CPR training and certification come from Red Cross chapters, American Heart Association training centers, and hospital-based programs in your area

Your CPR license — technically a certification card — comes from an organization that teaches and tests you on cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The two largest providers in the United States are the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. Both offer in-person classes where an instructor watches you perform chest compressions and rescue breathing on a mannequin, then issues a card valid for two years if you pass.

You do not get a CPR license from a government agency or explore through a central system. Instead, you find a training center near you, pay the course fee (usually $60 to $100 for a basic class), attend the session, and walk out with a card the same day if you pass. Some employers, hospitals, and community colleges also run their own CPR classes and issue certifications that meet the same standards.

Key Takeaways

  • The American Red Cross and American Heart Association are the two main sources for CPR certification, and both cards are recognized nationwide.
  • In-person classes take two to four hours, require you to demonstrate chest compressions and rescue breathing on a mannequin, and cost between $60 and $100.
  • Your certification card is valid for two years from the date you pass the course.
  • Many hospitals, fire departments, and community colleges offer CPR classes as an alternative to national organizations.
  • Online courses exist but typically do not result in a full certification card — they usually require an in-person skills test afterward.

American Red Cross CPR Classes

The Red Cross operates training centers in most U.S. cities and towns. You can search for classes on their website by entering your zip code; the site shows you available dates, times, and locations within a set distance. Classes are offered at Red Cross chapters, hospitals, fire stations, and community centers. You choose the course level — CPR/AED for adults, pediatric CPR, or CPR for professional rescuers — depending on your job or situation.

Red Cross classes run two to three hours for basic adult CPR. You pay at registration, attend the class, perform the required skills in front of the instructor, and receive your card when ready if you pass. The card is wallet-sized and valid for two years. Red Cross also offers blended learning options where you complete an online module at home and then attend a shorter in-person skills session, which can save time if your schedule is tight.

American Heart Association Training Centers

The American Heart Association runs a network of training centers, many of them at hospitals, medical offices, and fire departments. You find a center through their website by searching your location. Heart Association classes cover the same skills as Red Cross — chest compressions, rescue breathing, and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) — but the organization's standards are slightly different, so the course content and testing vary a bit.

Heart Association classes typically take two to four hours depending on the course level and whether you are renewing or taking the course for the first time. Like Red Cross, you receive your card the same day if you pass the skills test. The card is valid for two years. Heart Association also offers blended and online options at some training centers, though the in-person skills component is always required.

Hospital and Employer-Based CPR Programs

Many hospitals, nursing homes, fire departments, and large employers run their own CPR training programs. These classes meet the same standards as Red Cross and Heart Association courses — they use the same mannequins and teach the same techniques — but they are taught by instructors employed by the organization rather than by a national body. If you work in healthcare or emergency services, your employer may offer free or low-cost CPR training as part of your job.

Hospital-based classes are often shorter because they focus only on the skills your job requires. For example, a hospital might offer a 90-minute CPR class for nurses that skips some of the background information a public class includes. The certification card issued by a hospital or employer is usually recognized by other employers in the same field, though some organizations prefer Red Cross or Heart Association cards specifically. Check with your employer or the facility where you plan to work to see if they have a preference.

Community Colleges and Continuing Education Programs

Community colleges in most states offer CPR certification through their continuing education or workforce development departments. These classes are often cheaper than Red Cross or Heart Association courses — sometimes $40 to $60 — and are taught by instructors certified by one of the national organizations. You register through the college's website or by phone, attend the class, and receive a card valid for two years.

Community college classes may be scheduled more flexibly than national organization classes, with evening and weekend options. Some colleges also bundle CPR with other certifications like first aid or bloodborne pathogen training, which can be useful if you need multiple cards for your job. The card you receive is issued by the college but is based on Red Cross or Heart Association standards, so it is recognized by employers nationwide.

Online CPR Courses and Blended Learning

Several organizations offer online CPR courses where you watch videos and take a written test from home. However, online-only courses do not result in a full CPR certification card. Instead, they give you a completion certificate for the knowledge portion, and you must then attend an in-person skills session — usually one to two hours — with an instructor who watches you perform chest compressions and rescue breathing on a mannequin.

Blended learning can save time if you have a busy schedule: you complete the online module on your own time, then book a short in-person appointment to demonstrate your skills. The final card is the same as if you had taken a full in-person class. Some training centers offer blended options, and some online platforms partner with local instructors to provide the skills session. Check whether the online course you are considering includes an in-person component before you register.

Cost and How to Register

CPR certification costs between $40 and $120 depending on the provider and course level. Red Cross and Heart Association classes are typically $60 to $100. Community college classes are often $40 to $70. Hospital and employer programs may be free if you work there. Some organizations offer discounts if you renew your certification before it expires, or if you take multiple courses at once.

To register, visit the Red Cross website (redcross.org), the American Heart Association website (heart.org), or your local community college or hospital website. You will need to choose your course level, select a date and location, and pay the fee. Most organizations let you register online and pay by credit card. Some require you to call or visit in person. You typically receive confirmation and directions to the class location by email.

What Happens After You Pass

Once you pass the skills test, you receive a wallet-sized certification card on the spot or by mail within a few days. The card shows your name, the organization that issued it (Red Cross, Heart Association, or your employer), the course level you completed, and the expiration date — two years from the date you passed. You can use this card to prove your CPR training to any employer or organization that requires it.

Before your card expires, you can take a renewal course, which is usually shorter and cheaper than the initial course because you already know the basics. Renewal courses take one to two hours and cost $30 to $60. Some organizations let you renew online with a skills session, while others require you to retake the full course. Check your card or the organization's website to see what renewal options are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get CPR certified online without going to a class?

No. While you can complete the knowledge portion of CPR training online, you must attend an in-person session where an instructor watches you perform chest compressions and rescue breathing on a mannequin. This skills test cannot be done remotely. Some organizations offer blended courses where you do the online part at home and the skills test at a separate appointment, which may be faster than a full in-person class.

How long is a CPR certification card valid?

Your CPR card is valid for two years from the date you pass the course. After two years, you must renew your certification by taking a renewal course. Renewal courses are usually shorter than the initial course and cost less. Some employers require you to renew before your card expires, so check your workplace policy.

Is a Red Cross CPR card the same as an American Heart Association card?

Both cards show that you have been trained in CPR and meet national standards, and both are recognized by employers nationwide. The main difference is the organization that issued the card and slight variations in how the course is taught. Most employers accept either card. If your employer has a preference, they will tell you which organization to use.

What if I fail the skills test?

If you do not pass the skills test on your first try, most organizations let you retake it the same day or schedule another appointment within a few days at no extra cost. The instructor will show you what you need to improve and give you another chance. If you fail a second time, you may need to retake the full course, though policies vary by organization.

Do I need CPR certification for my job?

CPR certification is required for healthcare workers, childcare providers, lifeguards, personal trainers, and some other jobs. Many employers also prefer or require it for positions where you might need to help someone in an emergency. Check your job posting or ask your employer whether CPR certification is required or recommended for your role.