What is MELA?
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 – speaking, listening, reading and writing. Since it is specific to the healthcare environment, employers in healthcare can be confident that participants of the MELA are completely competent in English related to healthcare.
I think this is the best beginning, because IELTS and TOEFL (or any other English proficiency test) assess only general Reading / Writing / Speaking / Listening skills. But MELA test can give the exact idea about the skills which are required in health professions.
Internationally Trained Laboratory Technologist
MELA Test Format & Content
MELA measures English language communications skills in four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The test takes three hours and 20 minutes. There are additional 10 minutes for sign in, document verification and instructions.
- Speaking: One-on-one, online interview (20 Minutes)
- Listening: Paper-based with audio input controlled by invigilator (60 Minutes)
- Reading: Paper-based (60 Minutes)
- Writing: Paper-based (60 Minutes)
MELA is Intended For
- Students applying for admission to The Michener Institute of Education at UHN
- Health professionals fulfilling the language requirement for professional certification
How Scores are Used
- For admission by registration departments at post-secondary institutions to determine communication skills to join healthcare educational programs
- As a diagnostic tool by program consultants to advise applicants about strong and weak areas in their language proficiency and provide options for skills development
- For licensure by regulators as part of the credentialing process for internationally educated health care professionals seeking to be licensed in Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. 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 health care.
- Students applying for admission to the Michener Institute
- 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 yourself 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. For example, 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; and 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) and a pen or pencil.
The reading, writing, and listening tests are 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 4 hours complete the entire test.
Yes. You can take MELA up to a maximum of three times at certain test sessions. When you register for a second or third time, The Michener Institute 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.
The Michener Institute will send you an electronic test report. To fulfill language requirements for professional certification, submit a copy of your electronic MELA Test Report to the CSMLS, CMIRTO, CRTO, or CMTO.
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
- College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario
- College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario
- College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario
- College of Massage Therapy of Ontario
“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 health care specific context” by Ania Walsh, Manager of Registration, CRTO