How to Pass the NHA Phlebotomy Exam in Orlando 2026
Dec 18, 2025
Updated October 2026.
The NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam has 100 scored questions plus 20 unscored pretest questions, and you have 2 hours to finish it. You need a scaled score of 390 out of 500 to pass. NHA reports that 75.96% of the 57,457 CPT exams administered in 2024 were passed.
Getting certified as a phlebotomist is a key step toward working in clinical settings, labs, and hospitals across Florida. If you’re planning to take the NHA phlebotomy exam, it’s important to know exactly what to expect and how to prepare as a phlebotomy technician.
At Florida Health Care Academy Orlando, we give you everything you need to succeed, from hands-on training to full exam preparation.
This guide covers the exam structure, topics, required documents, and study strategies to help you pass confidently.
Table of Contents
- What is the NHA phlebotomy exam?
- Topics covered on the NHA phlebotomy exam
- What score do you need to pass the NHA phlebotomy exam?
- What to bring on the day of the NHA phlebotomy exam
- Best study techniques for the NHA phlebotomy exam
- NHA phlebotomy exam Orlando 2026 FAQs
- Start your phlebotomy certification journey with FHCA Orlando
What is the NHA phlebotomy exam?
The NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam is a national certification test that evaluates your knowledge and skills in phlebotomy. It's recognized across healthcare systems and often required for employment in hospitals, labs, and clinics.
Preparing for the NHA phlebotomy exam ensures you meet industry standards and employer expectations.
Format and structure of the NHA exam
The NHA phlebotomy exam consists of 100 scored questions and 20 unscored pretest questions, a total of 120 questions. You’ll have two hours to complete it, and the exam can be taken either in-person or online through an approved testing center.
This format is outlined in the official NHA CPT exam test plan.
Why certification matters for your phlebotomy career
Passing this exam proves that you’re competent, reliable, and ready for professional responsibilities. Employers often prefer or require certification, especially in competitive areas like Orlando.
To see how certification fits into a specialized path, check out what it means to become a pediatric phlebotomist.
Who can take the NHA CPT exam
NHA requires a high school diploma or GED (or enrollment to earn one within 18 months). You also need to have completed a phlebotomy training program within the last 5 years, or have supervised phlebotomy work experience.
Candidates must show evidence of 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary or finger sticks performed on live individuals. NHA certifications must be renewed every two years with 10 continuing education credits.
Topics covered on the NHA phlebotomy exam
The exam evaluates your understanding of essential phlebotomy duties. According to the NHA, these are the main content areas you’ll be tested on:
| Content area | Scored items | Share of the exam |
|---|---|---|
| Safety and Compliance | 26 | 26% |
| Patient Preparation | 20 | 20% |
| Routine Blood Collections | 28 | 28% |
| Special Collections | 12 | 12% |
| Processing | 14 | 14% |
| Total | 100 | 100% |
Source: NHA CPT Test Plan (2025, based on a 2024 job analysis). The exam also includes 20 unscored pretest items.
Safety and compliance
You’ll need to know how to follow OSHA guidelines, handle sharps safely, and use PPE to prevent contamination. Infection control is a major focus in this section.
Patient preparation
This includes verifying identity, explaining procedures, selecting the right site, and ensuring the patient is physically and mentally ready for the blood draw.
Routine blood collection
Covers standard venipuncture, capillary collection, tube selection, order of draw, and proper labeling. For more, review the common skills needed to be a phlebotomist.
Special collections and non-blood specimens
You'll be tested on how to collect urine, sputum, and stool samples, as well as how to handle time-sensitive or stat orders.
Processing and specimen handling
This includes centrifugation, transportation protocols, temperature requirements, and error prevention during sample handling.
What score do you need to pass the NHA phlebotomy exam?
Understanding how the test is scored helps you focus your preparation.
Minimum passing score
To pass the NHA phlebotomy exam, you need a minimum scaled score of 390 out of 500. This score is not a direct percentage of correct answers; it’s adjusted based on the difficulty of the specific version of the exam you receive.
This scoring method ensures fairness across all test administrations. Source: NHA CPT Test Plan 2025.
How many questions can you miss
NHA does not publish a fixed number of questions you can miss. Your raw score is converted to a scaled score, so the same number of correct answers can map to different scaled scores on different test versions. Focus on mastering each content area evenly.
What to bring on the day of the NHA phlebotomy exam
Being fully prepared means knowing what you’ll need to bring to the test site.
Required documents
You must present your test confirmation email and any exam registration documents provided by the NHA or your training provider.
Identification and materials checklist
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. Some centers allow you to bring a basic calculator, but cell phones and smartwatches are strictly prohibited. Double-check with your test provider for specific requirements.
Best study techniques for the NHA phlebotomy exam
Smart preparation is more than just rereading your notes. Use these strategies to retain information and build test-day confidence.
Active reading and flashcards
Use flashcards to memorize terminology and procedures, especially for topics like phlebotomy medical terminology. Active recall helps reinforce what you’ve learned.
Mind mapping and practice questions
Create visual diagrams to connect topics like safety protocols and blood collection steps. Practice questions simulate the test format and help identify areas that need improvement.
Time management and question strategy
Learn to pace yourself during the test. Read each question carefully, eliminate incorrect answers, and mark difficult ones to revisit if time allows.
NHA phlebotomy exam Orlando 2026 FAQs
If you're preparing for the NHA phlebotomy exam in Orlando, you likely have questions about its format, difficulty, and requirements. Here are answers to the most common concerns from future test-takers like you that our students ask during our phlebotomy program Orlando:
What is on the NHA phlebotomy exam in Orlando?
The exam covers safety, patient prep, blood collection, special specimens, and specimen processing.
How hard is the NHA phlebotomy exam in Orlando?
It’s challenging but manageable with the right preparation and hands-on experience.
How do you prepare for the NHA phlebotomy exam in Orlando?
Enroll in a structured training program, review NHA study materials, and use active study techniques.
What score do you need to pass the NHA phlebotomy exam in Orlando?
You must score at least 390 on the NHA’s scaled scoring system.
How many questions are on the NHA phlebotomy exam in Orlando?
There are 120 questions in total—100 scored and 20 unscored pretest items.
What is the NHA CPT pass rate?
NHA reports that 75.96% of the 57,457 CPT exams administered in 2024 were passed.
Start your phlebotomy certification journey with FHCA Orlando
If you're ready to earn your CPT certification, now is the time to start. At Florida Health Care Academy Orlando, our phlebotomy program Orlando prepares you with hands-on clinical training and exam readiness from day one.
Whether you're just starting or need guidance on NHA phlebotomy exam requirements, FHCA has the tools, instructors, and support you need to succeed.
Begin your Enrollment today and take the next step in your healthcare career.
