What are Phlebotomy Certification Agencies?
You may be very confused about certification agencies. You shouldn’t be. Phlebotomy certification agencies are simply associations or organizations that can certify you as a phlebotomist. You will receive your certification once you meet the agency’s requirements (such as schooling and age) and take the necessary exam and pass. There are more than one agency that can certify you in phlebotomy and therefore you should research them to see which one is best for you. It does not make a difference which one you choose, most employers will accept certification from any of them.
It is also good to know that most agency’s certification is valid in more than one state. Although, it is always good to double check with the agency if you plan to move. California though, is an exception currently and has a different set of guidelines for certification.
To help you research and see which agency you want to go with, it can be helpful to ask them the following questions:
- What is the cost of the exam
- How often would you need to re-certify
- Where can you take the exam
- Is the specific certification agency accepted in your state?
- Can your phlebotomy training site give the exam?
In addition, you should ask any of your own questions to the certifying agency. Make sure to write down their responses so that you always reference them later on.
Not all states require you to become certified, while in some states it is a must before you can begin working. Make sure to be aware of your states guidelines in regard to certification. Certification is recommended even when your state does not require it for it will give you additional experience, it can help you earn a higher salary and can give you an advantage over other potential prospects looking at the same job. Most employers look to hire phlebotomist whom are certified.
As you read each certification agency’s requirements you will notice that the majority of the time, you will need either phlebotomy training or work experience in order to apply for a certificate.
States like California, Nevada and Louisiana require certification and licensing and a phlebotomist in that state cannot practice without it. These requirements are subject to change and therefore it is important to be up to date with your states requirements for phlebotomist.
Phlebotomy Certification Agencies:
Let’s take a look below at the different phlebotomy certification agencies along with each of their requirements. In addition, each agency offers a different certificate upon completion of their exam, however they would ll certify you to be a basic phlebotomy technician. Although there usually is not a significant difference in the certificates, at times you will need to complete a more advanced exam to receive a higher level certificate:
National Healthcare Association ( NHA)
American Medical Technologist (AMT)
American Society for Clinical Pathology ( ASCP)
National Center for Competency Testing ( NCCT)- check California requirements
American Certification Agency (ACA)
National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT)
National Healthcare Association (NHA)
National Healthcare Association offers a certificate as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT). http://www.nhanow.com/certifications/phlebotomy-technician
A CPT will prepare you for the basics in phlebotomy procedures, meaning it’ll certify you as a phlebotomist that performs basic procedures not advanced procedures such as an arterial puncture.
Eligibility Requirements:
You must fulfill all these requirements:
- Phlebotomy training within the last 5 years or work for one year as a phlebotomy technician with the last 3 years
- Training must include successfully performing a minimum of 30 venipuncture and 10 capillary sticks on live individuals.
- In addition- a High school diploma or GED
About the Test:
- Testing will take place at your school or at a PSI Testing Center near you.
- Tests may be administered online or on paper.
- You must to present valid identification.
- Test must be completed in one continuous session.
CPT Certification Exam Details:
100 questions, 20 pretest questions
Exam time: 2 hours
Cost of Exam:
$115.00
NHA will officially post your certificate results to your account page (which you created in order to take the test )within two days of taking the test, and your printed certificate will arrive within two weeks.
If you take the written exam, results will be posted within two weeks on your personal account page.
Due to state regulations, California’s CPT exam is unique.
American Medical Technologist (AMT)
American Medical Technologist offers a certificate in Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT). http://www.americanmedtech.org/GetCertified/RPTEligibility.aspx
Eligibility Requirements:
You must fulfill all these requirements:
- Phlebotomy training that includes a minimum of 120 hours within the past 4 years, or 1,040 hours of work experience in an approved healthcare facility as a phlebotomy technician, which must be completed within the past 3 years
- High school diploma or GED
- Training must include a minimum of 50 successful venipunctures and 10 successful skin punctures.
