Phlebotomy Technician - International Phlebotomy Technician - Examination Content Guideline - Examination Model

Sep 30, 2026

Certification examination guidelines for Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) and International Phlebotomy Technician (PBTi) describe the structure of the assessment, including an 80-question, 2-hour, multiple-choice format delivered via computer adaptive testing (CAT). Correct responses increase subsequent difficulty until an incorrect answer triggers a slightly easier question. Questions are calibrated for difficulty and classified by content area aligned to the exam outline, with passing determined by scoring above a defined pass point.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Examination Content Guideline

Examination Model

Examination Subtests

Examination Content Outline

I. Circulatory System

II. Specimen Collection (Venipuncture, Skin Puncture)

III. Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing

IV. Waived and Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)

V. Non-Blood Specimens

VI. Laboratory Operations

PHLEBOTOMY TECHNICIAN, PBT(ASCP) INTERNATIONAL PHLEBOTOMY TECHNICIAN, PBT(ASCPi) EXAMINATION CONTENT GUIDELINE EXAMINATION MODEL The PBT(ASCP) and PBT(ASCPi) certification examination is composed of 80 questions given in a 2 hour time frame. All exam questions are multiple-choice with one best answer. The certification exam is administered using the format of computer adaptive testing (CAT) . With CAT, when a person answers a question correctly, the next test question has a slightly higher level of difficulty. The difficulty level of the questions presented to the examinee continues to increase until a question is answered incorrectly. Then a slightly easier question is presented. In this way, the test is tailored to the individual’s ability level. Each question in the test bank is calibrated for level of difficulty and is classified by content area. The content area aligns with the examination specific content outline. The examinee must answer enough questions correctly to achieve a measure above the pass point in order to successfully pass the certification examination. There is no set number of questions one must answer to pass, nor is there a set percentage one must achieve to pass. If at the end of the exam the examinee’s score is above the pass point, then he or she passes the exam. EXAMINATION SUBTESTS The PBT certification exam questions encompass the following content areas within Phlebotomy: Circulatory System, Specimen Collection, Specimen Handling, Transport and Processing, Waived and Point-of-Care Testing, Non-Blood Specimens, and Laboratory Operations. Each of these content areas comprises a specific percentage of the overall 80-question exam. The percentages and content areas are described below: | CONTENT AREA | DESCRIPTION | EXAM PERCENTAGE | | --- | --- | --- | | CIRCULATORY SYSTEM | Structure and Function of the Circulatory System, Composition/Function of Blood | 5 – 10% | | SPECIMEN COLLECTION | Processes Related to the Collection of Blood Specimens
(Venipuncture and Skin Puncture) | 45 – 50% | | SPECIMEN HANDLING, TRANSPORT, AND PROCESSING | Specimen Types/Suitability, Accessioning, Labeling, Specimen Quality Assessment, Transport and Storage, and
Equipment | 15 – 20% | | WAIVED AND POINT-OF-CARE TESTING | Performance/Operation of Rapid Tests: Urinalysis, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit, Coagulation, Glucose, and Kit
Tests | 5 – 10% | | NON-BLOOD SPECIMENS | Physiology, Patient Preparation, Patient Collection, and Specimen Processing and Handling | 5 – 10% | | LABORATORY OPERATIONS | Quality Control, Quality Improvement, Interpersonal Relations, Professional Ethics, Regulatory Applications, Safety, Infection Control, Coding/Billing, and Patient Confidentiality | 15 – 20% | For a more specific overview of the PBT exam, please refer to the CONTENT OUTLINE starting on page 2. EXAMINATION CONTENT OUTLINE PHLEBOTOMY TECHNICIAN INTERNATIONAL PHLEBOTOMY TECHNICIAN Examination questions, which are related to the subtest areas outlined below, may be both theoretical and/or procedural. Theoretical questions measure skills necessary to apply knowledge. Procedural questions measure skills necessary to perform phlebotomy techniques and follow quality assurance protocols. I. CIRCULATORY SYSTEM (5 – 10%) A. Structure and Function of the Circulatory System 1. Heart 2. Arteries 3. Veins 4. Capillaries B. Composition/Function of Blood 1. Types of blood (venous, capillary, arterial) 2. Plasma 3. Serum 4. Cellular elements (RBC, WBC, platelets) C. Terminology II. SPECIMEN COLLECTION (Venipuncture, Skin Puncture) (45 – 50%) A. Review and Clarification of Orders B. Patient Communication (pre & post collection) C. Patient Identification D. Patient Assessment/Preparation E. Site Selection F. Techniques G. Common Tests H. Order of Draw 1. Venous 2. Capillary I. Complications and Considerations (e.g., fainting, edema, hematoma, IV, mastectomy) J. Equip

FAQs

What is the format and length of the PBT/PBTi certification examination?

The exam contains 80 multiple-choice questions completed within a 2-hour time frame. Each question has one best answer.

How does computer adaptive testing (CAT) affect question difficulty?

When a question is answered correctly, the next question is slightly more difficult. Difficulty increases until an incorrect answer is given, after which a slightly easier question is presented.

Which content areas are covered and what are their approximate percentage ranges?

The outline includes Circulatory System (5–10%), Specimen Collection (45–50%), Specimen Handling/Transport/Processing (15–20%), Waived and Point-of-Care Testing (5–10%), Non-Blood Specimens (5–10%), and Laboratory Operations (15–20%).

Sep 30, 2026

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