How to Prepare for the Phlebotomy Exam

While few states require that a phlebotomist be licensed to draw blood specimens, most employers do require a phlebotomist be certified. In order to receive certification, a phlebotomist is required to take a standardized exam. Some phlebotomists receive formal education while others learn by practical on-the-job training. However, passing the certification exam is evidence that you are a qualified phlebotomy professional. Being well prepared can eliminate test anxiety and help you to pass the exam.

Instructions

1. Use a study guide and other suggested reading materials as resources to prepare you to take the test (see Resources below). The purpose of the exam is to make sure that you understand laboratory procedure. Review any study materials carefully.

2. Take practice tests to give you an idea of what to expect. This is a useful way to measure your readiness. There are practice tests available online (see Resources below). Questions are formatted in the same manner as those included on the actual certification exam. Multiple-choice, matching, and true-false questions are designed to be an objective assessment of your skills in the field of phlebotomy.

3. Memorize key concepts by focusing on major content areas. Repetition is an effective method of learning. According to a paper published by the AARP Foundation and the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, repeating information seems to help memory recall, particularly when first learning new facts or trying to remember chief points (see Reference 2).

4. Use phlebotomy flashcards to review essential terms and their definitions. The cards can also be helpful with answering questions about phlebotomy procedures (see Resources below).

5. Register for educational teleconferences offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (see Resources below). Their program guide offers a session discussing preparation strategies for taking the phlebotomy certification exam, as well as a number of other sessions covering laboratory operations and procedures.

Tips & Warnings

• A phlebotomist must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Phlebotomy-training programs are offered at accredited colleges and career schools nationwide. Phlebotomists can become certified through national organizations including the Association of Phlebotomy Technicians, National Phlebotomy Association, American Medical Technologists, National Healthcareer Association, National Credentialing Agency, National Center for Competency Testing, and American Society for Clinical Pathology. The phlebotomy certification exam measures your knowledge rather than concentrating on your ability to solve problems subjectively. The written part of the exam is scheduled to last for two hours. Applicants are given one hour to complete the practical portion of the exam. The phlebotomy exam includes questions related to topics such as basic human anatomy and physiology, the circulatory system, infection control, medical terminology, quality assurance, blood draw equipment and procedures, techniques of venipuncture, and processing of specimens.

References

• NPA -- Application Handbook
• AARP - Memory

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Prepare for the Exam
• Suggested Reading for Examination Preparation
• Practice Tests Online
• Phlebotomy Flashcards
• ASCP - Teleconferences