Examination Handbook

Application and Reference Guide for:

Medical Laboratory Assistant

Certification Examination

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Thursday, February 26, 2015

This handbook contains all the information and forms you need to apply for our entry level certification
exam. You are responsible for making sure you have the current version.
Check the CSMLS website for updates.
www.csmls.org
Read this handbook carefully

Contact Information
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science
Address
33 Wellington St N
Hamilton, ON
L8R 1M7
Telephone
(905) 528-8642 or
(800) 263-8277

Fax
(905) 528-4968

Email
exam@csmls.org

Website
www.csmls.org

Exam Administrators:
Ext. 8686 or Ext. 8683
The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is the national certifying body for medical laboratory
technologists and medical laboratory assistants, and the national professional society for Canada's medical
laboratory professionals. As such, to maintain fairness to all our members we do not allow visitors at the CSMLS nor
do we accept documents personally delivered to our door.

ory Science (CSMLS) is the national certifyCSMLS no do we accept documents at our door

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Code of Professional Conduct

General Information

Eligibility to Write the CSMLS Certification Examination

Request for Special Accommodation

5
6
7

Applying for the Exam

Before Completing the Application

Completing the Application General Information
Completing the Application - Steps
Payment Methods
Deadline Dates
Exam Fees
Mailing Information

8
8
9
9
10
10
10

After Applying for the Exam

10

Verification of Eligibility
Admission to Examination Notice
Exam Site Changes
Address Change
Legal Name Change
Exam Cancellation
Failure to take the Exam

10
11
11
11
11
11
11

On Exam Day

12

Admission to the Exam

Before the Start of the Exam
Computer Answer Sheet
Unforeseen Circumstances
At the End of the Exam
Exam Cancellation
Failure to take the Exam

12
12
12
12
12
12
12

Exam Site Rules

13

After The Exam

Exam Marking
Results
CSMLS Certificate
Performance Report
Manual Verification of Results
Applying for Rewrite
Incomplete Certification

14
14
14
14
14
15
15
15

Guidelines for Writing CSMLS Exams

17

Sample Questions

19

Computer Answer Sheet Example

20

CSMLS Exam Security Agreement

21

Request for Exam Cancellation Form

Request to Change Exam Site Form
Name and Address Change Form

22
23
24

The Angoff Method

25

Privacy Policy

27

Provincial Requlatory Bodies

28

Provincial Associations

29

MLA Examination Sites

30

Application for Exam

31

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Medical laboratory professionals are dedicated to serving the health care needs of the public.
The welfare of the patient and respect for the dignity of the individual shall be paramount at
all times.

Medical laboratory professionals work with other health care professionals, to provide
effective patient care.

Medical laboratory professionals shall promote the image and status of their profession by
maintaining high standards in their professional practice and through active support of their
professional bodies.

Medical laboratory professionals shall protect the confidentiality of all patient information.

Medical laboratory professionals shall take responsibility for their professional acts.

Medical laboratory professionals shall practise within the scope of their professional
competence.

Medical laboratory professionals shall endeavour to maintain and improve their skills and
knowledge and keep current with scientific advances. They will uphold academic integrity in
all matters of professional certification and continuing education.

Medical laboratory professionals shall share their knowledge with colleagues and promote
learning.

Medical laboratory professionals shall be aware of the laws and regulations governing medical
laboratory technology and shall apply them in the practice of their profession.

Medical laboratory professionals shall practise safe work procedures at all times to ensure the
safety of patients and co-workers and the protection of the environment.

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March 2014

GENERAL INFORMATION
CAREFULLY READ THE ENTIRE HANDBOOK BEFORE APPLYING FOR EXAMINATION.
OUR PURPOSE - To promote and maintain a nationally accepted standard of medical laboratory technology by
which other health professionals and the public are assured of effective laboratory services. We also promote,
maintain and protect the professional identity and interests of medical laboratory technologists and of the
profession.
CSMLS remains committed to continuing to build a clearly focused and proactive advocacy strategy. Medical
laboratory professionals deserve a voice that recognizes our professions strong contribution to the core of
Canadian health care. Our advocacy efforts are focused on two main audiences, the government and the general
public.
Medical laboratory assistants perform important functions in laboratories across the country. The CSMLS
certification process provides a set of national standards to guide their professional practice and lays the foundation
for a professional culture that promotes pride, excellence and recognition. We believe that this improves the
quality of medical laboratory services and ultimately enchances patient care. The examination is based upon a
national competency profile and is available on the CSMLS website at www.csmls.org.

Professional Standards Council (PSC) - The Professional Standards Council is the policy recommendation
body for Certification, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and Standards of Practice. The PSC is responsible for all
matters relating to certification standards and policies. It has representitatives from each regulatory body and n
non-regulated provinces representation from provincial associations.

Discrimination Policy The CSMLS is an organization that does not discriminate for any reason including: age,
gender, race, ethnic origin, colour, religion, sexual orientation or marital status.

Exam Development and Validation

- The PSC chooses certified subject matter experts from across

Canada to form exam panels. These panels are responsible for the development of exams, exam plans (the
blueprint) and new questions. They also validate exams to ensure that they are fair and that they assess the skills
they are supposed to. New test items are included in an examination with a zero mark assigned for statistical
validation.

Exams

- The CSMLS exams are competency-based, testing what you can do and how well you can use your
knowledge, not just what you know. Competency profiles include exam blueprints, which show the topics that the
exam will test and the weighting for each topic. The competency profiles are available on the CSMLS website at
www.csmls.org.
CSMLS uses three taxonomic levels for test questions based on Blooms classification; these are recall (knowledge),
application (comprehension and application), critical thinking (analysis, synthesis, evaluation). The majority of
questions on the exam test the application of knowledge.
The questions on the CSMLS exams are in multiple-choice format. The examination is 2.5 hours and is scheduled for
09:30-12:00. It is recommended that you arrive 30 minutes early.

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May 2014

Exam Security and Confidentiality - All CSMLS exams are confidential between you and the CSMLS both
before and after administration. Exam invigilators must also protect confidentiality and security.
Breaches of exam security include cheating, copying, disclosing, publishing, reproducing or transmitting the exam in
whole or in part. This is not tolerated in any form or by any means, whether verbal, written, electronic or
mechanical, for any reason.
If you know of any breach of exam security, you must report it to the exam invigilator and/or the CSMLS Director of
Certification immediately. Any attempt to breach exam confidentiality by sharing details of the exam with others is
professional misconduct and will be dealt with accordingly.
You must sign the CSMLS Exam Security Agreement before the start of the exam and return it with your exam
materials. If we do not receive your signed Exam Security Agreement, your exam will not be marked. A sample of
the CSMLS Exam Security Agreement is in this handbook.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
There are two ways to become eligible to write the CSMLS Certification Exam.
Option A: Successful completion (graduate) of a CMA-accredited Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)
education program (including programs that have applied for accreditation). You must complete all
program requirements before the exam date.
Option B: Be declared eligible through CSMLS Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). The PLA process for Medical
Laboratory Assistants is intended for MLAs that are currently working in Canada or have graduated from a
Canadian MLA program that has not been accredited by the Canadian Medical Association.
A CMA-accredited program is one that has met the requirements of the Conjoint Committee for
Accreditation of Educational Programs in Medical Laboratory Technology for the Canadian Medical
Association

Recent Graduates - If you are a recent graduate that has successfully completed a CMA accredited
education program (including programs that have applied for accreditation), you will be eligible to
challenge the certification examination if your program completion (graduation) took place within the last
12 months prior to exam registration.
We will contact your educational institution on your behalf to verify that you have completed the program
requirements. If we are unable to verify program completion, you will be required to provide to us one of
the following at your own cost:

a notarized copy of certificate and/or transcript confirming successful completion of a CMA

accredited educational institution (training program); or

a verification of successful program completion (transcript and/or diploma) to be sent to the

CSMLS directly from your educational institution

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May 2014

REQUEST FOR SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION (DISABILITY, RELIGIOUS)

If you are a candidate with a request for special accommodation, you must contact us in writing before the exam
application deadline for the request to be considered. Requests received after the deadline date will not be
considered.
You must complete the CSMLS accommodation request forms and include official supporting documentation
(medical or religious) to support your request.
Medical documentation must be current and include a formal diagnosis of the specific disability made by a qualified
physician/psychologist.
Official supporting documentation (which may include records, reports, evaluations, assessments, etc.) must be
submitted with the Accommodation Verification Form to document the candidates disability and any history of
testing accommodation. The documentation must include a specific diagnosis.
Official supporting documentation must not be more than six (6) months old for psychiatric and recent physical
disabilities, five (5) years for long-term disabilities and three (3) years for all other disabilities.
If you are re-writing the exam and needing special accommodation for your next exam attempt, you are required to
submit a new Request for Special Accommodation.
The CSMLS has the right to approve or deny requests for special accommodation. If your request is approved, you
may be required to write your examination at an alternative locaton.

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May 2014

APPLYING FOR THE EXAM

Before Completing the Application - Read this handbook completely before you fill out the application
form. The exam application is located on the inside back cover of this handbook.
Keep this handbook for future reference.

Apply online at www.csmls.org (first time applicants only) or,

Send your application by fax, email or regular mail

We will begin accepting applications one month before the application deadline date.
You will not be allowed to write the exam if you include false information on your application.

COMPLETING THE APPLICATION GENERAL INFORMATION

Name and Contact Information

- Cleary print your name as you want it to appear on all

correspondence. Complete the required address and contact information. Please include your email
address.
Correspondence about your exam, including your exam results, will be sent to the address written on
your exam application. If you move, send us your new address using the Name and/or Address Change
Form. The form can be found online at www.csmls.org

Name on Certificate - Please print your full name, including accents, as you wish it to appear on your
CSMLS certificate.

Newly Certified Members - We publish a list of new certified members every year.

If you want your

name included on this list, please check the statement box on the appliction. We only publish your name if
you are a member in good standing at the time of publication.

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May 2014

COMPLETING THE APPLICATION STEPS

Eligibility Requirements - Select your eligibility route to write the CSMLS Certification exam.
Choose either:

Option A Graduate from a CMA accredited training program

Option B CSMLS - Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Exam Site - Select your exam location from the list provided in this handbook and write the city and site
code on your application. Space is limited at some exam sites and some sites may be unavailiable for some
dates, so you may not be assigned to the site you choose.
We reserve the right to cancel an exam site if there are fewer than five (5) candidates
We reserve the right to assign you to your exam site
We reserve the right to monitor exam sites

Language of Exam We offer the exam in both English and French, please indicate your language of
preference on your exam application form. Your exam will be in the language you have indicated on your
application. Change of language preference will not be considered after the exam application deadline.

Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Information - You must complete this section of
the exam application. Carefully read the Important Information about the Collection, Use and Disclosure of
Your Personal Information.

Applicants Statement - You must read and complete this section of the exam application.

Submitting the Application and Fee You must include the following with your application:
a completed application form
full payment

Payment Methods - Your full exam fee must be submitted with your exam application.
You can pay by Canadian cheque, Canadian money order, Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
Make your cheque or money order payable to the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science or CSMLS. If
your payment is returned for insufficient funds, you will be charged a $25.00 NSF fee. You will not be able to
challenge the exam until payment is received.
Complete the credit card portion of the application form for payment by Visa, MasterCard or American Express.

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May 2014

Deadline Dates If you are applying to rewrite the exam, we will give you an alternate deadline date when we send
your exam results.

Exam Session

Exam Registration Opens

Application Deadline

Final Deadline Date for

Late Applications
A non refundable late fee of
$100 applies

June

February 28

March 31

April 30

October

June 30

July 31

August 31

February

October 31

November 30

December 31

Exam Fees The fee to write the MLA exam is $250.00 (Cdn).
If your application is postmarked after the deadline date, we will charge you a non-refundable late fee of $100
(Cdn). We will not accept applications postmarked after the LATE Deadline date.
We reserve the right to change fees without notice. All fees must be received in Canadian funds. Exam fees do not
include a certificate.

Mailing Information -

We are not responsible for lost or misdirected mail. We recommend that your
application is sent by courier service, so you can track it.

Courier Address
33 Wellington St N
Hamilton, ON L8R 1M7

Applications must be filled out completely and include the correct exam fee
or your application will be returned.

After Applying for Examination

Verification of Eligibility

- The eligibility of ALL exam applicants is verified. If you do not meet eligibility
requirements, we will cancel your exam application.

10
May 2014

Admission to Examination Notice - Approximately two (2) weeks before the exam date, we will mail you
an Admission to Examination notification. The notice will provide you with exact exam location details. You must
bring your Admission to Examination notification to the exam site along with government issued photo
identification e.g. drivers license, passport.
You will not be admitted to the exam without presenting your Admission to Exam Notice. It is your responsibility to
contact us if you do not receive one prior to the exam. We will supply additional copies up until 16:30 EST on the
day before the exam. You will then be issued a new notice via email to the email address we have on file.

Exam Site Change - If you need to change your exam site, let us know immediately by sending the Request to
Change Exam Site form. We will do everything we can to change your site as long as we receive the form at least 30
days before the exam date. The Request to Change Exam Site form is on page 24 of this document.

Address Change - If you change your address, you must let us know by completing and sending the Name
and/or Address Change form. The form can be found online at www.csmls.org or on page 25 of this document.
Unless you send this form, we will send all correspondence about your exam, including your exam results, to the
address written on your exam application.

Legal Name Change - If you change your name, you must let us know by completing and sending the Name
and/or Address Change Form. You must also send proof of your name change with the form. The form can be found
online at www.csmls.org or on page 25 of this document.

Exam Cancellation - If you cannot take the exam and want to cancel your application, complete and submit the
Request for Exam Cancellation form. The Exam Cancellation form can be found on page 23 of this document.
If you cancel at least 30 days before the exam, you will receive a partial refund.

There is a $100 non-refundable processing fee

We do not refund late fees
If you cancel your exam less than 30 days before the exam you will not receive a refund

Failure to Take the Exam If you sign up for an exam and then cancel it, it will still be considered an eligible
attempt. If you do not show up for your exam you will have given up a chance to write the exam. This will be
considered as a fail. We will not refund your fee or give you a credit.

Disclaimer - You may come across websites or other locations that claim that they provide CSMLS exam
preparation aids, study guides or practice tests. The CSMLS does not provide study guides, practice tests or any
study aids of any kind. You need to develop your own study notes based on the CSMLS Competency Profile and the
blueprint. The CSMLS does not endorse any preparation / study aids that might be found on the internet nor any
that are offered by any other agencies or institutions.

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May 2014

On Exam Day
Admission to the Exam

- You must bring your Admission to Examination Notification and photo

identification to the exam site. To be allowed into the exam, you must present the admission notice and your
government issued photo ID to the exam invigilator.
You will not be admitted to the exam without presenting your Admission to Exam Notice. It is your responsibility
to contact us if you do not receive one prior to the exam. We will supply additional copies up until 16:30 EST on the
day before the exam. You will then be issued a new notice via email to the email address we have on file.

Before the Start of the Exam - The invigilator will have a list of exam candidates.

You must sign the list

when you receive each part of the exam. The invigilator will read the exam instructions aloud before the start of
the exam.

Computer Answer Sheet

- The computer answer sheets are electronically marked. You must fill in the
answer sheets correctly using the pencil given to you.
A sample answer sheet is in this handbook. This sample shows the correct way to fill out the CSMLS identification
number and name. Do not complete the birth date, sex, grade or education sections.

Unforeseen Circumstances - If an exam is disrupted through circumstances beyond the control of the exam
site and the CSMLS (such as power failure or extreme weather), the invigilator or the person responsible for the site
will contact the CSMLS about adjusting the timing of the exam.
On exam day, if you cannot reach the exam site because of circumstances beyond your control, you must contact
the CSMLS before the exam begins.
If you arrive late, you will not be given extra time to finish the exam. You will not be allowed entry into the exam
after the first candidate has handed in their completed exam and has left the room.

At the End of the Exam - When you finish the exam, you must put the following materials in the return
envelope:

Signed Exam Security Agreement

Computer Answer Sheet
Test Book
Question Comment Sheet
Rough Notes
Outer Envelope
Admission to Examination Notice

Seal the envelope and put your ID# and signature on it. Hand the sealed envelope to the invigilator. Leave the
exam room with only the CSMLS pencil and calculator. You will not have access to your exam materials after you
have handed them to the invigilator.

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May 2014

CSMLS Exam Site Rules

Bring your government issued photo ID and Admission to Exam Notice with you to the exam. You will not be
allowed entry to the exam without them.

You must not bring pens, pencils, pencil cases, food, beverages (including water), notes, textbooks, cell
phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, watches and earplugs into the exam area. You will not be
allowed to wear a hat. All items including purses and backpacks must be left at the front of the room. The
CSMLS is not responsible for your personal items. Be considerate of others and turn off your cell phone.

Sweaters, jackets or hoodies without any pockets are allowed and may be subject to an examination.

You must sign the CSMLS Exam Security Agreement and return it with your exam materials. We will not
mark your exam if you do not sign this agreement. It is recommended that you sign the Exam Security
Agreement before beginning the exam.

