What You Need to Do to Teach CPR

To become a licensed CPR instructor, you must first earn a current CPR certification from an organization like the American Heart Association or Red Cross, then complete an instructor course through that same organization, and finally pass both a written exam and a practical teaching demonstration. The whole process typically takes four to eight weeks if you already have CPR certification, or two to three months if you are starting from scratch.

Most employers—hospitals, fire departments, schools, fitness centers—require instructors to hold certification from a nationally recognized body. The American Heart Association and Red Cross are the two largest providers in the United States, though some states accept other organizations. Your choice of organization matters because you can only teach the courses offered by the organization that trained you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a current CPR certification before you can take an instructor course, and that certification must be from the same organization offering the instructor training.
  • Instructor courses run one to three days in person and cost between $150 and $400, depending on the organization and your location.
  • You will need to pass a written test covering CPR science and teaching methods, plus demonstrate that you can teach a full CPR lesson to a group.
  • Your instructor card is valid for two years, after which you must renew by taking a renewal course or retaking the full instructor course.
  • Some employers require additional certifications like First Aid or AED training alongside CPR instruction.

Get Your CPR Certification First

Before you can teach CPR, you must hold a current CPR card. If you do not have one, take a CPR course through the organization you plan to teach for. American Heart Association courses run about four to six hours and cost $60 to $100. Red Cross courses are similar in length and cost. Both teach the same core skills—chest compressions, rescue breathing, and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)—but the exact techniques and course names differ slightly between organizations.

Your CPR certification is valid for two years from the date you pass. If your card has expired, you must renew it before you can take an instructor course. Some organizations offer abbreviated renewal courses (usually one to two hours) if you have held certification before; others require you to retake the full course. Check with your chosen organization about their renewal policy.

Enroll in an Instructor Certification Course

Once your CPR card is current, you can register for an instructor course. The American Heart Association calls this the "Instructor Course," while Red Cross calls theirs "Instructor Training." Both are one to three days long, held in person, and cost $150 to $400 depending on your location and whether you are taking CPR instructor training alone or bundling it with First Aid or other certifications.

You will learn how to teach CPR to others, manage a classroom, use training manikins (practice dummies), and assess whether students are performing compressions correctly. The course covers the science behind CPR, common teaching mistakes, and how to adapt instruction for different age groups and skill levels. Bring your current CPR card to the course—you will need to show it during registration.

Some organizations offer blended courses that combine online modules with a shorter in-person session. Online portions typically cover teaching theory and CPR science; the in-person day focuses on demonstration and practice teaching. Check your organization's website for course dates and formats in your area.

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 your organization's policies. The exam is usually 50 to 75 multiple-choice questions and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. You will have one or two attempts; if you fail, you may retake the exam the same day or schedule a makeup session within a set timeframe.

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—the instructor is checking that you can explain the steps clearly, answer questions, and correct student mistakes. Most people pass this portion if they have paid attention during the course and practiced beforehand.

Understand Renewal and Ongoing Requirements

Your instructor card is valid for two years. Before it expires, you must renew your certification. Most organizations offer renewal courses that are shorter than the original course—usually four to six hours—and cost $75 to $150. You can also renew by retaking the full instructor course, though this is more expensive and time-consuming.

Some employers require instructors to maintain additional certifications alongside CPR instruction. For example, a school might require both CPR and First Aid instructor cards, or a fitness center might ask for CPR and AED instructor status. Check with your employer about their specific requirements before you enroll in courses.

Many organizations also require instructors to teach at least one course per year to keep their card active, or to complete continuing education hours. The exact requirement varies by organization, so review your card's fine print or contact your organization's instructor support line to confirm what you need to do to stay current.

Choose Between American Heart Association and Red Cross

The American Heart Association and Red Cross are the two dominant CPR training organizations in the United States. Both are nationally recognized and accepted by most employers. The main difference is that you can only teach courses from the organization that trained you—an American Heart Association instructor cannot teach Red Cross courses, and vice versa.

American Heart Association courses tend to emphasize hands-only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breathing) for adults, and their instructor training is rigorous and detailed. Red Cross courses cover both hands-only and traditional CPR with rescue breathing, and their instructor training is similarly thorough. Both organizations have websites where you can search for courses in your area by zip code.

Some states and employers have preferences. For example, some fire departments prefer Red Cross instructors, while some hospitals prefer American Heart Association. If you know where you want to teach, ask that employer which organization they prefer before you enroll in your first CPR course.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a CPR instructor?

If you already have a current CPR certification, the instructor course itself takes one to three days. If you need to get CPR certified first, add four to six hours for that course. The entire process from no certification to instructor card typically takes two to three months if you space out the courses, or as little as one week if you take them back-to-back.

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

Yes. CPR instructor courses are open to anyone who holds a current CPR certification. You do not need to be a nurse, paramedic, or doctor. Many instructors work in fitness, schools, corporate training, or as independent contractors.

What if I fail the written exam?

Most organizations allow you to retake the exam the same day or within a few days at no extra cost. If you fail a second time, you may need to retake the full instructor course. Review the course materials and ask the instructor for help with topics you found difficult before your retake.

Do I need First Aid certification to teach CPR?

Not always. CPR and First Aid are separate certifications. Some employers require both, but many only require CPR instruction. Check with your employer or the organization you plan to teach for to see whether First Aid is required or recommended.

What happens if my instructor card expires?

You cannot teach CPR courses once your card expires. You must complete a renewal course before you can resume teaching. If you let your card lapse, you may need to retake the full instructor course rather than the shorter renewal course, depending on how long it has been expired. Contact your organization to find out their policy.