How to Pass the NHA Phlebotomy Exam in Orlando 2026

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.

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:

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

The exact number of missed questions allowed varies, but on average, you can miss around 20–25% of the total questions and still pass. Focus on mastering each topic evenly to maximize your score.

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.

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.