Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
CSMLS minimum scores at each level
From the CSMLS General MLT PLA Information Handbook (version 2026-JUN, written for applicants seeking certification in Alberta). Level 1 must be met before your PLA documents are assessed; level 2 must be met before you can write the exam. CSMLS labels level 2 as CLB 8, with writing set at CLB 7.
| Test and level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic, level 1 (CLB 6) | 5.5 | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| IELTS Academic, level 2 (exam) | 7.5 | 7.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
| IELTS General Training, level 1 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| IELTS General Training, level 2 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT, level 1 | 7 | 13 | 18 | 16 |
| TOEFL iBT, level 2 | 27 | 27 | 21 | 20 |
| MELA, level 1 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| MELA, level 2 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
Waivers and how results are sent
The requirement is waived if your credential evaluation shows that your whole MLT programme, both didactic and clinical, was taught only in English or French.
Results must come directly from the testing organisation; faxed or emailed results are not accepted. Every section must be tested, the minimum must be met in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking, no exceptions are made, and two or more results cannot be combined. The approved English tests are IELTS General Training, IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT and the Michener English Language Assessment (MELA); TCF Canada and TEF Canada are accepted for French.
Need a CLB score for Canada?
IRCC accepts IELTS General Training and PTE Core, not IELTS Academic or PTE Academic. Practise the test you will actually sit, free.
Free IELTS General practice →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
CSMLS is closing the general MLT PLA
The handbook states that CSMLS MLT PLA Stage 1 applications will be discontinued on 1 January 2027, and that general MLT PLA and exam services will be discontinued on 1 January 2029. All supporting documents must reach the PLA team by 31 December 2027, and the Stage 2 fee must be paid by 15 June 2028 to reach the last general MLT exam in October 2028.
If you have not started, check with CSMLS and with the regulator in your province before you book a test. Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the CSMLS page before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do medical laboratory technologists need for CSMLS?+
To sit the CSMLS exam: IELTS Academic 7.5 listening, 7.5 reading, 6.0 writing and 6.5 speaking (General Training: 7.5, 6.5, 6.0 and 6.5).
Is there a lower score to start the PLA?+
Yes. Level 1 (about CLB 6) must be met before your PLA is assessed, for example IELTS Academic 5.5 listening, 6.0 reading, 5.5 writing and 5.5 speaking.
Can I combine two IELTS results for CSMLS?+
No. The handbook says two or more test results cannot be combined.
Do I need IELTS if my MLT programme was in English?+
No, if your credential evaluation shows the full programme was taught only in English or French.
Is the CSMLS PLA still open?+
Stage 1 applications close on 1 January 2027 and general MLT PLA and exam services end on 1 January 2029, according to the 2026 handbook.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for medical laboratory scientists in Australia
- IELTS for medical laboratory scientists in New Zealand
- IELTS for medical radiation technologists in Canada
- Free IELTS Academic mock test
- All 3605 guides
Guide updated on 31 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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