The Canadian Alliance for Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR), which represents its membership of provincial regulators for the medical laboratory technologist (MLT) profession, has released new competency profiles for the fields of practice within medical laboratory technology. As part of its legislated regulatory requirements, CAMLPR members are assuming the responsibility for providing prior learning assessment (PLA) and competency assessment (examination) services for MLTs in Canada. CAMLPR is preparing new prior learning assessment and competency assessments based on these profiles to ensure that both internationally and Canadian-educated applicants continue to meet standards necessary for public safety.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you better understand the changes and what they mean for you. This FAQ will be revised periodically as more questions are received by CAMLPR and as more information becomes available.
Last revised: October 15, 2024
Context
What is the role of CAMLPR?
The Canadian Alliance for Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) represents provincial regulatory bodies for Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia (observer). These regulatory bodies have both the duty and authority, under legislation, to establish the standards of knowledge, skills, and judgment required for the practice of MLTs in a regulated jurisdiction.
CAMLPR focuses on ensuring that regulatory approaches and practices for medical laboratory professionals across Canada are fair, efficient, effective, ethical, transparent, and inclusive.
To learn more about CAMLPR, visit About Us.
For information about jurisdictions that are not CAMLPR members, please refer to the section “ How do the changes affect MLTs in British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut? ”
What is the Flexible Pathways to Registration for Medical Laboratory Technologists project?
The goal of the Flexible Pathways to Registration for Medical Laboratory Technologists project is to implement field-specific registration for each field of practice where jurisdictional legislation permits. MLT registrants will have fields of practice designated on their registration, allowing them to practice within those named fields.
The project involves developing pathways to practice for both internationally and Canadian-educated applicants who seek to register and practice as an MLT in Canada. This includes developing field-of-practice entry-level competencies to reflect current practice requirements, delivering prior learning assessment and competency assessments (examinations), and streamlining the registration process for individuals whose background and education qualify them to work as MLTs. CAMLPR is also developing an online portal where applicants can apply for prior learning assessments and competency assessments and access learning resources.
CAMLPR received a grant from the Government of Canada (Employment and Social Development Canada) for this project. By preventing shortages of highly qualified personnel, the provincial regulatory bodies will help achieve the objective of increasing the supply of qualified health professionals.
Why is this work necessary now?
Canada’s health sector is facing a significant shortage of Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs), a critical role in healthcare. Well-educated and skilled newcomers face challenges entering the workforce quickly.
The new competency profiles, organized by fields of practice, will help clarify registration requirements and streamline the application process. By doing so, internationally educated MLTs will be able to obtain registration and employment in Canada more quickly, ultimately increasing the number of qualified professionals available to fill vacancies and shortages in the healthcare system. Canadian educated applicants, including those from non-traditional education backgrounds, may have the opportunity to select the fields of practice in which they seek registration.
It is important to maintain a single, unified set of competency profiles for MLTs in Canada, regardless of where they were educated. By implementing these new, field- specific profiles for all future applicants, CAMLPR, on behalf of the provincial MLT regulators, is fulfilling the mandate to maintain consistent, high standards of practice that apply equally to both internationally and Canadian-educated MLTs.
What is changing?
Does the CAMLPR competency assessment (examination) process become effective for all graduates of accredited MLT programs as of March 1, 2026?
Beginning March 1, 2026, CAMLPR will administer the CAMLPR competency assessments (examinations) to all registration applicants, including those educated in Canada, based on the new CAMLPR competency profile.
What is changing in the Medical Laboratory Technologist competency profiles?
What is changing in the Medical Laboratory Technologist competency profiles? CAMLPR has introduced eight new entry-level competency profiles for the MLT profession. There is a competency profile for each of the following fields of practice:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine (Science)
- Clinical Microbiology
- Histology
- Cytology: Gynecologic and Non-gynecologic
- Cytogenetics
- Molecular Diagnostics
The competency profiles address specimen collection, preparation and testing, evaluation and interpretation, reporting and communication, equipment and resources, safety, professionalism, and quality assurance. Each profile includes field-specific competencies and competencies that are shared (common) across fields of practice.
The new competency profiles will allow MLT applicants to be registered in each field of practice where they have demonstrated competency.
What is changing in prior learning assessments and competency assessments (examinations)?
CAMLPR is introducing new prior learning assessments and field-of-practice competency assessments (examinations) for the Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) profession in Canada. These changes will be implemented in phases for those seeking registration to practice in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan.
CAMLPR has formed a transition team with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) to outline the processes for applicants. Further details will be provided once the processes have been finalized.
What competency assessments (examinations) will I take after the changes take effect?
The competency assessments (examinations) will be tailored to specific fields of practice. This means applicants can pursue assessment and registration in any one of the eight fields of practice or in several fields. Competency assessments will be available individually for each field of practice or bundled exams covering multiple fields such as Core Lab (Chemistry, Hematology, Transfusions) and General (Chemistry, Hematology, Histology, Microbiology, and Transfusions). For instance, if you have education and experience in Core Laboratory (Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, and Transfusion Science), you can take a bundled examination in these three fields. For more information, refer to the section on Field-of-Practice Exams.
