PBT (ASCP) - Phlebotomy Technician

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) grants the certification of Phlebotomy Technician (PBT).

Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from patients or blood donors. A medical professional who performs these procedures is called a phlebotomist.

Phlebotomy technicians are critical team members in hospitals, diagnostic labs, and blood donation centers. Some tasks phlebotomy technicians might perform are:

• Drawing blood from patients and donors

• Evaluating patients’ ability to withstand the procedure and helping them feel comfortable

• Explaining the procedure to patients and answering questions

• Performing point-of-care testing, like blood glucose levels

• Preparing specimens for testing

• Maintaining medical equipment

Types of certificates

• Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PBT-ASCP)

• Phlebotomy Technician Certificate (PTC-ASPT)

• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-NHA)

• Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT-AMT)

• Certified Phlebotomist Technologist (CPT-NPA)

Eligibility requirements

Phlebotomists need a high school diploma or GED and must take a phlebotomy training program. Allied medical practitioners such as nurses and certified nursing assistants can also pursue a certification in phlebotomy to broaden their skill set.

Individuals who have attended an Allied Health Program that included venipuncture techniques and a clinical practical with documented evidence of attendance can apply for certification. The program must award 16.0 continuing education units or be offered as a course with at least 160 contact hours of lecture time, excluding the phlebotomy practical. The training program must include at least 200 hours of practical experience either with mannequins or clinical practicum or both. The program elements must meet the NPA curriculum requirements.

Costs to certify

• Exam Fee: $135

• International Candidate Fee: $125. There is a discount of $95 for applicants that have a medical laboratory education and reside in specific countries listed in the International Pricing Policy.

• Fees will increase by $10 beginning July 1, 2023.

Certification is not required in most states to work as a phlebotomy technician, but it will help you in your job-seeking efforts. 

Complete an accredited phlebotomy program, which can take eight weeks to a year to become fully  certified. Programs may also require:

• High school diploma or GED

• A minimum GPA while in high school

• Immunization records

• Background check

• CPR certification

Continuing certification requirements vary based on the organization that issued the certification. An annual fee and completion of continuing education are typical requirements. Maintaining certification demonstrates that a professional is dedicated to maintaining quality work on an ongoing basis and has met knowledge standards set by a third-party agency.

The PBT renews every three years. 36 Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) are required for renewal.

Renewal Fee

• Renewal fee: $95

• Reinstatement fee: $125

• Fee is reduced by $15 if renewing multiple ASCP certifications that expire on the same day or will expire in three months of each other.

Effective 1/1/2023, all certification categories are required to complete one CMP point of continuing education in the area of medical ethics (e. g., HIPAA, compliance, confidentiality training.)

The ASCP offers resources for certification candidates, including:

• Content Guideline

• Procedures for the Exam and Certification

• Reading List

• Interactive Practice Exam (Cost: $79 for non-members and $59 for ASCP members)

The ASCP also offers the following:

• Histotechnician (HT)

• Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)