You may have originally earned your Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification through the American Heart Association because it was required for your job. Or maybe because you simply want to be prepared in case of a cardiac emergency.
Either way, it’s important to know that your certification doesn’t last forever. Not sure how often you have to renew your CPR certification? According to the AHA, your BLS certification is valid for two years from the date of issue.
Fortunately, you have options when it comes to recertification.
AHA Recertification Program Options
If it’s time to renew your AHA CPR certification, you have two primary pathways to choose from.
Classroom Renewal
The traditional approach is to sign up for an in-person classroom session where you’ll receive training from an instructor. The big positive is that you’ll complete your entire BLS renewal in one sitting. The downside is that the classroom format usually takes several hours, and you’ll need to find sessions that fit into your schedule.
Blended Learning
Blended recertification programs are growing in popularity due to their greater flexibility and convenience. First, you’ll complete the HeartCode BLS portion of your training online at your own pace. Second, you’ll attend a shorter skills test. An instructor usually will help oversee this hands-on session, or you can use an automated system, like CPR Cart, to prove your CPR abilities.
How to Renew Your AHA CPR Certification with CPR Cart
The goal of CPR Cart is to make earning and renewing your CPR certifications as convenient and straightforward as possible. Here’s how the program works:
Step 1: Complete Your HeartCode BLS Training Online
Start by taking the self-paced HeartCode BLS course at home at your own pace. This adaptive online training includes dramatizations, eStimulations, animations, self-directed learning, and interactive activities to teach you the latest BLS knowledge and skills.
Step 2: Book a 30-Minute Skills Session at a CPR Station
When you’ve completed the online portion of your BLS renewal, you’ll need to prove your skills with a hands-on test. Schedule your skills verification at any of our CPR Cart locations. Our CPR Carts are located in major cities across the United States and are available for testing 24/7.
Step 3: Pass Your Skills Test and Receive Your AHA eCard
Demonstrate your CPR skills on the automated manikin system. The program will give you direct feedback so you can improve your technique as you go. When you successfully complete the test, you’ll immediately receive your official American Heart Association BLS Provider eCard.
How Often Do You Have to Renew Your CPR Certification?
If you have your BLS certification through the American Heart Association, you’ll need to renew your certification every two years. Don’t wait too long! Many professionals must keep an active certification for their job and to retain their professional license. Some employers, especially in the healthcare space, perform regular certification audits!
How Long Is a CPR Renewal Class?
If you go the classroom route for your BLS renewal, it’ll probably take around three hours or a little more if you have a lot of fellow students in the class. For hybrid courses, the timing depends on your speed of learning. That’s why it’s a great option, both for people who already have the material down pat and those who like to take their time when retraining what could be rusty skills.
The hands-on skills test usually takes around 30 minutes using CPR Cart.
Don’t Forget to Renew Your AHA CPR Certification
Two years go by a lot faster than you may imagine. If it’s time to renew your BLS CPR certification, don’t wait around. Get on it now.
CPR Cart is an excellent choice if you want to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Remember, with CPR Cart, you’ll get:
- An online course that fits your learning schedule
- 24/7 availability of CPR Carts
- 30-minute hands-on skills test
- Instant eCard delivery upon passing the test
- AHA-approved BLS certification
CPR Cart also offers ACLS and PALS certifications and recertifications.
What are you waiting for? Sign up for BLS recertification classes today!