The CMLTA Continuing Competence Program (CCP) serves to assess and track the ongoing knowledge, skills, judgments, and attitudes voluntarily undertaken by medical laboratory technologists (MLTs). As per the Health Professions Act and the Medical Laboratory Technologists Profession Regulation (Regulation), the CMLTA created, in collaboration with many stakeholders, including MLTs, a CCP which came into effect in 2007. Mandatory participation in a CCP not only benefits patient safety and public protection, but also has positive impacts for the individual MLT, including professional integrity, personal growth, career advancement, and the increased utilization and application of knowledge, skills, judgments, and attitudes.

The Regulation provides for an annual audit process to monitor the participation of MLTs in the CCP. The legislation sets out the three CCP components an MLT must complete on an annual basis. Noncompliance with these requirements has consequences which may impact the MLT’s authorization to practice the profession. The three components are:

1. Self-Assessment based on the Competency Profile for the profession
2. Learning Plan for the upcoming registration year including continuing competence goals and activities that may be undertaken to achieve the goals
3. Learning Plan from the previous registration year that has been completed by documenting the completed learning objectives and competence activities

It is recognized that all MLTs complete many different learning activities throughout the year and are encouraged to record all activities within their CCP. All MLTs are subject to a CCP Compliance Audit which evaluates and monitors MLTs' compliance with the program.

In response to regulatory, legal, and ethical expectations, the CCP may evolve from time to time to best serve the public interest. As a component of a good governance model, the CMLTA periodically evaluates the CCP structure, format, content, and requirements. Updates to the CCP are sent to members by email.