Exam Information
The NHCO certification exam assesses your knowledge and readiness for professional practice.
Find key details on scheduling, ID requirements, and secure testing.
Exam Schedule
Exams are available on-demand through our remote proctoring system. Schedule your exam at a time that works best for you.
Required ID
A valid government-issued photo ID is required. The name on your ID must match the name on your application exactly.
Remote Proctoring
Take your exam from home or office with our secure online proctoring. Ensure a quiet, well-lit space with a reliable internet connection.
Exam Eligibility
Minimum Education
Be a high school graduate or hold a state-recognized equivalent (e.g., GED, HiSET). Documentation such as an official transcript, diploma, or equivalent credential is required.
Minimum Age
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
Application Submission
Submit a complete application through the official NHCO portal.
Eligibility Attestation
Sign the Eligibility Attestation Statement certifying that all submitted information is accurate and truthful under penalty of disqualification or revocation.
Exam Development
The NHCO’s Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) examination is developed and maintained by a dedicated team, including psychometricians, subject matter experts, and the NHCO’s General Credentialing Board. The process encompasses a comprehensive job task analysis, detailed test planning, item development, and test assembly. Additionally, the exam undergoes thorough, consistent review to ensure its effectiveness and fairness.
Exams were built using industry-accepted textbooks, including:
- Phlebotomy: Worktext and Procedures Manual, by Warekois and Robinson
- The Phlebotomy Textbook, by McCall and Tankersley
Exam Focus Areas
The NHCO tests candidates in four focus areas that are specific to phlebotomy and the healthcare industry. A percentage of questions comes from each area. The chart shows how the exam is divided into these categories.
| Focus Areas | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Order and Patient Verification | 15% |
| Safety Protocols | 24% |
| Communication | 7% |
| Phlebotomy Procedures | 54% |
Exam Standard Setting
To make recommendations to the NHCO on passing scores for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) examination form(s), the NHCO’s contracted psychometrician conducted a one-day standard-setting study with subject matter Experts. They reviewed the 100-item scored exam forms (115 total; 15 unscored items) used to conduct the standard-setting study. The standard setting methodologies included a modified Angoff, Direct Consensus, Hofstee, and Beuk. The outcome is noted within the exam specifications. This is conducted as deemed appropriate under typical national testing standards.
Exam Specifications
- Passing score: 560 or higher
- Total questions: 115, including 15 pretest questions
- Time allotment: 2 hours
- Format: Online, proctored
- Question type: Four multiple-choice options per question
Exam Specifications
- Passing score: 560 or higher
- Total questions: 115, including 15 pretest questions
- Time allotment: 2 hours
- Format: Online, proctored
- Question type: Four multiple-choice options per question
Exam Preparation
Candidates must receive a score of 560 or higher to obtain their certification. Test takers will be notified of their exam results via email within 7–10 business days.
The NHCO offers preparation materials aimed at helping you succeed. Purchasing these materials does not guarantee a successful outcome on the NHCO’s exam.
Study Tips
Study Practice Exams
Review Course Materials
Keep a Positive Mindset
Focus on Weak Areas
Create Flashcards
Rest Ahead of Exam
Exam Results
Candidates must receive a score of 560 or higher to obtain their certification. Test takers will be notified of their exam results via email within 7-10 business days.
If a candidate obtains a passing score, their high-resolution, printable digital certificate will be attached to the email. The NHCO does not print and mail physical copies of certificates.
Retesting
If candidates do not achieve a passing score on their first attempt, they may choose to retake the exam. To apply for a second exam attempt, candidates must submit an exam retake application and pay the $125 exam fee in their online account. Candidates will have 30 days from the date of purchase to submit their retake application, have it approved, and attempt the exam.
To apply for a third exam attempt, candidates must follow the same steps as listed above.
Invalid Results
Test results may be invalidated for reasons such as failure to finish the test or cheating. Candidates whose test results are deemed invalid will receive an email containing the reason for the invalidation and instructions on how to proceed.
Exam Security Policy
The NHCO's examination administration and security standards are designed to ensure that all candidates are provided the same opportunity to demonstrate abilities.
Discipline
The NHCO has a zero-tolerance cheating policy. If a candidate has been caught cheating, a notification will be sent via email. Candidates who have cheated are indefinitely banned from retaking the exam.
Individuals may have their certification revoked for various reasons including, but not limited to, fraud, unauthorized certification use, and legal offenses.
Remedial Assistance
If a third exam attempt is unsuccessful, remedial assistance is required before candidates can apply to retake the exam again. Candidates must seek remediation assistance from a state- or federally-approved training provider.
Exam Rules
To protect the integrity of the examination and ensure a fair testing environment for every candidate, the following rules apply throughout the exam session.
- All exams must be completed in a single two-hour session.
- Candidates are not permitted to pause the exam and return later to complete it for any reason.
- Reference books or study materials of any kind are not permitted during the examination.
- Paper, pens, highlighters, and similar materials are strictly prohibited during the exam.
- The proctor will not answer any questions related to exam content during the testing session.
- Once the exam has started, candidates are not permitted to discuss or review the exam until it has been completed.
- Candidates are allowed one clear bottle of water during the exam. No other food or beverages are permitted.
- Candidates are not allowed to leave the examination room at any time during the exam. Please use the restroom before beginning the examination.
- Any attempt to remove exam content from the testing platform is strictly prohibited and will be considered theft of exam materials. This includes copying, photographing, recording, or attempting to memorize exam content for later distribution.
- Exams may not be taken in public areas.
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, earpieces, headphones, or any other electronic devices are strictly prohibited during the exam.
- Electronic devices synchronized with the testing device are not permitted.
- Reading exam content aloud is not permitted.
- No unauthorized individuals are allowed in the examination area during the exam session.
Appeals
All individuals who take the NHCO examination have the right to appeal decisions. To appeal a decision, submit an appeals request form. The NHCO will review the appeal, and the candidate will be notified of the decision via email.