Phlebotomy Tech Prep: CPT Coming soon
A butterfly needle set with its tubing and tube holder, next to a lavender-top tube

30 + 10

venipunctures and capillary sticks on live individuals, on either pathway

CPT eligibility and registration

You need a high school diploma or equivalent, a training or work-experience pathway, and proof of 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks.

Eligibility

  • Step 1: High school diploma or equivalent (GED or another equivalency recognized by your state), or expect to earn one within the next 18 months (leads to a Provisional Certification).NHA Candidate Handbook, p.6 · NHA CPT page · NHA update log
  • Pathway 1 (training), completed within the past 5 years: a phlebotomy training program at an accredited or state-recognized institution or provider; or a U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship; or U.S. military formal medical services training.NHA Candidate Handbook, p.7 · NHA CPT page
  • Pathway 1, Employer Training Program Route: didactic portion completed and the employer has an agreement with NHA; on-the-job training must be completed and reported within 180 days of the exam date or the score is voided. No certificate is issued until then.NHA Candidate Handbook, p.7
  • Pathway 1, Pre-Externship Route: didactic portion completed and the institution has an agreement with NHA; the externship must be completed and reported within 90 days of the exam date or the score is voided.NHA Candidate Handbook, pp.7–8
  • Training completed 5 or more years before registration does not qualify for Pathway 1; use Pathway 2.NHA Candidate Handbook, p.8
  • Pathway 2 (work experience): at least 1 year of supervised work experience in the last 3 years, or 2 years in the last 5 years, in the phlebotomy field.NHA Candidate Handbook, p.8 · NHA CPT page
  • CPT requirement on either pathway: evidence that you have successfully performed at least 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary or finger sticks on live individuals, before the exam (or, if your institution agrees, within the Pre-Externship time frame).NHA Candidate Handbook, p.8 · NHA CPT page
  • Instructors can qualify by a separate route (teaching credential or 3 years of full-time health-science teaching, plus health licensure or 2 years of field experience, plus the 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks); they register individually and test at PSI or by LRP, never at their own institution.NHA Candidate Handbook, p.10
  • Provisional certification: from October 1, 2026 CPT provisional certifications last 18 months (previously 12), counted from the exam date. They cannot be renewed or reinstated; convert to a standard 2-year certification with proof of graduation, proof of training or work experience, and the 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks, or retake the exam if it lapses.NHA update log · NHA CPT page · NHA Candidate Handbook
  • Exception requests go to the Disciplinary & Appeals Committee on the Exceptions Request/Appeals form.NHA Candidate Handbook, p.12

How to register

  1. Create your own NHA account and complete your own application; a third party may not do this for you.
  2. Pay within 2 hours of applying or the application is voided (unless a school or employer pays for you).
  3. Schedule the date and location (online or in person); the exam payment is made during this step.

NHA Candidate Handbook, pp.13–15 · NHA CPT page

Exam fees are set by NHA and shown when you schedule; check the current fee on NHA’s website.

Rescheduling and refunds

  • Free reschedule to any date within 6 months of the original exam date.
  • PSI or LRP exams must be rescheduled or cancelled at least 24 hours before the appointment, or the fee is forfeited.
  • Exams at your school or employer must be rescheduled before the exam starts; approval is at the site's discretion.
  • Refunds only if NHA, PSI or the LRP provider cancels and you do not reschedule. PSI phone: 1.833.537.1330.

NHA Candidate Handbook, p.21

Testing accommodations

  • Request ADA accommodations with the NHA Request for Accommodations Form and allow 30 days for review.
  • Documentation: a letter from an objective (non-relative) qualified professional, or an active IEP for high school students (an acceptable 504 plan may be considered), stating the diagnosis, how it limits testing, onset date and expected duration if not permanent, and the specific accommodations requested.
  • Standard extra-time accommodation is 150% (1.5 times) of the normal time.
  • With some approved accommodations you may have to test at your institution or a PSI center; LRP may not be available. PSI Accommodations Department: 833.537.1330 ext. 6750.

NHA Candidate Handbook, pp.21–23

Facts checked on October 26, 2026 against NHA’s Candidate Handbook (updated June 1, 2026), the CPT test plan, the CPT exam FAQ and NHA’s CPT page; page numbers refer to the handbook. Rules can change: confirm with NHA before you register. Phlebotomy Tech Prep: CPT is an independent app, not made by or connected to NHA.

Sources

Read next