Where to Check Your CPR Certification

The fastest way to check your CPR certification is to contact the organization that issued it. The three largest providers are the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and the National Safety Council — each keeps its own database and does not share records with the others. You will need your name, date of birth, and the approximate year you took the course.

If you took your course through your employer, hospital, or workplace training program, that organization may also have a copy of your card and records. Many workplaces keep certification files for their staff, so checking with your human resources or safety department is often the quickest route.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the organization that issued your certification directly — Red Cross, American Heart Association, or National Safety Council — with your name and birth date to verify your status.
  • Your CPR card shows the expiration date on the front; if the date has passed, your certification is no longer valid.
  • Most CPR certifications expire after two years, though some workplace-specific courses may have different timelines.
  • If you cannot locate your card or remember which organization issued it, your employer's HR or safety department usually has a backup copy on file.
  • Online verification portals vary by provider — the Red Cross and American Heart Association both offer ways to check status on their websites using your course information.

Checking Your Physical CPR Card

Your CPR card itself contains the most basic information you need. Look at the front of the card for the expiration date, printed clearly near your name. If that date has passed, your certification is expired and you will need to renew it through a recertification course.

The back of the card lists the organization that issued it and often includes a reference number or course ID. Keep this card in a safe place — many employers require you to show the physical card, not just state that you are certified.

Using the Red Cross Verification System

The American Red Cross operates an online verification tool on its website. Go to redcross.org and look for the "Verify a Certificate" or "Check Certification" option in the main menu. You will enter your first name, last name, and date of birth. The system will search for any Red Cross CPR courses you have completed.

If your course appears in the database, the system will show your certification number, the date you completed the course, and your expiration date. This search is free and takes less than a minute. If nothing appears, either your course was not issued by the Red Cross, or there may be a spelling variation in how your name was entered when you took the course.

Using the American Heart Association Verification System

The American Heart Association also offers an online search tool through its website at heart.org. Look for "Verify Certification" or a similar link on the main page. You will need to enter your name and the month and year you took your course.

The system will return your certification status, expiration date, and course ID if the record is found. Like the Red Cross tool, this search is free. If your course does not appear, double-check the spelling of your name and confirm the year — sometimes courses taken in December may be recorded in the following year's database.

Contacting the National Safety Council

The National Safety Council does not operate a public online verification tool. Instead, you will need to contact them directly by phone or through their website contact form. Call their customer service line or visit nsc.org to find the appropriate department for CPR certification verification.

Have your name, date of birth, and course information ready when you contact them. Response times vary, but most inquiries are handled within one to two business days. If you took your course through a National Safety Council provider, that provider may also be able to look up your records.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your Records

If you have searched all three major providers and cannot locate your certification, check with your employer, school, or the training facility where you took the course. Many organizations keep copies of certifications for their employees or students for several years.

If your certification has expired or you cannot verify it, you will need to take a new CPR course. Most providers offer both initial certification courses and recertification courses, which are shorter and less expensive than the full course. Recertification typically takes two to four hours and costs between $30 and $100, depending on the provider and location.

Understanding CPR Certification Expiration

Most CPR certifications expire two years after the date you complete the course. Some workplace-specific certifications, such as those for healthcare workers, may have different expiration periods — check your card or contact your employer to confirm the timeline for your particular certification.

Once your certification expires, it is no longer valid. You cannot straightforward renew it by taking an online refresher — you must complete an in-person recertification course with a certified instructor. Many employers require proof of current certification, so staying on top of your expiration date prevents gaps in your credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I took my CPR course years ago and do not remember which organization issued it?

Start by checking with your employer or the organization where you took the course — they usually have records. If that does not work, search all three major providers (Red Cross, American Heart Association, and National Safety Council) using your name and approximate year. If nothing appears, your certification has likely expired and you will need to take a new course.

Can I verify my CPR certification online without contacting anyone?

Yes, if your course was issued by the Red Cross or American Heart Association. Both organizations have free online verification tools on their websites where you enter your name and birth date. The National Safety Council requires you to contact them directly by phone or email.

My CPR card is lost or damaged — can I get a replacement?

Contact the organization that issued your original certification. Most providers can issue a replacement card if your certification is still valid. You will typically need to provide your name, date of birth, and course information. There may be a small fee, usually between $5 and $15.

How long does it take to get verification results?

Online searches through the Red Cross and American Heart Association return results when ready. If you contact the National Safety Council by phone, most requests are handled within one to two business days. Employer or workplace records are usually available within 24 hours.

What if my name has changed since I took the CPR course?

Contact the organization that issued your certification and provide both your current name and the name you used when you took the course. They can update their records and issue a new card with your current name if needed. Bring documentation of the name change if requested.