What are the Requirements for Phlebotomy Certification?

The requirements to earn phlebotomy certification depend on the type of certification you wish to obtain. Not all states are the what are the requirements to be a phlebotomist are the same, but if you live in a state where there is more than 1 type of phlebotomy certification, then you need to be aware of the requirements for each type. For the purpose of this article, we are using California as our example.

In California we have the following types of phlebotomists:

• Limited Phlebotomy Technician – Skin puncture blood collection only
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician I – Venipuncture and skin punctures
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician II – Arterial puncture, venipuncture, and skin punctures

Each type of phlebotomist has its own requirements. Remember, the following requirements are for California. Each state has its own levels of phlebotomy certification with their respective requirements. These are the current requirements for California. Additionally, all of these types require that you have high school diploma or its equivalent like a GED.

Limited Phlebotomy Technician

To receive certification for Limited Phlebotomy Technician, you will need to complete 20 hours of a basic training course. The training course must be one that is approved by the state. So before you sign up, verify that it is state-approved. You must also perform 25 successful skin punctures on real patients. These procedures must be done either as part of the training course or on the job.

Certified Phlebotomy Technician I

There are three types that California recognizes for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician I: Those with no experience, those with less than 1040 hours of experience, and those with 1040 hours or more with experience. Let’s examine the differences for requirements:

Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (without experience)

If you have no job experience, you are required to complete 20 hours of basic classes, 20 hours of advanced classes, 40 hours of practical training (this must be done in a clinical setting), and you must successfully perform 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures.

Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (less than 1040 hours of experience)

If you have less than 1040 hours of experience, your requirements are similar to those with no experience, with the exception that you are not required to have 40 hours of training in a clinical setting. You will need to attend 20 hours of basic classes and 20 hours of advanced ones. And you must perform 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures.

Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (1040 hours of experience or more)

Your requirements if you have 1040 hours of experience or more are lighter than the other types of Certified Phlebotomy Technician I . It’s easy to see why. Because you have so much on the job training, it is assumed you know what you are doing. You don’t need to take any basic classes, but you will need to take 20 hours of advanced classes and you must complete 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures.

Certified Phlebotomy Technician II

This is the top level phlebotomist. To earn certification you must complete 20 hours of advanced classes during your training. And under the guidance of a licensed MD, PA, RN, CLB, CLS, or RCP, you must successfully complete 20 arterial punctures, in addition to the 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures.