CAMLPR hosted its seventh live Coffee Chat with applicants on January 15, 2026. The session, led by Jennifer Melville, Credential Assessment Specialist, with support from Adam Chrobak, Executive Director, and other CAMLPR Staff Members, provided applicants with an open forum to ask questions about the CSMLS file transfers, document submission, the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process, education plans, language requirements, and Fields-of-Practice Exams.
Below are the highlights, presented in a Q&A format:
CSMLS → CAMLPR Transfers & What’s Included
Q: Which documents are included in my CSMLS transfer file?
A: Your CSMLS transfer file typically includes the documents already submitted to CSMLS (as applicable), including employment verification letters that were required by CSMLS. CAMLPR uses the CSMLS transfer file as part of your overall application record once it is received and uploaded to your CAMLPR portal.
Q: I submitted my approval for the CSMLS-to-CAMLPR transition. Why don’t I see my documents yet?
A: CSMLS file transfers can take several weeks. Once CAMLPR receives your CSMLS file, the documents are uploaded to your CAMLPR portal so that you can view what is on file.
Q: I started with CSMLS. Do I still need to create a CAMLPR account?
A: Yes. Creating a CAMLPR account is required so CAMLPR can match your transferred documents to your profile and provide portal access for next steps.
Employment Verification: Alternate Submission Methods
Q: My employer completed the Employment Verification Form but cannot send it from an official organizational email address. What can they do?
A: CAMLPR’s preference is to receive documents electronically wherever possible. However, if an employer cannot send the form using an official organizational email address, CAMLPR can accept a sealed hard-copy version sent by mail to CAMLPR’s mailing address.
Where to Send Certificates, Transcripts, and Supporting Documents
Q: Where do I send learning plan completion certificates or verification documents (e.g., transcripts/certificates)?
A: You can have your transcripts and completion documents emailed to documents@camlpr.org for review and inclusion in your file (as part of your PLA documentation and/or education plan evidence).
Your transcript confirming successful program completion must be sent directly to CAMLPR using one of the following methods:
MyCreds
If your institution is a MyCreds member organization, you may authorize transcript release to CAMLPR through the MyCreds platform. Learn more about MyCreds.
Direct from educational institution via email
Ask your educational institution to send your transcript as a PDF attachment to documents@camlpr.org from an official institutional email address. The email should include your full legal name and CAMLPR ID (if available) to identify you as the applicant.
Self-Administered Readiness Assessment (SARA)
Q: What is the Self-Administered Readiness Assessment (SARA)?
A: The SARA is a self-reflection and exam-preparation tool available through your CAMLPR account. It helps you to:
- Understand the style and format of exam questions, and
- Identify areas to focus your studying.
Access is granted through your CAMLPR account after your account creation surveys have been reviewed. The fields of practice that appear in your SARA are dependent on which fields of practice you select when creating your account.
Q: I completed SARA—what happens next?
A: After completing all SARA components, the portal should unlock the next stage (including document upload / case tile access). Applicants were reminded to ensure all required SARA sections are completed (including preliminary items that can be easy to miss).
Portal Status Updates & What the Stages Mean
Q: Can the portal tell me where I am in the process and when I’ll get an update?
A: The portal shows your current stage (e.g., waiting for documents vs. under review), but it may not provide a specific “next update” date or send an automatic email when your status changes. If you notice your file has moved into review, the published timelines for that stage still apply.
Q: My portal just says I am “in review”—which review is it?
A: Applicants were advised that the portal typically progresses from a “waiting for documents” stage to a review stage once all required documents are received and the survey/attestations are completed. If unsure, you can contact CAMLPR at applicants@camlpr.org for clarification.
PLA Timelines, Document Completion Checks, and Processing Order
Q: How long does the PLA Substantial Equivalency Review take right now?
A: The review stage discussed during the chat was approximately twelve (12) weeks from the time CAMLPR has received all required documents and the PLA fee payment.
Q: How long does it take for CAMLPR to review files for document completion?
A: A document-completion check timeline shared during the chat was approximately 2–3 weeks, with staff noting they aim to keep pace with the website timelines.
Q: Can CAMLPR expedite my PLA outcome because I might miss a bridging program application deadline?
A: CAMLPR processes files in the order received and generally cannot expedite individual outcomes. Applicants were encouraged to plan for the next available intake if they miss a current education program window.