The content of the examination is confidential between you and the CSMLS and is not to be discussed or
shared with anyone, including the exam invigilator.

Once the exam begins, talking is not permitted.

If you are found using notes or reference material of any kind, you will be sent out of the exam immediately
and your exam papers will not be marked.

Each individual exam package is sealed with a CSMLS security tape and is to be opened only by you.

We will give you a calculator and a pencil for filling in the identification numbers and answers on the
computer answer sheet.

The invigilator will constantly supervise each exam session and you may be subject to video surveillance.

If you arrive late, you will not be given extra time to finish the exam.

Please use the washroom before beginning the exam. You will not be allowed to leave and re-enter during
the exam.

Candidates should use back pages of the test book for rough notes and calculations. Loose paper is not
provided.

You must stop writing immediately when the invigilator says time is up. We will not mark your exam if you
do not stop writing when instructed.

When you finish the exam, you must put the following materials in the return envelope (double check that
everything is in the envelope before you seal it):

Signed Exam Security Agreement

Computer Answer Sheet
Test Book
Comment Sheet and Rough Notes
Outer Envelope
Admission to Examination Notice

You will not be allowed access to your exam materials once you have handed them in.

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May 2014

After the Exam

Exam Marking

- The computer answer sheets are electronically marked. We create quality control reports
during and after marking to ensure accuracy.

Results Results will be sent in the mail within 45 days of the exam date. We will send your statement of results
to you at the address provided on your application form, unless you send a Name and/or Address Change form. If
you do not receive your result within 60 days of the exam, let the CSMLS office know by sending us a letter, fax or
email. Our contact information is on the inside front cover of this handbook. You will be required to pay a service
fee for duplicate copies ($50 for members or $75 for non members).
Under no circumstances will we give or discuss exam results over the phone.
We report your exam result as pass or fail. You will not receive a percentage or numerical mark. We set the
pass mark for each exam using the Angoff method; therefore, the passing criteria is different for each exam.

CSMLS Certificate We will send your certificate when we process your Application for Membership and
Certificate. If you pass the exam, you will receive a Statement of Examination Results and an invitation to become a
certified member of the CSMLS. We provide certificates to members in good standing.
Holding a certificate is a privilege of membership. You must return your certificate to the CSMLS if you do not
renew your membership.

Bylaw 4.7.1 The holding of certificates of CSMLS certification shall be limited to those
persons who are members in good standing, or are honorary members of
the CSMLS, or those who have been granted an honorary Fellowship by
the Society.

Performance Report (bar chart) - If you do not pass the exam, you will receive a performance report (bar
chart) that shows how you did in each of the categories defined in the exam blueprint. This report may help you
prepare to write the exam again. If you pass the exam, you will not receive a performance report.
If you are a graduate from a MLA training program and you did not pass the exam, we encourage you to contact
your educational institution as they may be able to assist you in preparing for your next exam attempt.

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May 2014

Manual Verification of Results Before we release exam results, we perform many quality control and
assurance checks to be sure your results are accurate. An error in your result is unlikely.
If you fail the exam, you can ask to have your result checked (manual verification).
We must receive your request in writing; be sure to include a payment of $150 (for members) or $200 (for nonmembers). All requests must be received in our office no later than 60 days after the exam date.
If you have submitted a request for manual verification of your result, do not wait for us to complete your request
before submitting your application to re-write the exam.

Applying for Rewrite - If you fail the exam and are eligible to write it again, we will automatically send you an
application form and an alternate deadline date. You are expected to come to the next available exam session.

INCOMPLETE CERTIFICATION (REVISED 2014)

This policy applies:

September 2014 with examination candidates completing a medical laboratory technology (MLT) or
Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) program accredited by the Conjoint Committee for Accreditation
of Educational Programs in Medical Laboratory Technology for the Canadian Medical Association
(CMA). This also includes programs that have applied for accreditation.

January 1, 2014, with candidates receiving examination Eligibility Statements

Incomplete Certification (Time and Attempt Limit) - You cannot write the exam more than two (2)
consecutive (one after another) times within 12 months of initial eligibility. You will need to re-establish
after the second attempt for a total of three (3) attempts.
Initial eligibility is:
a.

The first examination session available after a student completes a medical laboratory technology (MLT) or
assistant (MLA) program accredited by the Conjoint Committee for Accreditation of Educational Programs in
Medical Laboratory Technology for the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). This also includes programs
that have applied for accreditation. The candidates are also known as candidates from a CMA accredited
MLT or MLA program.

b.

The first examination session available after a candidate receives an examination Eligibility Statement.

Re-Establishing Eligibility - CSMLS will review your bar charts to identify your areas of weakness. Once
your areas of weakness have been identified, you will be required to successfully complete an approved
Learning Plan. You will receive this Learning Plan by email.

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May 2014

Learning Plan - Once you complete your Learing Plan and it is reviewed and deemed complete by an
assessor, you will be issued an Examination Eligibility statement. This Eligibility Statement will grant you
one (1) final attempt to the next available certification examination session.

Eligible Attempts - If you sign up for an exam and cancel it OR do not show up for your exam, it will be
considered an eligible attempt and considered a fail.
The Professional Standards Council (PSC) has implemented a policy about the number of times
any candidate can write the certification examination. Candidates have three (3) attempts at the
certification exam. After two (2) consecutive attempts an exam candidate must complete a
learning plan based on the outcome of the two previous examinations before attempting their
third (3rd) and final attempt at the certification exam. Candidates who exceed three (3) exam
attempts must complete a full CMA-accredited education program before writing the exam
again.

TRANSITION RULES SURROUNDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS NEW POLICY:

If you have been given eligibility to the certification exam because you:

Completed a CMA accredited MLT program and have started the examination process prior
to September 2014; or

Received an examination Eligibility Statement prior to January 1, 2014 that has not expired

You will have three (3) consecutive examination attempts within 12 months of this initial eligibility.
If you do not pass the exam after three (3) consecutive attempts, you will no longer be eligible to write the
exam. If you want to challenge the exam again, you will need to re-establish your exam eligibility.

