CAMLPR hosted its fifth live Coffee Chat with applicants on November 6, 2025. The session, led by Jennifer Melville, Credential Assessment Specialist with contributions from Adam Chrobak, Executive Director, and other team members, provided applicants with an opportunity to ask questions about the PLA, language requirements, exams, documentation, and next steps in the registration journey.
Below are the highlights, presented in a Q&A format:
Getting Started & Account Creation
Q: What is the first step to begin with CAMLPR?
A: Create a Flexible Pathways account via the red Applicant Portal Login on the CAMLPR homepage. Once your account has been reviewed. approved, and payment has been received, CAMLPR will grant access to the Self-Administered Readiness Assessment and your application checklist.
Q: Can CAMLPR confirm that my CSMLS file has arrived?
A: Yes—email applicants@camlpr.org and we can verify receipt once we confirm your identity. Note that we don’t proactively contact applicants when a CSMLS file arrives because we may not have your email on record yet.
Q: I created an account but can’t pay yet. Do I have to start over?
A: No. Payment is enabled after account approval. Watch for a portal notification/email with next steps.
PLA Overview & Required Documents
Q: What does the PLA application involve?
A: Typical stages include account creation/approval → SARA → document submission → Substantial Equivalency Review → outcome (e.g., eligibility for exam(s) and/or an Education Plan).
Q: What documents are required for PLA?
A: The following document are required for PLA:
- WES ICAP course-by-‑course credential evaluation.
- Employment verification (if applicable), using CAMLPR’s template.
- Letter of regulatory standing (if you’ve ever been licensed/registered).
- Proof of language proficiency (see “Language Requirements” below).
- CV/Resume (upload to your portal).
- Copy of licence/certificate (if applicable).
- Continuing education/professional development (upload when available).
Most documents must be sent directly from issuing institutions. If a regulator/employer does not have an institutional email domain, CAMLPR can accept sealed hard‑copy documents sent directly from the regulator/employer by mail directly to the CAMLPR mailing address.
Q: Can you start the PLA review if I’m waiting on some documents?
A: We can begin review while some items (e.g., language test result, letter of regulatory standing) are in progress. However, the PLA report cannot be issued until all required documents, including language, are received.
CSMLS → CAMLPR Transitions
Q: My PLA started with CSMLS. What should I do?
A: Create and pay for your CAMLPR Flexible Pathways account so we can match your records when we receive them. CSMLS transfers your PLA file to CAMLPR, but your personal portal profile/data is not created automatically.
Q: I paid CSMLS Stage 2 or was awaiting a technical report. Where do I stand now?
A: CAMLPR is processing Prior Learning Assessments in the order applications/files are received and when required documents are complete. If you have questions about whether a specific document transferred, email applicants@camlpr.org (include your full name and any CSMLS identifiers).
Q: I paid CSMLS Stage 2 fees that are being refunded. Will I be treated differently in the queue?
A: Applications are processed first come‑, first served‑ to keep the process fair and consistent for all applicants.
Language Requirements
Q: Can language be waived if my education/work was in English?
A: No. Current policy requires meeting the language requirement through accepted assessments/pathways.
Q: When must language requirement be met?
A: We can work on your PLA while you complete language testing, but exam eligibility will not be issued until language is met and verified.
Q: How long are results valid?
A: Language test reports must be valid within two (2) years at the time they are used for your application. You may upload your report to the portal
Fields of Practice, Exam Eligibility & Employability
Q: If I am eligible in one field of practice but need an Education Plan in others, can I proceed with just the eligible field?
A: Yes. You may move forward with the field(s) of practice for which your PLA outcome deems you substantially equivalent and exam eligible‑, while you pursue an Education Plan for other fields.
Q: Is there any benefit to completing multiple fields?
A: Many employers value flexibility. Being registered/licensed in more than one field can improve employability.
Q: For the General exam, if I pass some Field of Practice exams but not all, can I register/practise with the Field of Practice exams I passed?
A: Yes, Applicants may seek registration to work in the Fields-of-Practice in which they successfully passed the exam(s) in. Applicants have three (3) attempts per Field-of-Practice exam. Many employers’ value flexibility. Being registered/licensed in more than one Field-of-Practice can improve employability.
Education Plans & Bridging
Q: Should I complete a bridging course/program first or apply for the PLA first?
A: Apply for the PLA first. Your PLA outcome will indicate whether an Education Plan is required and in which competencies/fields of practice—helping you select the right courses.
Q: What is happening with bridging programs?
A: As shared in the session:
- Michener: bridging courses are expected to resume January (registration open for field of practice courses).
- Anderson: CAMLPR is in active discussions; timelines are still being worked out.
Always consult the institution directly for the latest schedules.
Q: Can I submit my PLA now and upload new CE certificates later?
A: Yes. Don’t delay your PLA. Upload CE/PD certificates and required documents as they become available.
Non-‑Traditional Applicants
Q: Who is considered a non-‑traditional applicant?
A: Individuals educated outside of medical laboratory technology/science (e.g., degrees in MLT related courses like Biochemistry, Microbiology, etc.).
to ‑Province‑ Mobility & Scope
Q: If I am registered to practise in one province/jurisdiction, what if I move?
A: Contact the provincial regulator in the jurisdiction where you plan to work to confirm their requirements and processes. In most cases labour mobility legislation requirements will apply.
Practical Tips
- If a regulator/employer lacks an institutional domain email address, request sealed directly to CAMLPR.
- Cross‑check what you already submitted to CSMLS with CAMLPR’s Required Documents list to identify gaps.
- For case specific‑ questions, write applicants@camlpr.org with your full name and context (and any CSMLS reference numbers).
Closing Note
CAMLPR staff noted that any unanswered questions from the session were recorded and will be followed up by email. Participants were reminded to regularly check the portal, policies, timelines, and FAQs, and to reach out through Contact Us for case-specific questions.
📌 Next Coffee Chat details will be announced on CAMLPR’s website and LinkedIn page.