What is the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO)?

The CMLTO is responsible for regulating the medical technology profession in Ontario by ensuring that all MLTs are qualified to practise and are practising in a safe, effective, ethical, and competent manner.

What is the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)?

The CSMLS is the national certifying body and professional association for medical laboratory technologists in Canada. The CSMLS promotes and maintains the national standards of medical laboratory technology. It assesses the education, experience, and clinical practice of applicants for registration with CMLTO who have been educated outside of Canada. The assessment also includes continuing education and professional development taken by the applicant.

Do I have to be registered to work in Ontario?

Yes. To practise as an MLT in Ontario you must register with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO).

Do I have to pass an English language test?

If your education in medical laboratory technology was not in English or French, you are required to complete the Internet-based TOEFL test. See Step 2.

Where and how can I get help with English if I need it?

If your English skills are low intermediate and you are a recent immigrant to Canada you can take government-sponsored English classes through LINC. In Ontario you need to visit a YMCA Assessment Centre to get tested and to register for classes. A list of these centres can be found on the settlement.org website.

How are international credentials recognized?

The equivalency evaluation process is performed by International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES) or World Education Services (WES). You must contact either organization yourself and obtain their assessment package. You can download or complete the form for ICES online at www.bcit.ca/ices/ or you can request the package by mail. See the Contact Information section later in this document. You can download or complete the form for WES at www.wes.org/ca or you can request the package by mail. See the Contact Information section later in this document.

ICES or WES will require information about all secondary schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions you have attended and the credentials that you completed or were working toward. Examples of credentials include high school diplomas, bachelor and master degrees, college diplomas, and so on. Each credential may have a number of educational documents related to it, such as your academic records and your degree or diploma certificates.

See also Step 3.

What if I don't have Canadian work experience?

If you have not been practicing medical laboratory technology within the three years preceeding the application (which may include time spent as a student or in the teaching of medical laboratory technology); Or you have not successfully completed a CMLTO-approved refresher course within the three years preceeding the application, you must complete a refresher course. The required number of refresher course hours depends on the number of years an applicant has been away from medical laboratory technology. Go to www.cmlto.com/registration/refresher_courses/ for additional information.

What are the MLT Bridging Programs?

Two organizations have set up programs that can help landed immigrants (who have a PLA that is equivalent to a Canadian education in medical laboratory technology) become certified and enter the health care workforce in Ontario.

The Michener Institute offers the program: Access & Options.

Mohawk College offers the program: Medical Laboratory Technology for Internationally Educated Technologists.

See the contacts page.

What are the membership fees?

The annual registration fee as of January 2008 is $262.50 ($250.00 + GST)

Refer to the CMLTO website (www.cmlto.com) for the latest information.

What exams do I need to pass for registration?

You will need to pass the CSMLS National Certification Examination. The General medical laboratory technologist exam is one paper, split into Paper A and Paper B. Both papers have multiple-choice questions. It takes a total of 5 ½ hours to complete, written in a one-day period.

See also Step 5.

When and where do I write the exams?

CSMLS examinations are offered in February, June, and October each year. You must apply for the examination three months ahead of time.

See also Step 5.

How can I prepare for the written exam?

You can obtain an Examination Information Booklet from the CSMLS (on their website). The booklet describes the exam and contains sample question and answer sheets.

See also Step 5.

How much do the exams cost?

As of December 2006, for non-members of the CSMLS, the General examination fee is $600 and the Genetics or Cytology examination fee is $900.00

Fees are subject to change.

Who are the major employers in Ontario?

MLT professionals most often work in licensed laboratories, such as hospital labs, private labs, and government labs but may also work in areas such as medical research, forensics, education, community health, and industry.

MLTs may also work in areas such as laboratory information management (using laboratory data to improve health care outcomes), laboratory management, or point of care testing (performance of laboratory tests outside of the laboratory).

What are the working conditions in Ontario?

The average starting salary for an MLT is approximately $40,000.00 (Canadian) per year.

What are the overall fees and costs?

ICES Assessment Fee (Comprehensive Evaluation Report): $225.00
Extra copy ICES Report for CSMLS: $10.00

WES Assessment Fee (Course by Course Evaluation Report, which must state language(s) of instruction for all studies): $200.00
Extra copy WES Report for CSMLS: $10.00

CSMLS assessment application and information package
Sent through the mail: $25.00
Downloaded: free

Translation Fees: Varies

CSMLS Prior Learning Assessment Fee (evaluation of past training and experience): $425.00

Language Assessment / Test Cost: Varies

CMLTO Application Assessment Fee: $157.50 ($150.00 + GST)

CMLTO Annual Registration Fee: $262.50 ($250.00 + GST)

CSMLS Examination Fee
Member of CSMLS: General $450.00; Genetics or Cytology $675.00
Non-member of CSMLS: General $600.00; Genetics or Cytology $900.00

CSMLS Examination fee (non-resident of Canada writing examination in Canada):
General Exam: $1350; Genetics or Cytology: $1800.00

Note: Fees in this fact sheet are accurate as of June 2008. Fees are subject to change. Contact the organization for current fees.