Alternate Pathway Applicants
Updated June 10, 2024
What is the Alternate Pathway?
The Alternate Pathway is for those individuals pursuing Sonography Canada credential(s) but have not completed an accredited Canadian sonography educational program in the area. Examples are:
- Internationally credentialed (includes ARDMS/CCI) or trained sonography professionals from outside Canada
- Those with Sonography Canada credentials seeking additional credential(s)
- Those wanting to upgraded a Canadian Registered Sonographer (CRS) credential
These applicants must submit an Alternate Pathway Application form to initiate the process. This will be assessed according to Sonography Canada’s Eligibility Policy. It can take up to six (6) weeks for the application to be processed.
If approved, candidates may move forward with the credentialing process; knowledge-based examinations and Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSA™).
Please note, recent changes have been made to the Alternate Pathway Eligibility Policy. The changes come into effect January 1, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
These below videos answer many of the common questions applicants to the Alternate Pathway ask us. After watching the webinar, reviewing the information on this page should clarify any questions you still have. Further questions can be submitted to administration@sonographycanada.ca.
- Ultrasound in Canada
- Working as a Sonographer in Canada
- Obtaining a Sonography Canada Credential
- Written Examinations
- CCSAs
Learn more about the practice of Sonography in Canada.
Learn more about working as a Sonographer in regulated and non-regulated provinces, as well as more information on our credentials.
Learn more about who the Alternate Pathway is for, and the steps to obtain Sonography Canada Credential(s).
Learn more about where to start and how to apply for our written examinations.
Learn more about the Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSAs) and the process.
Alternate Pathway Eligibility, Applications, and Resources
Planning to work in a Province (Ontario, Nova Scotia, and/or Quebec) where sonographers are regulated:
If planning to work in Ontario, Quebec, and/or Nova Scotia, individuals must approach the relevant provincial regulatory body for sonographers in the province before proceeding:
- College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO)
- Nova Scotia College of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals (NSCMIRTP)
- Saskatchewan Association of Medical Radiation Technologists soon to be the College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Professionals of Saskatchewan (CMRIPS)
- Ordre des technologues en imagerie médicale, en radio-oncologie et en électrophysiologie médicale du Québec (OTIMROEPMQ)
If planning to work in a unregulated province or territory or are unsure where you plan to practice:
Sonographers are not currently regulated in many areas in Canada. Therefore, the requirements for employment vary from location to location. If you wish to earn a Sonography Canada credential, you can apply for approval to do so at the below application:
Eligibility
- Alternate Pathway Eligibility Policy – January 2025 (Revised, effective January 1, 2025)
- Alternate Pathway Eligibility Policy
- Alternate Pathway Prerequisites
- Credentialing Process Flow Chart
Resources
Completing the Written Certification Examinations
*Individuals must be approved for the Alternate Pathway before being eligible to apply for the written examinations. Please see the information above for details about the pathway.*
Resources
- Candidate Guide (updated June 2024)
- English Language Fluency Recommendations
- Exam Blueprints and Reference Material
- Exam Dates, Schedules and Registration Periods
- Exam Fees
- Practice Exams
- Core Examination Preparation Courses
Applications and Forms
Please review the Sonography Canada Candidate Guide before applying and challenging all exams. For all Sonography Canada exam dates and registration deadlines, please click Exam Dates. Application forms for those wishing to challenge Sonography Canada credentialing examinations are available below during registration periods only.
- Exam Application – The $125.00 administration fee is non-refundable.
- Exam Accommodation Request– If a disability or impairment limits major life activities, a request for Exam Accommodations may be submitted. This request must be submitted before the registration deadline of the exam session for which you are requesting exam accommodations.
- Change Request Form for Examinations Applications
- Exam Withdrawal and Refund
- Certification Exam Appeal Request
Information for Online Proctoring of Exams
- For all upcoming exam administration dates, Sonography Canada exams will be administered online with remote proctoring by default. All applicants must complete and submit the online application form below.
- Equipment requirements for Remote Proctored exam delivery method – Please review Appendix A of the Candidate Guide and the equipment list below for minimum equipment requirements and recommendations. You must meet ALL the system requirements listed under the “minimum” column to access the exam. No exceptions. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements may still encounter difficulty that will prevent access to the exam platform. Therefore, candidates are strongly encouraged to ensure their equipment meets the details listed under the “recommended” column. Exams will not be rescheduled due to technical issues.
- Note that the $125.00 administration fee is non-refundable.
Communication from Meazure Learning/Yardstick regarding exam scheduling will be sent by email. Please note: Emails may divert to spam/junk email folders. It is the applicant’s responsibility to check spam/junk email folders if they do not receive an email to an inbox.
Completing the Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSA)
The requirements to achieve a Sonography Canada credential include the successful completion of both Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSA) and a knowledge-based exam which are based on the requirements of the National Competency Profiles (NCPs).
CCSAs are summative instruments designed to measure entry-level clinical competence. The skills are based upon the clinical or “C” level competencies in the NCPs and should be demonstrated in candidate’s clinical performance consistent with the definition of entry-level competence. It is completed as a one-day assessment where the candidate scans the required cases types for the credential area while being observed by two Sonography Canada credentialed assessors.
*Individuals must be approved for the Alternate Pathway, and have successfully completed the written certification examination before they can apply for the CCSA. Please see the information above for details about the pathway and examinations.*
Applications and Forms
- CCSA Application
- CCSA Result Appeals Request – Forward form by email to examinfo@sonographycanada.ca.
For more information regarding the CCSA please contact administration@sonographycanada.ca.
Resources
The Michener Institute of Education Generalist Bridging Program
