This information is intended to help understand the certification programs of the College (revised July 2009).
See Forms and Syllabus for the most recent: Application Form
Membership Renewal Form and Fees
- Qualifications for the RMCCM
Each application for admission must be accompanied by appropriate proof of academic qualifications and experience and must also provide the names and addresses of three Microbiologists, agreeable to the College, willing to substantiate the candidate's educational background and/or work experience.
1. Associate Member
Academic Requirements: Membership as Associate Member will be granted to BSc, graduates in a Biological discipline from a Canadian University, who have completed 30 (thirty) University level credit courses ( Three credits = 45 h = one semester) in Microbiology.
Credits courses in Microbiology include: General Microbiology, Immunology, Serology, Pathogenic Microbiology, Mycology, Parasitology, Virology, Systematic Microbiology, Cell Culture, Microscopy.
Applied microbiology, in disciplines such as food, dairy, industrial, sanitation, Agricultural Microbiology, Biosafety.
Genetics, Physiology, Metabolism, Ecology, Epidemiology, Taxonomy, Molecular Biology, provided that such courses contribute to an understanding of the biology of microorganisms and/or their interrelationships with the environment.
Credits obtained during studies towards MSc and PhD, in a field of Microbiology are acceptable.
2. Registered Member
In order to be considered as RM, Associate Members must have completed two years of work experience in Microbiology.
The years of Research and studies towards MSc and PhD, in a field of Microbiology in a recognized/accredited university are considered as work experience.
3. Examination
Candidates with a BSc or graduate degree(s) in a Biological discipline from a Canadian Post Secondary Institution and or University who have completed between 15 and 19 credits in Microbiology will be able to become Associate Members by writing a comprehensive examination, (including fundamental Microbiology, Metabolism and genetics, medical microbiology, environmental microbiology and food microbiology).
The candidate will have the choice to write the exam in English or in French. The exam is developed by the CCM/ AMQ joint RM exam committee.
Candidates found eligible must be examined within one year of the date of their approval by the RMCCM Committee or a new application and examination fees will be required.
If for some reason a candidate cannot take an examination when scheduled, she/he must notify the Registrar's Office at least one week in advance. The candidate will then be allowed to reschedule the examination once without penalty.
If you do not appear for a scheduled examination without notice you will forfeit your fee. The exam may be repeated on provision of another fee.
A candidate may make a maximum of three attempts to pass successfully the Examination over a period not exceeding three years from the time of her/his first application to the CCM.
The examination is taken at your local university or at a laboratory convenient for the candidate and Proctor when the candidate is ready to be examined.
4. Candidates with Credentials from Foreign Universities
Candidates who have graduated with a BSc (equivalent to a four year program) in a Biological discipline from Foreign recognized/accredited Universities, who have completed a minimum of 15 credits in microbiology may be allowed to write the RM examination.
Degrees obtained outside of Canada require an assessment of their equivalence to those offered by Canadian degree programs. Most Canadian universities provide such an assessment and in particular, the Comparative Education Department of the University of Toronto. Another source for assessment is CICIC (http://www.cicic.ca/415/credential-assessment-services.canada).
It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain an acceptable certificate of equivalence.
Note: Established Microbiologists who meet the requirements above, with at least an adjunct position at a University, can be considered candidates for Academic and Research Microbiologist (ARMCCM).
5. See Fees
