What is the NHA CPT Exam?

The CPT exam is a certification exam developed by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to evaluate the skills and knowledge of candidates who want to become Certified Phlebotomy Technicians.

Phlebotomy technicians are an essential part of the healthcare system. They work in medical offices, hospitals, and laboratories across the country. These professionals collect blood samples so that physicians can perform laboratory testing and make accurate diagnoses.

According to labor statistics, the demand for certified phlebotomy technicians is expected to increase by as much as 22% over the next 8–10 years.

CPT Exam Requirements

To register for the exam, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements.

Education Requirement:
Each applicant must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Eligibility: Training Program Completion or Work Experience

Each applicant must complete a training program from an accredited or state-approved educational institution.

DMS Care Training Center is a fully approved training institution registered with THHS and TWC, and it is also recognized by NHA. Students who complete the phlebotomy program at DMS Care Training Center are eligible to take the certification exam.

Students who complete an approved training program may take the exam within five years after graduation.

Applicants who have not completed a training program must qualify through work experience. This includes at least one year of work experience in an NHA-approved healthcare field within the past three years.

Clinical Skill Requirements

Candidates must complete at least:

• 30 successful venipunctures (using a mannequin)
• 10 successful capillary collections performed on real individuals

These clinical procedures must be completed either during a certified training program or through documented work experience.

CPT Exam Overview

The CPT exam is divided into five sections. Questions in each section evaluate the knowledge, concepts, and responsibilities that a phlebotomy technician must understand and perform in real clinical settings.

I. Safety and Compliance

This section focuses on potential hazards and safety regulations associated with working with blood specimens. Topics include:

• Compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, operational standards, and ethical standards
• Quality control
• Sharps handling
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Hand hygiene
• Infection control
• Exposure control

II. Patient Preparation

This section focuses on introducing yourself to the patient, explaining the procedure, determining the best collection site, and confirming patient cooperation.

• Patient interaction
• Obtaining consent
• Knowledge of special considerations
• Selecting appropriate venipuncture sites
• Instructions for patients who cannot provide blood samples
• Understanding proper timing for specimen collection

III. Routine Blood Collection

This section focuses on routine tasks such as specimen labeling, post-procedure patient care, tourniquet application, and venipuncture order of draw.

• Equipment assembly
• Order of draw for venipuncture
• Specimen labeling
• Post-procedure care

IV. Special Collections

This section focuses on non-routine blood collection procedures such as peripheral blood smears, blood culture collection, and donor blood collection.

• Non-blood specimens
• Skin preparation
• Correct blood volume based on the required test

V. Processing

This section focuses on procedures used after obtaining specimens.

• Handling procedures
• Specimen handling, storage, and disposal
• Centrifugation techniques
• Entering and retrieving data from laboratory information systems

CPT Exam Retake Policy

First Retake
If a candidate does not receive a passing score on the first attempt, they must wait 30 days before retaking the exam.

Second Retake
If a passing score is not achieved after the second attempt, the candidate must wait another 30 days before the next exam attempt.

Third Retake
If the candidate does not pass after the third attempt, they must wait 12 months before taking the exam again.

Fourth Retake
After the fourth exam attempt, another 12-month waiting period is required before taking the exam again.