CPT by NHCO Phlebotomy Exam

Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Exam Details
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/

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

What Is the NHCO Phlebotomy Exam?

The NHCO Phlebotomy Exam — officially the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam — is administered by the National Healthcare Certification Organization (NHCO) to validate the skills of phlebotomy professionals nationwide. It's a 100-question scored exam (plus 15 unscored pretest items) covering patient verification, safety protocols, communication, and hands-on phlebotomy procedures. Below, you'll find the full exam breakdown, eligibility requirements, study guidance, sample questions, and how the NHCO CPT stacks up against other phlebotomy certifications.

Information That is Covered on the NHCO Phlebotomy 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 for the Exam:

To sit for the NHCO CPT exam, candidates must:

• 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 years, 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 certification that has been expired for more than two years but less than four years requires 40 hours of continuing education.
  
  

Additional Information about the NHCO Phlebotomy 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.

How to Register for the NHCO Phlebotomy Exam

1. Complete a qualifying phlebotomy training program (or verify your existing training falls within the 5-year eligibility window).

2. Document your clinical experience – For example, 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks on live subjects.

3. Create your NHCO candidate account and submit your eligibility documentation.

4. Pay the $125 exam fee and schedule your testing appointment.

5. Take the 2-hour, 115-question exam and receive your results immediately.

6. Receive your CPT certificate by email upon passing.

Ready to prepare? Explore PhleboCE's NHCO exam prep resources to review content by domain, take timed practice questions, and walk into your exam with confidence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NHCO Phlebotomy Exam?

It's the certification exam administered by the National Healthcare Certification Organization (NHCO) that awards the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential to candidates who demonstrate competency in patient verification, safety protocols, communication, and phlebotomy procedures.

Is the NHCO CPT a nationally recognized certification?

Yes. The CPT credential is a national certification, meaning it's recognized by employers and training programs across the U.S., not limited to a single state.

How soon can I retake the NHCO exam after failing?

You have 30 days from the date you purchase your retake to get approved and complete the attempt – this isn't an open-ended window, so don't purchase a retake before you're actually ready to schedule and sit for it, or you risk the window closing before you've adequately restudied.

What happens if I fail the NHCO exam three times?

After a third unsuccessful attempt, NHCO requires you to complete remedial assistance through a state- or federally-approved training provider before you're allowed to test again. This is a meaningful checkpoint: if you're on your second failed attempt, it's worth being honest with yourself about whether additional structured training (rather than just more self-study) would serve you better before spending another $125.

Can I take the NHCO exam without completing a training program?

No, your qualifying phlebotomy education has to have been completed within the past 5 years. If you're evaluating training programs and NHCO is your target certification, confirm directly with the program that it meets NHCO's qualifying education criteria before enrolling, rather than assuming any phlebotomy course will automatically qualify.

Do I need clinical experience before I can sit for the NHCO exam, and how should I document it?

Yes – a minimum of 30 successful venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks on live subjects, and this needs to be documented, typically through your training program's clinical log. Keep your own copy of this documentation even after submitting it to NHCO; if there's ever a dispute about your eligibility or you need to reapply for a related certification later, having your own records saves you from having to track down your training provider months or years after the fact.