CMLTM Council Decision Regarding Remotely Proctored Testing (RPT) of the CSMLS Exam
The Council of the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Manitoba (“CMLTM”) is the governing body which has the legislative authority to set and approve the entry-to-practice requirements (including the entry-to-practice examination) for the practice of medical laboratory technologists (“MLTs”) in Manitoba.
During the June 2, 2020 CMLTM Council meeting, the Council discussed the recent Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Sciences (“CSMLS”) Board of Directors’ decision to approve the delivery of the CSMLS medical laboratory technologist examinations (General and Cytology) through a Remotely Proctored Testing (“RPT”) method. The CSMLS certification examination is used as the entry-to-practice examination by the CMLTM in fulfillment of its registration requirements. The CMLTM has an Examination Services Agreement with the CSMLS to develop and deliver the examination on behalf of the CMLTM. Under this Examination Services Agreement, the CMLTM has the final authority in determining whether an applicant is eligible to write the examination in Manitoba.
The CMLTM Council recognizes the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the examination process. Nevertheless, the CMLTM Council requires further consultation and input from all stakeholders regarding the implementation of the RPT which represents a significant change in the examination process. At this time, the CMLTM Council does not have sufficient information before it (including validating data) to make an informed decision on the RPT. As a result, the CMLTM Council has decided not to approve the RPT method for the entry-to-practice examination in Manitoba at this time. Until further notice, the CMLTM Board of Assessors will not accept any examination results in fulfillment of its registration requirement where the examination was delivered via the RPT method. The CMLTM Council will seek to obtain further information and will revisit its decision once further consultation with CSMLS and input from stakeholders is conducted and additional examination data is available.
Accordingly, the CMLTM wishes to notify all potential Manitoba examination candidates and all stakeholders that there may be an impact to the registration eligibility for those individuals who choose to write the examination via RPT and wish to register in Manitoba.