How to Get Phlebotomy Certified: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting phlebotomy certified usually comes down to five steps: finish a phlebotomy training program, complete the required hands-on blood draws, choose a national certifying body, pass its exam, and keep your credential current. Some states add their own license on top of that. This guide walks through each step in plain language so you know exactly what to expect.

Why Phlebotomy Certification Matters

Certification shows an employer that you have been trained, practiced on real patients and passed a standardized exam. Not every state requires it, but many employers prefer it. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that employers "may prefer to hire candidates who have earned professional certification."

For a new phlebotomist, that preference matters. Hospitals, labs and clinics often receive many applications for entry-level roles, and a recognized credential helps your resume stand out. It also gives you a clear way to prove your skills if you move to another city or state.

Step 1: Complete a Phlebotomy Training Program

Most people start with a phlebotomy training program. According to the BLS, phlebotomists typically need a postsecondary nondegree award, usually a certificate from a program that takes less than one year. A good program covers:

• Anatomy of the circulatory system and the veins used for blood draws
• Venipuncture and capillary (finger stick) techniques
• The order of draw and tube additives
• Specimen labeling, handling and transport
• Infection control, safety and patient identification
• Professionalism and how to calm nervous patients

If you are new to the field, start with our guide to what a phlebotomist does each day to see whether the work fits you.

Step 2: Log Your Hands-On Blood Draws

Certifying bodies want proof that you can safely draw blood from real people, not just pass a written test. For example, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) asks Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) candidates to provide evidence of 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary or finger sticks on live individuals.

Your training program should help you complete and document these draws. Keep careful records, because you will need them when you apply for your exam. Other certifying bodies set their own clinical requirements, so check the rules for the exam you plan to take.

Step 3: Choose a Certifying Body

There is more than one national phlebotomy credential. The most common options for new graduates include:

• NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT): Requires a high school diploma or GED (or one expected within 18 months) plus either a training program completed within the last 5 years or qualifying supervised work experience.
• NCCT Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT): Offered by the National Center for Competency Testing, with eligibility routes for students and recent graduates of authorized programs, experienced workers and military-trained candidates.
• AMCA phlebotomy certification: The American Medical Certification Association also offers a phlebotomy credential. Check AMCA directly for its current eligibility rules.

AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare is accredited or approved through NHA, AMCA and NCCT, so ask an advisor which exam your program prepares you for. Many students simply choose the credential their program is built around and the one local employers recognize most.

Step 4: Prepare For and Pass the Exam

Once you meet the eligibility rules, you apply, schedule and take the exam. For the NHA CPT, the exam is a two-hour test you can take at your school, at a PSI testing center or through live remote proctoring. NHA posts online exam results to your account within two days of scoring.

To prepare well:

1. Review the exam outline. Each certifying body publishes the topics it tests. Study by topic, not by chapter.
2. Master the order of draw. It shows up in nearly every phlebotomy exam and in real practice.
3. Take timed practice tests. They build speed and show you which areas need more work.
4. Study safety and patient ID rules. Questions about identification, labeling and needlestick safety are common.
5. Book your exam soon after training. The material is freshest right after you finish your program.

Step 5: Check Your State's Rules and Keep Your Credential Current

Most states do not license phlebotomists, but a few do. The BLS notes that states may require phlebotomists to complete an accredited training program and may also require a license or certification. Contact your state's licensing agency before you start, especially if you plan to move.

After you pass, plan for renewal. NHA CPT holders renew every 2 years by completing 10 continuing education (CE) credits and paying a recertification fee. NCCT and AMCA have their own recertification rules, so check their websites for current details.

Phlebotomy Career Outlook

According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, phlebotomists earned a median annual wage of $45,230 in May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 18,000 openings each year on average. Actual pay varies by location, employer and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be certified to work as a phlebotomist?

It depends on your state and employer. Many states do not require certification, but many employers prefer certified candidates, and a few states require a license.

Can I get phlebotomy training online?

You can complete much of the classroom learning online, but you still need supervised, hands-on blood draws. AlliedRx offers online and hybrid options for Phlebotomy Technician training.

Which phlebotomy certification is best?

There is no single best credential. NHA CPT, NCCT and AMCA credentials are all national options. Choose the one your training program prepares you for and that employers near you recognize.

How often do I renew my phlebotomy certification?

For the NHA CPT, every 2 years with 10 CE credits. Other certifying bodies set their own renewal schedules.

Start Your Phlebotomy Career With AlliedRx

AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare is accredited or approved through NHA, AMCA and NCCT, and approved by SCHEV (State Council of Higher Education for Virginia). Our Phlebotomy Technician program offers online and hybrid options, and military funding options are available for those who qualify (eligibility and funding approval required). Ready to take the first step toward certification? Register today.