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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 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).
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Step 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).
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Step 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.