Re-Establishing Eligibility - CSMLS will review your bar charts to identify your areas of weakness. Once
your areas of weakness have been identified, you will be required to successfully complete an approved
Learning Plan. You will receive this Learning Plan by email.

Learning Plan - Once you complete your Learing Plan and it is reviewed and deemed complete by an
assessor, you will be issued an Examination Eligibility statement. This Eligibility Statement will grant you
an additional three (3) consecutive attempts to the next available certification examination session for a
total of six (6) attempts.

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May 2014

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING CSMLS EXAMS

BEFORE THE EXAM
Have a specific plan in mind before you start to write the exam and stick to it.

STUDY
Use the Competency Profile as a guide when you study. The MLA Competency Profile is located on our website.
The CSMLS exams are competency-based, testing what you can do and on how well you use your knowledge, not
just what you know.
The Competency Profiles include the exam blueprint. The blueprint is a guideline that shows the exam weighting for
each category (how much each category is worth).
The CSMLS does not provide a study guide for any of our exams. You can download the Competency Profile and
Personal Competency Rating booklets from our web site at www.csmls.org.
There is a text book reference list also available on our website.
The CSMLS does not endorse any preparation / study aids that might be found on the internet nor any that are
offered by any other agencies or institutions. You need to develop your own study notes based on the CSMLS
Competency Profile and the blueprint.

AT THE EXAM
Stay calm!
Bring these items:

a sweater, jacket or hoodie in case the room temperature is not comfortable for you
your Admission to Exam notice
your government issuedphoto ID (example: drivers license or passport)

Before the exam starts, the invigilator will give you a sealed exam package. It contains all your exam material,
including a pencil and calculator. The content of the examination is confidential between you and the CSMLS and is
not to be discussed or shared with anyone, including the exam invigilator.

It is recommended that your name and your CSMLS ID number clearly on the computer answer sheet provided and
on the exam book. You do not need to fill in your birth date, sex, grade or education. Do not leave this step until the
end.

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May 2014

EXAM BOOK
You may make notes in the exam book.

SET A TIME LIMIT

First, write your name and your CSMLS ID number clearly on the computer answer sheet provided and on the exam
book. You do not need to fill in your birth date, sex, grade or education. Do not leave this step until the end.
Look at the whole exam before you start. Carefully read the instructions that come before each section of
questions. Check the number of questions that you have to answer (this number is printed on the front of the
exam). Divide the number of questions by the total number of minutes in the exam. This will give you the total
amount of time you have for each question.
Read each question carefully and make sure that you understand the question before you answer it.
Read each choice completely. Choose the best option. If you feel that one answer is more correct than the others
are, fill it in on the computer answer sheet and move on to the next question. If you are not sure of the answer, fill
in your first choice on the computer answer sheet, flag the question in the exam book by putting a distinctive mark
(like a star or an X) beside it, and review the flagged questions at the end of the exam, if you have enough time.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS USUALLY PRODUCE CORRECT ANSWERS

If you do not see an obvious first choice, then do all of the following things:
1. Underline key words and make sure that you know what they mean.
2. Ignore answers that are obviously wrong.
3. Select the best answer. Flag the questions you are not sure of and return to these questions at the end of
the exam.
Do not leave any question unanswered.

CHANGING ANSWERS BEWARE OF THE EVILS OF THE ERASER

Research indicates that first impressions are usually right. About three out of four changes are from a correct
answer to a wrong one. Erase with great caution.

18
May 2014

SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Instructions:
1. Each of the questions is followed by four suggested answers. Select the one that best answers the
question.
2. Blacken the appropriate circle on the answer sheet.
3. Only one answer is acceptable for each question.
4. One (1) mark is allotted for each correct answer.

MLA
1.

What is the first step to take when a large

biological spill occurs?
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

2.

3.

Which culture medium should be planted with a

swab from the tonsils?
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

Call for help

Cover the spill with paper towels
Hold breath while leaving the room
Quickly pour disinfectant on the spill

Blood agar
MacConkey
Hektoen
Selenite broth

How should a laboratory assistant respond

when confronted with a telephone complaint
concerning delayed laboratory results when the
laboratory is not a fault?
(a) State that the department is not at fault
and hang up
(b) Continue trying to explain
(c) Refer the call to a supervisor
(d) Listen patiently and apologize

19
May 2014

COMPUTER ANSWER SHEET EXAMPLE

CORRECT
Fill in bubble completely

INCORRECT
Bubbles not correct

If you do not complete your

answer sheet correctly your
exam will not be marked.
We will not fix or complete
the answer sheet.

20
May 2014

CSMLS Exam Security Agreement

You must read and sign the Exam Security Agreement at the exam, and you must return it to the CSMLS with your
exam materials in the envelope provided. We will not mark your exam if you do not do this.
We consider the following acts breaches of exam security (cheating):

Finding out, or trying to find out, the contents of any exam question or paper to gain an unfair advantage

Impersonating a candidate, or letting someone impersonate you during the exam

Stealing, buying or obtaining through bribery or conspiracy an exam question or paper before the
established exam date and time

Trying to gain an unfair advantage, or helping others to gain an unfair advantage

Sharing details of the exam with others through any means before, during or after the exam

Copying or allowing somebody to copy from your work during an exam

Having or using notes or any other tools or sources of information during an exam

Copying, disclosing, publishing, reproducing or transmitting the exams in whole or in part, in any form or by
any means, whether verbal, written, electronic or mechanical, for any reason

If you know of any breach of exam security, you must report it to the exam invigilator and/or the CSMLS Director of
Certification immediately. Any attempt to breach exam confidentiality by sharing details of the exam with others is
professional misconduct, and we will deal with it accordingly.
Violators may be dismissed from the testing centre, invalidation of exam results or certification and fees withheld.
We may cancel your certification if we verify that you have breached exam security.

