What you need to do to get CPR certified

To get a CPR license, you take a course from an organization that teaches CPR, pass a written test and a skills test, and receive a card showing you are certified. The whole process usually takes one day. You do not need any medical background or prior training — the course teaches you everything from the start.

The main organizations that issue CPR certification are the American Heart Association, the Red Cross, and several smaller training providers. Each one's card is recognized by hospitals, schools, and employers across the country. The course covers chest compressions, rescue breathing, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). You will practice on a mannequin and show the instructor you can do the skills correctly before you leave.

Cost ranges from about $60 to $150 depending on the organization and whether you take the course in person or online (though you still need to do the skills test in person). Many employers, schools, and community centers offer courses for free or at a reduced cost to their staff or students.

Key Takeaways

  • CPR certification requires one in-person course with a written test and a hands-on skills demonstration, usually completed in a single day.
  • The American Heart Association and Red Cross are the two largest certification providers, and their cards are accepted nationwide.
  • You must renew your CPR certification every two years to keep it current, which involves retaking the course or taking a renewal class.
  • Many employers, schools, and community centers offer free or low-cost CPR courses to their staff or members.
  • Online CPR courses exist, but you must complete the skills test in person with an instructor.

Finding a CPR course near you

The American Heart Association and Red Cross both have course finders on their websites where you enter your zip code and see classes scheduled in your area. The American Heart Association site is heart.org/cpr, and the Red Cross site is redcross.org. Both show the date, time, location, and cost of each class.

If you work in a hospital, nursing home, school, or other healthcare or education setting, ask your employer first — many offer free certification to staff. If you volunteer with a fire department, rescue squad, or community organization, they often provide free training as well. Community colleges and local health departments also run CPR courses, sometimes at lower cost than the national organizations.

When you search, you will see options for different types of CPR: Basic Life Support (BLS) is for healthcare workers and first responders; CPR/AED is the standard course for the general public and most jobs; and Pediatric CPR teaches infant and child resuscitation. Choose the type that matches your job or situation. If you are unsure, CPR/AED is the most common.

What happens during the course

A typical CPR course lasts three to four hours. You will watch videos or a live instructor explain how cardiac arrest happens, why CPR matters, and how to recognize when someone needs help. Then you move to the skills section, where you practice chest compressions and rescue breathing on a mannequin while the instructor watches and corrects your technique.

The written test is usually short — 10 to 20 multiple-choice questions — and covers the concepts from the videos or lecture. You need to pass it, but it is not difficult if you pay attention during the course. The skills test is the main part: the instructor will ask you to perform CPR on the mannequin, and you must show you can do chest compressions at the right depth and speed, give rescue breaths correctly, and use an AED if one is present.

If you do not pass the skills test on your first try, you can usually practice more and test again the same day at no extra cost. Most people pass on the first attempt. Once you pass both parts, you receive your certification card when ready or within a few days.

How long your certification lasts and when to renew

CPR certification is valid for two years from the date you pass the course. Your certification card will show the expiration date. About a month before it expires, you should sign up for a renewal course.

A renewal course is shorter than the initial course — usually one to two hours — because you already know the basics. You review the current guidelines, practice the skills again, and take a shorter written test. The cost is similar to a new course, around $50 to $100. Some organizations offer online renewal for the classroom part, but you still need to do the skills test in person.

If your certification expires, you will need to take the full course again rather than a renewal. It is easier and faster to renew before the card expires. If your job requires CPR certification, your employer will usually remind you when renewal is coming due.

Different types of CPR certification for different jobs

The type of CPR certification you need depends on your job or situation. CPR/AED is the standard course for teachers, coaches, lifeguards, and anyone who might need to help a stranger in an emergency. Basic Life Support (BLS) is for nurses, doctors, paramedics, and other healthcare workers — it covers CPR and includes more detail about using medications and equipment. Pediatric CPR teaches how to do CPR on infants and children, and is often required for childcare workers and teachers.

Some jobs require more than one type. For example, a nurse might need both BLS and a specialty certification like Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Ask your employer or school what type of certification they require before you sign up for a course.

If you are not sure which course to take, start with CPR/AED — it is the most widely used and covers the skills most people need. You can always take a specialty course later if your job changes.

Online CPR courses and what they cover

Some organizations offer online CPR courses where you watch videos and take a written test on your computer. These courses are cheaper and faster than in-person classes — sometimes as little as $20 and done in an hour. However, you cannot learn CPR skills from a video alone, so every online course requires you to come in person for a skills test with an instructor.

The online part covers the theory: how the heart works, what cardiac arrest is, when to call 911, and how to recognize a stroke or heart attack. You watch videos showing the correct technique for chest compressions and rescue breathing. Then you schedule a separate appointment — usually within a few weeks — to meet an instructor in person, practice the skills, and take the skills test.

Online courses work well if you have a busy schedule and want to do the classroom part on your own time. The downside is that you do not get to practice on a mannequin until the skills test, so some people feel less confident. If you prefer to learn by doing, an in-person course is a better choice.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring a photo ID and your Social Security number (or the last four digits) to your CPR course. Some organizations also ask for your date of birth and email address. Wear comfortable clothes that let you move your arms freely, since you will be doing chest compressions on a mannequin.

You do not need to study beforehand — the course teaches everything you need to know. However, if you want to review, the American Heart Association and Red Cross both have free videos on their websites showing CPR technique. Watching a five-minute video before class can help you feel more confident, but it is not required.

Arrive a few minutes early so you can check in and get settled. Bring water and a snack if the course is long. Let the instructor know if you have any physical limitations — for example, if you have a shoulder injury and cannot do full chest compressions — so they can work with you on modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need CPR certification for my job?

It depends on your job. Teachers, coaches, lifeguards, childcare workers, and healthcare workers almost always need it. Many other jobs do not require it but prefer it. Check your job posting or ask your employer. If your job does require it, they will usually tell you during hiring or orientation.

Can I take an online CPR course and skip the in-person skills test?

No. Every CPR certification requires an in-person skills test with an instructor, even if you take the classroom part online. You must show you can do chest compressions and rescue breathing correctly on a mannequin before you get certified.

What if I fail the skills test?

You can usually practice more and test again the same day at no extra cost. If you fail a second time, you may need to retake the full course, though policies vary by organization. Most people pass on the first or second try.

How much does CPR certification cost?

Cost ranges from free to about $150, depending on the organization and whether your employer or school offers it. The American Heart Association and Red Cross courses typically cost $60 to $100. Online courses are often cheaper. Ask your employer first — many offer free training.

Can I renew my CPR certification early?

Yes. You can renew your certification up to a few months before it expires. This is useful if you want to renew before a busy season at work or before you travel. Your new card will be valid for two years from the renewal date.