Steps to become a phlebotomist
Most phlebotomists follow four steps: a high school diploma, a phlebotomy training program with supervised blood draws, a national certification exam, and any state certificate.[ooh_phleb][nha_cpt]
- Finish high school or a GED. NHA requires it for the CPT exam.[nha_cpt]
- Complete a phlebotomy program. BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry-level education for phlebotomists.[ooh_phleb] For NHA eligibility the program must be completed within the last 5 years and include at least 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary or finger sticks on live people.[nha_cpt]
- Pass a national exam. Common credentials include NHA's Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), AMT's Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) and the ASCP Board of Certification's PBT.[nha_cpt][amt_rpt]
- Get a state certificate where required. California requires one before most people may draw blood, and Washington has its own Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist credential.[cdph_faq][wa_doh_ma]
Phlebotomy certification cost
Phlebotomy certification cost is the training program plus one exam fee, and in California a $100 state application.[amt_rpt][cdph_faq] AMT's RPT application is $125 ($155 for international candidates). Other exam fees are set by each certifying body and change, so check the current price at registration.
| Credential | Body | Published fee | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPT | National Healthcareer Association (NHA) | Check NHA | Program within 5 years with 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks, or 1 year of work experience |
| RPT | American Medical Technologists (AMT) | $125 ($155 international) | See AMT eligibility routes |
| PBT | ASCP Board of Certification | Check ASCP | See ASCP eligibility routes |
| California CPT I | CDPH Laboratory Field Services | $100 application | Approved training, a CDPH-approved national exam, annual renewal |
The national exam you pass also has to be one the state accepts. California approves exams from ACA, AMCA, AMT, ASCP, NCCT/MMCI and NHA for its CPT I certificate.[cdph_cpt1]
Phlebotomist requirements in California and Washington
California's phlebotomist requirements are written into state law: since April 9, 2003, anyone who is not otherwise licensed must be certified by the state before drawing blood.[cdph_faq] Applicants with little or no experience need 40 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of practical training, including at least 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures, plus a national exam; the certificate renews every year with 3 hours of continuing education.[cdph_cpt1][cdph_renew] The full rules and pay by metro are on phlebotomist salary in California, where the state median is $56,040.[onet_phleb]
Washington's Department of Health issues a Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist certification, so phlebotomy workers there apply for a state credential as well.[wa_doh_ma] In states without such a law, the employer decides whether a national certificate is required.
How long it takes and whether it pays off
Phlebotomy training is a short certificate-level program, so the payback math is dominated by the program price rather than by lost income.[ooh_phleb] Enter your program's published cost and length below; the default first salary is the national 25th percentile for phlebotomists, $38,190.[onet_phleb]
Defaults are an example. Use your program's published cost.
School payback · 2026 tax on the raise
0.6 years after graduation
Break-even about 10 months after the first class · 10-year gain after costs $61,932
| Tuition, fees, books, exams | $2,000 |
|---|---|
| Pay given up while in school | $1,875 |
| Loan interest | $0 |
| Total cost | $3,875 |
| Raise after tax, per year | $6,581 |
After-tax share of the raise: 80.4% (single filer, federal + FICA). Nominal dollars, no discounting.
Estimate, not a pay offer. Arithmetic on your inputs. Raise is taxed with 2026 federal income tax and FICA for a single filer.
Phlebotomist pay and job outlook
BLS projects phlebotomist employment to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average.[ooh_phleb] There were 143,540 phlebotomist jobs in May 2025, at a median of $45,230.[oews_api][onet_phleb] Pay by state is on phlebotomist salary. Phlebotomy pairs well with medical assisting; see how to become a medical assistant and the allied health salary comparison.
Common mistakes
- Too few live draws. NHA's program route counts only venipunctures and capillary sticks on live individuals; check your program's clinical numbers before you enroll.[nha_cpt]
- Picking an exam your state does not accept. In California, only CDPH-approved exams count toward the CPT I.[cdph_cpt1]
- Missing California's annual renewal. The CPT I renews every year with continuing education.[cdph_renew]
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a phlebotomist?
It depends on the program; BLS lists a postsecondary certificate-level award as the typical route. California's minimum for new phlebotomists is 40 classroom hours plus 40 practical hours.
How much does phlebotomy certification cost?
The exam fee plus training. AMT's RPT is $125, and California adds a $100 state application. Other bodies list their own fees.
Do you need to be certified to be a phlebotomist?
In California, yes. Washington has its own credential. Elsewhere it is usually up to the employer.
How many blood draws do you need for phlebotomy certification?
For NHA's CPT program route, at least 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks. California's CPT I training requires at least 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures.
Sources
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Phlebotomists
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT): eligibility
- Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) (application fee)
- Phlebotomy Certificate FAQ
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I) requirements
- Personnel License and Certificate Renewal (continuing education)
- Medical Assistant credentialing requirements (including Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist)
- Local Wages: 31-9097.00 Phlebotomists (state and metro percentiles)
- OEWS national employment and wage series, May 2025 (BLS Public Data API, series OEUN0000000000000
01 and 13)