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Earning your CPT credentials will help you:
Fulfill employer requirements
93% of employers require or encourage certification for phlebotomy technicians.
Access better career opportunities
A phlebotomist's main responsibilities include blood draws, preparing blood for testing, and verifying identities.
Maximize earning potential
A phlebotomy technician's salary ranges from $24,250–$48,030, according to the BLS in 2019.
Enhance knowledge
and skills
Professionalism and dependability are the most important soft skills employers are looking for, when hiring a phlebotomy technician.
Certified phlebotomy technicians make a difference every day
Phlebotomy technicians are critical team members in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and blood donor centers. As new types of tests are developed and laboratory tech positions grow, it's an especially exciting time to begin a career in this thriving field. Some tasks phlebotomy technicians may perform include:
- Drawing blood from patients and blood donors
- Evaluating patients' ability to withstand the procedure and helping them feel comfortable
- Explaining blood-drawing procedure to patients and answering questions
- Performing basic point-of-care testing, such as reading blood glucose levels
- Preparing blood, urine and other specimens for testing
- Maintaining medical equipment such as needles, test tubes and blood vials
NHA partners with educators and employers across the United States to educate, train and certify phlebotomy technicians. Find a job opening near you to start your journey toward this rewarding and in-demand career.
Visit Our Job Board
93% of employers require or encourage certification for phlebotomy technicians. (Source: 2020 Industry Outlook)
Certified phlebotomy technician exam eligibility
Possess a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency; or are scheduled to earn a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency in the next 12 months*
*Click here for more details on the certification pathway for high school health science students.
Completed a phlebotomy technician training
or education program within the last 5 years
Provide evidence that you have successfully performed a minimum of thirty (30) venipunctures and ten (10) capillary or finger sticks on live individuals
OR
Possess a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency
1 year of supervised work experience in a phlebotomy technician field within the last 3 years; or 2 years of supervised work experience in a phlebotomy technician field within the last 5 years
Provide evidence that you have successfully performed a minimum of thirty (30) venipunctures and ten (10) capillary or finger sticks on live individuals.
See Candidate Handbook for more information about Eligibility Requirements.
I love knowing that my work is contributing to a bigger cause. With my NHA Phlebotomy Technician Certification, my patients are reassured they are in good hands. Thanks, NHA!
Brea Rochon, CPT
How to become a phlebotomist in 5 steps
Apply for your exam
Create a free NHA account online, anytime, and submit your Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam application through your account portal.
Set a date
Select the date and location–online or in-person–for your exam. (An exam payment is required during this step.)
Prepare, prepare, prepare
Time to study! We're here to support you. We have study materials available, including an interactive study guide and phlebotomy practice test.
Take the exam
You'll take the two-hour exam either at your school, a PSI testing center near you or through live remote proctoring at the location of your choice.
Get your results
For online exams, NHA will officially post your certification results to your account page within two days of scoring your test.
Is your school or employer sponsoring your exam?
When you create your NHA account, be sure to select your organization type, school or training program, or employer in order to:
- Access any pre-purchased materials or exams available to you
- Take advantage of possible discounts
- Share your exam results with your school or employer
Ready to get your certification?
Prepare for your certification exam
Access CPT exam preparation materials that are designed to help you succeed.
CPT Online Study Guide
This engaging online study guide provides contemporary learning tools such as interactive games, quizzes, flashcards, and professionalism tips from experts in the field.
Start Preparing
CPT Practice Tests
Get up to six attempts on a phlebotomy practice test (based on actual exam).
Learn More
CPT Preparation Package
This special package includes robust interactive study materials and a phlebotomy study guide, along with the phlebotomy practice test. (Best value!)
Bundle to Save
CPT Test Plan
This free study aide maps out key concepts you will see on the CPT exam.
Download Free Plan
*The purchase of NHA exam preparation materials is not required to sit for any NCCA-accredited certification exam and use does not guarantee a passing score on an exam. All NHA exams are NCCA-accredited.
NHA Mobile —
Empowering learner success with study-on-the-go flashcards aligned to your enrolled NHA course.
Preparing your students or healthcare team for their CPT exam?
Talk to a certification specialist & see how easy it is to get started with your partners at NHA!
Renew your certification
Keeping your certification current is a small investment (just $8 per month!) that can help you achieve your healthcare career goals.
Continuing Education
- 10 Continuing Education (CE) credits are required every two years to maintain certification
- NHA's continuing education courses are free to current certification holders
- You can complete your 10 CE credits any time prior to your certification expiration and our CE library is available online 24/7
- Our CE library is continuously updated so you can learn the latest protocols and techniques
Learn More About Continuing Education ‣
Need to renew your certification?