Phlebotomy Exam FAQs
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certifies phlebotomists and an exam is part of the qualifications needed to obtain certification. Phlebotomists that pass the exam and become certified may use the PBT credential to indicate their certification.
Currently, Phlebotomy Certification is required for state licensure in California, New York, Florida, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, Nevada, Louisiana and Puerto Rico, in order to draw blood. Regulations and requirements for certification, licensure, registration and re-licensure vary by state and may change. Some states have no requirement for phlebotomists to register with the State while other states do. You should contact the jurisdiction where you will be seeking employment to learn about your state's complete and current regulations.
The written part of the ASCP exam consists of multiple choice items and is 2 hours long. Exams are computer-adaptive, which means the questions increase in difficulty depending on how well the previous questions were answered.
The ASCP exam is comprised of 100 questions.
The ASCP exam must be completed in 2 hours.
ASCP exam candidates schedule their test after receiving authorization from the ASCP. Exams are offered nationwide at Pearson VUE test centers. ASCP offers the test in ten test windows that fall throughout the year.
ASCP Scores are scaled; applicants must score 400 to pass.
The ASCP may cover the following domains:
- Arterial Puncture Procedures
- Blood Collection Procedures and Equipment
- Circulatory System
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Infection Control
- Medical Terminology
- Non-blood Specimens
- Safety
- Skin Puncture Equipment and Procedures
- Venipuncture Specimen Collection
The ASCP was developed and maintained by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The exam measures a candidate's competency to become an entry-level phlebotomist.
The ASCP exam is offered in ten test windows throughout the year.
Currently, Phlebotomy Certification is required for state licensure in California, New York, Florida, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, Nevada, Louisiana and Puerto Rico, in order to draw blood. The certification assures the general public, employers, and state licensing authorities that the individual has demonstrated competency as a phlebotomist. ASCP Certification is recognized in every state in the United States. An ASCP Certification assures the general public, employers, and state licensing authorities that the individual has demonstrated competency as a phlebotomist.
Eligibility requirements for the ASCP certification include 40 classroom hours that must include courses in lab operations, anatomy, physiology, and specimen collection and processing. Applicants must also have 120 hours of practical training.
ASCP exam candidates schedule their test after receiving authorization from the ASCP. Exams are offered nationwide at Pearson VUE test centers. ASCP offers the test in ten test windows that fall throughout the year.
Following the exam, a preliminary score will be shown on the computer screen, and approximately ten days after the exam, an official score report will be mailed to the test taker's home. Scores are scaled; applicants must score 400 to pass.
Yes, you are required to renew your certification every 3 years usually through the completion of continuing education (CE).
Practice tests, such as Tests.com's Phlebotomy Practice Exam, are a good way to study as it goes over the material you need to know while giving you a chance to practice your test taking skills. Additionally, study guides, text books, class notes, flashcards and videos are important study tools. It is best to use a wide range of test prep to get the most comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.
Tests.com has worked with instructors in phlebotomy to create a Phlebotomy Practice Test to help you prepare for the ASCP exam. Tests.com's TestSim online interactive platform allows you to tailor tests to the subjects you want to study and to form tests to fit your study schedule. You can even simulate the actual ASCP exam by setting the number of questions and timer to the time period allowed for the actual test. Get experience reading multiple-choice questions and taking timed tests. Tests.com will help you pass your ASCP phlebotomy exam on your way to a successful career as a phlebotomist. Click here for a free Phlebotomy Practice Exam.
