Phlebotomy Exam Retake Policies
If you do not pass, you can retake every phlebotomy certification exam, but each body sets its own waiting period and attempt limit: NHA CPT 30 days and 3 attempts, ASCP PBT 30 days and 5 attempts per eligibility route, AMT RPT 45 days and 4 attempts in total.
Checked against each certifying body's own documents on October 6, 2026.
| NHA CPT | ASCP PBT | AMT RPT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wait before retaking | 30 days after each attempt | 30 days after a failed attempt | 45 days after a failed attempt |
| Attempts allowed | 3 attempts | 5 attempts per eligibility route | 4 attempts in total |
| After the last attempt | After the third attempt, you must wait 1 year before each further attempt. | After 5 unsuccessful attempts you must qualify under a different eligibility route. | AMT allows the first attempt plus 3 retakes per certification. |
| Retake cost | Each retake costs the full exam price. | Each retake requires a new application and fee. | A retesting fee applies to each retake. |
| Passing score | 390 | 400 | 70 |
Common questions
- How soon can I retake the NHA phlebotomy exam?
- 30 days after your attempt. NHA allows 3 attempts; after the third you must wait 1 year before each further attempt, and every retake costs the full exam price.
- How many times can you take the ASCP phlebotomy exam?
- Up to 5 times under one eligibility route, with at least 30 days between attempts. After 5 unsuccessful attempts you must qualify under a different route. Each retake needs a new application and fee.
- How long do you have to wait to retake the AMT RPT exam?
- 45 days after a failed attempt. AMT allows 4 attempts in total per certification (the first attempt plus 3 retakes), with a retesting fee each time.
- What should I do differently before a retake?
- Use your score report to find your weakest content areas and study those first. Spaced practice on the domains you missed works better than rereading everything.
Policies change. Confirm with the certifying body before you schedule or retake an exam.
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Get StartedOfficial sources
- NHA Candidate Handbook (updated 10/05/2026)
- NHA 2025 CPT Test Plan
- NHA Phlebotomy Technician certification
- ASCP BOC PBT Content Guideline (rev. Sept 25, 2025)
- ASCP BOC: About the Examination
- ASCP BOC: Application Policies
- AMT Candidate Handbook (rev. April 2026)
- AMT RPT content outline
- AMT Phlebotomy Technician certification