A phlebotomist collects blood samples from patients in clinics, hospitals, or blood donation centers. Blood collected by phlebotomists can be life-saving.
The information gained from just a few vials of blood can help the medical team make a diagnosis and form a treatment plan for all kinds of conditions.
But how do you become certified as a phlebotomist?
There are many different phlebotomist certifications that you can pursue to help you on your way to becoming a phlebotomist. This guide will go over the different phlebotomy certifying agencies and what they require of their phlebotomist candidates.
Phlebotomy Certification Options
Earning your phlebotomy certification means you have the basic knowledge and skills you need to safely collect blood samples and get them to the laboratory.
There are many different agencies that can help you earn your phlebotomy certification. The following certifying agencies are recognized by most employers and accepted by states that require phlebotomy certification.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) – National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
The National Healthcareer Association offers many different types of certifications including medical assisting, laboratory technician, and certified phlebotomy technician. They are one of the most well-known certifying organizations.
- Eligibility: Complete an accredited phlebotomy program that requires at least 30 successful venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks OR complete and submit evidence of 1 year of supervised work experience as a phlebotomy technician.
- Cost of exam: $117
- # questions on the exam: 100 scored, 20 unscored
- Renewal period: Every 2 years
- Renewal requirements: 10 Continuing education hours and a $179 fee
- Learn more: Check out our Guide to the NHA's CPT Exam & Certification
Certified Phlebotomist Technologist (CPT) – National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
The National Phlebotomy Association offers certification for new phlebotomists and is an accrediting agency for phlebotomy training programs in the United States.
- Eligibility: Complete an accredited phlebotomy training course that includes 160 hours of lecture and 200 hours of in-person practice.
- Cost of exam: $90
- # questions on the exam: 120
- Renewal period: Annual
- Renewal requirements: $100 yearly fee, paid through your membership portal
Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) – American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
The American Society for Clinical Pathology provides certification and continuing education for phlebotomists, pathologists, and other laboratory professionals.
- Eligibility: Completion of an accredited phlebotomy program and at least 100 successful venipunctures. The ASCP also requires CPR certification and up-to-date immunization for all phlebotomy technician candidates.
- Cost of exam: $135
- # questions on the exam: 80
- Renewal period: 3 years
- Renewal requirements: 36 points of continuing education through ASCP
Phlebotomy Technician Certificate (PTC) – American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT)
The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians provides certification, accreditation services, continuing education courses, and instructor training.
- Eligibility: Complete an accredited phlebotomy technician training program that includes performing at least 75 venipunctures and 5 fingersticks OR 6 months of full-time OR 1 year or part-time work as a phlebotomy technician.
- Cost of exam: $175
- # questions on the exam: 120
- Renewal period: Annually, due on December 31
- Renewal requirements: 6 continuing education credits and a $35 fee
The Phlebotomy Technician Certification (RPT) - American Medical Technologists (AMT)
The American Medical Technologists offers certification examinations for new phlebotomists and phlebotomy instructors.
- Eligibility: Complete an accredited program with at least 120 didactic hours. The program must include at least 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures.
- Cost of exam: $125
- # questions on the exam: 200
- Renewal period: Annual fee and continuing education every 3 years
- Renewal requirements: $75 fee annually, 30 continuing education hours every 3 years
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) – American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals (ACA)
The American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals offers many healthcare certifications including ECG, patient care technician, and phlebotomy.
- Eligibility: Submission of a high school diploma, completion of a formal training program, and documentation of 100 successful venipunctures and 10 skin punctures.
- Cost of exam: $100
- # questions on the exam: 120
- Renewal period: As requested by an employer
- Renewal requirements: $10 fee and 0.5 continuing education credits per month since the original certification date
Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PTC) – American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
The American Medical Certification Association is a good choice for people who complete online programs since fewer venipunctures are required.
- Eligibility: Complete a training course with at least 30 venipunctures OR submit evidence of 1 year of full-time work as a phlebotomist. In addition, you must agree to and sign the AMCA code of ethics
- Cost of exam: $109
- # questions on the exam: 100
- Renewal period: Every 2 years
- Renewal requirements: 10 continuing education credits and pay the $35 fee.
Phlebotomy Technician (PTC) – American Allied Health (AAH)
American Allied Health requires students to complete their specific training program or complete a year of work experience before taking the certification exam. Here’s what to know about it:
- Eligibility: Complete an American Allied Health phlebotomy training program OR provide proof of one year of work experience in the field.
- Cost of exam: $105
- # questions on the exam: 150
- Renewal period: Annually
- Renewal requirements: 5 renewal credits per year
Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) - National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
The National Center for Competency Testing provides 8 different types of certification exams, with more to be added in the future. One of the options is their Phlebotomy Technician certification.
- Eligibility: Complete an NCCT-certified phlebotomy technician training program OR one year of verifiable experience as a phlebotomy technician.
- Cost of exam: $119
- # questions on the exam: 25 pretest questions and 125 scored questions
- Renewal period: Annual
- Renewal requirements: $77 fee and 14 hours of continuing education
Choosing Which Phlebotomy Certification is Right For You
The first thing you should consider is whether or not the state you live in requires certification and which certification will be accepted by your state. The four states that require certification—California, Colorado, Nevada, and Louisiana—generally accept all types of certification exams.
If you already have a job as a phlebotomy technician or hope to work in a specific facility, ask your supervisor if they have a preference about which certification you obtain.
You should also consider cost, recertification requirements, and testing locations when choosing a phlebotomy certification.
How to Choose a Phlebotomy Training Program
With so many phlebotomy certification programs to choose from, you might find it difficult to decide which training program is best for you. Here are a few things to consider:
1) Accreditation
You should only consider a phlebotomy technician training program if they have been accredited. Accreditation not only ensures that a training program follows a standard set of guidelines for educating their students, many certifying agencies only accept testing candidates who have completed an accredited program.
2) Certification Preparation
Along with accreditation, you should find out how well the program will prepare you for your certification exam. Ask about exam passing rates and what certification most of their graduates obtain.
3) Cost
Cost should always be considered when choosing a program. Expensive programs are not necessarily better than cheaper phlebotomy programs. Keep in mind that you will also have to pay exam fees and recertification fees after you pay for your training. You can learn more about how much phlebotomy classes and certification cost here.
4) Length
Phlebotomy training programs can last anywhere from 4 weeks to several months long. Make sure you choose a program that can be completed within a reasonable amount of time but gives you enough time to practice venipunctures and study for your certification exam.
5) Online vs. In-Person
Consider whether you need the flexibility of an online phlebotomy program or will learn better in an in-person learning environment. Online courses tend to be less expensive than in-person courses.
6) Externship Opportunities
Look for a program that will help you gain hands-on experience through a phlebotomy externship. This is especially important for online training programs.
Is it Possible to Get a Job With No Experience or Certification?
If you live in California, Colorado, Louisiana, or Nevada, you cannot work as a phlebotomist without certification. These states require phlebotomists to be trained and pass a certification exam.
In states without phlebotomy certification requirements, it is possible to get a job without experience or certification. However, earning your certification shows future employers that you are committed to your career and have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform your job well.
If you are considering looking for a job as a phlebotomist, it is well worth your time to get your certification.
