PBT (ASCP) - Phlebotomy Technician

  • Application fee $145
  • Renews every 3 years

COURSE FORMAT

In Person

About

The Phlebotomy Technician certification is a professional credential for healthcare workers who specialize in drawing blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations. This certification is offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and demonstrates proficiency in phlebotomy techniques, knowledge of safety and ethical standards, and the ability to provide quality patient care.

Application Fee: $145

International Fee: $135. 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.

Course Format

The Phlebotomy Technician certification exam typically assesses a candidate's knowledge in areas such as venipuncture procedure, patient preparation, infection control, and specimen handling.

  • Exam Length: Approximately 2-3 hours

  • Question Format: Includes 80 multiple-choice questions. When a question is answered correctly, the next test question will have a slightly higher level of difficulty. The level of difficulty continues to increase until a question is answered incorrectly.

  • Passing Criteria: Questions are rated on a scale of 100-999. The higher a question is rated, the harder the question will be to answer. To pass the exam, your final question must be rated on or above the 400 mark.

Exam Registration and Testing

Candidates must:

  1. Meet the eligibility criteria, which usually include completing a phlebotomy training program or having a certain amount of phlebotomy work experience.

  2. Register for the exam through the chosen certifying organization’s website and pay the examination fee.

  3. Schedule the exam at an authorized testing center.

  4. Follow testing center protocols, including presenting valid identification.

  5. Complete the exam within the designated time frame.

  6. Receive results, often available shortly after the exam.

Certification

Before pursuing Phlebotomy Technician certification, candidates typically complete a phlebotomy program or gain experience in the field. After certification, technicians may seek advanced credentials in laboratory science or specialized areas of healthcare.

Certification Steps

  1. Education and/or Experience: Complete an accredited phlebotomy program or acquire relevant work experience.

  2. Application: Apply for the certification exam through a recognized certifying organization.

  3. Examination: Successfully pass the Phlebotomy Technician certification exam.

  4. Certification Issuance: Obtain certification upon meeting all requirements and passing the exam.

Renewal

Phlebotomy Technician certification is valid for a three-year period. The renewal process includes:

  1. Completing continuing education credits in relevant areas.

  2. Submitting a renewal application and fee to the certifying organization.

  3. Meeting any additional requirements set by the certifying body.

Renewal Fee

  • Renewal Fee: $100

  • Reinstatement Fee: $135

  • Fee is reduced by $20 if renewing multiple ASCP certifications that expire on the same day or will expire in three months of each other.

Other Resources

Study materials for the Phlebotomy Technician exam include textbooks, practice tests, online courses, and review classes that cover essential phlebotomy skills and knowledge.

Related Certifications

The ASCP also offers the following:

  • Histotechnician (HT)

  • Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)

  • Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

Other related certifications include:

  • AMT Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT)

  • NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

  • NPA Certified Phlebotomist Technologist (CPT)

  • NCCT National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT)

  • ASPT Phlebotomy Technician Certificate (PTC)

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Frequently asked questions

Can I earn a ASCP Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) online?

No you can't earn a ASCP Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) online.

What organization offers the Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)?

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers the Phlebotomy Technician (PBT).

What other certifications does the ASCP offer besides the Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)?

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) also offers the following certifications:

  • Histotechnician (HT)

  • Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)

  • Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

If I am outside the U.S., am I eligible to apply for Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) certification through the ASCP?

For questions related to international Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) applicants, access the ASCP Board of Certification handbook for international candidates.

Are paper ASCP Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) certification exams available?

No, paper ASCP Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) certification exams aren't available. The ASCP uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) because it measures knowledge and skills more accurately and quickly than standard fixed-form tests. In CAT, a more difficult question follows a correct answer and a less difficult question follows an incorrect answer to identify the test taker’s ability level in each area.

When do I find out if I passed the ASCP Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) exam?

Examinees will receive unofficial pass/fail results at the testing center on completion of the ASCP Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) exam. An official results report is available online within four business days.

What if I fail the ASCP Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) exam?

If you fail the ASCP Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) exam, you receive unofficial pass/fail results at the testing center on completion of the exam. Once you receive an email notification with your results, you may submit a new application and fee to retake the exam. You must wait a minimum of 90 days to retake the exam.