Registration Requirements for HSO-Accredited Graduates

Previously, CMLTO used language aligned to Canadian and Internationally Educated MLTs. Moving forward and to ensure we use wording that aligns with the medical laboratory sector, we now differentiate Applicants based on education and will use the terms “HSO-Accredited” vs. “Non-HSO Accredited”.

The Medical Laboratory Technology Act, 1991   describes the prescribed classes of certificates of registration. Applicants can apply for the following certificates which include:

  1. Practising – Registrants have met the CMLTO registration requirements and are able to practise or work as an MLT subject to terms, conditions, or limitations (where applicable). 
  2. Non-practising – Registrants have met the CMLTO registration requirements but are not currently practising or working as an MLT. Note that registrants with Non-Practising certificates of registration:
    • may not practice medical laboratory technology in Ontario
    • may use the protected title medical laboratory technologist (MLT) in Ontario
    • must upgrade to a Practising certificate of registration before starting to work as an MLT

Watch the Registration Process Webinar!

You can access a copy of the webinar transcript in English here

Registration (gotowebinar.com)

Below you will find the required documents to apply for the applicable certificate of registration.

Practising Certificate

You must:

  1. have proof of eligibility to work in Canada (i.e., passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card)
  2. obtain a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check or Vulnerable Sector Check within the six months preceding the application
  3. provide proof of active engagement:
    • Medical Laboratory Science clinical placement in the preceding three years proven through submission of an HSO-accredited program degree/diploma, transcript, etc.; or
    • Employment letter(s) with employer address, job title, list of duties performed, practice hours, and dates employed demonstrating the applicant was engaged as a MLT in the three years preceding their application; or
    • Successful completion of refresher courses approved by the CMLTO within the three years preceding the date of the application.
    • For more information, please refer to the Registration Committee Policy 13: Active Engagement available here
  4. demonstrate proof that you successfully passed a Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) MLT exam or Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professional Regulators (CAMLPR) MLT Field(s) of practice examination(s)
  5. provide proof of MLT education
    • HSO-Accredited MLT program degree/diploma, official transcript, or letter of completion; or
    • Equivalent Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) completed by the CSMLS or CAMLPR
    • A list of HSO-accredited medical laboratory technology programs is available here

Non-practising Certificate

You must:

  1. have proof of eligibility to work in Canada (i.e., passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card)
  2. obtain a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check or Vulnerable Sector Check within the six months preceding the application
  3. demonstrate proof that you successfully passed a Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) MLT exam or Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professional Regulators (CAMLPR) MLT Field(s) of practice examination(s)
  4. provide proof of MLT education
    • HSO-Accredited MLT program degree/diploma, official transcript, or letter of completion; or
    • Equivalent Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) completed by the CSMLS or CAMLPR
    • A list of HSO-accredited medical laboratory technology programs is available here

Emergency Certificate

Emergency certificates can only be issued or renewed when the Ministry of Health or the CMLTO Board of Directors declares an emergency. Before you register for the Emergency class, please contact the CMLTO to confirm if an emergency was declared. For more information, please refer to the Registration Committee Policy 21: Emergency Certificate of Registration available here (English). Please note that those with Emergency certificates will practise under supervision.

For more information about practising under supervision, please consult the following resources: 

CMLTO Supervision Form (English)
Guidelines for Supervision (English)

Are you ready to apply?

Step 1:
Complete online application and pay the application fee

Step 2:
Prepare your supporting documentation

Step 3:
Send documents in alignment with the Guarantor's Verification Form

For further information, please contact the CMLTO Registration Department by email at registration@cmlto.com.