Certification Hub
CSMLS supports quality patient care through certification standards that reflect current practice. We certify Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) across Canada and Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) in Alberta.
Follow These Steps toEarn Your Certification
One of our major functions is to conduct the CSMLS National Certification Exams across Canada and issue certificates to candidates who meet the standards.
CSMLS Certification is a formal way to demonstrate your proficiency with, and comprehension of, a body of knowledge.
Get Started With Your Certification Process Today:
Step 1
Am I eligible to get CSMLS certified?
Before registering, review the eligibility requirements for your certification path. CSMLS certifies Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) across Canada and Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) in Alberta. Check the Exam Handbook for requirements and next steps.
If you’re ready to learn more, click here.
Step 2
About the Certification Exam
Learn how the certification exam is developed and what competencies are assessed. Review the Exam Handbook for more information and to learn about the certification process.
If you’re ready to learn more, click here.
Step 3
Registering for the Exam
Once you have reviewed the exam handbook and be deemed eligible to write the exam, select your exam session and complete your registration. Be sure to review important dates, fees, and scheduling information before booking your exam. Choose either remote proctoring or in-person testing.
If you’re ready to learn more, click here.
Step 4
Exam Preparatory Resources
Learn about CSMLS resources and tools designed to help you prepare for exam day with confidence. Access study tools, practice resources, and important information about what to expect before, during, and after your exam.
If you’re ready to learn more, click here.
Step 1
Am I eligible to get CSMLS certified?
1. First-Time Candidates
There are three eligibility routes to become initially eligible to write the CSMLS MLA Certification Exam.
Candidates may qualify through completion of an:
- EQual™ accredited Canadian medical laboratory educational program,
- a CSMLS Prior Learning Assessment (PLA),
- the provincial MLA certification.
Learn more about eligibility here.
2. Have you completed a domestic EQual™ accredited program of study?
If you have successfully completed an EQualTM accredited Canadian medical laboratory educational program at least two weeks before the exam session start date, you are eligible to challenge the CSMLS National Certification Examination within 5 years of completing your program.
3. Have you completed a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)?
The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process created by CSMLS to assess your academic credentials (theory and practical), clinical training to determine your eligibility to challenge the exam. The PLA process is intended for:
- Those who have successfully completed a non-EQualTM accredited Canadian educational program
- Those who have successfully completed an EQualTM accredited educational program more than 5 years prior to the Exam date
- Those currently working as non-CSMLS certified MLAs in Canada
Following completion of the PLA you will either:
- Be recognized to challenge the Exam
- Be required to complete an EQualTM accredited Canadian medical laboratory educational program
Be sure to review the Exam Handbook. It contains important information about eligibility, exam policies, deadlines, fees, scheduling options, and what to expect before, during, and after your exam.
1. First-Time Candidates
There are two eligibility routes to become initially eligible to write the CSMLS General MLT Certification Exam for candidates residing in Alberta.
Candidates may qualify through:
- Completion of an EQual™ accredited Alberta medical laboratory educational program or
- through the CSMLS Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) route or
- through the CSMLS PLA or CAMLPR Client General MLT route.
Learn more about eligibility here.
2. Have you completed an EQual™ accredited program of study?
If you have successfully completed an EQualTM accredited Canadian medical laboratory educational program at least two weeks before the exam session start date, you are eligible to challenge the CSMLS National Certification Examination within 12 months of completing your program.
3. Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologists (IEMLT)
We offer the CSMLS National Certification MLT Examination (Exam) to IEMLTs who reside in Alberta, Canada, and who have been deemed eligible through the CSMLS Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). The Exam may only be written in Alberta, Canada. First Steps to MLT Certification for IEMLTs
4. Have you completed a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)?
The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process created by CSMLS to assess your academic credentials (theory and practical), clinical training, clinical work experience and language proficiency (MLT only), to determine your eligibility to challenge the exam. The PLA process is intended for:
-
- Those who have successfully completed a non-EQualTM accredited Canadian educational program
- Those who have successfully completed an EQualTM accredited educational program more than 12 months prior to the Exam date
- Internationally educated medical laboratory technologists (IEMLTs)
Following completion of the PLA you will either:
- Be recognized to challenge the Exam
- Be required to complete an EQualTM accredited Canadian medical laboratory educational program
- Be partially recognized and required to complete an EQualTM accredited Canadian medical laboratory educational program (MLT only)
Be sure to review the Exam Handbook. It contains important information about eligibility, exam policies, deadlines, fees, scheduling options, and what to expect before, during, and after your exam.
Step 2
About the Certification Exam
Access detailed information about the certification exam, including exam structure, competency profiles, and educational program performance. Once you have confirmed your eligibility and reviewed the Exam Handbook, you can begin registering and preparing for your exam.
1. Exam Structure
Learn how the certification exam is designed, including the format, question types, timing, scoring process, and the competencies being assessed. Understanding the exam structure can help you better prepare and know what to expect on exam day.
View the exam structure here.
2. Competency Profile Assessment
Competency Profiles are the blueprint for exam preparation and entry-level practice expectations. They outline the knowledge, skills, and tasks expected of new professionals and can help you focus your studying by showing which competency areas are assessed on the exam and the weight they each carry.
3. Medical Laboratory Education Program Performance
Read the report here.
Step 3
Registering for the Exam
1. Before you register
Before registering, all candidates are required to review and agree to the Exam Handbook. It includes important information about policies, accommodations, exam procedures, and candidate expectations.
Read the Exam Handbook here.
2. Review Exam Dates and Fees
Review upcoming exam dates, registration deadlines, and associated fees before submitting your registration. Be sure to check timelines carefully so you don’t miss important dates.
View Exam Dates and Fees here.
3. Choose Your Testing Option
Candidates writing a CSMLS computer-based exam in Canada can choose to write their exam either in person at a Prometric test centre or remotely through Prometric’s ProProctor platform. Review the technical, space, and identification requirements before selecting remote proctoring.
Learn about Remote Proctoring for Computer-Based Examinations here
4. Register for your exam
Apply for the certification exam and pay exam fees directly online here OR if you are a non-resident of Canada, you must submit a paper application along with payment, which can be emailed or faxed directly to us or sent by post.
Click here to Register
Step 4
Exam Preparatory Resources
Preparing for your certification exam takes time, planning, and the right resources. Explore study tools, practice tests, and preparation materials designed to help you feel confident and ready for exam day.
1. Preparing for the Exam
Build a study plan that works for you using CSMLS preparation resources, competency profiles, and exam information. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident before exam day.
2. CSMLS exam practice test
Get familiar with the CSMLS exam experience before test day with a CSMLS practice test. Practice tests help you understand question styles, navigate the exam platform, review your results by competency area, and identify areas that may need additional focus.
- 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
3. Experience the test simulation
Familiarize yourself with the exam experience before test day. Explore the Prometric scheduling and delivery platform to better understand the delivery process for both remote and in-person testing.
4. Review the Reference Textbook List
All CSMLS certification exam answers are referenced to one or more textbook(s) from the reference textbook list. You are not expected to purchase or review all textbooks on the reference textbook list. These textbooks may be used as references when preparing for a CSMLS certification examination:
5. On exam day
6. After the Exam
Once all exams have been completed and verified for the session, the marking process begins. Candidates will be notified of their exam results. Successful candidates can then take the next step toward becoming a full Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science member and continuing their professional journey in the laboratory field.