Print Name

Signature

Date

CSMLS ID #

By completing the examination application form you are agreeing to all aspects of the above Exam Security
Agreement. You will also sign a copy of this agreement when you write the exam.
21
May 2014

Request for Exam Cancellation

Policy:

If you cancel at least 30 days before the exam, you will receive a partial refund.
You will lose this exam attempt
There is a $100 non-refundable processing fee
We do not refund late fees
We do not refund non-member surcharges
If you cancel your exam less than 30 days before the exam you will not receive a refund

Please refer to the section of the Exam Handbook entitled Exam Cancellation

Miss

Mrs

Ms

Mr

CSMLS#: ________________________

Last Name (please print above)

Address

City

First Name

Middle Initial

Province

Postal Code

Telephone No.

Business Telephone No.

Fax No.

Email Address

Exam Discipline:

General

Clinical Genetics

Diagnostic Cytology

MLA

Reason for cancellation:

Address: 33 Wellington St N Hamilton, On, L8R 1M7

Telephone: (905) 528-8642
Fax: (905) 528-4968

22
May 2014

Request to Change Exam Site

Policy:
If you need to change to another designated exam site, you must send this form at least 30 days
before the exam date.

Miss

We will do everything we can to change your site, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so.
Mrs

Ms Mr

CSMLS#: ________________________

Last Name (please print above)

Address

City

First Name

Middle Initial

Province

Postal Code

Telephone No.

Business Telephone No.

Fax No.

Email Address

Exam Discipline:

General

Clinical Genetics

Diagnostic Cytology

MLA

Initial Exam Site Selection

City:

Exam site #:

New Exam Site Selection

City:

Exam site #:

Reason for change:

Address: 33 Wellington St N Hamilton, On, L8R 1M7

Telephone: (905) 528-8642
Fax: (905) 528-4968

23
May 2014

Name Change and/or Address Change

or online at www.csmls.org
Policy:

If you change your name or address, you must let us know by sending in this form.
Unless you send this form, we will send all correspondence about your exam, including the exam results, to
the address written on your exam application.
If you have changed your name, you must also send proof of the change with this form.

Miss Mrs Ms

Mr

CSMLS#: _____________________

Last Name (please print above)

First Name

Middle Initial

Former Last Name (if applicable)

First Name

Middle Initial

Miss Mrs Ms

Mr

CSMLS#: _____________________

Last Name (please print above)

NEW Address

First Name

City

Province

Middle Initial

Postal Code

Telephone No.

Business Telephone No.

Fax No.

Email Address

Date of the Change

Address: 33 Wellington St N Hamilton, On, L8R 1M7
Telephone: (905) 528-8642
Fax: (905) 528-4968

24
May 2014

The Angoff Method of Standard-Setting for Criterion-Referenced Registration/Licensure

Examinations
By Canadian Nurses Association, Testing Division, Ottawa, ON
Introduction - Many health and health related agencies
require registration/licensure for their professionals as one
means of assuring the quality of practice. As a standardized
examination
is
often
a
requirement
for
registration/licensure, determination of an appropriate
pass mark for the examination is essential to the
effectiveness of the process.

Competence and the Borderline Candidate - The Angoff

method is based on the concept of the borderline or
minimally competent candidate. The minimally competent
candidate can be conceptualized as the candidate
possessing the minimum level of knowledge and skills
necessary to perform at a registration/licensure level. This
candidate performs at a level "on the borderline" between
acceptable and unacceptable performance. It is essential
that each judge arrive at a clear and specific definition of
the minimally competent candidate.

Relevant Issues - Setting a pass mark for an examination is

setting a standard of performance on which decisions will
be made about an individual's level of competence in a
given field of practice. The pass mark determination is a
judgment made by informed individuals (i.e., experts in the
field of practice). It is arrived at through a rational
discussion of the field of practice as well as an awareness
of the consequences involved when a decision affecting
individuals is made.

To better understand the concept of the minimally

competent candidate, it is often helpful to think of the
people you work with every day; a few of them are the
"superstars" performing at a level well above the majority,
while others perform rather poorly and perhaps should not
be practising. Somewhere between these two extremes is
the group that performs at the level of minimum
competence. The borderline candidate belongs to the
group that just qualifies for registration/licensure.

The Pass Mark and Consequences - Whenever a pass mark

is determined for a registration/licensure examination,
there are a number of potential consequences that must
be anticipated: an inappropriately low pass mark will allow
non-competent candidates to practice, perhaps at .the
expense of the public welfare; an unrealistically high pass
mark will exclude competent candidates from being
registered/licensed.

Rating the Items - The Angoff method requires the judges

to independently rate each item in the examination in
terms of the minimally competent candidate. For each
item, each judge answers the question: "In your opinion,
what percentage of minimally competent candidates will
answer this item correctly?" Alternately phrased, "Given
100 minimally competent candidates, how many will
answer this item correctly?" The judge then indicates the
appropriate percentage on the rating form and proceeds
with the next item.

The accuracy and precision of the measuring instrument

(i.e., examination validity and reliability) must also be
considered. Examinations are not perfect: they cannot
include all the knowledge and skills in a given field of
practice. An examination can only sample the field.
Furthermore, if it were possible to repeatedly administer
the same examination to a single candidate 100 times, the
candidate's score would likely not be exactly the same each
time. The inconsistency of the scores is a result of the
reliability of the examination and the variables affecting
candidate performance (such as anxiety level and health).

One common error made when rating items is to base the

rating on the average candidate or the exceptional
candidate rather than on the borderline candidate.