What if I have already started an educational program, my prior learning assessment, or the examination process before the changes take effect?
CAMLPR has formed a transition team with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) that will outline the process for applicants who have begun their prior learning assessment or examination process but have not passed their exam before the changes take effect. Further details will be provided once the process has been finalized.
What will change in registration to practice as an MLT?
The regulators of Medical Laboratory Technologists in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan are planning to implement field-specific registration where permitted by jurisdictional legislation. This means that future MLT registrants will have their specific fields of practice designated on their registration, allowing them to practice only within those designated fields. If they wish to practice in additional fields after registration, they can apply for additional designations after demonstrating they have the required education and have passed the competency assessment for each additional field of practice.
Is this the same as RT subject registration?
Delivery of laboratory services has changed over the last decade. Previously, many facilities delivered laboratory services in all five fields of MLT General, for example. The Core Lab Survey conducted with MLT employers in 2024 indicated the need for MLTs with expertise in core laboratory fields (Chemistry, Hematology, and Transfusion Medicine (Science)). This feedback informed the creation of the ‘Core’ Lab bundle which was identified as important for rural and remote locations. The development of the eight fields-of-practice competency profiles provides the ability to be nimble and offer various bundles of assessments that may be required in the future.
Will the new processes for individuals with non-traditional education reduce the quality of MLTs working in the field?
No, the new Flexible Pathways processes are designed to maintain high standards. All applicants, regardless of their educational background, must demonstrate the required prior learning and competencies through assessments for each field of practice. Applicants with non-traditional educational background will undergo a prior learning assessment in their chosen fields of practice, and if successful, will be approved to take the applicable competency assessments. If applicants do not meet the required learning and competency standards, they must complete a learning plan and be reassessed before being approved to take the applicable competency assessments. This ensures that only those who meet the professional standards are allowed to practice, maintaining the quality of MLT practice and public safety.
What is changing for MLTs who are already registered?
The changes to the competency profiles, prior learning assessments, competency assessments (examinations) and registration processes will not affect the registration status of Medical Laboratory Technologists who are already registered to practice.
How will the new competency profiles affect current students in MLT programs?
Beginning March 1, 2026, CAMLPR will administer the CAMLPR competency assessments (examinations) to all registration applicants, including those educated in Canada, based on the new CAMLPR competency profile.
How will the changes impact MLT employers?
MLT employers will see changes in how new graduates and internationally educated MLTs are assessed and registered once the changes take effect. The new field-of- practice competency profiles mean that MLTs will be registered in specific areas of practice, with their skills and knowledge aligned with the needs of their roles. These changes are also expected to increase the supply of registered Medical Laboratory Technologists for employment, as the new processes will make it easier for internationally educated MLTs to demonstrate their competencies in specific fields and become registered to practice.
What examinations will employers require for MLTs?
Employers require MLTs to be registered with their regulatory body in provinces where Medical Laboratory Technologists are regulated. Registration indicates that you have successfully met all necessary requirements, including passing the required examinations. While the specific examination provider may vary, the most important factor is being registered and in good standing with the regulatory body, as this is necessary to be eligible to work as an MLT.
How do the changes affect MLTs in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut, Quebec, or Alberta?
British Columbia: Medical Laboratory Technologists are not yet regulated in British Columbia. MLTs seeking to practice in British Columbia should contact the British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science (BCSLS) and potential employers and educational institutions for their requirements.
Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut: Medical Laboratory Technologists are not yet regulated in the territories. MLTs seeking to practice in those jurisdictions should contact potential employers for their requirements.
Quebec: The regulator of medical laboratory technologists in Quebec is a member of CAMLPR. However, MLTs in Quebec follow a different registration pathway and should contact L’Ordre professionnel des technologistes médicaux du Québec (OPTMQ) for examination and registration requirements.
Alberta: MLTs seeking to practice in Alberta, where Medical Laboratory Technologists are regulated, should contact the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Alberta (CMLTA) for examination and registration requirements.
What impact will the new competency profiles and examinations have on educational institutions?
The new competency profiles and examinations will require that educational institutions revise and align their curricula to ensure that graduates meet the required competencies for entry-level practice as MLTs. Institutions may need to adjust their teaching methods, course content, and assessment strategies to prepare students effectively for the new examinations. This alignment, a regular feature of professional programs, will ensure that students are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the profession and pass the necessary exams.
CAMLPR plans to offer webinars for educators to discuss the changes and how they affect medical laboratory technology programs in Canada.
Do applicants or registrants of member organization need to become a ‘member’ of CAMLPR?
No, applicants and registrants do not require membership with CAMLPR.
Fields-of-practice competency profiles
What is the role of competency profiles?
Competency profiles are essential in regulated professions because they define the knowledge, skills, and judgment required for safe, efficient, and ethical practice. They help ensure consistent standards across the profession, supporting public safety by outlining what professionals must know and be able to do. Competency profiles also guide ethical conduct, emphasizing integrity, confidentiality, and responsible decision- making. They also serve as a foundation for professional development and career advancement by helping practitioners identify areas for improvement and growth.
What was the process for developing the new competency profiles?
