Phlebotomy (CPT) guide · updated 2026-09-29

NHA CPT eligibility, cost and retake policy

To sit the NHA CPT exam you need a high school diploma or GED, a phlebotomy training program or at least one year of supervised work experience, and documented proof of at least 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary or finger sticks on live people. If you fail you can retest after 30 days, up to three attempts, and each attempt is paid in full.

Eligibility requirements

NHA changed the wording in 2022 so that finger sticks count toward the 10 capillary collections, since finger sticks are what most patient care settings actually use.

A high school diploma or equivalent such as the GED.
Either completion of a training program in the field, or supervised work experience: at least one year within the past three years, or two years within the past five years.
Proof that you have successfully performed at least 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary or finger sticks on live individuals.

What the exam costs

NHA charges the exam fee when you register, and the price is shown in your NHA account at checkout. Published guides from training programs put the CPT exam at about $125, but NHA changes prices from time to time and many schools bundle the fee into tuition, so check the price in your account before you budget.

Study materials and practice tests from NHA are sold separately. Nothing on the NHA side requires you to buy them to sit the exam.

Retake policy

Use the 30 days. Your score report breaks results down by domain, so start with the weakest one rather than rereading everything.

After a first or second unsuccessful attempt you can reapply after 30 days.
After a third unsuccessful attempt you must wait 12 months before testing again.
Every attempt, including retakes, is paid in full.

The 2026 exam change and retakes

The current CPT exam went live on January 7, 2026. NHA noted that anyone who tested and failed within the 30 days before a new version launched had to retest on the new version. The same rule is likely to apply to future updates, so if a new version is announced for your test window, study from the newer test plan.

After you pass

Your certification number appears in your NHA account once you pass with 390 or higher. NHA certifications are renewed on a two-year cycle with continuing education; check your account for the current number of credits and the renewal fee.

Frequently asked questions

How many sticks do I need for the NHA CPT?

At least 30 successful venipunctures and 10 capillary or finger sticks, performed on live individuals and documented.

Can I take the CPT without a training program?

Yes, if you have at least one year of supervised work experience in the field within the past three years, or two years within the past five, plus the documented sticks.

How soon can I retake the NHA CPT?

After 30 days. You get three attempts before a 12 month wait applies.

Try the free Phlebotomy (CPT) practice test

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Sources: NHA Help Center: eligibility requirements to take an NHA exam · NHA: CPT eligibility update · NHA: What to do if you did not pass your exam · NHA: New CPT certification exam and study materials. Independent study material. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Healthcareer Association.

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NHA and National Healthcareer Association are trademarks of the National Healthcareer Association. ExamWeight is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NHA. Questions are original and written against the published Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) test plan.