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Phlebotomy certification: the 4 national exams compared

There are four main national phlebotomy credentials: CPT (NHA), PBT (ASCP), NCPT (NCCT) and RPT (AMT). Exam fees run from $119 to $155, and every one requires proof of live sticks. Most states don't license phlebotomists, but California, Louisiana, Nevada and Washington have their own rules.

Updated October 2026
143,900
Phlebotomist jobs in the USBLS, 2025
$45,230median pay
+7%growth 2025–35
4national exams

The four exams side by side

ExamBodyQuestions / timePassing scoreFee
CPTNHA120 (100 scored) / 2 hrs390 on 200–500$134
PBTASCP80 / 2 hrs400 on 100–999$155
NCPTNCCT125 (100 scored) / 3 hrs575 on 200–720$119
RPTAMT200 items (outline) / 2.5 hrs70 on 0–100$125

NHA's fee is from its online store in October 2026; the others come from each body's own pages.

Minimum live sticks to qualify

CredentialMinimum collections
CPT (NHA)30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks
NCPT (NCCT)50 venipunctures and 10 capillary (Louisiana applicants: 100 and 25)
RPT (AMT)50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures
PBT (ASCP)100 successful unaided venipunctures on route 2 (other routes differ)

States with their own rules

  • California: a state certificate from CDPH Laboratory Field Services. CPT I requires training, at least 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures, and passing an approved national exam. Details in California phlebotomy certification.
  • Louisiana: a phlebotomist license from the State Board of Medical Examiners, with a board-approved national exam.
  • Nevada: phlebotomists are certified as laboratory assistants by the state health division.
  • Washington: a Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist credential. See Washington phlebotomy certification.

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Is phlebotomy certification worth it?

BLS counts 143,900 phlebotomist jobs in 2025, a median pay of $45,230 a year, and projects 7% growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average. The typical entry education is a postsecondary nondegree award.

phlebotomy exam FAQ

Which phlebotomy certification is best?

The one your state and employers recognize. California, for example, lists approved national exams from ACA, AMCA, AMT, ASCP, NCCT/MMCI and NHA for its CPT I certificate.

How much does phlebotomy certification cost?

Exam fees are $119 (NCCT NCPT), $125 (AMT RPT), $134 (NHA CPT) and $155 (ASCP PBT).

Do you need a license to be a phlebotomist?

Most states don't require one. California, Louisiana, Nevada and Washington have their own state requirements.

How much do phlebotomists make?

BLS reports a median of $45,230 a year ($21.75 an hour) in May 2025.

Free Phlebotomy practice questions

More phlebotomy exam guides

Sources
  1. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Phlebotomists
  2. NHA Store: CPT exam application
  3. NHA CPT Test Plan (2025, job analysis 2024)
  4. NHA Candidate Handbook (updated 10/05/2026)
  5. ASCP BOC: PBT credential
  6. ASCP BOC: About the examination
  7. ASCP BOC: Eligibility routes
  8. NCCT: Phlebotomy Technician certification
  9. NCCT: NCPT Detailed Test Plan (effective January 2025)
  10. AMT: Phlebotomy Technician (RPT)
  11. AMT: Applying and testing FAQ
  12. CDPH: Certified Phlebotomy Technician I
  13. Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners: Clinical laboratory personnel licensure
  14. Washington DOH: Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist

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PassPulse is an independent exam preparation tool. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). Exam, credential and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners and are used only to identify the exams and materials described.

This page is for general information only. It is not official guidance from any certifying body, state agency or employer, and it is not legal, medical, career or financial advice. The information on this page may contain errors or omissions, or may be out of date: fees, policies, exam content and state rules change. Practice questions, answers and explanations on PassPulse may also contain errors. Always confirm current requirements and facts directly with the certifying body, your state, your employer or the manufacturer's instructions before you register, apply or act on them. Pass rates and statistics describe past candidates and do not predict your result.
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