The Angoff Method - The Angoff method requires expert

judges to discuss the issues involved in determining a pass
mark and to evaluate the examination by using a welldefined and rational procedure.

25
May 2014

Item #
1
2
3
4

Judge 1
65
85
70
75

Judge
70
70
65
60

Table 1: Example of the Angoff Method

Judges Rating (%) Average
2
Judge 3
Judge 4
Judge 5
65
65
70
60
80
70
85-75
70
45-50
65
70
75
Overall Average Rating

Overall Average Rating - Another potential error involves the

interpretation of the question asked for each item. The items are
to be rated in terms of how many borderline candidates will
answer the item correctly. In a large group of borderline
candidates, only some may actually know the correct response.
It should not be assumed that all borderline candidates will know
the answer. Finally, although item statistics may be used to
provide additional information to the judges, the ratings should
not be based solely on these statistics; item statistics are
calculated on the entire candidate poplation, not on the
borderline group alone.

Judge 6
65
80
70
70

Average
Rating
67
74
67
69

Factors for Successful Implementation - A number of factors

contribute to the successful implementation of the Angoff
method. An effective training session is essential in orienting the
judges to the concept of the minimally competent candidate.
Discussion and modification of extreme ratings help ensure that
a defensible and valid cut-off score is established. As well, some
researchers and practitioners recommend consideration of
methods for monitoring and refining the Angoff method. For
example, statistical techniques exist for evaluating intrajudge
and interjudge consistency, and for estimating the precision or
stability of pass marks generated by the Angoff method.

Determining the Pass Mark - As an illustration of the rating

process, consider a fictitious application of the Angoff method,
with a panel of six judges setting the pass mark on a four items
exam. Following the orientation session, the judges provide
independent ratings on each of the items in the exam. The
ratings obtained are presented in Table 1. With a 30%-rule
specified to define the target level of agreement, items 1, 2, and
4 require no post-rating discussion (i.e., for each of these items,
the extreme ratings do not differ by more than 30%). Item 3,
however, is identified as requiring discussion because of the 40%
difference in the ratings of Judge 3 and Judge 5 on this item. As a
result of the discussion, Judge 3 decreases her rating from 85%
to 75% and Judge 5 increases his rating from 45% to 50%. The
average ratings are then calculated for each item, and the
average of these values is calculated, to arrive at an overall pass
mark of 69%.

Summary - The Angoff method allows expert judges to

determine an appropriate pass mark for an examination, based
on a discussion of the issues involved in registration/licensure
and their assessment of the examination. A major advantage to
this methodology is that the determined pass mark is based on
the content of the examination and not on group performance.

26
May 2014

PRIVACY POLICY
Important Information About the
Collection, Use and Disclosure of Your Personal Information
CSMLS is committed to protecting our members
privacy. This commitment is clearly stated in our
mission statement: We value the equality, dignity,
diversity and privacy of all. It is also reflected in our
business practices. This information sheet describes
how CSMLS collects, uses, shares and protects the
personal information gathered from its members.

1.

2.

Address information may be given to approved

providers of the CSMLS Member Discount
Programs so that they can send information to
members about their services.
Address information may be provided to
provincial societies for marketing purposes.

CSMLS does not disclose personal information for

the purpose of telemarketing any program or
service.

Collection and Use of Personal Information

Personal information is any information about an
identifiable person.
CSMLS collects from its members the following
personal information:
name
address
telephone number
email address
fax number
employers name, address, telephone number
For the following identified purposes:
to process memberships
to process professional liability insurance
to mail complimentary subscriptions to the
journal (CJMLS)
to establish eligibility for the CSMLS Member
Discount
to send out information on CSMLS events,
program and/or services
to process invoices for events, goods or services
to provide data for research reports
to prepare the CSMLS Roster
CSMLS may also collect the following personal
information about its members:
certification history
participation on volunteer committees and task
forces
participation in continuing education courses
attendance at congress
provincial society/regulatory body membership

Both 1 and 2 require the approval of the CSMLS

Board of Directors.
3. Members names, year of certification,
membership status and city and province of
residence are published annually in the Roster.
The Roster is published in print form and is
posted to the public portion of the CSMLS
website.
The Personal Information Protection and Electronic
Documents Act is federal legislation that governs the
collection, use and disclosure of personal
information. In accordance with this legislation, we
must obtain our members consent to collect, use
and disclose personal information for the purposes
stated above. If you do not wish to have your
personal information disclosed to third parties as
described above, please complete the CSMLS
Information Consent Section.
Security and Safeguards
The importance of security for all personal
information collected by CSMLS is of utmost concern
to us. All personal information collected by CSMLS is
securely stored in a computer database with a level
of security appropriate to the sensitivity of the
personal information collected. Member records can
only be accessed by authorized members of the
CSMLS staff.
Personal Information/Privacy Inquiries
If you have any questions about CSMLS privacy
policies and procedures, please contact us at:
Telephone: (800) 263-8277
E-mail: info@csmls.org

Disclosure of Personal Information

Other than as stated below, CSMLS does not disclose
any personal information to third parties. Unless
CSMLS members express that they do not wish to
have their personal information disclosed, CSMLS
discloses personal information to the following third
parties for the following identified purposes:

27
May 2014

PROVINCIAL REGULATORY BODIES

College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Alberta,
(CMLTA)

Saskatchewan Society of Medical Laboratory

Technologists, (SSMLT)

301-9426 51 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T6E 5A6
t. 780 435 5452 ext 225
f. 780 437 1442

Courier Address
Mailing Address
201-2124 Broad St
PO Box 3837
Regina, SK
Regina, SK
S4P 1Y5
S4P 3R8

www.cmltm.org

Phone/Fax: (306) 352-6791

www.ssmlt.ca

College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of

Manitoba (CMLTM)

College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario,

(CMLTO)

