BLS certification costs between $60 and $200 depending on where you take the course and what type of card you need

The price you pay for Basic Life Support (BLS) certification depends on three things: who teaches the course, whether you take it in person or online, and which organization issues your card. The American Heart Association, the most common issuer, charges providers between $60 and $150 for a single course. Some workplaces and schools offer it free to employees or students. Community colleges and hospitals often charge $75 to $120. Private training companies may charge more, sometimes $150 to $200.

The card itself does not cost extra—the course fee includes it. What varies is how long the course takes (two to four hours for in-person, sometimes longer for online), whether you get a printed card on the spot or by mail, and whether the course includes CPR for adults only or adds pediatric and infant CPR.

Key Takeaways

  • American Heart Association BLS courses through authorized providers typically cost $60 to $150, with the card included in the fee.
  • Workplaces, hospitals, and community colleges often offer lower rates or free courses to their employees, students, or members.
  • Online courses cost the same as in-person but may require you to schedule a separate skills test at a local provider.
  • Your employer may reimburse the cost or require you to take the course at a specific provider, so check your workplace policy first.
  • The card is valid for two years, after which you renew by taking a shorter refresher course, usually at the same price.

Where the price difference comes from

American Heart Association courses must be taught by an instructor certified by the organization. That instructor pays to maintain their own certification and must follow strict curriculum rules. When you take a course through an American Heart Association training center—a hospital, fire department, or private company licensed to teach—you are paying for the instructor's time, the facility, and the materials.

A hospital emergency department or fire station may offer the course free or at cost because they already employ the instructor and own the space. A private training company rents space and pays the instructor as a contractor, so the price is higher. Community colleges often charge less because they receive public funding. Online courses cost the same as in-person because the instructor still has to review your skills test, even if you watch videos on your own time.

How to find courses near you and compare prices

The American Heart Association website has a course locator tool where you enter your zip code and see all authorized providers in your area. You can filter by course type (BLS only, or BLS plus pediatric CPR) and whether you want in-person or blended (online plus skills test). Call or email each provider to ask the exact price, because some offer discounts for groups or for people taking multiple courses at once.

Your employer, school, or professional license board may have a preferred provider or may offer the course directly. If you work in healthcare, your hospital or clinic almost always offers it. If you are a nurse, paramedic, or other licensed professional, your state licensing board's website usually lists approved training centers. Calling your local Red Cross chapter or fire department is also worth trying—many offer courses at lower cost than private companies.

What happens if you take the course online

Online BLS courses let you watch videos and take a written test at home, but you still have to demonstrate chest compressions and rescue breathing to a live instructor. Some providers let you do this at a local testing center; others require you to schedule a video call with an instructor. The course fee ($60 to $150) covers both the online portion and the skills test, though a few providers charge separately for the test—usually $20 to $40 extra.

The advantage of online is flexibility: you can watch the videos at your own pace and schedule the skills test when it suits you. The disadvantage is that you do not get hands-on practice with a manikin during the learning phase, only during the test. If you have never done CPR before, an in-person course is usually better because the instructor can correct your technique as you practice.

Renewal costs and how often you need to recertify

Your BLS card is valid for two years. To renew, you take a shorter refresher course that covers the same material but assumes you already know the basics. Refresher courses usually cost the same as the initial course—$60 to $150—and take one to two hours. Some providers offer a discount if you renew before your card expires, so renew early if you can.

If your card expires before you renew, you have to take the full course again, not just a refresher. The cost is the same, but you lose the time savings. Mark your expiration date on your calendar or set a phone reminder six months before it expires so you have time to find a course and schedule it.

Whether your employer will pay for it

Many employers require BLS certification as a condition of employment and pay for the course. Others require it but expect you to pay. Ask your employer or the hiring manager before you sign up. If they do require it and do not offer to pay, ask whether they will reimburse you after you complete it—many will if you show them the receipt and your card.

If you are self-employed or the cost is not reimbursed, the expense may be tax-deductible as a professional development cost. Keep your receipt and ask your accountant or tax preparer. Some professional associations also offer discounted courses to members, so check whether you belong to one in your field.

Red Cross certification as an alternative

The American Red Cross also offers BLS and CPR certification, and the cost is similar—usually $60 to $150 for a course. Red Cross cards are recognized by most employers, though some healthcare facilities specifically require American Heart Association certification. Before you choose, ask your employer or the organization you are certifying for which issuer they accept. If they accept either, choose whichever has a course near you at a time that works.

The Red Cross course covers the same skills and takes about the same time. The main difference is the card issuer and the specific organization running the course. Both are legitimate and widely recognized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get BLS certification for free?

Some employers, schools, hospitals, and fire departments offer free courses to their employees or students. If you work in healthcare or emergency services, ask your workplace first. Otherwise, you will pay between $60 and $200 depending on the provider.

What if I cannot afford the course right now?

Call your local hospital, fire department, or community college and ask whether they offer low-cost or sliding-scale courses. Some nonprofits and community health centers also teach BLS at reduced rates. You can also ask your employer whether they will pay for it or whether you can take it as part of your onboarding.

Is an online course cheaper than in-person?

No, online and in-person courses cost the same. The difference is convenience, not price. Online lets you watch videos on your schedule, but you still pay for the skills test and instructor time.

Do I have to renew with the same provider?

No, you can renew with any authorized American Heart Association or Red Cross provider. You do not have to go back to the same place. Choose whichever is most convenient and affordable.

What if my employer requires a specific provider?

Some large healthcare systems or government agencies require certification from a specific training center. Ask your employer for the list of approved providers before you sign up. If they do not specify, any authorized American Heart Association or Red Cross provider will work.