Considering a career as a pathologists’ assistant (PA) in Canada? Certification isn’t legally required but it’s a major advantage. Whether you’re exploring the field or applying to a PA program, this post will walk you through what you need to know about becoming a certified PA in Canada.
What Is Certification and Why Does It Matter?
In Canada, becoming a certified Pathologists’ Assistant (PA) is not required by law—but it can make a big difference in your career.
Certification shows that you’ve met professional standards and have a strong foundation of knowledge and skills.
Hospitals and labs—especially those accredited by the College of American Pathologists—are more likely to hire certified PAs because it helps ensure high-quality patient care. And at a more basic level, employers just want to make sure the PAs they hire are able to do the job from day one.
Even though it’s optional, certification through groups like the CCCPA (Canadian Certification Council of Pathologists’ Assistants) or ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) is becoming the preferred standard. More and more employers in both Canada and the U.S. now look for certified PAs and some already require all their PAs to be certified.
In short: certification isn’t required—but it gives you an edge. It can open more job opportunities, improve your credibility, and is becoming a standard expectation for new hires.
The certification process is overseen by the Canadian Certification Council of Pathologists’ Assistants (CCCPA), the main regulatory body for PAs in Canada.
Step 1: Complete an Accredited PA Program
To be eligible for certification, you must first graduate from a NAACLS-accredited Master’s program for pathologists’ assistants. As of now, there are four accredited programs in Canada:
- University of Alberta (Edmonton, AB)
- University of Calgary (Calgary, AB)
- University of Toronto (Toronto, ON)
- University of Western Ontario (London, ON)
These competitive, two-year programs include one year of classroom learning followed by a year of clinical rotations. Admission usually requires a science-related undergrad degree and a GPA of at least 3.0 (though 3.3+ is preferred). Shadowing isn’t mandatory but can beneficial. Finally, healthcare, research, anatomy or grossing work experience can help, but programs also look for key PA traits—responsibility, maturity, teamwork, and independence.
Step 2: Apply for the CCCPA Certification Exam
Once you’ve graduated from an accredited program, you can take the CCCPA certification exam, with the option to write the exam at a CCCPA approved institution or to request approval of an alternate testing centre if needed. Basically if you can’t get to one of the pre-approved locations, you can ask to write it elsewhere (under certain conditions). There is no practical component to the exam.
The Exam Covers:
- General and systemic pathology
- Gross and microscopic anatomy
- Surgical pathology techniques
- Autopsy theory
- Cancer staging
The exam is designed to test both your theoretical knowledge and your ability to apply it in a clinical setting. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll have 2.5 hours to complete it. It’s a handwritten test, and results are mailed to you within six weeks.
You must get at least 75% on the exam to pass and you will have a max of three attempts. Your first attempt costs $550 CAD + tax and if needed, rewrites cost $440 CAD + tax.
How Long Does Certification Take?
From start to finish, the typical timeline looks like this:
- Undergraduate degree: 3–4 years
- PA Master’s program: 2 years
- Certification exam prep + writing: Possible within months of graduation
So in total, you’re looking at about 6–7 years of post-secondary education and training.
How Much Does It Cost?
Here’s a rough breakdown of costs (as of 2025):
- Master’s program tuition: $15,000–$40,000 depending on the school + extra for textbooks, living expenses etc.
- Certification exam fee: ~$550
- Ongoing CCCPA membership (after certification): $125 every 3 years
This reflects fees for Canadian students. If you’re an international student you’re looking at higher tuition fees, potentially 2x the above prices for tuition (which may still be less expensive than a US based program).
Job Prospects After Certification
Certified PAs are in demand across Canada, especially in larger cities and academic hospitals. Students are able to start looking for jobs 4-6 months before graduating and employers are eager to hire. Once certified, you can work in:
- Surgical pathology labs
- Autopsy services
- Academic centers and teaching hospitals
Salary Expectations:
- Starting salary: ~$75,000–$85,000 CAD/year
- Experienced PAs: $100,000+
Is Certification Portable?
Can I Work in the U.S.?
It depends. To work in the U.S., you’ll typically need ASCP certification but similar to Canada, it isn’t legally required and you might be able to find a job without it. However, graduating from a Canadian NAACLS accredited program allows you to write the ASCP certification exam, which is very similar to the Canadian CCCPA exam. I would recommend getting this certification if you are planning on working in the US.
Can U.S.-Trained PAs Work in Canada?
Similar to Canadian PAs travelling to the US for work and benefitting from ASCP certification, many Canadian employers will look for CCCPA certification from their PAs, although some may recognize ASCP certification. But in places where it isn’t recognized, American-trained PAs will need to complete the CCCPA certification exam to obtain CCCPA certification. Fortunately, eligibility for writing the exam is the completion of a NAACLS accredited PA program so American-trained PAs who have graduated from any NAACLS program are allowed to write.
Maintaining Your Certification
Once certified, you’ll need to maintain your status by:
- Renewing your membership (every 3 years)
- Participating in continuing education (CE) activities
- Adhering to professional and ethical standards set by the CCCPA
At this time, the CCCPA does not require re-examination, but continuing competence is expected and monitored through CE reporting when you go to renew your membership.
Final Thoughts
Getting certified as a pathologists’ assistant in Canada is a structured but rewarding journey. It requires commitment, education, and clinical training—but the career is well-compensated, intellectually stimulating, and offers the chance to make a real impact in patient care.
If you’re just starting out, focus on building a strong academic foundation with a focus on science-based classes (biology, anatomy and physiology especially) and gaining relevant lab or clinical experience. If you’re already in a program or preparing for certification, check out some of the exam prep resources and study tips I’ll be posting soon.
Need More Info?
Visit the CCCPA website for the most up-to-date certification details or reach out canadianpathassistant@gmail.com.