If you need help studying for the ASCP Certified Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) exam or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free ASCP Phlebotomy Technician practice test!
Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the ASCP Phlebotomy Technician exam, you’ll need to meet ONE of the following seven routes of eligibility:
- You need to have completed a NAACLS phlebotomy program within the last five years.
- You need to have completed a two-part phlebotomy program within the last five years.
- You need to have completed at least one year of full time clinical experience as a phlebotomy technician within the last five years.
- You need to have an RN or LPN license with at least 100 unaided blood collections performed in the last five years.
- You need to have a valid MLS or MLT certification from ASCP.
- You need to have a valid DPT certification from ASCP and at least 100 unaided blood collections performed in the last five years.
- You need to have completed a CDPH-approved phlebotomy program within the last 5 years.
If you meet one of these requirements, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the Exam?
The exam is made up of 80 multiple-choice questions, and the time limit is 2 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
The exam is split into the following 6 sections:
1. CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
5%-10% of the exam
- Terminology
- The structure and function of the circulatory system
- The composition and function of blood
2. SPECIMEN COLLECTION
45%-50% of the exam
- Review of orders
- Verification of orders
- Patient communication
- Patient identification, assessment, and preparation
- Site selection
- Order of draw
- Complications and considerations
- Equipment and terminology
3. SPECIMEN HANDLING, TRANSPORT, AND PROCESSING
15%-20% of the exam
- Terminology
- Assessing specimen acceptability for testing
- Specimen accessioning and labeling
- Specimen centrifugation and aliquoting
- Specimen transport and storage
4. WAIVED AND POINT-OF-CARE TESTING (POCT)
5%-10% of the exam
- Terminology
- Kit tests
- Urinalysis
- Hematocrit and hemoglobin
- Glucose
- Coagulation
- Operation and troubleshooting
- Maintenance
- Quality control
5. NON-BLOOD SPECIMENS
5%-10% of the exam
- Physiology
- Specimen collection
- Processing and handling
- Terminology
6. LABORATORY OPERATIONS
15%-20% of the exam
- Terminology
- Quality assurance and improvement
- Lab regulations
- Interpersonal relations
- Proficiency testing
- Safety regulations
- Professional ethicsCompetency assessment
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam.
To get started, you’ll need to an ASCP account on their website. From there, you can submit an application, which needs to include any documents that support your eligibility, and pay the $145 application fee.
Once your application is approved, you can begin the registration and scheduling process!
ASCP Phlebotomy Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The exam is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
A passing score is a scaled score of at least 400.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the exam is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test after a 90-day waiting period. Just keep in mind that you will have to pay the full testing fee every time you retake the test.
If you take the exam five times without passing, you won’t be able to take it again unless you are eligible under a different eligibility route.
FAQs
How many questions are on the ASCP Phlebotomy exam?
The exam contains 80 questions.
What is the time limit for the ASCP Phlebotomy exam?
The exam is timed at 2 hours.
What is the passing score for the ASCP Phlebotomy exam?
You’ll need to get a final score of at least 400 to pass.
How much does the ASCP Phlebotomy exam cost?
The application fee is $145.