How to Become a CPR Instructor With the American Heart Association

What You Need to Do to Teach CPR for the American Heart Association

To teach CPR through the American Heart Association (AHA), you must first complete an AHA CPR course yourself, then take a separate instructor training course, pass a written exam, and demonstrate hands-on teaching skills. The whole process typically takes a few weeks to a few months depending on how quickly you find courses in your area. You do not need a medical background, but you do need to be at least 15 years old and able to physically perform CPR compressions on a training manikin.

The AHA does not run the courses directly—instead, it certifies training centers and instructors who deliver the courses. This means you will be working with a local training center, hospital, community college, or workplace safety organization that holds AHA certification. That organization is responsible for scheduling your courses, proctoring your exam, and issuing your card.

Key Takeaways

You must complete a student CPR course first, then enroll in an AHA Instructor Course through a certified training center in your area.
The instructor course includes a written exam and a practical teaching demonstration where you show you can teach CPR correctly to others.
Your AHA instructor card is valid for two years, after which you must renew through a renewal course or by retaking the full instructor course.
Training centers charge their own fees for both student and instructor courses; AHA does not set a single price, so costs vary by location and organization.
Once certified, you teach using AHA curricula and manikins, and you report course completions to the AHA through your training center.

Complete a Student CPR Course First

Before you can teach CPR, you must take a CPR course as a student. The AHA offers several levels: CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers (the most common choice for instructors), CPR/AED for Lay Rescuers, and Heartsaver CPR/AED. Most people aiming to become instructors choose the Healthcare Providers course because it covers two-rescuer CPR and is the foundation many employers expect.

This course is typically four to six hours long and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice on a manikin. You will learn chest compressions, rescue breathing, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). At the end, you take a written test and perform CPR skills in front of an instructor. Once you pass, you receive a CPR card valid for two years.

You can take this course at a hospital, community college, Red Cross chapter, workplace safety program, or any organization that holds AHA training center certification. Search the AHA website's training center locator to find courses near you, or call local hospitals and ask if they offer public CPR classes.

Enroll in an AHA Instructor Course

After you hold a current CPR card, you can enroll in an AHA Instructor Course. This is a separate, longer course—usually one to two days—that teaches you how to teach CPR to others. You will learn the AHA's teaching methods, how to set up and use training manikins, how to manage a classroom, and how to assess whether your students are performing CPR correctly.

The instructor course covers the same CPR content as the student course, but from a teacher's perspective. You will practice teaching CPR skills to other instructor candidates, receive feedback, and learn how to use the AHA's course materials and documentation. The course also covers legal and ethical responsibilities of an instructor, such as maintaining records and following AHA standards.

You must enroll through a training center that is certified by the AHA. Not every organization that teaches CPR to students is authorized to train instructors, so you may need to contact several centers to find one that offers instructor training. Many hospitals, large community colleges, and workplace safety organizations do offer it.

Pass the Written Exam and Skills Demonstration

At the end of the instructor course, you take a written exam covering CPR knowledge and teaching principles. The exam is typically 50 to 75 multiple-choice questions, and you usually need to score at least 84 percent to pass. You have a limited number of attempts—usually two or three—before you must retake the course.

You also perform a skills demonstration, which is the practical part of your certification. An AHA-certified instructor watches you teach a short CPR lesson to other candidates or to a manikin, and evaluates whether you can explain the steps clearly, demonstrate correct technique, and correct mistakes in your students' performance. This is not a test of your own CPR skills—it is a test of your ability to teach them.

If you pass both the written exam and the skills demonstration, the training center issues you an AHA Instructor card. This card is valid for two years and shows that you are authorized to teach AHA CPR courses.

Understand Renewal and Ongoing Requirements

Your AHA instructor card expires after two years. To keep teaching, you must renew before the expiration date. You have two options: take a renewal course (usually one day) or retake the full instructor course. The renewal course is shorter and less expensive, and most instructors choose this route.

To renew, you must also maintain a current student-level CPR card. If your CPR card expires before your instructor card does, you cannot teach until you recertify as a student. Many instructors renew both at the same time to avoid this gap.

Beyond the card, the AHA expects instructors to follow its course guidelines, use only AHA-approved materials and manikins, and keep records of all courses taught. Your training center will explain these requirements when you become certified.

Find a Training Center and Understand Costs

The AHA does not run courses directly or set prices. Instead, it certifies training centers—hospitals, colleges, fire departments, workplace safety programs, and independent training companies—that deliver courses and train instructors. You must find and work with one of these centers.

Use the AHA's official training center locator on its website to search by zip code or city. Call or visit the centers near you to ask about instructor course schedules and fees. Costs vary widely depending on the organization and your location. A student CPR course might range from $50 to $150, and an instructor course might range from $200 to $500 or more. Some employers offer free or discounted instructor training to their staff.

When you choose a training center, ask whether they will issue your AHA card directly or whether you need to register with the AHA separately. Most centers handle the registration for you, but confirm this before you enroll.

What Happens After You Are Certified

Once you hold an AHA instructor card, you can teach CPR courses through your training center or through another AHA-certified center. You do not work directly for the AHA—you work for the training center that certified you, or you may become an independent instructor and contract with multiple centers.

As an instructor, you will use AHA course materials, teach from AHA curricula, and use AHA-approved manikins. You will keep attendance records, document which students passed or failed, and report this information to your training center. The training center then reports course data to the AHA.

Your income depends on how many courses you teach and how much the training center or your employer pays you per course. Some instructors teach part-time alongside another job, while others teach full-time. The AHA does not employ instructors or set instructor pay—that is between you and the training center or organization you work for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a medical license or nursing degree to become a CPR instructor?

No. The AHA does not require a medical background. You need to be at least 15 years old, hold a current CPR card, and be able to physically perform CPR on a manikin. Many CPR instructors are nurses, paramedics, or doctors, but many others are teachers, office workers, or fitness professionals.

How long does it take to become a CPR instructor?

If you already hold a CPR card, the instructor course itself is one to two days. If you need to take a student CPR course first, add four to six hours for that. The whole process from start to finish usually takes two to four weeks, depending on how quickly you can find and enroll in courses near you.

Can I teach CPR if I am not affiliated with a hospital or organization?

You must be certified through an AHA training center, but you do not have to work for a hospital or large organization. Some independent instructors contract with multiple training centers, teach corporate wellness courses, or offer classes through community centers. Ask your training center about independent instructor opportunities.

What if I fail the written exam or skills demonstration?

Most training centers allow you two or three attempts at the written exam during the course. If you fail the skills demonstration, you may be able to retake it at a later date, or you may need to retake the full instructor course. Ask your training center about their specific retake policy before you enroll.

Is an AHA instructor card recognized everywhere?

Yes, the AHA is the largest CPR certification body in the United States, and its instructor card is recognized by employers, hospitals, schools, and organizations nationwide. Some employers may also accept Red Cross instructor certification, but AHA is the most widely accepted.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.