Registration
All CSMLS Exams must be written in Canada, regardless of the testing method.
You must wait 24 hours after receiving the CSMLS registration confirmation email to schedule your exam seat at a Prometric test location (in-person or remotely proctored).
You must schedule your CSMLS Exam seat, through Prometric, no later than 30 days before the Exam session you are registered for.
We cannot guarantee the availability of CSMLS Exam seats after this date.
Before submitting an Exam registration all applicants must read the Exam Handbook and indicate that they agree to abide by the policies and rules found within it.
Particular attention should be placed on the Test Centre Rules (which include both in-person testing and remote proctored testing) found in Appendix II of the Exam Handbook.
Registration is open to candidates who have successfully completed, or will successfully complete, an EQual™ accredited Canadian Medical Laboratory educational program 14 days to 12 months prior to the Exam they register for.
Registration is open to all PLA clients who have received a Statement of Eligibility to the CSMLS National Certification Exam, as listed on their statement, providing the Eligibility Statement is not expired.
All candidates will be verified as eligible to the Exam prior to the Exam they have registered for. If you are found ineligible to the Exam and your registration is cancelled, you may lose that attempt (considered a fail) and you may receive a partial or no refund, depending on timing. For our cancellation policy, please see below.
Once candidates have successfully registered for the CSMLS Certification Examination, they will be provided with an eligibility ID number and a link with instructions to schedule their exam seat time and location. This link will bring candidates to our exam provider’s website where they will be able to log in with their eligibility ID number to schedule their exam time and location.
Candidates will only be able to schedule their seat on the day that is indicated on their registration confirmation email. Candidates are responsible for scheduling their exam site and time at various Testing Centre locations across Canada. Space is limited at some exam sites and we cannot guarantee preferred examination sites and times; registering early will help candidates choose their best seat location and time.
Candidates are responsible for finding their own way to the correct Testing Centre location and are responsible for parking. CSMLS is not responsible for any travel/accommodation arrangements made by candidates.
Eligible candidates who want to reschedule the time or Testing Centre location of their exam appointment will do so by clicking “Reschedule/Cancel” on the CSMLS-Prometric webpage.
The following timelines and fees apply.
Rescheduling Fee Schedule*
Exam Time/Site Appointment
Rescheduling Period |
Rescheduling Fee |
| 30 or more days before exam date |
None |
| 5-29 days before scheduled exam date |
$35 per reschedule, if available. Paid directly to the exam vendor. |
| Less than 5 days before exam date |
No changes are allowed |
*All fees are subject to change without notice.
If candidates cannot take the exam and want to cancel their application, they must cancel at least fourteen (14) days before the exam date, in writing, to receive a partial refund of the exam fee.
Candidates must complete and submit the Request for Exam Cancellation form to the CSMLS office. Complete the form and submit to exam@csmls.org
Cancelling an exam attempt may result in the loss of that attempt and may be considered a failed exam attempt.
Cancellation Fee Schedule*
| Cancellation Period |
Cancellation Fee |
| 14 or more days prior to the exam date |
CSMLS will refund exam fee less the non-refundable processing fee
Non-member surcharges are not refunded. |
| Less than 14 days (0-13 days) before exam date |
No refund provided |
*All fees are subject to change without notice.
If candidates change their name or contact information (address, telephone number or email), notification must be sent in writing as soon as possible using the Change of Information Request Form.
Official supporting documentation must be provided with your form.
Unless the Change of Information Request form is sent, all exam correspondence, including exam results, will be sent to the address written on the exam application.
If a candidate has a request for special accommodation, they must contact the Certification Department by email at exam@csmls.org or in writing as soon as possible to ensure we can select the best location for the accommodation.
This request must be made before registering for the exam in order for the request to be considered.
Requests received after Exam registration opens will not be considered.
Please be aware that different regulatory colleges may require you to meet specific language benchmarks before issuing a license or allowing you to take your examination. Please click below for more information
Please be advised, effective January 1, 2018, the College of Medical Laboratory Technologist of Manitoba (CMLTM), the provincial regulator, has final authority on the eligibility of all MLT exam candidates writing in Manitoba. This affects all MLT certification exam candidates writing in the province of Manitoba. We recommend you contact CMLTM to ensure you are able to write the MLT certification exam in Manitoba. Even though a candidate has met the CSMLS’ eligibility requirements, the CMLTM also requires candidates to meet language proficiency requirements https://www.cmltm.ca/members/cmltm-news/read,article/13/csmls-mlt-exam-candidates. Please direct any questions regarding this policy to the CMLTM office, phone: 204-231-0311 or 877-331-0311, fax: 204-489-7300, email:adam@cmltm.ca, tricia@cmltm.ca, orjanelle@cmltm.ca.
Please be advised that candidates who have successfully passed the CSMLS certification exam or have met the CSMLS’ eligibility requirements to sit for the certification exam are required by the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) to meet its language proficiency requirements when applying for registration as an MLT in Ontario. Applicants who have not successfully completed a Canadian accredited medical laboratory science program must provide the CMLTO with proof of achievement of the minimum scores in one of the Registration Committee-approved language fluency tests. For further information, please go to the following website: http://www.cmlto.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1317&Itemid=757. Please direct any questions regarding this policy to the CMLTO Registration Department, phone: 416-861-9605 [toll-free in Canada: 1-800-323-9672] ext. 1, or by email:registration@cmlto.com
Please be advised, effective December 1, 2019, the provincial regulator, Saskatchewan Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (SSMLT) requires all new membership applicants to meet the general requirements for membership as outlined in the SSMLT bylaws, section 7. This includes language requirements.Even though a candidate may be able to write the CSMLS MLT certification exam and/or may be certified, to be eligible to work in Saskatchewan you must be licensed by SSMLT. Effective December 1, 2019, new applicants to SSMLT must meet all the general requirements of membership. Please direct any questions regarding SSMLT application to the SSMLT office, phone: 306-352-6791, or email:info@ssmlt.org, please add ‘Membership requirements’ to the subject line.