Types of PLA
The CSMLS Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program is available for general medical laboratory technology, clinical genetics, diagnostic cytology and medical laboratory assistant.
| Types of PLA |
Required Disciplines |
Open to Domestically Trained |
Open to Internationally Trained |
| *General Medical Laboratory Technologists |
1. Clinical Chemistry
2. Hematology
3. Clinical Microbiology
4. Transfusion Science
5. Histology |
Yes |
Yes |
| Diagnostic Cytology Technologists |
1. Gynecological Analysis
2. Non-Gynecological Analysis
3. Histology |
Yes |
Yes |
| Clinical Genetics Technologists |
1. Cytogenetics
2. Molecular Genetics |
Yes |
Yes |
| Medical Laboratory Assistants |
N/A |
Yes |
No |
For more information about this process, or to apply, please contact pla@csmls.org
If you have little or no experience or education in more than one of the required disciplines listed above, then you will not be eligible to write the CSMLS exam through PLA.
Next Step: Preparing for PLA
Competency Assessment for Expanded PLI Coverage
The CSMLS offers a PLA service for practicing MLTs who wish to have their Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) expanded for grossing and molecular techniques competencies that may be outside of their original certification.
The national CSMLS Diagnostic Cytology Competency Profile© and the national CSMLS General MLT Competency Profile© were expanded in 2017 and 2019, respectively, to include grossing and molecular techniques competencies.
If you think you require expansion of your PLI for entry-level grossing and molecular techniques that were not covered on your original certification (pre-2017 for Diagnostic Cytology MLTs and pre-2019 for General MLTs), please refer to the applicable guidance documents.
For more information about this process, or to apply, please contact pla@csmls.org.