About the Test:
Testing will take place at your school or at a Pearson VUE Testing Center where you can schedule your own exam.
If you take the exam online, you will know your score immediately. If you passed the test you will receive your certificate in the mail within a few weeks. (8-10 weeks if you took the exam at a school) Note that you are not considered certified until you receive official documentation from AMT.
RPT Certification Exam Details:
Majority of the test is about blood samples.
There are 200 questions.
Cost of Exam:
$120.00
Payment of an annual fee, proof of continuing education, and professional growth are required to maintain certification.
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
American Society for Clinical Pathology offers certification in PBT which is a Phlebotomy Technician. https://www.ascp.org/
Eligibility Requirements:
You must fulfill all these requirements:
- You will need one of the following found below:
a. participated in a NAACLS or a California Public Health approved program within the last 5 years
b. completed a phlebotomy program within the last five years that included 40 hours of classroom training, and 100 hours of clinical training in an accredited laboratory (hands on work)
c. 1 year training as a full time phlebotomy technician within the last 5 years and having performed venipunctures.
- Training must included a minimum 100 successful blood collections of either venipunctures or skin punctures.
- High school diploma or GED
About the Test:
Testing will take place at a Pearson VUE Testing Center where you can schedule your own exam within 3 months of creating a login at the ASCP site.
Once you complete the test you will receive your score. The results will also be mailed.
PBT Certification Exam Details:
80 multiple choice questions
Exam time: 2 hours
Certificate is valid for three years.
Cost of Exam:
$135, which is nonrefundable
National Center for Competency Testing ( NCCT)
National Center for Competency Testing offers certification as a Phlebotomy Technician, PBT https://www.ncctinc.com
California residents have different requirements.
Eligibility Requirements:
You must fulfill all these requirements:
- Phlebotomy training within the last 5 years or 1 year full time work as a phlebotomy technician with the last 5 years
- High school diploma or GED
- 25 venipuncture procedures and 5 successful capillary procedures
About the Test:
NCCT has more than 700 authorized test sites across the United States.
Call 800-875-4404 to locate one near you
PBT Certification Exam Details:
125 questions 3 hours are given for the exam
Cost of Exam:
$90.00 if taken within 6 months of completing phlebotomy training program.
$135.00 if exam is taken 6 months after completing phlebotomy training.
American Certification Agency (ACA)
American Certification Agency offers certification as a Phlebotomy Technician, PBT http://www.acacert.com
Eligibility Requirements:
- Phlebotomy training or 1 year full time work experience as a phlebotomy technician
- In addition, have documented proof of at least 100 clinical hours, 100 successful venipunctures and 10 successful dermal punctures
- Louisiana requires 25 dermal punctures
- High school diploma or GED
About the Test:
Applicant will be notified as to the closest scheduled exam site. Any local healthcare facility can become a test site.
PBT Certification Exam Details:
2 hours are given for the exam.
Cost of Exam:
$100 application fee
ACA mails the results along with certification card.
National Phlebotomy Association ( NPA)
http://www.nationalphlebotomy.org/
Eligibility Requirements:
- Completed phlebotomy training with 200 hours including clinical and classroom work or 1 year work experience
About the Test:
NPA’S test can be taken at your school or an examination site.
PBT Certification Exam Details:
There are 2 parts of the exam; practical and written.
Cost of Exam:
$130 application fee
Exam results are mailed and if you passed you will receive the certification card in the mail as well. Your school can share the results with you if you had taken the test there.
NPA’s certificate has to be renewed yearly.
American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT)
Eligibility Requirements:
You must fulfill all these requirements:
- 6 months of full time work experience as a phlebotomy technician or one year part time work experience
or completed phlebotomy training with 100 venipunctures and 5 skin punctures - ASPT membership
About the Test:
ASPT website has information regarding dates and locations.
Certification Exam Details:
The exams are constantly changing.
Cost of Exam:
$55 application fee plus membership fees
