Phlebotomists play a critical role in medical practices and laboratories all across the world. As such, phlebotomists must undergo a critical certification process. Today, applicants can acquire phlebotomist certification online through the National Healthcareer Association.

Prerequisites for Online Phlebotomy Certification Training Programs
Phlebotomist candidates need to have completed high-school or have a GED. They also need to have a phlebotomist training program. However, candidates are also eligible if they have one year of work experience in the field. If a candidate is denied eligibility to receive phlebotomy certification online, they have 30 days after being notified of rejection to appeal to the NHA for reconsideration.

Taking the Phlebotomy Certification Exam Online
It costs $150 to take the phlebotomy certification exam online, and the exam lasts for two hours and 10 minutes. Candidates for phlebotomy certification online will be subject to a 125 multiple choice question test. Candidates who pass will receive a wallet-sized certification ID card along with a certificate with the NHA seal of approval.

Questions Covered by the Phlebotomy Certification Exam
The online phlebotomy certification exam covers the following eight areas: Skin Puncture and Other Drawing Methods, OSHA and Infection Control, Phlebotomy Procedure, Complications Special Population, Medical Law & Ethics, Specimen Handling, Basic Anatomy & Physiology, and Medical Terminology. A complete overview of categories and questions is available for free on the National Healthcareer Association’s website.

Scoring of the Phlebotomist Certification Exam
Online exams are scored immediately and the score is recorded to the NHA database. Additionally, phlebotomy exam scores are sent to the home of the candidate within 14 days of the certification exam date. A score of 70% or better is required to pass the online phlebotomist certification exam.

Challenging Phlebotomist Certification Exam Scores
If a candidate feels the exam was scored incorrectly, they can file a formal request for a rescore of their test by hand. Re-scores come with an additional fee of $25 (payable by Money Order) and must be submitted to the NHA within 60 days of receiving the exam results. Unfortunately, re-scores rarely result in a change in the pass/fail status of a candidate.

Retaking the Phlebotomist Certification Exam Online
If a candidate fails the phlebotomist certification exam, they have the opportunity to retake it two times within the same year. A candidate must wait one month before retesting. If candidates fail the exam three times within the same year, they must wait one year before retaking the phlebotomy certification exam online. However, candidates can appeal to have this waiting period waived.

Registering for the Phlebotomist Certification Exam Online
Aspiring phlebotomists looking to take the phlebotomy certification exam online need to visit the National Healthcareer Association’s website. The sign-up form for the online phlebotomist certification exam is available under the “certifications” page. After arriving on this page, the application process for the test is always open and available.

A career in phlebotomy can be a great opportunity to work both directly with patients and in a medical laboratory setting. If you’re a candidate who’s met the requirements for certification, you can receive phlebotomist certification online.