NCPT (NCCT) - National Certified Phlebotomy Technician

The National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) certification is a professional credential for healthcare professionals skilled in the practice of phlebotomy – the drawing of blood for diagnostic testing, transfusions, research, or blood donations. This certification demonstrates proficiency in phlebotomy techniques, safety protocols, patient interaction and ethical and legal standards. It's offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

Completion Time: 3 hours

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• Completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program or equivalent on-the-job training.

• A high school diploma or equivalent is often required.

• Successful completion of a specific number of documented venipunctures and skin punctures, as required by the certifying organization.

• Passing a certification examination offered by a recognized organization.

Cost: $119

Exam Format

The NCPT exam typically consists of 125 multiple-choice questions (plus 25 unscored questions) covering areas such as phlebotomy fundamentals, specimen handling, patient care, and safety and compliance.

The exam assesses both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in phlebotomy.

Certification Process

Submit an application to a certifying organization such as NCCT or NHA.

To successfully pass the NCPT certification examination, you need to obtain a scaled test score of at least 390. The scaled test results range from 200 to 500, with some questions being worth more points than others based on their difficulty level.

NCPT certification generally requires renewal every year. Renewal typically involves completing continuing education credits in phlebotomy or related healthcare areas and paying a recertification fee.

The credential remains valid for five years from the certification issue date. If you do not complete the annual requirements for five consecutive years, the certification becomes invalid.

Renewal Fee:

• $89 to recertify a single NCCT certification

• $118 when recertifying 2 or more certifications at the same time

Annual CE/CEU requirement:

• NCPT requires 12 contact hours (CH)

• If NCPT is held with TS-C credential, the annual CH defaults to 14

• If NCPT is held with any other NCCT credential that is not TS-C, the requirement remains 12 CH

Continuing education for NCPTs may include new techniques in phlebotomy, updates in healthcare regulations, infection control practices, and patient communication skills.

• Candidate Handbook

• Test Plan

• Exam Preparation Material

For specific information regarding National Certified Phlebotomy Technician certification, including eligibility criteria, examination details, approved training programs and renewal processes, it's recommended to consult directly with the recognized certifying organization, the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). These organizations provide comprehensive resources and standards for phlebotomy technicians seeking certification.

Career Opportunities

National Certified Phlebotomy Technicians work in various settings, including hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, blood donation centers, and doctors’ offices.

Their responsibilities include blood specimen collection, proper labeling and handling of specimens, maintaining phlebotomy equipment, and ensuring patient safety and comfort.

The NCCT also offers the following certifications:

• National Certified ECG Technician (NCET)

• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

• National Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA)

• National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT)

• National Certified Insurance & Coding Specialist (NCICS)

• Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C)

• Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)