California Phlebotomy License Recertification

California is one of the states that does require state certification for individuals performing phlebotomy as phlebotomists. Unlike states where phlebotomy certification is primarily employer-driven, California regulates phlebotomy through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Laboratory Field Services (LFS).

California recognizes three levels of phlebotomy certification: Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT), Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I), and Certified Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT II). Each credential has a different scope of practice. LPTs may perform skin punctures only; CPT I technicians may perform skin punctures and venipunctures; and CPT II technicians may perform skin punctures, venipunctures, and arterial punctures.

This page walks through what it takes to become a certified phlebotomist in California, how California's training and examination requirements work, and what is required to maintain an active state certificate once you begin working.

Do You Need a License to Be a Phlebotomist in California?

Yes. California requires individuals who perform phlebotomy as phlebotomists to hold the appropriate state phlebotomy certification unless they fall within an exception recognized by California law, such as certain licensed healthcare professionals whose scope of practice already permits blood collection. The California Department of Public Health regulates three phlebotomy certification levels: LPT, CPT I, and CPT II.

This means California is different from states where phlebotomy certification is voluntary or primarily determined by employers. A person cannot simply complete a private phlebotomy course and begin working as a phlebotomist in California without obtaining the appropriate California certificate. California also requires applicants to meet specific education, training, examination, and practical experience requirements. Training must be completed through a phlebotomy program approved by the California Department of Public Health.

How to Become a Certified Phlebotomist in California

1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. California requires applicants for LPT, CPT I, and CPT II certification to provide evidence of the required secondary education. Acceptable pathways can include a high school diploma or recognized equivalency examination such as the GED, HiSET, or CHSPE.

2. Choose a California Department of Public Health-approved phlebotomy training program. California does not accept just any phlebotomy course for state certification. CDPH maintains a list of approved phlebotomy training programs, and its FAQ states that courses must come from programs listed by Laboratory Field Services.

3. Complete the required education and clinical training. Requirements depend on the certification level and the applicant's previous phlebotomy experience. For a new CPT I applicant with little or no qualifying work experience, California generally requires 40 hours of basic and advanced didactic training plus 40 hours of clinical practice, including at least 50 venipunctures, 10 skin punctures, and observation of arterial punctures.

4. Pass a national phlebotomy certification examination approved by CDPH. California requires applicants to pass a national certification examination from an organization approved by the Department. Approved organizations currently include American Certification Agency (ACA), American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), American Medical Technologists (AMT), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT/MMCI), and National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

5. Apply for California state certification through CDPH Laboratory Field Services. Passing the national examination does not by itself give you permission to work as a California phlebotomist. Applicants must submit the required documentation and apply for the appropriate California certificate through the state's application system.

6. Meet the requirements for the appropriate certification level. LPT, CPT I, and CPT II credentials have different scopes and eligibility requirements. Most individuals entering phlebotomy begin with the CPT I, which allows both skin puncture and venipuncture. CPT II requires additional experience and arterial puncture training.

7. Maintain your California certificate. California phlebotomy certificates must be renewed according to CDPH requirements. Beginning with the 2026 renewal cycle, California requires 3 contact hours of qualifying continuing education each year for LPT, CPT I, and CPT II certificates.

Phlebotomy Recertification in California

California phlebotomy renewal is handled by the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services, rather than solely by the national organization that administered the certification examination.

Important 2026 renewal change

California changed its clinical laboratory personnel renewal system in 2026. New licenses issued and renewals submitted from March 19, 2026, onward follow an annual renewal cycle. Certified phlebotomists must complete 3 contact hours of continuing education during the preceding year through a Department-approved accrediting agency or an accredited academic institution.

CDPH notes that some certificates issued or renewed during 2025 may still display a 2027 expiration date. Those certificates remain valid until the listed 2027 renewal, after which the annual renewal cycle applies.

To remain current, California phlebotomists should:

• Maintain an active California LPT, CPT I, or CPT II certificate.

• Complete 3 contact hours of qualifying CE each year.

• Make sure CE comes from a CDPH-approved accrediting agency or accredited academic institution.

• Submit the renewal application and required fee to CDPH.

• Monitor the certificate expiration date rather than relying solely on a renewal notice.

• Submit renewal at least 30 days before expiration when possible, which CDPH strongly recommends to allow adequate processing time.

• Maintain national certification separately if required or desired. CDPH states that renewal of national certification is optional from the state's perspective and must be handled directly through the national certifying organization.

