Preparing for the Exam

IMPORTANT: New changes affecting the CSMLS MLT examination and Prior Learning Assessments. Please click here to learn more.

Preparing for any exam is a stressful time. The CSMLS would like to help you best prepare for the Certification Exam and support you in your journey of developing a study plan that works for you.

From Candidate to Certified: Essential Tools and Tips for Exam Success

Are you preparing for the upcoming CSMLS certification exam? Join us for a free, live, virtual presentation held about one month before each CSMLS exam session. Our certification experts will offer key insights into the exam and practical tips to guide your study approach, helping to demystify the process.

Simply select a date from the list below and register; we’ll send you a Zoom link to join the live session.

This is a great opportunity to:

Hear directly from experts about effective exam preparation.
Ask questions about the exam, CSMLS membership (Canada’s leading medical laboratory professional association), and the medical lab profession in Canada.

Please note: Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) information will not be covered in this presentation. For PLA details, visit our PLA webpage or email pla@csmls.org.

Competency Profiles

Use the Competency Profile for your discipline as a guide when you study. The Competency Profiles include the Examination Blueprint. The Blueprint is a guideline that shows the exam weighting for each category (how much each category is worth).

View Competency Profiles

The CSMLS does not provide a ‘study guide’ for any of our exams. There are no study guides or preparation courses that are sanctioned by the CSMLS. You must prepare your own study notes and prioritize your study time using the Competency Profile and Blueprints.

Preparation Tips

We often receive requests from nervous candidates seeking out the best way to ensure success on exam day. We have put together a short list of what we think are the most important elements. Like all examinations, preparation involves three components: mental, physical and emotional.

Mental Preparation: Know the Material

Use the appropriate CSMLS Competency Profile to develop your own study notes.
In the Competency Profile, consider the blueprint where it identifies the mark percentage for each category so you know how much each category is worth.
Set up a study schedule three to six weeks before exams start.
Create flash cards to help absorb the material in smaller segments (see Flash Card tips).
Ensure you study each discipline, with a little more time for subjects you are having difficulty in.
Study your most difficult subject FIRST, not your favourite!

Physical Preparation: Take Care of Yourself

Take breaks where you get away from the books– long enough to relieve stress, but short enough to maintain focus.
Keep caffeine and sugar intake at regular levels.
Maintain an exercise schedule; even short bouts of exercise will get blood flowing and keep you alert and focused.
Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time each day.
Keep your life as balanced as possible, especially during exam time.

Emotional Preparation: Conquer Anxiety

Often, exam anxiety is caused by lack of preparation. Have a plan in place to deal with problems encountered on the exam.
Use positive self-talk.
Staying up all night to study can cause anxiety that can lead to poor exam performance.

Flash Card Making Tips

We recommend making your own flash (or study) cards. Flash cards are an inexpensive and effective way to help you remember and retain important facts. The process of making flash cards often helps commit the information to memory.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Recipe or index cards are a great size for making flash cards.
Create categories and write the category number in the corner of each card. Labelling the cards will help keep you organized if they get mixed up.
Stick to one question, key term, or equation on the front of the card and place its corresponding answer on the back. Don't include more information on one card than you can reasonably recall later.
Keep the cards clear and simple. Don’t be too wordy.
Practice studying with your cards by reading the front of each card and trying to remember the answer on the back. As you go, set aside the cards you already know well and concentrate on your weaker areas the next time.

Take the CSMLS Practice Test

Take the CSMLS Practice Test to help you prepare for the CSMLS Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) General or the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) Certification Exam.

The practice test will give you a better understanding of how actual exam questions are structured as well as the pacing needed to complete the exam within the time allotted.

We have included features that enable you to get the most out of this studying tool.

Enhanced ‘Navigation’ information so you know how everything works
Ability to ‘flag’ questions so you can come back to answer them later
Access additional resources using the study tips and links provided
All questions and your answers are displayed so you can see which questions you answered correctly
A summary of results by competency is also provided, allowing you to see which areas need more focus

REGISTER for a PRACTICE TEST

NOTE: The CSMLS only endorses the CSMLS practice test. We do not endorse any other practice test or course claiming to be for the CSMLS National Exam.

Sign up for an Exam Preparation Presentation

At the presentation we talk about the CSMLS, registering and preparing for the CSMLS Exams, demonstrate resources on our website, and answer questions during the live presentation. Candidates that sign up for the presentation will receive access to a recording of the presentation.

Exam Handbook

All exam candidates are required to read and complete the Exam Handbook and Application.

The Handbook contains all the information you need to prepare for writing the exam. It includes: