Overview
Course Code
LANG100
Instructor
Bruce Russell, B.A., B.Mus., CTESL, M.Ed. (OISE)
Credential Earned
Certificate of completion
Course Length
4 hours
Course Delivery
In-Person
Application Method
Self-service Registration
OSAP Eligibility
No
About the Assessment
The Michener English Language Assessment (MELA) is a Canadian-made, standardized English language proficiency test specific to the healthcare sector. The test is referenced to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), a Canadian framework for English language proficiency and has undergone an extensive test development and validation process.
MELA measures English language proficiency based on communication that is typical in healthcare education or practice settings. Since it is specific to the healthcare environment, employers can be confident that participants of the MELA are completely competent in English related to healthcare
The assessment takes approximately four (4) hours and scores are reported in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
All communications will be sent to the participants via email only at the email address provided at the time of registration. Michener does not accept responsibility for missed communications. It is the responsibility of each participant to check ALL personal email folders (including Junk/Spam, promotions, social, etc.) to ensure they receive communications from Michener.
If you have signed up for a MELA test, you will hear from the MELA office approximately a week in advance of the test. Speaking Test invitations with instructions will be sent no later than 3 days ahead of the MELA. If you cannot locate any communications from us at that time, it is recommended to reach out to our office at mela@michener.ca at least three (3) days prior to the writing of your test.
Transfers will be accepted up to two (2) weeks prior to a MELA test date. A $75 service charge will apply. A completed and signed Transfer Request Form must be submitted to mela@michener.ca.
Withdrawals will be accepted up to two (2) weeks prior to a MELA test date. Refunds (minus $75 service charge) will be issued by the Registrar’s Office. A completed and signed Withdrawal Request Form must be submitted to mela@michener.ca
NOTE: There will be no refunds for Withdrawal or Transfer requests received less than 2 weeks prior to a MELA test date.
Michener reserves the right to postpone or cancel MELA. We will make every effort to notify participants, so please include both your home and business numbers as well as your email upon registration. Should we have to cancel a MELA, you will receive a refund of your tuition fees if eligible; any other expenses incurred are your responsibility.
Assessment Times
The MELA is delivered in two parts:
- Day 1 — Reading, Writing and Listening – delivered In-Person on Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Toronto – Eastern Time)
- Day 2 — Speaking – delivered Online next day (Sunday) for a 30-minute interview scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Toronto – Eastern Time). Participants will be required to log in to the Zoom session for a 30-minute interview between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. during the specified speaking test date. Speaking Test invitations with instructions will be sent no later than 3 days ahead of the MELA.
Note
A participant may only attempt the MELA test up to a maximum of three (3) times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes.
The Michener English Language Assessment (MELA) tests communication exclusively in the context of Canadian healthcare — workplace and academic. All the test tasks are related to communication in healthcare.
- Students applying for admission to The Michener Institute of Education at UHN
- Health professionals fulfilling the language requirement for professional certification
The MELA is intended to measure how well you use English in a familiar health care context. There are no specific training programs or material available to prepare for taking the MELA test, but you can still prepare for MELA by:
- Reviewing the format of the test as described in this document
- Reviewing the sample tasks in this document via the downloadable MELA PDF
- Becoming familiar with language used in typical healthcare communication tasks
- Understanding main ideas, facts, details, and inferences in workplace written texts
- Giving verbal instructions to a staff member
- Understanding information delivered orally in a professional development presentation
- Understanding facts and details in a work-related voicemail message
In-person at:
The Michener Institute of Education at UHN
222 St. Patrick Street
Toronto, Ontario Canada M5T 1V4
mela@michener.ca
- Government issued photo identification (for example, a health card or driver’s license)
- Pen or pencil
The reading, writing, and listening tests are three (3) hours.
The speaking test is 20 minutes. Speaking tests are scheduled individually after the reading, writing and listening tests.
You should allow a minimum of four (4) hours to complete the entire test.
Yes.
You can take MELA up to a maximum of three (3) times at certain test sessions. When you register for a second or third time, Michener will inform you what dates are available to you.
There is no pass or fail on MELA. You must check the minimum score required for your purpose in taking the MELA – for example, program admission or professional certification.
You will receive your MELA Test Report within 10 business days of your MELA test session.
The following regulatory bodies have approved the MELA test as one of their language proficiency tests for their applicants who are required to demonstrate English proficiency.
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)
College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO)
College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO)
College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO)
College of Massage Therapy of Ontario (CMTO)
The CRTO has embedded MELA as one of the accepted language proficiency tests used in the registration process. We recognized MELA as a valuable and unique tool because of MELA’s focus on healthcare specific context.