• How To Become Certified
  • Canadian Educated Professionals
  • Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologists (IEMLT)
  • Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
  • PLA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Statistics
• About the Certification Exam
  • Exam Eligibility
  • Exam Structure
  • Competency Profiles
  • Certification Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Medical Laboratory Educational Program Performance
• Registering for the Exam
  • Dates and Fees
  • Exam Handbook and Exam Forms
  • Registration
  • Tryout the Exam Experience
  • Remote Proctoring for Computer-Based Examinations
  • System Requirement Check
• Preparing for and taking the exam
  • Preparing for the Exam
  • On Exam Day
  • Practice Test for CSMLS Certification Exam
  • Reference Textbooks
  • After the Exam
• Educators Hub
  • CSMLS Faculty Focus
  • Medical Laboratory Simulation Curricula Database
  • Guidance Documents
  • From Candidate to Certified: Essential Tools and Tips for Exam Preparation – A Virtual Presentation
  • Program Performance Review
  • Workshops for Educators
  • Computer-Based Testing at CSMLS

Guidance Documents

Guidance Document for Entry Level Grossing

The competency of grossing has been added to the new Diagnostic Cytology competency profile (effective June 2017 exam) and the new General MLT competency profile (effective June 2019 exam). In light of these added competencies, the CSMLS assembled a taskforce to define entry level grossing.  The taskforce consisted of subject matter experts included Pathology Assistants, Pathologists, an employer (certified in Cytology and Histology and supervising Pathology Assistants),  Exam Panel Chairs (Cytology and General MLT) and the Cytology Exam Panel Consultant (Pathologist). The taskforce developed a guidance document to assist the CSMLS exam panels, educators and candidates challenging the CSMLS exams. 

Download the Guidance Document

Guidance Document for Entry Level Molecular Techniques

The molecular competencies have been expanded in the new Diagnostic Cytology competency profile (effective June 2010 exam) and the new General MLT competency profile (effective June 2005 exam). In light of these expanded competencies, the CSMLS Clinical Genetics exam panel have define what entry level molecular competencies include.  This guidance document is intended as a tool to assist the CSMLS exam panels, educators and candidates challenging the CSMLS exams.

Download the Guidance Document

CSMLS Recommendations for Simulation in Competency Assessment of MLTG and MLA

The report describes the use of simulation for assessment and evaluation purposes of CSMLS MLTG and MLA competencies as defined by key stakeholders through consensus-building sessions. The information has been used to draft CSMLS recommendations for the maximum use of simulation in evaluation, replacing sign-off in the clinical practicum, of MLTG and MLA competencies and their practice domains.

Download the Guidance Document for MLA    Download the Guidance Document for MLTG

Simulation and Competency Obtainment Resources

• MLTG Simulation and Competency Obtainment (2022)
• MLT Simulation and Competency Obtainment – Competencies That can be Simulated
• CSMLS - EQual Webinar, Simulation MLT
• MLA Simulation and Competency Obtainment
• MLA Simulation and Competency Obtainment – Competencies That can be Simulated