Phlebotomy certification in California

California requires a state certificate to draw blood unless you hold a license that already covers it (for example a physician, nurse or clinical lab scientist). The certificate is issued by the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services, at three levels.

AgencyCalifornia Department of Public Health (CDPH), Laboratory Field Services official source
State credentialCertified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) official source
LevelsLimited Phlebotomy Technician (skin puncture only); CPT I (skin puncture and venipuncture); CPT II (adds arterial puncture). official source
RequirementsCPT I: high school diploma or equivalent, training in a CDPH-accredited program (40 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of clinical practice with at least 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures; fewer classroom hours with 1,040+ hours of recent experience), and a national certification exam from a CDPH-approved organization. Out-of-state courses are not accepted. official source
Who does not need itThe certificate rules do not apply to medical assistants, EMTs, blood donor phlebotomists, or other licensed persons whose scope of practice allows them to draw blood at certain locations. official source
State feeUSD 100 application fee, non-refundable. official source
RenewalEvery year, with 3 contact hours of continuing education. official source
Working while the application is pendingNo. You cannot work as a phlebotomist until you are certified. official source

Official California application page

Checked against official California sources on Oct 24, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the agency before you apply. This page lists only facts we could confirm on an official page.

Open phlebotomy jobs in California

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