146 2025 Corydon Ave

Winnipeg, MB R3P 0N5
Telephone: (204) 231-0311
Fax: (204) 489-7300

36 Toronto St, Suite 950

Toronto ON M5C 2C5
Telephone: (416) 861-9605 (800) 323-9672
Fax (416) 861-0934

www.cmltm.ca

www.cmlto.com

Ordre Professionnel des Technologistes

Mdicaux du Qubec, (OPTMQ)

New Brunswick Society of Medical

Laboratory Technologists, (NBSMLT)

281, av. Laurier Est

Montral, QC H2T 1G2
Telephone: (514) 527-9811 or (800) 567-7763
Fax (514) 527-7314

PO Box 1812
Moncton, NB E1C 9X6
Telephone: (506) 758-9956
Fax: (506) 758-9963

www.optmq.org

www.nbsmlt.nb.ca

Nova Scotia College of Medical Laboratory

Technologists, (NSCMLT)

Newfoundland and Labrador College of Medical

Laboratory Sciences (NLCMLS)

205 - 25 Wentworth St
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2S7
Telephone: (902) 453-9605
Fax: (902) 454-3535

P.O BOX 39057

, St. Johns, NL, A1E5Y7
Telephone: 709-754-8324
Fax: 709-945-5158

www.nscmlt.org

www.nlcmls.ca

28
May 2014

PROVINCIAL SOCIETIES
BC Society of Laboratory Science, (BCSLS)

Ontario Society of Medical Technologists, (OSMT)

720-999 W Broadway Ave

Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K5
Telephone(604) 714-1760 or (800) 304-0033
Fax: (604) 738-4080

234 Eglinton Ave East, Suite 402

Toronto, ON M4P 1K5
Telephone: (416) 485-6768 or (800) 461-6768
Fax (416) 485 7660

www.bcsls.net

www.osmt.org

Manitoba Association for Medical Laboratory Science

(MAMLS)

Prince Edward Island Society of Medical Technologists

(PEISMT)

858 London St
Winnipeg, MB R2K 2Z6
Telephone: (204) 669-9050
Fax: (204) 667-1747

C/o Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Attn: Marietta MacCormack
PO Box 6600
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 8T5

www.mamls.ca

www.peismt.org

29
May 2014

MLA EXAMINATION SITES

We hold exams at each site listed below. Please indicate your choice on the application.
We do no offer the CSMLS exams outside of Canada.

Province

Location

Prince Edward Island

E09-L Charlottetown
E10-L Corner Brook

Newfoundland

E11-L St Johns

Nova Scotia

E12-L Halifax
E13-L Saint John

New Brunswick

E14-L Moncton
E41-L Hamilton
E43-L Windsor
E44-L Kingston
(June Only)
E45-L Toronto

Ontario

E47-L Thunder Bay

E53-L Winnipeg

Manitoba

E53-N Brandon
E61-L Saskatoon

Saskatchewan

E62-L Regina
E72-L Calgary

Alberta

E73-L Edmonton

British Columbia

E82-L Surrey

Space is limited at some exam sites, so you may not be assigned to the site you choose.
We reserve the right to cancel an exam site if there are fewer than five (5) candidates.
We reserve the right to assign you to your exam centre.
Some exam sites may not be available for your exam session.
We reserve the right to monitor exam sites.

30
May 2014

Application for Entry Level Certification Examination

Miss

Mrs

Ms

Mr

CSMLS ID:________________________

Last Name (Please print above)

Address

First Name
City

Middle Initial

Province

Postal Code

Telephone No.

Business Telephone No.

Fax No.

Email

Please print your full name here, including accents, as you wish it to appear on your CSMLS certificate
Yes, I would like my name to be included on the newly certified member list that is published in the CJMLS.

Type of Examination: MLA Exam

February

June

Site:

October

Language: English

French

City:
Option A
Graduate from a CMA training program:

Eligibility Route:
(Select Route)

Name of Institution

Date of Completion

Option B
CSMLS Prior Learning Assessment Candidate
Privacy Agreement - I have read the privacy agreement and accept the terms with the following options:

Please include my name in the list sent to Member Discount Programs/Partners.

Please include my name in the list sent to CSMLS Partner Provincial Societies.
Please include my name in the list of certified members (Roster - Print & Web).

Applicants Statement:

I declare that the above information is true and hereby apply to write the CSMLS certification exam.
I have read and agree to abide by the examination handbook: policies, procedures, security agreement, rules and eligibility requirements.
I understand that final acceptance to the certification examination depends on successfully meeting all eligibility requirements.
I understand there is a non-refundable portion of the exam fee.
I understand that the exam fee does not include a certificate copy
Print Name

Signature

Date

Please find the exam fee enclosed: ___________________

Cheque Money Order Master Card Visa AMEX
Credit Card:

CSMLS USE ONLY

Date Received:

Exp. Date:
Payments must be in Canadian funds. Acceptable forms of payment are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Canadian cheque or Canadian money order.
Make your cheque or money order payable to the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science, or CSMLS.
If your payment is returned to us for insufficient funds, you will be charged a $25.00 NSF fee. .
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science
Address: 33 Wellington St N Hamilton, On, L8R 1M7
T: (905) 528-8642 or (800) 263-8277 F: (905) 528-4968
E: exam@csmls.org

May 2014

Apply Online
Or
Before mailing your application, make sure you:

Print clearly and concisely

Complete all appropriate sections
Sign Applicants Statement
Enclose examination fee

Important Dates to Remember

Exam Session
Dates
June

Registration
Opens
February 28

Application
Deadline
March 31

Final Deadline
For Late Applications
April 30

October

June 30

July 31

August 31

February

October 31

November 30

December 31

Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science

Address: 33 Wellington St N Hamilton, On, L8R 1M7
T: (905) 528-8642 or (800) 263-8277 F: (905) 528-4968
E: exam@csmls.org
www.csmls.org
May 2014