The steps
- Check your state. California requires a CDPH certificate, Louisiana a state license, Washington an MA-Phlebotomist credential, Nevada a laboratory assistant certification.
- Get trained. A phlebotomy program; NHA accepts programs completed within the past 5 years, or 1 to 2 years of supervised work.
- Log your sticks. NHA needs 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks; NCCT and AMT need 50 and 10; ASCP route 2 needs 100.
- Pick and pass a national exam. CPT, PBT, NCPT or RPT.
- Renew on schedule. NHA every 2 years, NCCT every year, ASCP every 3 years, AMT yearly fee plus points every 3 years.
Which exam to take
| Exam | Body | Questions / time | Passing score | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPT | NHA | 120 (100 scored) / 2 hrs | 390 on 200–500 | $134 |
| PBT | ASCP | 80 / 2 hrs | 400 on 100–999 | $155 |
| NCPT | NCCT | 125 (100 scored) / 3 hrs | 575 on 200–720 | $119 |
| RPT | AMT | 200 items (outline) / 2.5 hrs | 70 on 0–100 | $125 |
Know you're ready for the phlebotomy exam before you book your date
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Start preparing for the phlebotomy examPassing on the first try
In 2024, 75.96% of NHA CPT exams were passed, so about 1 in 4 attempts failed and paid the fee twice. See is the CPT exam hard and how to pass the NHA phlebotomy exam.
phlebotomy exam FAQ
How long does it take to become a phlebotomist?
It depends on your program and the route your certifying body accepts. BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry education.
How many sticks do you need for phlebotomy certification?
NHA requires 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks. NCCT and AMT require 50 and 10. ASCP's route 2 requires 100 successful unaided venipunctures.
Can I become a phlebotomist without certification?
In most states employers set the requirement. California, Louisiana, Nevada and Washington require a state credential.
Free Phlebotomy practice questions
More phlebotomy exam guides
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Phlebotomists
- NHA Candidate Handbook (updated 10/05/2026)
- NHA: Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
- NCCT: Phlebotomy Technician certification
- AMT: Phlebotomy Technician (RPT)
- ASCP BOC: Eligibility routes
- CDPH: Certified Phlebotomy Technician I
- Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners: Clinical laboratory personnel licensure
- Washington DOH: Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist