Phlebotomy Certification Exam Agencies
Training in the field of phlebotomy is useful and can open the doors for many opportunities. However, to have the best chance when it comes to phlebotomy jobs, you not only need to be trained, you need to be certified as well, which may involve passing a phlebotomy certification exam through one of the phlebotomy certification exam organizations.
When considering your options for phlebotomy certification, there are several organizations to consider. Each certifying body has their own criteria for awarding certification.
Listed below are a few of the agencies that offer phlebotomy certification. Be sure to review the organization’s website for updated information.
| Agency | Price | Requirements | Other Relevant Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians | Certification Exam Fee: $55.00 Requires membership: membership fee is $25.00 per year |
To be eligible to test with the ASPT, the applicant must meet the following requirements: Either: • One (1) full year as a part-time phlebotomist, or; • Six months as a full-time phlebotomist, or; • A letter from a health care supervisor attesting that part of the job is procuring blood specimens regularly; must be submitted with the membership application on facility letterhead; or • Signature of supervisor/instructor on application attesting to the above. Also: • Applicants must also have successfully completed an accredited phlebotomy training program including a minimum of 100 documented venipunctures and 5 documented skin punctures • Applicants must be a member of ASPT |
• Requires 6 hours of continuing education annually for renewal of certification • Offers exam in English or Spanish • Offers free study outline for help in preparation |
| American Certification Agency | Certification Exam fee: $100.00 | To test with ACA an applicant must have: • Achieved one year of phlebotomy experience, or; • Successfully completed an accredited phlebotomy training program.Applicants must also have documentation of: • 100 clinical hours • 100 successful venipunctures • 10 successful dermal punctures (25 in Louisiana) |
• Allows for retaking an exam two (2) times within 12 months from the original test date • Exam is taken online • Approved by the Clinical and Laboratories Standards Institute |
| National Center for Competency Testing | Discounted fee for students (either currently in school or graduated within the previous 6 months): $90 Regular fee: $135 |
This organization is approved by the Clinical and Laboratories Standards Institute (CLSI) and offers three (3) tracks to qualify to sit for the phlebotomy certification exam – one through training , one through experience and one through military. Training Route: • Current student or successful completion of and graduation from an NCCT approved Phlebotomy Technician training program within the previous 5 years Experience Route: • Employed as a full-time phlebotomy technician for at least one (1) year equal to a minimum of 2080 hours within the past 5 years Military Route: • Completion of Phlebotomy Technician training or its equivalent during U.S. Military service within the past 5 years |
• Their website notes that the qualifications vary in a few states. Be sure to check that out. |
| American Society for Clinical Pathology | Application fee: $135 | This organization is also recognized by the CLSI and accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and offers multiple tracks to qualify for the phlebotomy certification exam. All routes require the applicant to be a high school graduate or have an equivalency certificate except routes 5 and 6 Route 1: • Have completed a phlebotomy training program approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or a program approved by the California Department of Public Health in the previous 5 years Route 2: • Have completed a 2-part structured phlebotomy program in the U.S., Canada, or an accredited laboratory in the previous 5 years • The 2-part program must include: ○ 40 hours of classroom training ○ 100 clock hours of clinical training (accredited lab) ○ 100 successful blood collections including venipunctures and skin punctures Route 3: • Have completed one (1) full year experience as a phlebotomy technician in the previous five years (at accredited lab) • Have experience with venipunctures and skin punctures Route 4: • Successful completion of acceptable allied health education such as RN, LPN or other that includes phlebotomy training • 100 blood collections including venipunctures and skin punctures • Notarized copy of license for RN / LPN or notarized copy of certificate of completion from the health program Route 5: • Possess the ASCP certification for Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Route 6: • Possess the ASCP certification for Donor Phlebotomy Technician (DPT) with at least 100 successful non-donor blood collections that include venipunctures and skin punctures (accredited lab) within the previous 5 years Route 7: • Completion of a phlebotomy program approved by the California Department of Public Health within the last five years (if you are a California resident and have completed a California Dept. of Public Health approved phlebotomy program in the State of California, a training documentation form is required) |
Certification is valid for three (3) years. To maintain certification, the phlebotomist must complete the Certification Maintenance Requirements Program. Details are available on ASCP’s website. ASCP offers some study materials and practice tests for help in preparing for the exam. (There is a fee for the practice tests) |
| American Medical Technologists | Application fee: $120 (Fee includes application, exam, and first year’s annual fee) Annual fee: $50 (required to maintain certification) |
There are 2 routes to get the certification: Route 1 – Education: • Applicant shall have graduated from, or scheduled to graduate from, an academic course (or combined courses) of study in phlebotomy that includes a minimum of 120 didactic clock hours (or as required by state law). • Applicants must have graduated from their academic course of study within the past FOUR years. Route 2 – Work Experience: • Applicant shall have completed at least 1,040 hours of acceptable work experience as a phlebotomy technician within the past three years; this to include venipunctures, skin punctures, specimen processing, communication skills, and clerical duties. • Proof of high school graduation (or equivalent) is required. Additional Requirements: • All acceptable phlebotomy work experience credited towards certification must be earned in an approved healthcare facility that engages in the collection, examination or transport of materials derived from the human body. • Applicant must have completed a minimum of 50 successful venipunctures and 10 successful skin punctures from human sources. Applicant applying under Routes 1 and 2 shall take and pass the appropriate AMT certification examination. |
• Has a variety of study aids available – some free (practice tests are $10) |
The agencies listed here are the more prominent and widely recognized agencies through which you can pursue your phlebotomy certification exam. As noted above, be sure to check the agency’s website or contact them for the most up-to-date information and guidelines.
