PassPulse PhlebotomyPrepare for the CPT

What's on the NHA phlebotomy exam (CPT)?

The CPT has 120 questions in 2 hours, 100 scored and 20 pretest, across 5 domains. Routine blood collections (28 items) and safety and compliance (26 items) make up more than half your score. This test plan comes from a 2024 job analysis and applies to the exam launched January 7, 2026.

Updated October 2026

CPT scored items by domain

Routine Blood Collections28
Safety and Compliance26
Patient Preparation20
Processing14
Special Collections12
NHA CPT test plan, 2025.

Format

  • 120 multiple choice questions, 100 scored
  • 2 hours
  • Passing score 390 on a 200 to 500 scale
  • At your school, a PSI test center, or live remote proctoring

What to study first

Routine collections and safety together are 54 of 100 points. Patient preparation adds 20 more. Processing and special collections are smaller, but they're where hands-on experience is often thinnest.

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Avoid outdated material

Material written for NHA's 2016 or 2017 plans doesn't match the current domains. NHA says the 2026 version has minimal content impact, but study from the current test plan.

CPT FAQ

How many questions are on the NHA phlebotomy exam?

120, of which 100 are scored.

How long is the NHA phlebotomy exam?

2 hours.

What is the biggest section of the CPT?

Routine Blood Collections, with 28 of 100 scored items.

Free Phlebotomy practice questions

More CPT guides

Sources
  1. NHA CPT Test Plan (2025, job analysis 2024)
  2. NHA: New CPT exam launching January 7, 2026
  3. NHA Candidate Handbook (updated 10/05/2026)

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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 The information on this page may contain errors or omissions, or may be out of date: fees, policies, exam content and state rules change.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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