Directory of Phlebotomy Certification Agencies

The Center for Phlebotomy Education, Inc. is not a certification agency, but we support phlebotomy certification for all healthcare personnel with blood collection responsibilities.

Many organizations attempt to certify phlebotomists. However, not all are reputable, teach according to the standards published by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), or adequately prepare students for entry into the challenging healthcare environment. Our recommendations do not constitute endorsements of the organizations listed here or of their certification. Phlebotomists seeking certification should compare the requirements and benefits of each organization carefully when making this important decision.

We recommend the organizations below because they:

are nationally recognized;
have an accredited phlebotomy program;
are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau;
are known to engage in ethical business practices;
use instruction, materials and exams that reflect current CLSI standards;
require all applicants to take an examination.

American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals (ACA)
PO Box 58
Osceola, IN 46561
www.acacert.com
574-254-1307

American Medical Technologists
10700 W. Higgins Road
Suite 150
Rosemont, IL 60018
www.americanmedtech.org
847-823-5169

National Center for Competency Testing
7007 College Boulevard, Suite 705
Overland Park, KS 66211
www.ncctinc.com
913-498-1000

American Society for Clinical Pathology
Board of Certification
33 W Monroe, #1600
Chicago, IL 60603
www.ascp.org
312-541-4999

The Center believes that in order for certification to be meaningful, a certification agency should be accredited, and all those it certifies should pass an examination, have experience drawing patients in a clinical setting, and be required to obtain continuing education credits in order to maintain their certification.

Name	Is the agency accredited?	Written exam required of all applicants?	Practical exam required?	Continuing education required?	California approved?	Cost of exam
ACA	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	$100
AMT	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	$120*
ASCP (BOC)	Yes	Yes	No	Yes**	Yes	$135*
NCCT	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	$90

*includes annual membership fee
**required for all new applicants as of 1/1/04