Do I have to be a member of CSMLS if I want to work as either a medical laboratory technologist or a medical laboratory assistant in Canada?

Membership in CSMLS is voluntary. The only exception applies to medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) who work in New Brunswick. The regulatory body, the New Brunswick Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists, requires CSMLS membership as a condition of licensure. Some employers require CSMLS membership as a condition of employment.

What is the difference between the CSMLS and a provincial regulatory body?

CSMLS is the national certifying body for medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory assistants in Canada. It is also a voluntary professional society for medical laboratory professionals. CSMLS represents 14,000 members in Canada and around the world.

Provincial regulatory bodies (also called regulatory colleges) establish the rules and regulations that determine who may practice as a medical laboratory technologist. Their primary role is to protect the public.

CSMLS works in partnership with provincial regulatory bodies but is a completely separate organization.

Regulatory bodies exist in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. If you wish to work as an MLT in any of these provinces, you must be registered with the provincial regulatory body. Medical laboratory assistants are not a regulated health profession in Canada at this time.

Do MLTs who work in the regulated provinces have to be certified by CSMLS?

All of the regulated provinces, with the exception of Quebec, require CSMLS certification. Most employers in the unregulated provinces and territories (British Columbia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut) require CSMLS certification.

I am an internationally educated technologist who wants to work in Canada. What is the process for obtaining CSMLS certification?

Internationally educated medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) who wish to become certified members of the CSMLS must apply for a prior learning assessment (PLA). The PLA process evaluates your education, training and work experience. CSMLS uses this information to find out how you compare to the national competency profile, which is the standard for Canadian-trained MLTs.

International technologists must show that their education and work experience are equivalent to the professional entry level expected in Canada.

The Prior Learning Assessment is available for General Medical Laboratory Technology, Clinical Genetics or Diagnostic Cytology. The application process is the same for each assessment.

The information handbook will guide you through the PLA process. Read it carefully, and if you have a question, check the handbook first. The page titled "Detailed Documentation Required Checklist" lists the documents you will need to send in for your evaluation. This page is often updated due to policy changes. Policies and fees may change without notice. You are responsible for making sure you have the current version. Visit our International Technologists section for more information regarding the PLA process.

How long does it take to complete the PLA process?

Once we have received your application and all of your documents, it usually takes between four to eight weeks to complete the process.

Can I be certified without being a member?

You can obtain your certification without being a member. However, you will only receive a certificate if you are a member. The right to hold a certificate is a privilege of membership. If you lapse your membership, you must return your certificate.

If you are required to provide proof of certification and you are not a member of CSMLS, regulatory bodies will accept a verification of your credentials by CSMLS. You can request verification from the CSMLS Certification Department. The request must be made in writing with your signature, by either fax or mail. A fee of $50 will be charged for this service.

Although it’s not a requirement, CSMLS membership is an important part of your professional life. CSMLS offers a wide array of benefits including low-cost professional liability and legal defense insurance, grants for continuing education, free subscription to the Canadian Journal of Medical Laboratory Science and a member discount program. For more information on the benefits of membership, visit our Join Us section.

Who is eligible to become a member of CSMLS?

You must be certified by the CSMLS to be eligible for active membership. Individuals who are recognized by a provincial regulatory body as an MLT, and/or have worked for at least two years as an MLT in an unregulated province, can join as an affiliate member. Only active certified members have the right to serve on the CSMLS Board of Directors.

Can medical laboratory assistants become members?

Medical laboratory assistants who have either CSMLS certification or provincial certification are eligible to join CSMLS. However, only CSMLS certified MLAs have the right to serve on the CSMLS Board of Directors.

Can internationally educated technologists become members?

Internationally educated technologists who are not CSMLS certified can join CSMLS as Associate-Non-Certified members. Internationally educated technologists who are recognized by a provincial regulatory body can join as affiliate members.

For more information on membership categories, visit our CSMLS Membership Categories and Fees page.

I dropped my CSMLS membership and now I want to rejoin. What is the process for reinstating my membership?

Lapsed former members can reinstate their membership by completing an application for reinstatement and submitting the appropriate fees for their membership category. There is also a $75 administration fee. Reinstatement forms are available for download or by contacting our Membership Services department.

I have recently moved. How do I update my contact information?

A change of address form is available on the website. Just go to “Members Only”. Once you have entered your password, click on “Change of Address.”

I am certified by CSMLS but have not worked as MLTs for many years. I’d like to return to the profession. Do I need to be re-certified?

No. Once you have been certified, you are certified for life. However, if you live in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick or Nova Scotia, you will need to contact the provincial regulatory body to find out about their specific requirements.

I am working in the United States as an MLT and am required to obtain a ICHP Visa Screen Assessment. I must provide validation of my professional credentials. How do I go about this?

Please submit your completed Visa Screen Validation of Registration/License form with the CSMLS application form entitled "Verification of Credential" to the attention of the Certification department.

The fee for this service is $25 for members and $50 for non-members. Payment must be included with the validation form and Verification of Credential application.

CSMLS will send the form and verification of your CSMLS certification credentials directly to ICHP Visa Screen.

The CSMLS does not issue licenses and does not certify date of birth or provide copies of transcripts from training programs.

Application for Verification of Credential