How long does a CPR certification last is a common question from professionals that need to stay compliant for job or licensing requirements. Most CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certifications are valid for two years for most providers.
Your certification card, or AHA e-Card should have your renewal or expiration date written on it.
Knowing when and how to renew your certification can help you stay prepared and protected, especially if your job depends on it.
Where to Check The CPR Certification Expiration Date
The expiration date is printed on your certification card; the physical or digital eCard.
You can verify this with your provider, like the American Heart Association eCard portal.
Applicable Certifications
To ensure you have a valid CPR certification, ask your employer or licensing board which certifications they accept before enrolling in a course.
If you get the wrong type of certification, you could be wasting your time and money. Make sure you know your workplace requirements before taking a recertification course.
American Heart Association (AHA)
An AHA certification is the most widely accepted CPR certification in the United States and is considered the gold standard, especially in medical and healthcare settings: hospitals, clinics, EMS agencies, and most medical boards.
Certifications offered by AHA include:
- Hearsaver CPR/AED, for general workplace and community use
- BLS (Basic Life Support), for healthcare professionals
- ACLS and PALS for advance medical roles
American Red Cross
American Red Cross certifications are widely accepted for childcare and daycare licensing bodies, schools, and public services jobs. They are not accepted by all hospitals.
American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI)
ASHI certifications are accepted by some private employers and state agencies and non-healthcare jobs. ASHI offers CPR and AED, Basic First Aid and CPR, and BLS for Healthcare Providers.
However, most hospitals and healthcare employers require certifications from American Heart Association, so a BLS certification from ASHI may not be accepted if you are a healthcare employee. Many make the mistake of getting the wrong certification.
National Safety Council (NSC)
NSC certifications are generally accepted by the construction industry, corporate safety programs and some government employers.
Why CPR Certifications Expire
There are several important reasons why certifications typically expire after two years.
CPR Skills Fade Over Time
CPR is a hands-on, practical skill that must be practiced regularly. Studies show that even trained medical professionals start to lose CPR skills as soon as 3-6 months after training if they don’t have an opportunity to practice these life-saving techniques regularly.
They can forget the correct compression depth or rate or the steps or sequence.
This can result in hesitating in real-life emergency situations where every second counts.
Guidelines and Best Practices Change
Organizations like the American Heart Association update their CPR guidelines every five years based on the latest scientific evidence.
For example, some of the past updates have included:
- changing compression-to-breath rations
- emphasizing hand-only CPR for untrained bystanders
- improving defibrillation timing with AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator)
Regulatory and Legal Compliance
Workplaces, state and federal agencies, and licensing boards require that certifications be up-to-date.
Having a certification lapse after the validity period can lead to disciplinary action or job suspension. Renewals ensure that individuals and employers are in compliance with current laws and policies.
Confidence and Preparedness
Regularly renewing your certification helps to keep your knowledge and skillset current. You’ll be faster to act, more accurate in techniques and able to provide life-saving skills when required.
Every second counts in a cardiac emergency. Refreshing first aid training makes you less likely to freeze or panic during the chain of survival.
When To Renew Your CPR Certification
Different industries have different renewal expectations.
Healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, EMTs) often need BLS renewed on or before the expiry date.
Childcare workers, teachers, and coaches may require earlier renewal to comply with licensing.
Construction and industrial workers should follow their company’s OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliance schedule.
Setup Reminders
To avoid missing your renewal date, set an appointment reminder a few weeks before your expiration date.
Most training providers offer email or text alerts; be sure to opt-in for those.
Pro tip: If you hold several first aid certifications like BLS, ACLS or PALS, it’s a good idea to renew them at the same time to save you time and money.
Who Needs to Keep Their CPR Certification Current?
CPR certification is essential for a wide range of people, including healthcare professionals, childcare providers, teachers, fitness instructors, and first responders.
Many industries, from construction to manufacturing, also require certified staff to meet workplace safety standards. Even outside of professional roles, people that work with the general public, volunteers, coaches, and family caregivers should consider taking CPR and First Aid courses to prepare for medical emergencies like sudden cardiac arrest.
Choosing the Right CPR Certification Course
When it’s time to renew your CPR certification, find the right class type that fits your learning style, schedule, skill level, and professional requirements.
In person classes can be engaging and fun if you have the right instructor. It gives you an opportunity to ask questions and get feedback.
They may be harder to fit your schedule and may require you to take a day out of work.
Online Certification Courses
Online CPR courses offer convenience. But, to meet certification requirements, you will be required to complete an in-person skills session with a system like RQI (Resuscitation Quality Improvement).
This hybrid model helps students learn topics like chest compressions, AED use, and first aid through interactive modules and videos that can be completed at their own pace and time, without having to take a day off of work.
Students are required to take an in-person skills checkoff to demonstrate hands-on CPR and AED skills using a manikin connected to the RQI system, which provides real-time feedback on their performance.
Many students find this less intimidating than having a class and instructor watching them.
Many certification centers allow students multiple attempts. Combined with the real-time feedback from the system, many students complete their skills checkoff in 30 minutes or less.
Ready To Renew?
We offer online classes with AHA certifications. You can get your eCard issued immediately after your skills check with our RQI systems conveniently located near you.