Frequently Asked Questions

• It has been 90 days since my certification expired. How do I reinistate my certification?
  If you are currently working, you must submit a letter on company letterhead verifying that you are working. If you have not been drawing blood specimens for one year or more. Click on the Store link then add Renewal to your shopping cart select the Reinstate Option from the dropdown. You must enter CPT number. You have the option to also mail in a $200 money order to the NPA office. Make sure to indicate CPT number on money order. Also include current address, and phone number so we can reactivate your Membership Account
• Can I pay for my renewal online?
  Yes,we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express & Discover. Click on Store and follow the instructions. Enter your CPT number in the Special instructions for seller field located at the bottom of the cart. Renew Online
• How do I go about becoming certified as a Phlebotomist?
  Navigate to the Certified Phlebotomist Page and follow the steps or click here for the National Phlebotomy Association → Application Handbook. If you have already been working in the field for a year or more, you can get certified under the Reclamation Clause .
• I have been working for one year (or more) without my certification. What are the steps to get certified with the National Phlebotomy Association?
  You can follow the steps on the Reclamation Clause Page or follow the steps found in the National Phlebotomy Association Application Handbook
• How often do I have to renew my certification? Can I pay for more than one year at a time?
  You must renew your certification annually to remain compliant and to avoid any fees or penalties for paying past your renewal date. You can renew your certification at the following link Renew Certification. To ensure that you do not miss your renewal, register for your National Phlebotomy Membership Account to receive notification emails before your certification is due. You may also pay your certification through your Member Portal. If you are already a member of the National Phlebotomy Association, you will have an account that needs to be activated. Activate your account here Members Portal
• I recently married and I want to renew with my married name. What are the steps?
  You may renew online but you must email or fax a copy of your marriage license or driver's license to NPA. NPA fax number: (301) 386-4203.
• Do I need a Phlebotomy Certification?
  While every employer is different, it is becoming increasingly important to have a professional credential in order to obtain a job in the field of Phlebotomy. Employers are looking to see if you have the expertise in the field and a certification shows that you have taken the time to educate yourself through education and professional advancement.
  Phlebotomy Certification is required in California, Nevada, Washington and Louisiana in order to draw blood.

• What is a Phlebotomist?
  Phlebotomists are allied health professionals whose main responsibility is to draw blood from patients or blood donors for medical testing. Phlebotomists also play a vital administration and management of blood that has been drawn for a diagnosis, transfusion or research related purposes.
  Daily Phlebotomist tasks can consist of:
  

  • • Prepare patients for having their blood drawn.
  • • Verify patient identities and ensure proper labeling of collection vialsVerify patient identities and ensure proper labeling of collection vials.
  • • Explain the blood draw or transfusion process to patients.
  • • Calm nervous patients who may have fears of having their blood drawn.
  • • Perform blood draws and transfusions.
  • • Follow directions of supervising physicians or lab directors.
  • • Identify, label and track blood samples.
  • • Gather, inventory, and maintain blood draw instruments and supplies.
  • • Provide care for patients.
  • • Ensure to prevent tainting or degradation of blood samples, such as Hemolysis, which can impact the accuracy of sample or test.
• After I have taken the NPA exam, how do I obtain my exam results? How long will it take to receive my documents in the mail?
  Contact the school coordinator where you took the exam. NPA will not give out test results over the telephone. Results are sent out after 8 to 10 weeks. Count time does not begin until 30 days after exam has been taken. It is important to save your certification number. This will always be your CPT Number.
• How can I prepare for the NPA certfication exam?
  You may register for the National Phlebotomy Association practice exam at the following link. Register
• How do I go about becoming certified as a Phlebotomist?
  Navigate to the Certified Phlebotomist Page and follow the steps or click here for the National Phlebotomy Association → Application Handbook. If you have already been working in the field for a year or more, you can get certified under the Reclamation Clause .
  If you have additional questions on how to become a certified phlebotomist, please call our office at (301) 386-4200.
• I am interested in Phlebotomy Training and I live in the DC Metropolitan Area. Does NPA offer Phlebotomy Training?
  Yes, the National Phlebotomy Association offers Phlebotomy Training at our Training Center located at 1803 Brightseat Rd, Landover MD 20785.
• What is the average Phlebotomist salary?
  The median annual wage for phlebotomists was $34,480 in May 2018.
  Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Phlebotomists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm
• How long does it take to become a Phlebotomist?
  Candidates for certification typically need some classroom education, as well as some clinical experience. Certification testing usually includes a written exam and may include practical components, such as drawing blood. Requirements vary by certifying organization. California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington require their phlebotomists to be certified.
  Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Phlebotomists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm
  NPA requires a minimum of 200 hours of theory and clinical in order to qualify to sit for the NPA exam. This can take a few months depending on your school program.

Below, we answer some the most frequently asked questions on our site.

• I am interested in starting a Phlebotomy Training Program, do you have any information.
  Click on Program Accreditation for further information.
• I am interested in my students being tested by NPA. How do I proceed?
  You can find information in scheduling an exam in our Site Testing Guidelines below. Information regarding the your students applying for the exam can be found on the Certified Phlebotomist Technologist page .
  
  If you have any questions, call the Education Department at 301-386-4200.

  • Test Site Partnership
  • Schedule an Exam
  • Application Handbook

Below, we answer some the most frequently asked questions on our site.

• Can I verify my employee's certification online?
  Yes, go to https://www.nationalphlebotomy.org/verify to verify your employee online using their CPTNumber.