What about the $100 renewal fee?

The CDPH fee schedule lists a $100 renewal fee for LPT, CPT I, and CPT II phlebotomy certification.

Because California's renewal system changed in 2026, phlebotomists should verify the current fee and renewal instructions through CDPH when submitting an application.

National Certification vs. California State Certification

It is important to understand that these are two separate credentials.

A national organization such as NHA, AMT, ASCP, or NCCT administers a certification examination that may be accepted by California. California then requires the applicant to obtain the appropriate state certificate through CDPH.

In other words:

National examination → California CDPH application → California phlebotomy certificate

Passing an approved national examination alone does not replace California state certification. CDPH specifically states that individuals must be certified by the State of California before working as phlebotomists, subject to applicable exceptions.

California Phlebotomy Certification Levels

California has three phlebotomy certification levels:

 

For most individuals entering the profession, CPT I is the primary California credential to investigate, because it authorizes both venipuncture and skin puncture collection.

Visit our Certification Requirements page to find the specific recertification and renewal requirements for your certifying body.

Our Certificate of Completion

When you complete continuing education through PhlebCE, your certificate includes:

• Recipient name

• CE credit hours awarded

• Course title

• Completion date

• License provider information

• Program director signature

This documentation is designed to satisfy the renewal requirements of the major phlebotomy certifying bodies operating in California, so you can submit it directly as proof of continuing education.

[Recertify with PhlebCE]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is renewal, and why does it matter?

California requires phlebotomists holding a Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT), Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I), or Certified Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT II) certificate to maintain an active state credential to practice within the applicable scope of phlebotomy. Renewal helps ensure that phlebotomy personnel remain current with professional knowledge and continuing education requirements. California changed its renewal system beginning in 2026. New licenses and certificates issued and renewals submitted on or after March 19, 2026, follow a one-year renewal cycle.

How do I renew my California phlebotomy license?

To renew your California phlebotomy certificate, you must:

1. Complete the required continuing education during the 12 months before submitting your renewal application.

2. Complete the renewal application through California's Personnel Licensing and Certification Online Renewal (PERL) system.

3. Upload the required CE certificates or an acceptable transcript.

4. Pay the applicable California renewal fee.

CDPH strongly recommends submitting the renewal application at least 30 days before the expiration date to allow enough time for processing. PhlebCE can help with the continuing education portion of the renewal process, provided the applicable course is offered through a CDPH-approved accrediting agency or an accredited academic institution.

How many CE hours do I need to renew my California phlebotomy license?

Under California's current renewal system, LPT, CPT I, and CPT II certificate holders must complete 3 contact hours of continuing education during the 12 months preceding renewal. The CE must be provided by a California Department of Public Health-approved accrediting agency or an accredited academic institution. This is an important update from the previous requirement of six contact hours every two years.

Can I complete my California phlebotomy CE online?

Yes, online CE may be used, provided the education meets California's current requirements. The CE must be provided by a CDPH-approved accrediting agency or an accredited academic institution. When selecting an online course, California phlebotomists should verify that the provider and course meet CDPH requirements before counting the hours toward renewal. PhlebCE offers online phlebotomy continuing education designed to help phlebotomists complete qualifying CE conveniently.

When should I renew my California phlebotomy certificate?

California now uses an annual renewal cycle for new licenses and certificates and renewals submitted on or after March 19, 2026. CDPH strongly recommends submitting the renewal application at least 30 days before the certificate expires. Because California is transitioning from the previous two-year renewal system, some certificates issued or renewed in 2025 may still display a 2027 expiration date. Those certificates remain valid through the expiration date shown on the certificate and transition to the annual renewal cycle after that renewal. Phlebotomists should check the expiration date on their individual certificate and follow the renewal instructions provided by CDPH.

What happens if my California phlebotomy certificate expires?

An expired California phlebotomy certificate should be renewed before the individual continues working in a capacity that requires the certificate. CDPH specifically provides a renewal process for expired certificates and requires 3 contact hours of CE completed within the previous 12 months for renewal of an expired LPT, CPT I, or CPT II certificate. Do not assume that an expired certificate can be treated as active while a renewal application is pending. Phlebotomists should verify their certificate status through CDPH's license verification system and follow CDPH's instructions for renewal.

How long is a renewed California phlebotomy certificate valid?

