What is the passing score for the NHA phlebotomy exam?

The passing score for the NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam is 390 out of a possible 500 points on a scaled score, with the scale ranging from 200 to 500, meaning you need a minimum score of 390 to pass. The exam uses scaled scoring to account for question difficulty, so the number of correct answers needed can vary slightly, but 390 is the benchmark for competency.

How many questions can you miss on the NHA phlebotomy exam?

Passing score: 390 out of 500 (about 78%). That means you can miss roughly 20–25 scored questions and still pass. AMCA (American Medical Certification Association) 100 questions.

What score do you need to pass the NHA test?

To pass an NHA (National Healthcareer Association) certification exam, you generally need a scaled score of 390 or higher out of a possible 500 points, though the specific number of correct answers to achieve this can vary slightly by exam version due to scoring adjustments for difficulty. This 390/500 threshold applies to popular exams like the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exams.
 

What is the passing grade for the phlebotomy exam?

About NHA Phlebotomy Exam Scoring

NHA assigns a value to each question on the test based on difficulty. With this scaled scoring system, the ranges fall between a low 200 to a perfect score of 500. The NHA phlebotomy exam passing score is 390.

What is the passing score for the NHA phlebotomy exam reddit?

120 questions, 500 points, 390 is the minimum passing score. It isn't like school tests where you need a certain letter grade to pass, passing is passing. The test is adaptive, so questions change depending on if you're getting correct answers or not.

NHA PHLEBOTOMY EXAM: What To Study

How do I know if I passed my NHA exam?

You will receive an email notification when your results are available within the certification portal. For confidentiality, the notification email will not include your exam score.

Is it hard to pass the NHA phlebotomy exam?

Most people who take the CPT exam pass on their first attempt. Of all of the NHA examinations. The CPT exam has the highest passing rate. NHA exam statistics show that the passing rate for the CPT exam was 77.31% in 2022.

How do I know if I passed my phlebotomy exam?

Check out our online verification tool

Each candidate who passes the certification exam is listed within our online verification tool. The current status of the certificant will be listed. The NHCO does not disclose either failed attempts or the candidate's exam score on this tool.

What is the passing score for the NHA 2025?

Potential scores range from 200 to 500, with 500 being the highest. You must get a score of at least 390, which is 78%, to pass.

How much does a level 3 phlebotomist make?

How much does a Phlebotomist Iii make? As of Jan 13, 2026, the average annual pay for a Phlebotomist Iii in the United States is $39,658 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $19.07 an hour. This is the equivalent of $762/week or $3,304/month.

What if I fail the NHA exam?

If you didn't pass your NHA certification exam, you might be feeling discouraged. It happens, and the best thing you can do is prepare and try again. You can reapply to sit for the exam up to three times, with at least 30 days between each test.

How long is the NHA phlebotomy test?

It is a 2 hour exam. When do I get my scores? A score report is available immediately after exam completion. NHA will officially post your certificate results to your account page within two days of taking the test, and your printed certificate will arrive within two weeks.

Is the NHA exam all multiple-choice?

The time limit for the exam is 3 hours. It consists of 150 scored and 30 unscored multiple-choice questions. Each question has four possible answer choices, where you must choose the correct answer. The test is taken on a computer at an authorized testing center or NHA-affiliated school.

What is the biggest mistake a phlebotomist can make?

The most critical error a phlebotomist can make is improper patient identification, as it directly leads to misdiagnosis, wrong treatments, or delayed care by applying lab results to the wrong person, making it a severe patient safety issue, often cited alongside mislabeled samples. This fundamental mistake compromises all subsequent actions, potentially causing serious harm, even though errors like incorrect order of draw or poor technique also have significant consequences. 

How many questions can you get wrong on the NHA exam?

You only need a 390 to pass which is 78%. That would be a lot of missed questions. That's like getting 40 questions wrong at 78%.

How to pass the phlebotomy test?

To pass your phlebotomy exam, focus on core areas like order of draw, patient safety (ID, consent, PPE, HIPAA), infection control, specimen handling, and venipuncture steps, using practice tests, mnemonics, and simulating exam conditions; review your weak areas, get rest, and utilize test-taking strategies like process of elimination for questions. Mastering key terms, tube colors, additives, and common procedures (like special collections) is crucial, as the exam tests both knowledge and practical application. 

How are NHA exams scored?

NHA determines the passing score (also known as cut score) using a psychometric procedure called standard setting. Psychometricians and researchers work with a diverse group of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to determine a point on the score scale to make a pass/fail decision on an exam.

Can you take the NHA exam online at home?

NHA exams can be taken online or in person at approved testing centers across the United States.

How do I prepare for the NHA exam?

NHA's online study materials* include:

1. Materials based on the actual exams help you focus your study efforts.
2. Engaging, rich media instructional lessons, practice drills, and case study videos.
3. Practice exams that direct you to content you still need to focus on (Focused Review® remediation)

What is the highest paid phlebotomist?

The highest-paid phlebotomists work in states like California, Washington, and New York, with top cities including those in California (like San Francisco) and some areas in New York (like Syracuse) offering salaries well above the national average, reaching into the mid-$50k and even $60k+ range for experienced professionals in specialized roles or high-demand areas like teaching hospitals or trauma centers. Key factors for higher pay include location (high cost-of-living/demand areas), experience, and potentially working in larger hospital systems or specialized labs. 

How long do NHA results take?

Online Exams at an institution: Results will be available within 48 hours of your exam. Online Exams at PSI: Results will be available within 48 hours of your exam.

How many people fail the phlebotomy exam?

Edison State Community College is proud to announce that 100% of Spring 2025 Medical Laboratory Technician and Phlebotomy graduates who took their respective certification exams earned a passing score.

What's the hardest part of phlebotomy?

Common Challenges Studying Phlebotomy

• Precision and accuracy: Drawing blood correctly requires practice and a steady hand.
• Patient communication: You'll learn how to ease anxiety and communicate clearly.
• Emotional readiness: Some students need time to adjust to handling blood or dealing with nervous patients.

Who gets paid more, phlebotomist or EMT?

Generally, EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) tend to earn a higher median salary than Phlebotomists, with BLS data showing EMTs around $38k-$46k and Phlebotomists varying but often lower, though combining skills (EMT + Phlebotomy) can boost earnings significantly, and location greatly impacts pay for both roles. EMTs offer broader emergency care, while Phlebotomists focus on blood draws, but dual-certified individuals can command more, especially in hospitals.
 

What happens if you fail the NHA?

The NHA allows those who do not pass the certification exam on the first attempt will be allowed to retake the exam after a 30-day waiting period. The NHA will allow three attempts to successfully pass the exam, with a waiting period of a minimum of 30 days between each examination attempt.