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

To become an American Heart Association (AHA) CPR instructor, you must first complete an AHA CPR course as a student, then take a separate instructor course, pass a written exam, and demonstrate hands-on teaching skills. The entire process typically takes two to four weeks, though the timeline depends on course availability in your area and how quickly you complete each step.

The AHA does not have a single national registry where you explore once and become certified. Instead, you train through an AHA Training Center — a hospital, community college, fire department, or private training company authorized by the AHA to teach instructor courses. That Training Center issues your instructor card once you pass.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a current AHA CPR certification before you can enroll in an instructor course — you cannot skip straight to teaching.
  • Instructor training includes a written exam covering CPR science and teaching methods, plus a practical test where you teach CPR to a group and receive feedback.
  • Your instructor card is valid for two years; you must renew it before it expires by taking a renewal course or retesting with your Training Center.
  • The cost varies by Training Center but typically ranges from $150 to $400 for the instructor course alone, on top of the cost of your student CPR course.
  • You do not need a medical background or degree to become an instructor, but you must be at least 18 years old and able to demonstrate CPR skills on an adult manikin.

Step 1: Get Your Current AHA CPR Student Certification

Before you can teach CPR, you must hold a valid AHA CPR card yourself. Take an AHA CPR course — usually called "CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers" or "CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer" — through any AHA Training Center. This course covers chest compressions, rescue breathing, use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and relief of choking. You will practice on a manikin and pass a skills test.

This student course takes four to six hours and costs between $60 and $150, depending on the Training Center. Your CPR card is valid for two years from the date you pass. You must have a current, unexpired card before you enroll in instructor training — Training Centers will not accept expired certifications.

If you already hold an AHA CPR card that has not expired, you can skip this step and move directly to instructor training. If your card has expired, you will need to retake the student course first.

Step 2: Enroll in an AHA Instructor Course

Once your CPR card is current, find an AHA Training Center near you that offers instructor courses. You can search for Training Centers on the AHA website by entering your zip code. Call or email the center to ask when they offer instructor courses and whether spots are available.

The instructor course is typically one full day (eight hours) or two half-days. During the course, you will learn AHA teaching methods, how to set up a classroom, how to use AHA training materials, and how to give feedback to students. You will also review CPR science in depth so you can answer student questions and teach the "why" behind each step, not just the steps themselves.

Bring a photo ID and your current CPR card to the first day of class. The Training Center will also ask you to sign a document confirming you understand the AHA's standards for instructors and agree to follow them when you teach.

Step 3: Pass the Written Exam and Skills Test

At the end of the instructor course, you will take a written exam covering CPR science, AED use, choking relief, and teaching methods. The exam is usually 50 to 75 multiple-choice questions and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. You typically have one hour to complete it.

After the written exam, you will complete a skills demonstration. You will teach a short CPR lesson to the instructor and other students in the class, then perform CPR on a manikin while the instructor observes. The instructor will evaluate whether you can teach the skill correctly, give clear instructions, and correct student mistakes. You do not need to be perfect, but you must show you understand CPR and can explain it to others.

If you do not pass the written exam or skills test on your first attempt, most Training Centers allow you to retake the failed portion within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 90 days. Some centers charge a small retake fee ($25 to $75).

Step 4: Receive Your Instructor Card and Register

Once you pass both the written exam and skills test, the Training Center will issue your AHA CPR Instructor card. This card is valid for two years. Some Training Centers issue the card on the same day you complete the course; others mail it within one to two weeks.

Your Training Center will also register you in the AHA's instructor database so that the AHA can track your certification status. You do not need to register separately — the Training Center handles this. You can verify your certification status on the AHA website using your name and card number.

Keep your instructor card in a safe place. You will need to show it to employers or organizations that hire you to teach CPR, and you will need it when you renew your certification.

What Happens After You Are Certified

Once certified, you can teach CPR courses through the Training Center that trained you, or you can seek employment with hospitals, fire departments, community colleges, or private training companies that offer AHA courses. Some instructors work part-time or as independent contractors; others are hired as full-time staff.

Before you teach your first course, your Training Center will usually provide you with course materials, instructor manuals, and access to AHA training videos and resources. You are required to use only AHA-approved materials and follow AHA guidelines when you teach — you cannot modify the curriculum or use materials from other organizations.

You must also maintain your own CPR student certification. If your CPR card expires while you are an instructor, you cannot teach until you renew it. Many instructors renew their CPR card every two years at the same time they renew their instructor card.

Renewing Your Instructor Certification

Your instructor card expires two years after the date you receive it. To renew, you have two options: take a full instructor renewal course (usually four to six hours) or take a shorter renewal exam (typically one to two hours) if your Training Center offers it.

The renewal course covers updates to CPR guidelines, teaching methods, and AHA policies. The renewal exam tests your knowledge of the same material without the full classroom instruction. Both options cost between $100 and $250, depending on your Training Center.

You must renew before your card expires. If your card lapses, you cannot teach CPR until you complete a full instructor course again — a renewal course will not be an option. Plan to renew at least 30 days before your expiration date to avoid gaps in your certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The AHA does not require any medical training, degree, or healthcare experience. You must be at least 18 years old, hold a current AHA CPR card, and be able to demonstrate CPR skills on a manikin. Many instructors come from healthcare, but many others come from education, fitness, security, or other fields.

Can I teach CPR for other organizations if I have an AHA instructor card?

You can teach AHA courses through any AHA Training Center or organization that partners with the AHA. However, if another organization (like the Red Cross) wants you to teach their CPR course, you would need to take their separate instructor course — AHA certification does not transfer to other organizations.

What if I fail the written exam or skills test?

Most Training Centers allow you to retake the failed portion within 30 to 90 days. You typically do not have to repeat the entire course — just the part you did not pass. Some centers charge a retake fee of $25 to $75. Ask your Training Center about their retake policy before you start the course.

How much does it cost to become an AHA CPR instructor?

The total cost depends on your Training Center and whether you already hold a CPR card. If you need both a student CPR course and an instructor course, expect to pay $210 to $550 total. If you already have a current CPR card, the instructor course alone costs $150 to $400. Prices vary by location and Training Center.

Can I teach CPR online or do I have to teach in person?

AHA CPR courses require hands-on practice on a manikin, so you must teach in person. However, some Training Centers offer blended courses where students watch videos online and then come to a classroom for the skills practice and test. As an instructor, you would teach the in-person portion. You cannot teach CPR entirely online.