Under California's current renewal system, new licenses and certificates issued and renewals submitted on or after March 19, 2026, follow a one-year renewal period. There is a transition period, however. Some certificates issued or renewed in 2025 may still show a 2027 expiration date. CDPH states that these certificates remain valid through that listed expiration date and transition to the annual renewal cycle after the 2027 renewal. Therefore, the expiration date shown on an individual's current California certificate should be used when determining when that particular credential must be renewed.

Do I need to renew my NHA certification separately?

Yes. California state phlebotomy certification and national certification are separate credentials. If you hold an NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification, you must maintain that credential according to NHA's requirements in addition to maintaining your California LPT, CPT I, or CPT II certificate. NHA currently requires its applicable certifications to be renewed every two years with 10 continuing education credits, and NHA currently lists a $195 renewal fee for standard certification renewal. California's state renewal requirements do not replace NHA's requirements, and NHA renewal does not replace California state certification.

How many CE credits does NHA require for renewal?

NHA currently requires 10 continuing education credits every two years for its applicable certifications. NHA states that 2 hours of continuing education equals 1 NHA CE credit, meaning 10 NHA credits generally correspond to approximately 20 hours of qualifying continuing education. NHA generally accepts eligible CE from sources outside NHA, but certificate holders should verify that outside courses meet NHA's requirements before relying on them for renewal.

What happens if my NHA certification expires?

NHA currently provides different options depending on how long the certification has been expired:

• Less than 30 days: You may complete the normal renewal process without additional fees.

• More than 30 days but less than one year: You may reinstate the certification by completing the additional requirements, including 15 CE credits, the applicable renewal fee, and the reinstatement fee.

• More than one year: You must retake the NHA certification examination.

NHA currently lists the reinstatement cost for certifications more than 30 days but less than one year expired as $277.50 for renewal plus a $99 reinstatement fee, for a total of $376.50.

Does California require national certification renewal?

No. California state certification and national certification are separate. CDPH specifically states that renewal of national certification is optional and must be completed directly through the national certifying organization. However, an employer may require national certification as a condition of employment, so maintaining an NHA, ASCP, AMT, NCCT, or other accepted national credential may still be important for employment.

What documentation do I need for California CE renewal?

California requires renewal applications submitted through its online system to include CE certificates and/or acceptable unofficial transcripts.

Each CE certificate must include:

• The provider's name

• The applicant's name

• Course name and number

• Number of CE credits

• Date of completion

• Accrediting agency number

CDPH also states that the first and last name on the CE certificate must match the name of the renewal applicant in the online system. Phlebotomists should keep copies of all CE documentation for their records.

What is the California phlebotomy renewal fee?

The California Department of Public Health's fee schedule lists a $100 renewal fee for LPT, CPT I, and CPT II phlebotomy certification. Because fees and renewal procedures can change, phlebotomists should verify the current fee through CDPH before submitting a renewal application.

Can I use the same CE for my California license and NHA certification?

Potentially, but do not assume that every course will satisfy both organizations. California requires 3 contact hours of qualifying CE during the 12 months before state renewal. NHA requires 10 CE credits every two years and has its own rules for accepting outside education. A course may potentially be applicable to both credentials if it meets the requirements of both organizations, but phlebotomists should verify eligibility with each organization before counting the same education toward both renewal requirements.

Can PhlebCE help with my California phlebotomy renewal?

Yes, if the applicable PhlebCE course meets California's current CE-provider requirements. California requires LPT, CPT I, and CPT II certificate holders to complete 3 contact hours of CE from a CDPH-approved accrediting agency or an accredited academic institution during the 12 months preceding renewal. PhlebCE can provide online continuing education for phlebotomy professionals. Before advertising a specific PhlebCE course as satisfying California renewal requirements, verify that the course is offered through the appropriate CDPH-approved accrediting agency or accredited academic institution and that the course documentation contains the information required by CDPH.

What is the most important California renewal change I need to know?

The most important update is that California has moved away from the previous two-year/six-contact-hour renewal system. For new licenses and certificates issued and renewals submitted beginning March 19, 2026, California requires LPT, CPT I, and CPT II certificate holders to renew annually and complete 3 contact hours of qualifying CE during the preceding 12 months. Because of the transition, some existing certificates may still show a 2027 expiration date. Phlebotomists should follow the expiration date on their current certificate and the renewal instructions provided by CDPH.

View Requirements