The path to becoming an AHA CPR instructor

To become a CPR instructor for the American Heart Association, you must first hold a current AHA CPR certification, then complete the AHA Instructor Course, pass a written exam and skills test, and register with the AHA. The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from start to finish, though the timeline depends on how quickly you can schedule and complete each step.

The AHA does not have a single national process portal. Instead, you work through an AHA Training Center in your area — a hospital, community college, fire department, or private training company that the AHA has authorized to teach instructor courses. Your first step is finding and contacting a Training Center near you, not the AHA directly.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a current AHA CPR certification before you can enroll in an instructor course; if yours has expired, you need to recertify first.
  • AHA Training Centers, not the national AHA office, run instructor courses in your area; you find and contact them directly through the AHA website locator.
  • The instructor course itself usually takes one full day or two half-days, and you must pass both a written exam and a skills demonstration to earn your card.
  • After you pass, you register with the AHA to receive your instructor number and card, which you need before you can teach your first class.
  • Instructor certification lasts two years and requires renewal through a recertification course or by teaching a certain number of classes per year.

Step 1: Get or renew your CPR certification

Before you can teach CPR, you must hold a valid AHA CPR certification card. If you already have one and it has not expired, you can move to the next step. If your card has expired or you have never taken the course, you need to complete an AHA CPR course first — either the Basic Life Support (BLS) course for healthcare providers or the Heartsaver CPR course, depending on your setting.

The BLS course is the standard for healthcare workers and is what most instructor candidates take. It covers CPR for adults, children, and infants, plus use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). The course takes about four to six hours and includes a written test and skills test. You can take it at any AHA Training Center or through many hospitals and community colleges.

Step 2: Find an AHA Training Center near you

The AHA maintains a searchable directory of authorized Training Centers on its website. Go to the AHA's Training Center locator, enter your zip code, and filter for centers that offer instructor courses. Training Centers are usually hospitals, fire departments, community colleges, or private training companies. Call or email the center directly to ask about instructor course schedules and enrollment.

Not every Training Center offers instructor courses every month. Some run them quarterly or only a few times a year. When you contact the center, ask when the next course is scheduled and whether you can register now or if there is a waitlist. Some centers require you to register in person; others let you register by phone or email.

Step 3: Complete the AHA Instructor Course

The instructor course itself is typically one full day (six to eight hours) or two half-days. You will learn how to teach CPR, how to set up a classroom, how to manage students, how to use AHA training materials, and how to administer the written and skills tests. The course covers teaching techniques, learning styles, and how to handle common student questions and scenarios.

You will also practice teaching CPR to other students in the class and receive feedback from the course instructor. This is not a lecture — you are expected to participate, demonstrate skills, and show that you understand how to teach, not just how to perform CPR yourself. Bring a notebook and be ready to ask questions about anything you are unsure about.

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 during the day. The exam is usually multiple choice and covers teaching methods, AHA policies, CPR techniques, and how to run a training session. You must score at least 84 percent to pass.

You also perform a skills test in front of the course instructor. You will teach a short CPR lesson to a student or group of students, and the instructor will evaluate whether you can demonstrate proper technique, explain the steps clearly, and correct student errors. If you do not pass either the written exam or the skills test, you can usually retake it at a later date; ask the Training Center about their retake policy.

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

After you pass both the exam and skills test, the Training Center submits your information to the AHA. The AHA then issues you an instructor number and mails you your instructor card. This process usually takes one to two weeks. You cannot teach CPR classes until you have your card and instructor number.

Once you receive your card, you are authorized to teach AHA CPR courses at any Training Center or organization that hires you. Your card is valid for two years. Before it expires, you must renew your certification by taking a recertification course or by meeting the AHA's teaching requirements — usually teaching a minimum number of classes per year.

What it costs and how long it takes

The cost of an instructor course varies by Training Center and region. Most range from $150 to $400, though some are higher. This covers the course itself, materials, and the exam. Your CPR certification course, if you need one, costs between $50 and $150 depending on the provider.

The total timeline from starting your CPR certification to holding an instructor card is usually two to four weeks. If you already have a valid CPR card, you can enroll in an instructor course when ready and have your card within two to three weeks. If you need to get or renew your CPR certification first, add another week or two.

Maintaining your instructor status

Your AHA instructor certification lasts two years. To renew, you have two main options: take an instructor recertification course (usually one day, similar in cost to the original course), or teach a certain number of AHA courses per year. The AHA's teaching requirement is typically a minimum of one course per year, though this varies by Training Center.

If your instructor card expires, you cannot teach until you renew it. Recertification courses are offered regularly at Training Centers, so you can schedule one before your card expires. Many instructors renew their card during the last month of validity to avoid a gap in their teaching authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a CPR instructor if I have never taken a CPR course before?

No. You must hold a current AHA CPR certification before you can enroll in an instructor course. If you have never taken CPR, you need to complete a BLS or Heartsaver course first, pass the exam and skills test, and receive your CPR card. Then you can register for the instructor course.

What is the difference between BLS and Heartsaver instructor certification?

BLS instructor certification allows you to teach the BLS course, which is designed for healthcare workers and covers CPR for adults, children, and infants plus AED use. Heartsaver instructor certification allows you to teach the Heartsaver course, which is for the general public and covers adult CPR and AED. Most healthcare settings require BLS instructors; community organizations often use Heartsaver instructors.

Do I need to work for a hospital or Training Center to become an instructor?

No. You do not need to be employed by a Training Center or hospital to take the instructor course. However, after you earn your card, you will need an organization or Training Center to hire you or contract with you to teach classes. Some instructors work full-time for a hospital or fire department; others teach part-time for multiple organizations.

What happens if I fail the written exam or skills test?

Most Training Centers allow you to retake the exam or skills test within a set timeframe, usually within 30 days. You may have to pay a retake fee, which is typically $25 to $75. Ask the Training Center about their retake policy before you take the course so you know what to expect.

How often do I need to renew my instructor certification?

Your instructor card is valid for two years. You renew by taking a recertification course or by teaching a minimum number of AHA courses per year — usually at least one course annually. If you stop teaching and let your card expire, you must take the full instructor course again to become recertified.