What You Need to Do to Teach CPR

To become a CPR instructor, you must first hold a current CPR certification yourself, then complete an instructor course through an organization like the American Heart Association or Red Cross, pass a written exam and practical teaching demonstration, and register with your chosen certifying body. The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from start to finish, though the timeline depends on how quickly you can schedule courses in your area.

Most people complete this path while working another job — instructor certification does not require you to teach full-time. You can teach CPR at hospitals, schools, workplaces, gyms, or as an independent contractor, and many instructors start by teaching a few classes per month alongside their primary work.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a current CPR certification (usually Healthcare Provider level or equivalent) before you can take an instructor course.
  • Instructor courses run one to three days and cost between $150 and $400 depending on the organization and your location.
  • After passing the course, you will need to renew your instructor certification every one to two years, depending on the certifying body.
  • The American Heart Association and Red Cross are the two largest CPR certifiers in the United States, though other organizations exist.
  • You do not need a degree or prior teaching experience to become a CPR instructor, but you do need to pass both a written test and a practical teaching demonstration.

Get Your CPR Certification First

Before you can teach CPR, you must hold a current CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider level or equivalent. This is a prerequisite — instructor courses will not accept you without it. If you do not have a current card, you will need to take a standard CPR course first, which usually takes three to four hours and costs $50 to $150.

Your CPR certification must be current on the day you start your instructor course. If it expires during the course, most organizations will still let you finish, but check with the specific course provider. After you become an instructor, you will need to maintain your own CPR certification continuously — letting it lapse means you cannot teach.

You can get your initial CPR certification through the American Heart Association, Red Cross, or other approved providers. Many hospitals, community colleges, and fire departments offer these courses. Search online for "CPR certification near me" to find local options and pricing.

Enroll in a CPR Instructor Course

Once you hold a current CPR certification, you can register for an instructor course. The American Heart Association calls this the Instructor Course, while the Red Cross calls it Instructor Training. Both cover the same core material: how to teach CPR, how to use training manikins, how to manage a classroom, and how to assess student performance.

Instructor courses typically run one to three days, depending on whether you take it in person or online (though most require at least one in-person session for the practical portion). Costs range from $150 to $400. You will need to bring your current CPR certification card to the first day of class.

To find a course near you, visit the American Heart Association website (heart.org) or the Red Cross website (redcross.org) and search for instructor courses by zip code. You can also call local hospitals, fire departments, or community colleges — many host these courses regularly and can tell you the next available date.

Pass the Written Exam and Teaching Demonstration

At the end of your instructor course, you will take a written exam covering CPR techniques, teaching methods, and safety rules. The exam is typically 50 to 75 multiple-choice questions, and you usually need to score 80 percent or higher to pass. You will have time to study during the course, and instructors provide study materials.

You will also complete a practical teaching demonstration, where you teach a short CPR lesson to the course instructor and other students. This is not a performance test — instructors are looking for clear communication and the ability to correct student mistakes, not perfect delivery. Most people pass this portion on their first attempt if they have paid attention during the course.

If you do not pass the written exam on your first try, you can usually retake it within a set timeframe (often 30 days) at no additional cost. If you do not pass the teaching demonstration, you may need to repeat part of the course or schedule a separate practical assessment.

Receive Your Instructor Certification Card

After you pass both the exam and the teaching demonstration, the course provider will issue you an instructor certification card. This card is your credential to teach CPR. It shows your name, the organization that certified you (American Heart Association, Red Cross, or other), and your expiration date.

Your instructor card is valid for one to two years, depending on the certifying body. The American Heart Association instructor cards are typically valid for two years, while Red Cross cards are usually valid for one year. You will need to renew before the card expires if you want to continue teaching.

Some employers require instructors to maintain additional certifications, such as First Aid or AED training, alongside CPR. Check with any organization where you plan to teach to see what they require before you start.

Renew Your Instructor Certification

To keep teaching, you must renew your instructor certification before it expires. Renewal typically involves taking a shorter refresher course (usually two to four hours) and passing a brief exam. Renewal costs less than the initial course — usually $75 to $200 — and can often be done online with an in-person practical component.

You can renew through the same organization that originally certified you, or you can switch to a different certifying body if you prefer. Some instructors renew every two years with the American Heart Association, while others switch to the Red Cross for their renewal. Both are equally valid.

If your instructor card expires and you want to teach again, you will need to retake the full instructor course rather than renew. This costs more and takes longer, so it is worth planning ahead to renew before your card lapses.

Where You Can Teach CPR

Once certified, you can teach CPR in many settings. Hospitals often hire instructors to train staff and the public. Schools may bring in instructors to teach students. Workplaces, gyms, swimming pools, and daycare centers frequently offer CPR classes. The Red Cross and American Heart Association also hire instructors to teach their own courses.

You can also work as an independent contractor, advertising your services to individuals or small groups. Some instructors teach one or two classes per month while keeping another job. Others build a full-time teaching practice. The demand for CPR instructors is steady because certifications expire and new employees constantly need training.

Pay varies widely by location and setting. Hospital-based instructors may earn $20 to $35 per hour, while independent instructors often charge $50 to $150 per student for a class. Many instructors find that teaching CPR fits well alongside nursing, fitness, or emergency services work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a teaching degree or prior experience to become a CPR instructor?

No. You do not need a degree or prior teaching experience. You only need a current CPR certification and the ability to pass the instructor course exam and teaching demonstration. Many people become CPR instructors without any background in education.

How much does it cost to become a CPR instructor?

If you already hold a CPR certification, the instructor course costs $150 to $400. If you need to get your CPR certification first, add another $50 to $150 for that course. Total cost is typically $200 to $550 to go from no certification to instructor status.

Can I teach CPR if I am not a healthcare worker?

Yes. CPR instructors work in many fields — fitness, education, workplace safety, and independent training. You do not need to be a nurse, doctor, or paramedic. You only need to complete the instructor course and pass the exam.

What happens if my instructor card expires?

You cannot teach CPR with an expired card. You will need to renew the card before you can teach again. Renewal is faster and cheaper than the original course, but you must do it before the card lapses to avoid having to retake the full instructor course.

How often do I need to renew my CPR instructor certification?

Renewal is required every one to two years, depending on your certifying body. The American Heart Association requires renewal every two years, while the Red Cross typically requires renewal every one year. Plan ahead so your card does not expire while you are teaching.