The American Heart Association renewal process takes about one hour and costs between $75 and $150

The American Heart Association (AHA) offers two paths to renew your BLS (Basic Life Support) certification: an in-person classroom course or an online renewal option called BLS Renewal. Both routes require you to pass a skills test and a written exam. The in-person course takes roughly four hours and includes hands-on practice with a manikin. The online renewal is faster — about one hour of video and knowledge checks — but you still attend a separate skills session with an AHA instructor, usually 30 minutes to one hour long.

Your certification is valid for two years from the date you pass the renewal exam. You can renew any time during those two years, though many people wait until the expiration date is near. The AHA does not offer a grace period after expiration, so if your card lapses, you must take the full initial course again rather than a renewal course.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at an AHA training center or online through the BLS Renewal option, which combines video learning with an in-person skills test.
  • The renewal exam includes a written component and a hands-on skills demonstration with CPR and AED use on a manikin.
  • Renewal costs range from $75 to $150 depending on your location and whether you choose in-person or online, with some employers covering the fee.
  • Your new certification is valid for two years, and you can renew at any point during your current two-year period.
  • If your certification expires, you cannot renew — you must retake the full initial BLS course, which takes longer and costs more.

Finding an AHA training center near you

The AHA maintains a searchable directory of authorized training centers on its website at heart.org. Enter your zip code or city to see all centers in your area, along with their phone numbers and websites. Most centers are hospitals, fire departments, community colleges, and private training companies. Call ahead to ask about their renewal course schedule, because not all centers offer renewal every week.

Some employers — hospitals, clinics, fire departments, and security companies — run their own AHA training centers and offer renewal to staff at no cost or at a reduced rate. If your employer has a training center, ask your manager or human resources department whether you can renew there.

What happens during the in-person renewal course

An in-person BLS renewal course runs about four hours and is taught by an AHA instructor. You will review CPR technique for adults, children, and infants; practice using an automated external defibrillator (AED); and learn the recovery position. The instructor will demonstrate each skill on a manikin, then you will practice on your own manikin while the instructor watches and corrects your hand placement, compression depth, and rate.

At the end of the course, you take a written exam (usually 10 to 15 multiple-choice questions) and perform a skills test in front of the instructor. The skills test includes performing CPR on a manikin for two minutes, using an AED, and demonstrating proper hand placement and compression rate. You must pass both the written exam and the skills test to receive your renewed card. Most people pass on the first attempt if they have used CPR or AED in their work during the past two years.

The online renewal option and skills session

The AHA's online BLS Renewal option lets you complete the knowledge portion at your own pace through videos and interactive modules on the AHA's learning platform. This part takes about one hour and covers the same material as the in-person course — adult, child, and infant CPR; AED use; and choking. You answer knowledge checks as you go, and you must score at least 80 percent to move forward.

After you finish the online portion, you schedule a separate in-person skills session with an AHA instructor at a training center. This session lasts 30 minutes to one hour and includes the same hands-on demonstration and skills test as the in-person course. You perform CPR on a manikin, use an AED, and show the instructor you understand proper technique. You must pass the skills test to receive your renewed card.

The online renewal option works well if you have a flexible schedule and want to learn the material on your own time, but you still need to find time for the in-person skills session. Some training centers offer skills sessions on evenings or weekends to accommodate working schedules.

Cost and what to bring

Renewal costs range from $75 to $150 depending on your location and the training center. In-person courses and online renewal with a skills session usually cost the same amount. Some training centers charge extra if you need to reschedule or if you do not pass the skills test on the first attempt and need a retest (typically $25 to $50 for a retest).

Bring a photo ID and your current BLS card to the course or skills session. If you have lost your card, bring a photo ID and tell the instructor — they can look up your certification record in the AHA system. Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move your arms freely, because you will be performing CPR compressions on a manikin for several minutes.

What to do if your certification has already expired

If your BLS card has expired, you cannot take a renewal course. Instead, you must retake the full initial BLS course, which takes about six hours and costs $100 to $200 depending on the training center. The initial course covers more material than the renewal and includes longer practice time. You will receive a new card valid for two years from the date you pass.

To avoid this, renew your certification before the expiration date on your card. Many people set a phone reminder three months before expiration so they have time to find a training center and schedule a course.

Your new card and digital proof

After you pass the renewal exam and skills test, the instructor will issue you a new BLS card on the spot or within a few days. The card shows your name, the date you passed, and the expiration date (two years from the date you passed). Keep this card in a safe place — many employers require you to show it during hiring or at annual reviews.

The AHA also provides a digital version of your certification that you can read and print or show on your phone. You can access this through your account on the AHA's website. Some employers accept the digital version in place of the physical card, but check with your employer first to see what proof they require.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my BLS certification online without going in person?

No. The AHA requires an in-person skills test with an instructor, even if you complete the knowledge portion online. You cannot renew by video call or mail. The skills test ensures you can actually perform CPR correctly on a manikin.

What happens if I fail the skills test during renewal?

You can usually retake the skills test the same day or within a few days at no extra cost, depending on the training center's policy. If you fail a second time, most centers charge a retest fee of $25 to $50. Failure is rare if you have used CPR in your work recently.

Can my employer renew my BLS certification for me?

No. You must attend the course or skills session yourself and pass the exam and skills test in person. Your employer can pay for the course or require you to renew as a condition of employment, but they cannot complete the renewal on your behalf.

How long does my renewed BLS card last?

Your renewed card is valid for two years from the date you pass the renewal exam. After two years, you must renew again or your certification will expire and you will need to retake the full initial course.

Can I renew my BLS certification if I let it expire more than a year ago?

No. Once your card expires, you cannot renew — you must take the full initial BLS course. There is no grace period or late renewal option. The initial course takes longer and costs more than renewal, so it is worth renewing before your expiration date.