1.1 NHA CPT Exam Facts
Key Takeaways
- The NHA CPT exam has 120 multiple-choice items: 100 scored plus 20 unscored pretest questions, with a 2-hour time limit.
- Passing requires a scaled score of 390 on a 200-500 range, not a fixed percentage of correct answers.
- The application fee is $125, paid through your NHA online account before scheduling.
- The CPT credential is valid for 2 years and is renewed with 10 continuing education (CE) hours.
- The exam is delivered at PSI testing centers or by NHA online live remote proctoring.
About the NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Exam
Quick Answer: The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam is a 120-question, 2-hour exam scored on a 200-500 scale. You must score 390 or higher to pass. The application fee is $125, the exam is delivered through PSI testing centers or NHA online live remote proctoring, and the credential is valid for 2 years (renewed with 10 continuing education hours).
The NHA CPT is an entry-level national certification that confirms you have the knowledge to safely collect, handle, and process blood specimens. It is recognized by employers nationwide and is one of the most widely held phlebotomy credentials in the United States.
Exam Format at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total questions | 120 multiple-choice |
| Scored questions | 100 |
| Pretest (unscored) questions | 20 |
| Time limit | 2 hours |
| Score scale | 200-500 (scaled) |
| Passing score | 390 |
| Application fee | $125 |
| Delivery | PSI test center or NHA online proctor |
| Credential validity | 2 years |
| Renewal | 10 continuing education (CE) hours |
Scored vs. Pretest Questions
Of the 120 items you will see, only 100 are scored. The remaining 20 pretest items are unscored questions NHA is field-testing for future exams. Pretest items are scattered randomly throughout the exam and are not identified, so you must treat every question as if it counts.
How the Scaled Score Works
NHA does not report a simple raw percentage. Your raw correct count is converted to a scaled score between 200 and 500, which adjusts for slight differences in difficulty between exam forms. The fixed passing standard is 390. In practice, well-prepared candidates typically need roughly 70-75% of scored items correct, but the exact count varies by form.
- Below 390: Did not pass — a retake is required.
- 390 or above: Passed — the CPT credential is awarded.
What the CPT Credential Authorizes
Passing the CPT shows employers you can perform routine and special blood collections competently and safely. With the CPT you can typically:
- Perform venipuncture and capillary (dermal) punctures in clinics, hospitals, labs, blood-donor centers, and physician offices.
- Prepare and process specimens for transport and testing.
- Apply OSHA, HIPAA, and infection-control standards in patient care.
The CPT is a knowledge and competency credential. Some states or employers add their own licensing, training-hour, or supervised-clinical requirements on top of national certification, so always confirm local rules where you intend to work.
How many of the 120 questions on the NHA CPT exam are scored?
What scaled score must a candidate achieve to pass the NHA CPT exam?
How long is the NHA CPT credential valid before renewal is required?
How is the NHA CPT exam delivered to candidates?