CI-CPT

NHA states the exam is two hours long. You can take it at your school, at a PSI testing center near you, or through live remote proctoring at a location of your choice. You pick the date and location when you schedule, and an exam payment is required at that step.

You need a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency (or be scheduled to earn one within 18 months), a phlebotomy technician training or education program completed within the last 5 years, and evidence of at least 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary or finger sticks on live individuals. Supervised work experience can substitute on the alternate pathway.

The public CPT page does not publish a passing score, a question count, or a difficulty rating, so treat any specific number you hear as unofficial. NHA points candidates to the Candidate Handbook for eligibility and exam details. Build your study plan around the tasks NHA lists for the role rather than around rumored cutoffs.

The CPT page does not state an exam retake policy, so confirm it with NHA directly before you rely on one. It does state that the phlebotomy practice test comes with up to six attempts. The practice test is based on the actual exam, but NHA notes that using preparation materials does not guarantee a passing score.

For online exams, NHA says it will officially post your certification results to your account page within two days of scoring your test. Results are posted to your NHA account, so make sure your account is set up and that you selected your school or employer if you want results shared with them.

Start with the tasks NHA lists: drawing blood from patients and donors, judging whether a patient can withstand the procedure and keeping them comfortable, explaining the procedure and answering questions, basic point-of-care testing such as blood glucose, preparing blood and urine specimens, and maintaining needles, tubes and vials. The free CPT Test Plan maps key concepts.

NHA reports that 96% of employers require or encourage certification for phlebotomy technicians (2025 Industry Outlook) and that professionalism and dependability are the soft skills employers value most when hiring a phlebotomy technician. Expect scenario questions about bedside manner, consent and clear patient communication.

Certifications must be renewed every two years. Before your expiration date you complete 10 continuing education credits and pay your recertification fee; NHA describes the cost as $8 per month and says there is no penalty for renewing early. If your certification has expired, you have 1 year to reinstate it.

The CPT page does not list an exam fee, so check your NHA account for current pricing and any school or employer discounts. You apply by creating a free NHA account online and submitting the CPT exam application through your account portal; payment is required when you schedule your date and location.

No. This is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the National Healthcareer Association. Always confirm eligibility, fees, scheduling and renewal rules against NHA's official CPT page and Candidate Handbook before making decisions.