California Phlebotomy License Recertification

Continuing Education Requirements:

• California requires phlebotomists to hold an active state certification to practice. Before renewing your license, you must meet the following continuing education requirements:

  • Complete six contact hours of continuing education

  • Applies to Limited Phlebotomy Technicians (LPT) and Certified Phlebotomy Technicians (CPT 1 and CPT 2)

  • CE must be provided by a department-approved accrediting agency or an accredited academic institution

  PhlebCE offers a simple way to complete your required California phlebotomy continuing education online. Our courses are designed for phlebotomy professionals, making it easy to earn your CE hours, receive your completion documentation and stay on track for renewal.

  For the most up-to-date licensing information or to renew your phlebotomy license online, visit the California Department of Public Health’s page on clinical laboratory personnel licenses and certificates.

How to Renew Your California Phlebotomy License

Phlebotomists in California must have an active license to work. If your license has expired, you should renew it before applying for or accepting phlebotomy employment.

To renew your California phlebotomy license, keep the following requirements and timelines in mind:

• Complete six contact hours of continuing education from an accredited institution or an accrediting agency approved by the California Department of Public Health.

• Submit your renewal application online through the state’s renewal system.

• Pay the $100 online renewal application fee required by the state.

• Watch for your renewal notice, which is typically sent 75 days before your license expires.

• Renew on time. You can complete renewal up to 60 days before expiration, but it should be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration date to avoid delays.

• Maintain your renewed license, which is valid for two more years once approved.

PhlebCE makes the continuing education step simple with online phlebotomy CE courses that help you complete your required hours and stay on track for renewal.

Key Things to Remember

Before renewing your California phlebotomy license, keep these important details in mind:

• California phlebotomists must hold an active license to practice.

• Limited Phlebotomy Technicians and Certified Phlebotomy Technicians are required to complete six contact hours of continuing education.

• Continuing education must be completed through an accredited institution or an accrediting agency approved by the California Department of Public Health.

• Renewal notices are typically sent 75 days before your license expires.

• You can renew your license up to 60 days before the expiration date.

• To avoid delays, renewal should be completed at least 30 days before your license expires.

• The state requires a $100 fee for online renewal applications.

• Once approved, your California phlebotomy license is renewed for two years.

PhlebCE helps make the continuing education step simple by offering online phlebotomy CE courses that help you complete your required hours and stay on track for renewal.

NHA Certification Renewal Requirements

If you hold a National Healthcareer Association (NHA) phlebotomy certification, you’ll also need to meet NHA renewal requirements to keep your national certification active.

Key things to know about NHA certification renewal:

• Renewal is required every two years

• 10 continuing education credits are required for renewal

• This equals approximately 20 hours of continuing education

• Continuing education credits may be completed through NHA CE courses or approved outside educational programs and institutions

• NHA reviews outside CE credits based on relevance to allied healthcare, current events and industry trends

• Two hours of attendance at a qualified continuing education program typically equals one continuing education credit

• The NHA certification renewal fee is $185 every two years

• CE access may be included as part of the NHA renewal fee

PhlebCE can help you complete continuing education for your California phlebotomy license, while NHA certification renewal should be managed through your NHA certification portal. Be sure to confirm whether any outside CE credits are eligible before applying them toward your NHA renewal.

If your certification has expired:

If your NHA phlebotomy certification has expired, your next steps depend on how long it has been inactive:

• Expired less than 30 days ago: You may be able to complete the normal renewal process without paying additional fees.

• Expired more than 30 days but less than one year: You may be eligible to reinstate your certification, but additional requirements apply. To reinstate, you must complete 15 continuing education credits and pay both the renewal and reinstatement fees.

• Expired more than one year ago: You must retake and pass the NHA certification exam to become certified again.

For certifications expired between 30 days and one year, the renewal fee is $277.50 and the reinstatement fee is $99, for a total of $376.50.

PhlebCE can help you complete continuing education for your California phlebotomy license, but NHA renewal, reinstatement and exam requirements should be completed through your NHA certification portal.

Stay Current With Your Phlebotomy Certification

Renewing your phlebotomy certification is more than just a requirement. It helps you stay current with industry standards, continue building your skills and demonstrate your commitment to safe, effective patient care.

For NHA-certified phlebotomists, renewal also shows that you’ve completed continuing education related to the latest protocols, techniques and best practices in allied health. Staying certified can help support your long-term career growth, especially since many healthcare employers require or prefer active certification.

Whether you’re renewing your California phlebotomy license, maintaining your NHA certification or both, completing your continuing education on time is an important step. PhlebCE makes it simple to complete your required CE online, stay on track for renewal and keep moving forward in your phlebotomy career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is renewal, and why does it matter?

 

The California Department of Public Health requires that all phlebotomists renew their certification every two years. As professionals, it is also important to keep abreast of current trends in the field. Phlebotomy is a burgeoning field, and those wanting to work in it must continue to learn and adapt to its demands. The renewal process ensures that applicants are kept updated on their profession.

How do I renew my California phlebotomy license?

To renew your California phlebotomy license, you’ll need to complete the required continuing education hours, submit your renewal application online and pay the state renewal fee. PhlebCE makes the continuing education step simple by offering online CE courses designed for phlebotomy professionals.

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

California requires Limited Phlebotomy Technicians (LPT) and Certified Phlebotomy Technicians (CPT 1 and CPT 2) to complete six contact hours of continuing education before renewing their license.

Can I complete my California phlebotomy CE online?

Yes. California phlebotomists can complete continuing education online as long as the CE is provided by an approved accrediting agency or accredited academic institution. PhlebCE offers online phlebotomy CE courses to help you complete your renewal requirements conveniently.

When should I renew my California phlebotomy license?

Renewal notices are typically sent 75 days before your license expires. You can renew up to 60 days before the expiration date, but it’s best to complete renewal at least 30 days before expiration to avoid delays.

What happens if my California phlebotomy license expires?

If your California phlebotomy license expires, you should renew it before seeking or continuing phlebotomy employment. Phlebotomists in California must hold an active license to practice.

How long is a renewed California phlebotomy license valid?

Once your renewal is approved, your California phlebotomy license is renewed for two more years.

Do I need to renew my NHA certification separately?

Yes. If you hold an NHA certification, it has separate renewal requirements from your California phlebotomy license. NHA certification renewal is typically required every two years and includes continuing education requirements through NHA or eligible outside education programs.

What happens if my NHA certification expires?

If your NHA certification expired less than 30 days ago, you may be able to complete the normal renewal process. If it expired more than 30 days but less than one year ago, you may need to reinstate your certification by completing additional CE credits and paying reinstatement fees. If it expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the NHA certification exam.

Can PhlebCE help with my California phlebotomy renewal?

Yes. PhlebCE helps California phlebotomists complete their required continuing education online, making it easier to stay on track for renewal and maintain an active license.