CPT Application & Exam (Certified Phlebotomy Technician)

1Enroll in the Application

Create an NHCO Portal Account

• Click the Enroll Now button (found at both the top and bottom of this page) to begin. You will be prompted to create an NHCO Portal account.
• Tip: Use a name and email address you can remember, as you’ll need these during the application process.

Complete Enrollment

• After successfully creating your NHCO Portal account, you will receive a confirmation email, which is required to complete the registration process.
• Complete the checkout process to gain access to the application.

Access the Application

• Log in to the application using the confirmation email or through the NHCO Portal. Be sure to review any additional information provided. 

• We encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience. Please keep in mind that you have 90 days from the date of enrollment/purchase to submit your application, have it approved, and complete the exam. This countdown begins on the date you purchased the application.
  Submitting early helps ensure ample time for processing and exam completion.

2Review Accommodations and Eligibility

Accommodations Requests

• If you require testing accommodations you must submit a letter from a healthcare professional diagnosing the medical condition and how this limits your ability to take the exam under standard testing conditions.
• Your request must be approved prior to continuing to submit the exam application.

Eligibility Requirements

• Ensure you meet the required training, education, or employment criteria before enrolling in the application. A list of minimum requirements is available on the Application Information page of the NHCO website.
• If you’re unsure whether your training provider is approved, contact your state’s Board of Higher Education or Board of Private Post-Secondary Education to confirm their state or federal approval status.

3Complete Your Application

Preparing for Your Application

• Set aside 15-20 minutes to complete it.
• To avoid delays, make sure you meet the minimum requirements as specified on the Application Information page of the NHCO website. 

ⓘ Once your eligibility application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive a confirmation email notifying you that the exam is available.

1Ensure You Have Studied

Before taking the exam, it’s important to ensure you are fully prepared.

Review the Certification Exam Focus Areas

• The NHCO's Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Exam Content Outline is a free resource available to assist all candidates in preparation for certification. It provides greater detail on the specific focus areas tested on the certification exam.

Study Materials

It’s important to thoroughly study before taking your exam. To help you prepare, we offer a variety of resources:

• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Practice Exam

2Prepare to Take Your Exam

After receving notification of your application approval you can take the exam by returning to the application course through the NHCO Portal.

• The exam must be completed within 90 days of your application purchase.

Exam Information

The exam is offered online in a proctored setting to ensure a secure and fair testing environment.

• To take the proctored exam, candidates will need to use a desktop, laptop, or Chromebook, as mobile devices are not currently supported.
• For a successful proctoring experience, please complete the Honorlock System Check as part of your exam preparation.

For information about exam requirements, required passing score, and other specifications., visit the NHCO Exam Information page. 

ⓘ Candidates who achieve a passing score will receive their certificate by email. The certificate, delivered as a high-resolution PDF, will include the credential number and can be printed as needed. Please note that NHCO does not print or mail hard copies.

The CPT Application and Exam fee is non-refundable.