ACE is CAHO’s flagship quality improvement initiative, developed in collaboration with 3M India Limited aimed at transforming Central Sterile Supply Departments (CSSDs) into benchmarks of excellence in sterilization and infection prevention across healthcare institutions. Through structured e-learning, virtual mentoring, expert on-site audits, and a strong emphasis on best practices, ACE empowers CSSD teams to enhance compliance, improve sterile processing, and ensure safer patient care.

Join ACE and lead the transformation in sterilization excellence.

Why Participate in ACE?

Enhance Sterilization Practices
Implement globally recognized standards to improve patient safety and reduce infection risks.
Benchmark Your CSSD
Evaluate current protocols and identify gaps through expert assessments and align with the best practices in device reprocessing.
Customised Checklists
Receive tailored checklists aligned to your facility type, enabling focused assessments and targeted quality improvement.
Achieve Compliance and Recognition
Align with national and international guidelines, and gain recognition for excellence in CSSD practices.
Structured Learning for CSSD Teams
Equip staff with comprehensive training based on experience levels —
Basic (for <2 years) and Advanced (for >2 years).
Virtual Mentoring & Physical Audits
Improve performance through consultative mentoring and comprehensive on-site evaluations.
Certificate of Excellence
Receive ACE Certification (valid for 2 years) on achieving ≥80% compliance during the physical audit.
Regional Recognition & Awards
Be eligible for ACE Regional Awards at CAHOCON, with up to 5 hospitals recognized in each zone.

Registration Fees

₹ 15,000

+ 18% GST

Brochure

E- Training Modules

Basic

Science of Device Reprocessing (Part 1)
Science of Device Reprocessing (Part 2)

Advanced

Standards & Guidelines in Device Reprocessing
Cleaning & Decontamination of Used Instruments
Instrument Preparation, Packaging & Loading
Steam Sterilization and Low Temperature Sterilization Methodologies
Sterilization Monitoring & Assurance
Sterile Storage, Supplies and Documentation
CSSD Facility Design and CSSD Staff Management

Program Timeline

Registration Closes

31st July 2025
Training Modules Access

1st August 2025 - 10th September 2025
Gap Identification & Resolution Period

Within 1 month post Virtual Mentoring Completion
Virtual Mentoring Period

10th September 2025 - 30th September 2025
Physical Audits

15th September 2025 - 30th December 2025
Awards & Certification

12th & 13th April 2026 at CAHOCON Chennai

Awards Criteria

A maximum of five hospitals per region will be recognized across the following categories:

2 awards for Large Healthcare Organizations (LHCO)
1 award each for-
- Medium Healthcare Organizations (MHCO)
- Small Healthcare Organizations (SHCO)
- Government Healthcare Organizations (GHCO)

If no eligible entries are received in a particular category, the award will not be reallocated to another category.

Regional Awards

Awards will be presented region-wise, with states grouped as follows:

North Zone : Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh
East Zone : Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal
West Zone : Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
South Zone: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Telangana

Terms & Conditions

The ACE program is organized by CAHO with 3M as the Technical Guidance Collaborator.
Only hospital-based entries from India are eligible. Individual participation is not allowed.
A non-refundable fee of ₹15,000 + 18% GST is payable during registration.
The fee covers access to basic and advanced courses, one virtual mentoring session, and one physical audit.
All communications will be directed to the email address provided at registration.
By registering, hospitals agree to allow the use of their name, address, images, and logo for program-related promotions.
Registration details, self-assessment, and virtual mentoring feedback will be shared with CAHO auditors.
The program fee is non-transferable. Hospitals unable to complete the ACE cycle within the designated year must re-register for the next cycle.
Hospitals must register their CSSD team on the e-learning platform. Instructions will be sent to the registered email.
Basic Course Certification is mandatory for CSSD staff with <2 years’ experience; Advanced Certification for those with >2 years.
Hospital administration and CSSD Heads must ensure timely course completion by all CSSD staff.
Webinars and Virtual audits will be conducted via platforms - Zoom or MS Teams.
The virtual mentoring call is only a consultative audit and not a part of final scoring.
All program steps must be completed within specified timelines; non-compliant entries will be disqualified.
CAHO reserves the right to verify entries for authenticity and its decisions on all matters pertaining to the program are final.
Hospitals must respond within 10 days to any official communication, or they risk forfeiting participation.
CAHO reserves the right to modify or cancel the program at any time.
3M is not liable for any claims arising from the program under any circumstances.
Any disputes related to the program will be governed by the laws of India and fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court at Bengaluru.