CPT by NHCO

CERTIFIED PHLEBOTOMY TECHNICIAN (CPT) EXAM

Organization offering the exam: National Healthcare Certification Organization

Contact information:

Address: 10808 S Riverfront Parkway Suite 3018 South Jordan, Utah  84095
Email: info@nhcocert.com

NHCO-CPT certification is intended for graduates of state-approved Phlebotomy Training programs from private postsecondary or higher education facilities. https://www.nhcocert.com/

NHCO’s certification program aims to:

• Foster and promote consistent and accurate updates within the Phlebotomy industry.
• Certify phlebotomists on a national scale with proven psychometric phlebotomy examinations offered throughout the nation through educational facilities and testing sites. https://www.nhcocert.com/

NHCO certification is recognized and approved nationally through agencies and postsecondary institutions.

Length of test (time): Time allotment is 2 hours
Number of questions on the exam: 115, including the 15 pretest questions
Cost to take the test: $125

Information that is covered on the exam:

• Order and Patient Verification: 15 Items
  • Interpret requisition forms and tube selection: 6 items
  • Verify patient information for a specific task: 5 items
  • Identify types of consent: 4 Items
• Safety Protocols: 24 Items
  • Apply procedural concepts regarding PPE regulations: 5 items
  • Identify hand hygiene techniques: 3 items
  • Apply procedural concepts regarding lab standards (OSHA and HIPPA): 6 items
  • Given a scenario, apply procedural concepts regarding risk management procedures: 3 items
  • Apply procedural concepts related to maintaining a clean work environment: 3 items
  • Interpret Federal, State, and Local Guidelines: 4 items
• Communication: 7 Items
  • Apply procedural concepts related to performing an introduction: 4 items
  • Communicate procedure to the patient: 3 items
• Phlebotomy Procedures: 54 Items
  • Apply protocols required to assemble supplies and prepare the environment for the draw: 6 items
  • Determine appropriate site selection on patients ranging from neonatal to adult to geriatric: 11 items
  • Compare Special Specimen procurement methods: 5 items
  • Identify skin antiseptics: 4 items
  • Apply procedural concepts when performing venipuncture using the correct order of draw: 13 items
  • Identify disposal techniques for needles and sharps: 3 items
  • Apply procedural concepts when performing post-puncture care: 4 items
  • Identify Point of Care testing: 3 items
  • Apply protocols to maintain the integrity of the specimen during handling and transportation: 5 items

 

Eligibility to sit for the exam:

• Each candidate must be above the age of 18.
• Each candidate must have completed all their qualifying education and experience within the past five years.
• Each candidate must have a minimum of a high school diploma or G.E.D. or other equivalent credentials.
• Every candidate must be able to provide evidence they have successfully performed a minimum of 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks on live individuals.
  
  

Renewal information:

Renewal Fees:

• $100 per renewal period of 2 years
• $25 reinstatement fee if the certificate is expired more than 1 day but less than 2 years
• For certificates expired more than 2 years but less than 4 the reinstatement is $225

Renewal Documentation:

• Required proof for a certification that is active and non-expired requires 20 hours of continuing education.
• Required proof for a certification that has been expired for more than one day but less than two years requires 30 hours of continuing education.
• Required proof for a certitfication that has been expired for more than two years but less than four years requires 40 hours of continuing education.
  
  

Additional Information about the exam:

Every candidate will receive their exam score immediately upon completing the examination and an email with the same information. If the candidate passes, they will then be sent a certificate via email. If the candidate fails, they will be contacted and instructed on how to register for the exam again. 

Candidates are not graded on a curve and do not compete against fellow candidates. The candidate is required to score a 71% or higher in order to pass the exam. All individuals who pass the exam regardless of their score demonstrate an acceptable level of knowledge.

Retesting: Phlebotomy Technician candidates who are unsuccessful in passing the examination may resubmit an application immediately; however, they are limited to taking three examinations in one calendar year. Candidates are required to resubmit an application and payment each time.

Links to any official documents:

https://www.nhcocert.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/NHCO-Candidate-Handbook.pdf

Resources:

1. https://www.nhcocert.com/
2. https://www.nhcocert.com/renew-your-certification/

3. https://www.nhcocert.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/NHCO-Candidate-Handbook.pdf