A phlebotomist is a person who is trained to draw blood for laboratory testing. While there are some places in which a person may become a phlebotomist without certification, some jurisdictions require new phlebotomists to earn it. There are also some employers who prefer applicants with certification, even when the jurisdiction doesn't require it. To obtain certification in this field, a person usually has to pass a phlebotomy certification exam. An individual may prepare for this exam by taking a phlebotomy course or by gaining hands-on experience in the field; he may also study preparation guides and take practice tests to prepare.
A person who becomes a phlebotomist learns how to draw blood from patients and follow acceptable, safe laboratory sample procedures. Often, a person learns phlebotomy by taking a phlebotomy course. Others may learn how to draw blood and follow safe laboratory procedures on the job. A person from either background may choose to take a phlebotomy certification exam.
A person who has received phlebotomy training or secured significant hands-on experience may be well prepared to take a phlebotomy certification exam. The content of these exams may vary, depending on the certifying authority, and requirements may differ from country to country. The general idea, however, is that a person with training or experience with phlebotomy should understand the content on the exam and be prepared to pass it without an intense level of additional preparation.
Though training or experience may help a person be well prepared for a phlebotomy certification exam, most people interested in this credential do spend time studying and preparing. For example a person may obtain study guides and preparation manuals that help him to get ready for his phlebotomy certification exam. An individual may also obtain practice tests that help him review the sorts of questions that are likely to be on the exam. Practice tests may help an individual who is interested in certification to not only practice the types of questions that may be on the exam, but also get used to the testing format.
An individual who is interested in taking a phlebotomy certification exam may do well to check with the certification organizations in his area for exact requirements. In addition to completion of a phlebotomy course or the gaining of significant experience, some have age requirements. Typically, they require applicants to be legal adults. Additionally, most require certification applicants to hold high school diplomas or general education development diplomas (GEDs).