Most states don’t require certification to be a phlebotomy technician, but 93% of employers do require you to be certified.
To become certified, you’ll need to complete a training program that includes 20 hours of basic training, 20 hours of advanced training, and 40 hours of clinical training.
Then, you will take the NHA Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) exam.
The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll have two hours to complete it.
To pass, you’ll need a score of 390 out of 500.
Before you take the CPT exam, take our practice test.
The test includes topics covered on the NHA exam, including how to handle blood specimens, blood chemistry, how to measure certain attributes, how to work with patients, and the location and names of specific blood vessels.
Phlebotomy Technician Certification Practice Test
Question 1 |
Radial vein | |
Median cubital vein | |
Cephalic vein | |
Basilic vein |
Question 2 |
To dilate the veins | |
To prevent hematoma formation | |
To anchor the needle in place | |
To locate the veins more easily |
Question 3 |
45 degrees | |
60 degrees | |
90 degrees | |
30 degrees |
Question 4 |
Green top tube | |
Lavender top tube | |
Red top tube | |
Blue top tube |
Question 5 |
To mix the anticoagulant with the blood | |
To prevent hemolysis | |
To promote clot formation | |
To increase sample volume |
Question 6 |
Heel | |
Earlobe | |
Finger | |
Wrist |
Question 7 |
Heparin | |
EDTA | |
Sodium citrate | |
Sodium fluoride |
Question 8 |
To collect larger volumes of blood | |
To facilitate blood flow in small veins | |
To minimize the risk of hemolysis | |
To decrease the likelihood of contamination |
Question 9 |
Red, lavender, green | |
Lavender, red, green | |
Green, lavender, red | |
Red, green, lavender |
Question 10 |
Mislabeling of tubes | |
Analyzing samples too quickly | |
Calibration issues with equipment | |
Recording patient information accurately |
Question 11 |
The act of puncturing a vein | |
The application of a tourniquet | |
The process of drawing blood | |
The congestion or stagnation of blood in a vein |
Question 12 |
To anchor the needle | |
To locate the veins more easily | |
To prevent hematoma formation | |
To assess the patient's pain tolerance |
Question 13 |
Wearing gloves | |
Using a tourniquet | |
Properly disposing of sharps | |
Hand hygiene before and after the procedure |
Question 14 |
Blood glucose | |
Complete blood count (CBC) | |
Prothrombin time (PT) | |
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) |
Question 15 |
Yellow, blue, red, green | |
Red, blue, green, yellow | |
Green, yellow, blue, red | |
Blue, red, green, yellow |
Question 16 |
Antecubital area | |
Dorsal hand vein | |
Heel | |
Femoral vein |
Question 17 |
Hemolysis | |
Petechiae | |
Ecchymosis | |
Thrombosis |
Question 18 |
Increased red blood cell count | |
Decreased platelet count | |
An elevated white blood cell count | |
Concentration of blood components due to prolonged tourniquet application |
Question 19 |
Clot activation | |
Anticoagulation | |
Preservation of glucose | |
Separation of serum |
Question 20 |
Median cubital vein | |
Cephalic vein | |
Basilic vein | |
Radial vein |
Question 21 |
Clot formation | |
Inflammation of blood vessels | |
Collection of blood outside a blood vessel | |
Abnormal increase in red blood cell count |
Question 22 |
Ensuring proper sample identification | |
Preventing contamination during collection | |
Tracking the transportation of samples | |
Maintaining the integrity of the specimen |
Question 23 |
Hematoma | |
Phlebitis | |
Thrombophlebitis | |
Ecchymosis |
Question 24 |
1 minute | |
2 minutes | |
3 minutes | |
4 minutes |
Question 25 |
Mislabeling of tubes | |
Failure to properly mix the blood | |
Inadequate cleaning of the puncture site | |
Incorrect patient identification |
Question 26 |
Puncturing an artery | |
Puncturing a vein | |
Puncturing a capillary | |
Puncturing a lymph vessel |
Question 27 |
Failing to check patient identification | |
Using an incorrect needle gauge | |
Improperly disposing of sharps | |
Inadequate hand hygiene |
Question 28 |
Ensuring patient comfort during venipuncture | |
Identifying the optimal puncture site | |
Reducing the risk of infection | |
Selecting the appropriate needle size |
Question 29 |
Use a larger needle | |
Insert the needle quickly | |
Pull back on the plunger forcefully | |
Reinsert the needle in the same spot |
Question 30 |
Ensuring proper disposal of needles | |
Administering medications | |
Diagnosing medical conditions | |
Prescribing treatment plans |