Phlebotomy Technicians play a key role in the medical field. Their main responsibility is to collect samples of a patient’s blood or other bodily fluids for the purpose of lab test to determine varying health conditions. Here we will outline the entire process of becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
The first step to your career as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) is to enroll in a training class. Newark, New Jersey is house to many state credited phlebotomy training programs that will prepare students for a Phlebotomy Technician career. A phlebotomy training program is generally between 40-80 in class hours and 20-40 clinical hours that will take place after completion of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute joined with the program. In Newark, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing a phlebotomy training school, it’s important to be thorough and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not 100% of them provide the critical training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer clinical hours, which are fundamental for gaining real-world experience drawing blood in a real lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the required requirements for national certification — even if you graduate from the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when evaluating a program is its accreditation and adherence to quality benchmarks. Accreditation is an official endorsement granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of curriculum, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In phlebotomy, attending an recognized training program ensures that you receive comprehensive education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare quality expectations.
After finishing a phlebotomy training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misinterpreted. This document does not make you a certified phlebotomist. It simply confirms that you’ve finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with zero experience.
To get certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps establish national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.
Certification must be renewed every two years, and completing continuing education is a core requirement for renewal if the a certification holder does not wish to take an additional exam. This ensures that certified phlebotomists remain in compliance with the latest industry standards, techniques, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide straightforward guidelines on the total and type of continuing education hours required, making it simple for professionals to maintain their credentials.
If you are planning to attend a phlebotomy training program and would like an NPS adviser to double check that the program is legit, contact us today.
Upon successful completion of a phlebotomy training class, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a extremely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your completion of a phlebotomy training school and is required to sit for the national certification examination for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.
To become certified, a phlebotomist must have their competency put to the test by a third-party credentialing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a phlebotomist must renew their certification once every two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can come in multiple formats, such as on-the-job workshops, online courses, webinars, or specialized training modules. These programs often include the latest best practices, safety protocols, and technological advancements in phlebotomy. Many professional organizations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help phlebotomists enhance and refine their skills.
There are a variety of certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the most recognized one can significantly impact your career.
Earning phlebotomy certification not only shows your expertise and commitment to high standards, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly engaging in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can strengthen their capabilities, grow their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers require certified candidates, making certification an valuable step toward becoming a strong applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes a full study guide, unlimited practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed 100% online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare with flexibility and from the convenience of home. Be sure to check whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are extra fees for advanced resources.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered for the competency exam, take advantage of a wide range of prep tools to boost your readiness. Many certification agencies offer resources such as detailed study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When evaluating prep tools, look for materials that match the exam’s content outline and focus on both academic material and practical skills.
Consider following a study schedule that incorporates daily review, targeted practice in trouble spots, and regular use of simulated practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help build your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, mock exams are invaluable for replicating the real test environment and pinpointing areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated practice exams, while others require payment for practice attempts.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is provided in your account. Your digital copy, along with your NPS transcripts, should be downloaded and printed for use as proof of certification.
Now that you’re a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), you’re ready to begin your medical career in Newark, New Jersey. Training in phlebotomy is an excellent starting point into the medical field, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified phlebotomists are in great demand across the healthcare industry due to the growth of healthcare services, a growing elderly population, and more frequent diagnostic tests. This rising demand supports a steady job market, making phlebotomy a stable and worthwhile career choice.
Phlebotomists typically are scheduled for a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $31,000, though wages can differ depending on location and experience. With expanding job openings and a relatively short training period, phlebotomy is a smart way to begin a rewarding healthcare career.
NPS works with multiple staffing agencies to help our members find a career in the phlebotomy field. Click here for more information on job placement assistance by NPS.
Certified Phlebotomy Technicians will be required to renew their CPT Certification every two years. A phlebotomist should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the week their credentials expires. This will allow the phlebotomist acceptable time to attend their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not have to go back to a training program or attend a class to renew your certification.
The renewal process can be completed entirely online in the NPS learning management system. The cost to renew your certification for the following two year period is $200.00. Renewing ensures your employer that you are dedicated to updating your knowledge in the phlebotomy field.
If your certification expires, many certifying agencies offer ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, sending in a renewal application, and paying a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with your certifying body for specific steps and cutoff dates to restore your active status.
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A Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI) is a highly capable phlebotomist with greater than 5 years of experience in the field. Phlebotomy Instructors can teach for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in Newark, New Jersey should provide students with the instructors background and credentials.
If a phlebotomist meets the requirements and wishes to become a Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI) they can undergo the entire process online. If you would prefer to speak with someone regarding the process, contact us today.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI).
National Performance Specialists is also partnered with the American Red Cross to provide job placement assistance to NPS Members and to assist the American Red Cross in recruiting quality candidates across the United States.
All NPS certification programs are proudly listed within the Certification Finder by CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration and is a proud partner of the AmericanJobCenter network.
