clinical workup: Aetiology; genetics; hormones; treatment; sperm donation; screening
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6. MAR Laboratory Procedures
- 6.1 Choosing fertilisation procedures: IUI, IVF, ICSI; PESA; TESA; TESE; microTESE
- 6.2 Sperm sample preparation: Gradient; swim-up; microfluidics; electrophoresis; MACS
- 6.3 ART/MAR techniques: Pickup; oocyte handling; IVF; ICSI; troubleshooting
- 6.4 Culture conditions: Media; culture systems; CE marking; QC; sterilization; pH; osmolality
- 6.5 Embryo grading and transfer: Zygote–blastocyst criteria; time-lapse; selection; transfer
- 6.6 PGT: Timing; biopsy methods; result interpretation; contamination control
- 6.7 Add-on techniques: IVM; IMSI; PICSI; assisted hatching; artificial activation
- 6.8 Third-party reproduction: Donor selection; testing; handling
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7. Cryopreservation
- 7.1 Principles: Cryobiology; cryoprotectants; slow freezing; vitrification; lyophilization
- 7.2 Gametes, zygotes, embryos
- 7.3 Ovarian/testicular tissue
- 7.4 Equipment: Consumables; systems; contamination risks; safety; alarms; incubators; dewars
- 7.5 Warming/thawing cycle: Monitoring; timing; survival assessment
- 7.6 Fertility preservation: Males and females, pre- and postpubertal
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8. Laboratory and Quality Management
- 8.1 Patient data: Identity; confidentiality; traceability; safety; Single European Code
- 8.2 Quality assurance: SOPs; validation; QC; risk management; KPIs; training
- 8.3 Equipment and facility management: Calibration; monitoring; optical systems; air quality; hygiene
- 8.5 Risks and biovigilance: Infectious samples; PPE; disinfection; mix-up risks; equipment failure
- 8.6 Treatment outcomes: Child health; maternal/paternal factors; genetics; malformations
- Minimizing and Tracking Errors in the ART Laboratory
- Emergency Planning
- Regulation, Accreditation, and Inspection Preparedness
- Legal Aspects of Patient Interaction in the ART Laboratory
- Research and Institutional Review Boards
- Ethical, Legal, and Religious Issues in Infertility Treatment
- ART and Surrogacy Act, 2021