The development process for the new competency profiles occurred in several stages:
- Spring 2023: Competencies were initially drafted based on international standards and reviewed by an MLT practitioner. Subject matter experts were engaged to verify and clarify the knowledge required of entry-level practitioners.
- Summer 2023: The Competency Development Advisory Committee (CDAC), comprising representatives from CAMLPR, the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS), MLTs, educational institutions, and other key stakeholders, provided input on the competencies.
- Fall 2023: MLT stakeholders, including clinical practitioners, employers, educators, and government representatives, reviewed the competency profiles through an online survey.
- Winter 2023-24: Employers were surveyed regarding the techniques and competencies required in Core Lab (Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Transfusion Medicine (Science)) settings.
Following these stages, the CAMLPR Flexible Pathways to Registration for MLTs Steering Committee refined the draft competency profiles based on feedback from each stage of the development process. This iterative approach ensured that the profiles are aligned with current requirements and are adaptable to future changes within the medical laboratory technology sector.
What guidelines were used in developing the competency statements for each field of practice?
The competency statements were developed using guidelines that focused on the structure and relevance of each competency. Competencies must be:
- Entry-level: Required upon initial entry to the profession.
- In the public’s interest: Prioritizing public safety and well-being.
- Relevant: Reflecting the current scope and demands of the profession.
- Adaptable: Capable of accommodating changes in laboratory technology and the healthcare environment.
- Measurable: Clearly measurable to allow for objective assessment.
- Clear: Easily understandable, avoiding jargon.
- Concise: Expressed economically to avoid redundancies.
Competencies were also designed to prioritize public safety, adapt to changes in laboratory technology, and remain relevant to current professional demands.
Each competency statement follows a specific structure:
- The observable action required by the task,
- The object or subject to which the action is applied,
- The purpose for which the action is performed, and
- The method or procedure used to perform the action.
This structure ensures clarity and consistency across all competency statements.
How are competencies classified in the fields-of-practice competency profiles?
Competencies are classified as either common, meaning they apply across multiple fields of practice, or are specific to one or more fields of practice. They are also grouped into the categories of specimen collection, preparation and testing, evaluation and interpretation, reporting and communication, equipment and resources, safety, professionalism, and quality assurance.
How will CAMLPR ensure that the competency profiles remain up-to-date and reflective of current practices?
CAMLPR is committed to regularly reviewing and updating the competency profiles to reflect current practices and advancements in the field of medical laboratory technology. This will involve collaboration with stakeholders, including MLTs, educational institutions, professional organizations, and employers.
Fields-of-practice competency assessments (Examinations)
What knowledge is assessed in the exams?
Competency assessment (examination) questions are based on the competency profiles for each field of practice. The assessments will cover specimen collection, preparation and testing, evaluation and interpretation, reporting and communication, equipment and resources, safety, professionalism, and quality assurance. Questions will focus on the high-frequency knowledge in a field of practice.
The exams are designed to assess both declarative knowledge (theoretical concepts like test purposes, result interpretation, human biology, and safety protocols) and practical knowledge (knowledge required to perform tasks, such as operating equipment, conducting tests, and following safety procedures). Further information on the format and content of the exams will be provided in the near future.
How will the exams be created and maintained?
Subject matter experts, nominated by the CAMLPR, are playing a key role in creating and validating these questions to ensure they accurately assess the relevant competencies in each field of practice. The questions will be regularly reviewed and revised to reflect advancements in medical laboratory technology, healthcare practices, and professional standards. This process will help maintain the currency and relevance of the examinations.
How are the passing scores for the exams determined?
The passing scores are set by a panel of subject matter experts, nominated by CAMLPR member organizations. These experts use a method called the Angoff Methodology, where they estimate how likely someone who has sufficient knowledge and skills to meet the standard for registration would answer each question correctly. This ensures the passing scores reflect the required level of competence for safe practice.
When will the exams be offered?
After the competency assessments (examinations) become available to applicants, they will be offered multiple times throughout the year to accommodate applicants. Detailed information on examination dates, registration deadlines, and testing locations will be provided on the CAMLPR website as it becomes available.
How much will the exams cost?
The exam fees will be decided soon and posted on the CAMLPR website. Regulators understand that high fees can discourage people from registering, so they are working to lower costs for applicants.
Can an applicant take the exams in more than one field of practice?
Yes, applicants can take competency assessments (examinations) in one or more fields
of practice. There will be ‘bundled’ examinations where applicants can take several
field-of-practice assessments in a single exam session. Bundles will include:
- MLT Core Lab: Chemistry, Hematology, Transfusion Medicine
- MLT General: Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Transfusion Medicine, Histology
- MLT Diagnostic Cytology: Gynecologic and Non-Gynecologic Cytology, Histology
- MLT Clinical Genetics: Cytogenetics, Molecular Diagnostics
Applicants may also choose to take multiple fields-of-practice competency assessments across multiple exam sessions, though this may affect the exam fees.
If an applicant takes a bundled exam but does not pass all fields, they can still apply for registration in the fields they have passed. However, they will need to retake and pass any remaining fields to be registered in those areas.