We’re excited to announce that our Lab Manager, Samantha, has received her ESHRE Clinical Embryologist Certificate! It’s been a long and dedicated journey, but truly worth it.
In this blog post, Samantha shares what this certification means and what steps you need to take if you’re aiming to achieve it yourself.
The ESHRE Certification for Clinical Embryologists programme started in 2008.
With a total of 1266 certificates awarded over a period of 10 years the ESHRE Clinical Embryology exams have become an internationally recognized educational standard in the field of Clinical Embryology.
Who is eligible for certification?
Active ESHRE members with (at least) a BSc degree in Natural/Life Sciences. This is later externally validated and translated.
How does the certification platform work?
Along with a CV and list of referees, candidates submit a valid logbook of the procedures they have performed with start and end dates. A minimum of 50 clinical cases/cycles per procedure is required for all nine procedures. The procedures must be performed consecutively during a 3 year period to hold the basic level certificate and must be signed by each supervisor at the time.
| Procedures: |
| 1) Oocyte pick up |
| 2) Semen analysis |
| 3) Semen preparation/cryopreservation |
| 4) IVF insemination |
| 5) ICSI |
| 6) Zygote and embryo evaluation |
| 7) Embryo transfers |
| 8) Cryopreservation of oocytes/embryos |
| 9) Thawing/warming of oocytes/embryos |
If the application is accepted, candidates sit an online exam which consists of 100 questions, in 2 hours.
What are the topics covered in the exam?
- Cell biology
- Genetics
- Developmental biology
- Female reproduction
- Male reproduction
- MAR laboratory procedures
- Cryopreservation
- Laboratory and quality management
The exam is renowned for being difficult with an average of 50-60% of examinees passing.
How to prepare for the exam?
Obtaining a masters degree that covers human biology can help, however if that was a long time ago, then certain academic topics will need revisiting. Alongside working in the sperm and IVF labs, continual professional development is needed to succeed. That is, attending seminars, webinars and trainings as well as reading current literature and regulations to broaden your understanding and ensure you stay up to date on best practices.
Why apply for the certification?
- To demonstrate knowledge of Clinical Embryology
- To obtain the most internationally recognised clinical embryology certification
- To acquire an international ESHRE certificate formally recognized by CESMA (Council for European Specialist Medical Assessment)
- To officially record your Clinical Embryologist status on the list of ESHRE certified clinical embryologists
A map of the certified clinical embryologists can be found here: Map Widget – ENMCP | ESHRE
My advice for Embryologists
There can be some logistical hurdles with the application process as the specific requirements can be strict. For example, obtaining signed log books from a long time ago can be a challenge. Some clinics don’t have all Embryologists performing all procedures in any given time so there can be some unavoidable gaps, especially when changing clinics. It is best to keep an ongoing log book in the ESHRE format in all workplaces.
Regarding the exam, since a lot of the questions are based on theory, as opposed to clinical practice, it is easy to get tricked by the questions! If you don’t get the answer right, it doesn’t mean you are not a good Embryologist!
Finally receiving the certificate has been very rewarding!