Q: Why should I take this test?

This test will help you to assess your basic level knowledge about medical laboratory practice. It will help you to identify gaps in your knowledge so that you can prepare yourself for your next step (for example, for CSMLS Prior Learning Assessment - PLA).

Q: How do I get started?

Please read through these questions before you register for the test. Once you have decided to take the test, go to the Register page to sign up for the test.

Q: How do I register for the test?

You can register for the online test by going to the Register page and supplying all the requested information. You will receive a welcome e-mail message that will direct you to the test page.

Q: Do I have to take the test right away?

You can register for the test any time. Once you register and pay for the exam, you will have 30 days to complete the test and submit your answers.

Q: Do I have to pay for the test right away?

You pay for the test when you are ready to write it.

Q: Should I study for the test?

Studying might help, but memorizing facts for the test will not give you a realistic picture of your usual level of knowledge about medical laboratory practice. We recommend that you try the Practice Questions before you take the test to help you understand the multiple choice question format used in the online test.

Q: What is on the test?

The test consists of 100 multiple choice questions like the ones provided on the Practice Exam page. The questions are distributed according to this blueprint:

10 % - Safe work practices
10 % - Specimen collection and handling
15 % - each of: clinical microbiology, clinical chemistry, hematology, transfusion science, histology
5 % - Professionalism

Quality control, quality assurance and quality management are integrated into the questions for the subject areas.

Q: Is this online test like the CSMLS certification examination?

No. This test assesses your basic knowledge in the major subject areas of the medical laboratory profession. The questions are less complex and less advanced than the questions in the CSMLS certification examination. This test is not an indicator of your readiness or eligibility for the CSMLS examination.

Q: How long do I have to complete the test?

You have ninety minutes from the time you start.

Q: Do I have to finish the test all in one sitting?

Yes. You may not leave the test site and come back to finish the test at a later time. Do not close your browser or leave the test site until you have finished the test and submitted your answers.

Q: Am I allowed to get help from textbooks or other people during the test?

There is nothing to stop you from getting help. But we have designed this test to help you to check your own knowledge in medical laboratory science so that you can make good decisions about your future in the profession. If you rely on books or other people to give you answers to the test, the test results will not give you an accurate idea of your own knowledge and skills. You will certainly not have access to books and other people during a real certification exam, so it makes sense to get an honest idea of your abilities now in this confidential test.

Q: What is the pass mark for the online test?

There is no pass mark for the test, although scores below 70% show that you may need more preparation before you apply to the CSMLS PLA process or try the CSMLS certification exam.

Q: What is the diagnostic report?

Immediately following your assessment, you will have access to a diagnostic report. The report will show your performance in the 10 major categories of test questions as ‘acceptable’, ‘borderline’, or ‘unacceptable’. Further comments will provide more detail and some suggestions.

Q: What do I do with the diagnostic report?

You can print the report and save it as a pdf document. We suggest that you keep a copy for your records. If you are an internationally educated professional and you want to apply for PLA with the CSMLS, you can choose to send a copy to the CSMLS.

Q: Will my results be confidential?

No one will see your results unless you choose to share them. After you take the test, you may choose to share your test results with CSMLS as part of your PLA application. If you choose not to send your results to the CSMLS at that time, you can send the report later if you have saved a copy.

Q: Can I take the test more than once?

When you have paid your fee, you may take the test once. To take the test again, you will need to pay the fee again.