If you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomist in California, you must first obtain a Certified Phlebotomy Technician 1 (CPT-1) license, which means you must meet specific requirements, including program prerequisites, hands-on training experience, and passing a national exam.
Learn more about phlebotomist certification requirements in California, including details about the national certification exams approved by the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services division, and how participating in a phlebotomy program with a strong reputation can help guide you to success.
What Are the Phlebotomist Certification Requirements in California?
To obtain a CPT-1 certification in California, you must first meet specific phlebotomist certification requirements, including academic training, hands-on experience, and passing the certification examination.
Phlebotomist Certification Requirements in California
Academic Requirements
Experience Levels
Examination
Those wishing to become a CPT-1 must do one of the following:
Provide an official transcript proving graduation (with date) from an accredited high school within the U.S.
Provide proof of passing one of the following tests:
General Education Development (GED)
High School Equivalency (HiSET)
California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE)
Provide official transcripts establishing completion credits for general education courses completed at any accredited college or university
Those wishing to become a CPT-1 will fall into one of the following experience levels, which will determine their training path, outlined here:
Applicants with at least 40 hours of on-the-job phlebotomy experience but less than 1,040 hours in the past five years
Applicants with less than 40 hours of on-the-job phlebotomy experience
Applicants with 1,040 hours or more of on-the-job phlebotomy experience in the past five years
Those wishing to become a CPT-1 must pass a national certification exam from one of the following certification organizations approved by the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services division:
American Certification Agency (ACA)
American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
National Center for Competency Training (NCCT/MMCI)
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Phlebotomy Educations Paths
Below, we discuss the three paths for phlebotomy training and experience in California.
Phlebotomy Education Paths in California
Experience Level
Education Requirements
40 hours of on-the-job phlebotomy experience but less than 1,040 hours in the past five years
Complete 40 hours of classroom phlebotomy training from a program accredited by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and upload a certificate of completion when applying.
Complete 40 hours of experience in a clinical setting in the last five years, including at least 50 venipunctures,10 skin punctures, and observation of arterial punctures in a program approved by the CDPH.
Upload a Letter of Phlebotomy Experience for California Certification signed by an MD, DO, or CLB.
Less than 40 hours of on-the-job phlebotomy experience or no on-the-job phlebotomy experience
Complete 40 hours of basic and advanced classroom phlebotomy training from a CDPH-accredited training program and upload a certificate of completion when applying.
Complete 40 hours of phlebotomy practice in a clinical setting, including at least 50 venipunctures, 10 skin punctures, and observation of arterial punctures in a program approved by the CDPH.
Upload a California Statement of Phlebotomy Practical Training signed by an MD, PA, RN, DO, CLB, CLS, or CPT.
1,040 hours or more of on-the-job phlebotomy experience in the past five years
Complete 20 hours of advanced classroom phlebotomy training from a CDPH-accredited phlebotomy program and upload a certificate of completion when applying.
Provide proof of completion of at least 50 venipunctures, 10 skin punctures, and observation of arterial punctures.
Upload a Letter of Phlebotomy Experience for California Certification signed by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) laboratory director.
Approved CPT-1 Exams
Once you have acquired enough phlebotomy certification requirements, you must take a national certification examination to obtain your CPT-1 license. Each of the following organizations approved by the CDPH is nationally recognized and covers similar subject matter.
American Certification Agency (ACA): The ACA is an advisory board of healthcare professionals who review certification requirements and provide examinations to ensure healthcare industry competency. The ACA exam contains 120 questions.
American Medical Certification Association (AMCA): The AMCA has a relatively recent history, as it only began certifying in 2010. Its exam contains 100 questions, and students are given up to two hours to complete it. However, unlike other organizations, the AMCA does not allow students to purchase test preparation material and only offers their CPT assessment.
American Medical Technologists (AMT): AMT is one of the oldest certification organizations in the U.S., certifying healthcare professionals since 1939. The exam contains 200 questions.
American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP): ASCP is an internationally recognized educational resource for pathologists and laboratory professionals. Its exam contains 80 question, and has a renewal period of three years.
National Center for Competency Training (NCCT/MMCI): The NCCT is one of the oldest and most respected certifying agencies in the U.S. and one of only three Phlebotomy Certification Programs supported and recommended by the Center for Phlebotomy Education. The NCCT exam, contains 25 unscored pretest questions and 125 scored questions.
National Healthcareer Association (NHA): The NHA is a well-known industry provider of healthcare certifications and has existed since the late 1980s. Its exam contains 100 questions, and students are allocated two hours to complete it. The NHA offers a variety of test preparation tools, such as study guides and practice tests for purchase.
Choosing a Reputable Program to Prepare for Certification
Understanding phlebotomist certification requirements is a significant first step toward advancing your phlebotomy career. The best way to prepare for these requirements is to participate in a strong phlebotomy program that will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to advance through the certification process and set you up for long-term success in a phlebotomy career.
BAMA Institute provides a highly respected phlebotomy training program offering a comprehensive curriculum that puts it among the best phlebotomy programs in California. With campuses in San Francisco and San Jose, BAMA Institute offers in-depth training and hands-on learning experience that will efficiently prepare graduates to pass their certification examination.
BAMA Institute provides the knowledge and skills necessary to pass phlebotomy certification requirements, such as the CPT-1, effortlessly through our fully approved program. To learn more about how you can become a licensed phlebotomist, contact an admissions representative.
BAMA Institute provides the knowledge and skills necessary to pass phlebotomy certification requirements, such as the CPT-1, effortlessly through our fully approved program. To learn more about how you can become a licensed phlebotomist, contact an admissions representative.