Education Plans: Bridging vs. Refresher Courses
Q: If my education plan says “bridging,” can I take a refresher course instead (because it is less expensive or easier)?
A: Applicants must complete the education plan outlined in their PLA report. If bridging is prescribed, refresher courses may not be considered sufficient to close identified gaps.
Q: My friend’s CSMLS report looks different than mine. Why?
A: Different CSMLS processes (and timeframes) may have produced different report structures and outcomes. Applicants with questions about their specific report were encouraged to connect directly with CAMLPR.
Q: If I have a CSMLS PLA report/learning plan, do I follow that or CAMLPR’s approach?
A: CAMLPR confirmed that, as part of the transition, it is honouring CSMLS learning plans that were issued as part of CSMLS PLAs.
Recency of Practice & Returning After Time Away
Q: I have not practised as an MLT for the past five years. How might that affect my application outcome?
A: Recency of practice is an important consideration. A common benchmark discussed was 1,200 hours within the last five (5) years. Where recency is not met, applicants may be more likely to receive gap education requirements (often bridging).
Exams: Location, Visas, Attempts, and Bundles
Q: If I live outside Canada, can I sit for the exam after obtaining a visitor visa?
A: Yes. Once exam eligibility is established, you can sit for the exam after obtaining the appropriate authorization to travel to Canada.
Q: Do I have to be physically in Canada to write the exam?
A: Yes. Even if remote proctoring is available, applicants must still be physically located in Canada to write the exam.
Q: Once I am exam eligible, how much time do I have to write the exam?
A: Applicants were advised that once eligibility is granted, you have a defined window to complete attempts—described in the chat as up to one year to complete your attempts for each Field-of-Practice exam.
Q: If I pass one subject in a bundle, can I be licensed in that field of practice?
A: Yes. If you pass certain fields within a bundle, you can pursue registration/licensure in those field(s), subject to the provincial regulator’s requirements. Applicants were reminded to confirm specifics with their provincial regulator.
Q: Can I write “one-by-one” instead of writing everything together?
A: Fields-of-Practice Exams are individual exams. While CAMLPR may offer bundled sittings, the exams remain distinct, and applicants can choose which exams to write (within eligibility rules and timelines).
Labour Mobility: Moving Provinces (e.g., Quebec to Ontario)
Q: I am registered as an MLT in another province (e.g., Québec). Do I need to write the exam to move to Ontario?
A: Applicants, who already registered/licensed in a Canadian province, may qualify under labour mobility (Canadian Free Trade Agreement) and may not need to write exams again. You may need a letter of standing sent directly from your current regulator to the destination regulator, and you should confirm all registration requirements with the province you plan to move to.
Language Requirements
Q: Is there any possibility to waive the language requirement?
A: No. There is currently no language waiver through CAMLPR. Applicants were encouraged to review the relevant policies for meeting the requirement and to check provincial regulator language requirements as well.
Q: Do I need language documents submitted before my PLA can be assessed?
A: PLA assessment can proceed while language proficiency is in progress. However, exam eligibility cannot be issued until language proficiency is confirmed (and applicants may receive a PLA report with language listed as outstanding).
Q: If I have IELTS results in my CSMLS file, do I need to do another test?
A: Not necessarily. If the language assessment transferred from CSMLS meets CAMLPR’s requirements/benchmarks, another test may not be required.
Q: I studied in Canada. Does that count toward language proficiency?
A: Canadian post-secondary education may be one way to meet the requirement if it meets the minimum duration criteria discussed during the chat (e.g., a program of at least two years). Applicants were encouraged to pursue language testing as early as possible if they are unsure if they meet an accepted pathway.
Travel, Accommodation, and Immigration Support
Q: Will CAMLPR assist with visas, housing, or travel arrangements?
A: CAMLPR does not provide immigration support, housing, or travel coordination for coming to Canada to write exams or complete education requirements.
Getting Ready & Staying Connected
The Coffee Chat closed with thanks to all participants, including those joining from across Canada and internationally. CAMLPR Staff emphasised that:
- Any unanswered questions from the session will be followed up by email where possible.
- Applicants should regularly check the Applicant Portal, policies, timelines, and FAQs for updated information.
- Case-specific questions should be directed to applicants@camlpr.org.
