What you need to do to teach CPR certification

To become an American Heart Association (AHA) CPR instructor, you must first hold a current AHA CPR certification yourself, then complete an instructor course through an AHA training center, pass a written exam and practical demonstration, and register with the AHA. The whole process typically takes a few weeks to a few months depending on course availability and how quickly you complete the requirements.

The AHA does not run the courses directly — instead, it authorizes training centers (hospitals, community colleges, fire departments, and private training companies) to teach instructor courses in your area. You will work with one of these centers, not the national organization.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a current AHA CPR certification before you can enroll in an instructor course.
  • Instructor training happens through AHA-authorized training centers in your region, not through a single national program.
  • The instructor course includes classroom time, a written exam, and a practical skills test where you teach CPR to evaluators.
  • After passing, you register with the AHA and receive an instructor card valid for two years.
  • Instructor certification requires renewal every two years by taking a renewal course or retesting.

Step 1: Get your CPR certification first

You cannot enroll in an instructor course without holding a current AHA CPR certification. If you do not have one, take a standard CPR course through any AHA training center. These courses cover adult CPR, child CPR, infant CPR, and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). The course takes about four to six hours and ends with a skills test.

Your CPR certification is valid for two years from the date you pass. If your certification has expired, you will need to retake the course before you can pursue instructor training. Check the expiration date on your current card before enrolling in an instructor course.

Step 2: Find an AHA training center near you

The AHA maintains a directory of authorized training centers on its website. You can search by zip code to find centers in your area that offer instructor courses. Training centers include hospitals, fire departments, community colleges, universities, and private CPR training companies. Call or visit the center's website to ask when they offer instructor courses and what the cost is — prices vary by location and center.

Some centers offer courses on weekends or evenings to accommodate working schedules. Others may require you to attend multiple sessions spread over several weeks. Ask about the schedule when you contact them, and confirm they are offering the specific instructor course you need (for example, BLS Instructor, which teaches basic life support).

Step 3: Complete the instructor course

The AHA BLS Instructor course typically runs eight to sixteen hours, depending on whether it is condensed into one or two days or spread across multiple sessions. The course covers how to teach CPR skills, how to manage a classroom, how to use AHA training materials, and how to evaluate students fairly.

You will practice teaching CPR to other students in the course and receive feedback from the instructor. The course also covers the science behind CPR, common teaching mistakes, and how to adapt instruction for different student needs. Bring your current CPR certification card to the first class.

Step 4: Pass the written exam and skills test

At the end of the instructor course, you take a written exam covering the material taught in class. The exam is typically multiple choice and focuses on teaching methods, CPR science, and AHA policies. You must score at least 84 percent to pass.

You also complete a practical skills test where you teach a short CPR lesson to the course instructor, who evaluates whether you can demonstrate the skills correctly and explain them clearly to students. The instructor watches for proper hand placement, compression depth, rescue breathing technique, and your ability to give clear, confident instructions. If you do not pass on your first attempt, most centers allow you to retake the skills test within a set timeframe.

Step 5: Register with the AHA and receive your instructor card

After you pass both the written exam and skills test, the training center submits your information to the AHA for registration. You will receive an instructor card in the mail within two to four weeks. This card shows your name, instructor number, and expiration date (two years from the date you passed the course).

Some training centers issue a temporary instructor card on the day you pass so you can begin teaching right away while you wait for the official card to arrive. Ask your training center whether they offer this option.

What happens after you become an instructor

Once certified, you can teach CPR courses through the training center where you completed your instructor course, or through another AHA training center if you arrange it with them. You must use only AHA-approved course materials and follow AHA guidelines for class size, skills practice, and testing.

Your instructor certification is valid for two years. Before it expires, you must renew by taking a renewal course (usually four to eight hours) or by retesting with a skills demonstration. Some training centers also allow renewal by teaching a certain number of courses within the two-year period, though this varies by center.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to become a CPR instructor?

Costs vary by training center and location. Instructor courses typically range from $100 to $300, though some centers charge more. The initial CPR certification course (if you need one) usually costs $50 to $150. Contact your local training center for exact pricing.

Can I teach CPR if I only have my CPR card but not an instructor card?

No. You must hold an active AHA instructor card to teach CPR courses. Having a CPR certification only means you know how to perform CPR — it does not authorize you to teach others or evaluate their skills.

What if I fail the written exam or skills test?

Most training centers allow you to retake the failed portion within 30 days at no additional cost. If you fail the skills test, the instructor will tell you which areas need improvement so you can practice before retesting.

Do I need to renew my instructor certification every two years?

Yes. Your instructor card expires two years from the date you pass the course. You must complete a renewal course or retest before the expiration date if you want to continue teaching. Teaching courses does not automatically renew your certification — you must take formal renewal action.

Can I teach other AHA courses besides CPR?

No. An AHA CPR instructor card authorizes you to teach only CPR courses. If you want to teach First Aid or other AHA courses, you must complete separate instructor training for each course type.