CPR course costs range from $35 to $300 depending on the provider, course length, and certification type

The price you pay for CPR training depends mostly on whether you want basic CPR-only certification or a combination course that includes first aid or AED training. A standalone CPR course through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association typically costs $60 to $100 and takes three to four hours. Hospital-based programs and community colleges often charge $40 to $80. Online CPR courses that end with an in-person skills test run $35 to $75. Combination courses—CPR plus first aid plus AED—cost $100 to $300 because they cover more material and take a full day.

Employer-sponsored training is often free or heavily subsidized if your job requires CPR certification. Workplaces in healthcare, childcare, fitness, and security frequently cover the cost entirely. Some health insurance plans reimburse CPR course fees, though you will need to check your specific plan. Community organizations like the YMCA, fire departments, and local health departments sometimes offer reduced rates for residents or members.

Key Takeaways

  • CPR-only courses cost $60 to $100 through major providers like the American Red Cross and American Heart Association.
  • Combination courses that include first aid and AED training cost $100 to $300 because they require a full day of instruction.
  • Your employer may cover the entire cost if CPR certification is required for your job.
  • Online CPR courses with in-person skills testing cost $35 to $75 and are the least expensive option.
  • Community organizations, fire departments, and health departments sometimes offer discounted rates for local residents.

American Red Cross and American Heart Association pricing

The American Red Cross and American Heart Association are the two largest CPR training providers in the United States, and their pricing is fairly consistent across locations. The American Red Cross charges $65 to $100 for a standard CPR/AED course that lasts three to four hours. The American Heart Association's Heartsaver CPR/AED course costs $70 to $110 for the same duration. Both organizations offer blended courses that combine online learning with a shorter in-person skills session, which typically cost $60 to $90.

If you add first aid training to either organization's CPR course, expect to pay $120 to $180 total. The American Heart Association also offers BLS (Basic Life Support) certification, which is more advanced than Heartsaver CPR and is designed for healthcare workers; BLS courses cost $100 to $150. Prices vary slightly by location and instructor, so calling your local chapter or checking their website will give you the exact cost in your area.

Hospital and community college courses

Many hospitals offer CPR certification through their community education departments, and these courses are often cheaper than chain providers. Hospital-based CPR courses typically cost $40 to $75 for a three-hour session. Community colleges usually charge $50 to $100 per course and may offer CPR as part of a larger health or safety certificate program. Some community colleges bundle CPR with first aid for $80 to $120.

The advantage of hospital and college courses is that instructors are often working healthcare professionals, and class sizes tend to be smaller. You can find these courses by calling your local hospital's community education line or visiting your community college's continuing education website. Many also offer evening and weekend sessions, which makes scheduling easier than with national providers that may have limited class times.

Online CPR courses and blended learning

Online CPR courses are the most affordable option if you are willing to complete the skills test in person. These courses cost $35 to $75 and let you watch video instruction and take a written test on your own time. You then schedule a short in-person appointment—usually 15 to 30 minutes—with a local instructor to demonstrate chest compressions and rescue breathing. Providers like CPR Select, First Aid Training, and Medic First Aid offer this model.

The trade-off is that you do less hands-on practice during the course itself. Online courses work well if you already have some CPR knowledge or if you are renewing a certification you held before. They do not work as well if you have never performed CPR and need more guided practice. Check whether the online provider's certification is accepted by your employer or licensing board before you register, because not all online courses meet every workplace requirement.

Employer-sponsored and free CPR training

If your job requires CPR certification, your employer often covers the cost entirely or reimburses you after you complete the course. Healthcare facilities, childcare centers, fitness studios, swimming pools, and security companies almost always provide free CPR training as part of onboarding or annual recertification. Some employers contract with a training provider to hold courses on-site, which means you take the class during work hours at no cost to you.

If your employer does not offer free training but requires CPR, ask your manager or human resources department whether they will reimburse you for an outside course. Many will, especially if the course is from an accredited provider like the American Red Cross. Keep your receipt and course completion certificate to submit for reimbursement.

Discounted CPR courses through community organizations

Fire departments, YMCAs, health departments, and nonprofit organizations sometimes offer CPR courses at reduced rates. Fire departments in many cities offer CPR training for $20 to $50, and some offer it free to residents. The YMCA charges $40 to $80 depending on location and whether you are a member. Local health departments occasionally sponsor free or low-cost CPR events during National CPR and Chest Compression Day in June.

To find these programs, call your city or county health department and ask whether they offer CPR training or know of organizations that do. Contact your local fire department's non-emergency line and ask about community CPR classes. If you are a YMCA member, check their website for class schedules and pricing. These routes take more legwork than calling the American Red Cross, but the savings can be significant if you find a free or very low-cost option.

What affects the price you pay

Several factors change the cost of a CPR course. The type of certification matters most: CPR-only is cheapest, CPR plus first aid costs more, and BLS certification for healthcare workers costs the most. Course length also affects price—a three-hour course costs less than a full-day combination course. Whether the course is online, in-person, or blended changes the price; online courses are cheapest because they require less instructor time.

Your location and the provider's overhead also matter. CPR courses in major cities tend to cost more than courses in rural areas. Courses held in a hospital or college classroom may cost less than courses held in a private training center because the facility overhead is lower. Certification renewal courses sometimes cost less than initial certification courses because they assume you already know the basics and need only a refresher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay extra to renew my CPR certification?

Renewal courses usually cost $10 to $30 less than initial certification courses because they are shorter—typically one to two hours instead of three to four. You will still pay through the same provider, and the cost depends on whether you are renewing CPR-only or a combination course. Some employers offer free renewal training on-site.

Is an online CPR course as good as an in-person course?

Online courses teach the same material and meet the same certification standards, but you get less hands-on practice. If you have never performed CPR, an in-person or blended course is better because you will practice chest compressions multiple times with an instructor watching. If you are renewing a certification you already hold, online works fine.

Can I find a CPR course that costs less than $50?

Yes. Online CPR courses start at $35, fire departments sometimes charge $20 to $30, and some health departments offer free courses during special events. Community colleges occasionally run discounted courses for residents. Call your local fire department and health department first to ask about low-cost options in your area.

Will my health insurance pay for a CPR course?

Some health insurance plans reimburse CPR training, but it depends on your specific plan. Call your insurance company and ask whether CPR certification is a covered preventive service. If it is, ask what documentation you need to submit for reimbursement. Many plans require a receipt and proof of completion from an accredited provider.

What is the difference between CPR certification and CPR training?

CPR training is the instruction itself—the class where you learn and practice. CPR certification is the credential you receive after passing the course, showing that you completed the training and passed the skills test. The certification is what your employer or licensing board requires, and it typically lasts two years before you need to renew.