CPR certification costs between $40 and $150 depending on the course length and provider

The price you pay depends on three things: which organization teaches the course, how long the class runs, and whether you want a card that day or are willing to wait for mail delivery. The American Heart Association and the Red Cross are the two largest providers in the United States, and both charge differently. A basic online course with a skills test at a local center might cost $40 to $60. An in-person class that includes hands-on practice with an instructor typically runs $80 to $120. Some workplaces and schools offer CPR training to employees or students at no cost, so ask your employer or school first before paying out of pocket.

The card itself is valid for two years from the date you pass. After that, you need to renew—renewal courses are usually cheaper than initial certification, often $30 to $80, because they skip some of the foundational material and focus on updates and skills practice.

Key Takeaways

  • Basic CPR certification through the American Heart Association or Red Cross ranges from $40 to $150 depending on course format and location.
  • Online courses are cheaper but require an in-person skills test at a local testing center; fully in-person classes cost more but include everything in one session.
  • Your employer, school, or local hospital may offer free or reduced-cost CPR training, so check there before paying a private provider.
  • CPR cards expire after two years, and renewal courses cost less than initial certification because they cover only updates and practice.
  • Some providers charge extra for same-day card printing; others mail the card after you pass, which takes one to two weeks.

What the American Heart Association charges

The American Heart Association offers several CPR courses at different price points. Their Heartsaver CPR AED course, which teaches CPR for adults and use of an automated external defibrillator, costs between $60 and $100 at most training centers. The BLS (Basic Life Support) course for healthcare workers is usually $80 to $120 because it includes more detailed instruction and a longer skills test. Both courses require an in-person skills check with an instructor, even if you take the online portion first.

If you take the course entirely in person at a training center, expect to pay the higher end of that range. If you do the online portion at home and then show up for a one-hour skills session, you may pay less. Call your local American Heart Association training center to ask what they charge and whether they offer discounts for groups or repeat students.

What the Red Cross charges

The Red Cross charges similarly to the American Heart Association. Their CPR/AED course runs $70 to $100 at most chapters. Like the Heart Association, they offer both online-plus-skills-test and fully in-person options. The Red Cross also teaches Pediatric CPR and First Aid, which cost extra if you want them bundled with adult CPR—usually $20 to $40 more for the combined course.

Red Cross pricing varies by chapter and location. A training center in a major city may charge more than one in a rural area. Check the Red Cross website for your local chapter, or call them directly to ask what courses they offer and what they cost.

Lower-cost and free options

Many hospitals, fire departments, and community centers offer CPR classes at reduced cost or no cost. Call your local fire station and ask whether they teach CPR to the public; many do for free or a small donation. Community colleges sometimes include CPR certification in health or nursing programs, and the cost is rolled into tuition. If you work in healthcare, your employer almost always covers the cost of initial certification and renewal.

Some online platforms offer CPR training for $20 to $40, but be aware that these courses may not include a skills test with an instructor. A card from an unrecognized provider may not be accepted by employers or schools. Stick with courses taught or recognized by the American Heart Association, Red Cross, or your local health department to may support your card is valid where you need it.

What affects the price you pay

The main cost drivers are course format, location, and provider. An online course with a separate skills test is cheaper than a full in-person class because the provider doesn't pay an instructor to teach the theory portion. In-person classes in cities cost more than those in smaller towns because instructors charge higher rates. Some providers charge extra if you want your card printed on the spot; others include it in the price but mail it to you, which takes one to two weeks.

Group discounts are common. If you and coworkers or classmates want to take the course together, ask the provider whether they offer a reduced rate for groups of five or more. Some training centers also offer discounts if you renew before your current card expires, so if you know your renewal date is coming, sign up early.

Renewal costs and timing

Renewal is cheaper than initial certification because you already know the basics. A CPR renewal course through the American Heart Association or Red Cross typically costs $30 to $80 and takes one to two hours. You can renew up to 90 days before your card expires, so plan ahead rather than waiting until the last minute—last-minute courses may have fewer time slots available.

Some employers require you to renew on a specific schedule, so check your employee handbook or ask your manager when your renewal is due. If you let your card expire, you have to take the full initial course again, not a renewal, so the cost goes back up to $60 to $120.

How to find a provider near you

The American Heart Association website has a training center locator where you enter your zip code and see all certified instructors in your area, along with their course schedules and prices. The Red Cross has a similar tool on their website. Both let you see what courses are available, when they meet, and what they cost before you call or sign up.

If you want to compare prices, call at least two providers in your area. Ask each one what courses they offer, when the next class is scheduled, whether it is online-plus-skills or fully in-person, and what the total cost is including the card. Some providers bundle CPR with First Aid training; if you need both, ask whether the bundle price is cheaper than taking them separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get CPR certification online without going to a testing center?

No. All legitimate CPR certification requires an in-person skills test with an instructor, even if you take the online portion at home. The instructor watches you perform CPR on a mannequin to make sure you are doing chest compressions and rescue breaths correctly. Online-only courses that claim to issue a valid CPR card are not recognized by employers or hospitals.

Is CPR certification cheaper if I take it at my workplace?

Often yes. Many employers hire an instructor to come on-site and teach CPR to all employees at once, which costs the company less per person than sending each employee to a public training center. Ask your HR or safety department whether they offer free or reduced-cost CPR training. If they do, take it—you save money and do not have to travel.

What happens if my CPR card expires?

Your card is no longer valid for employment or volunteer work. If your employer requires CPR certification, you cannot work until you renew. You have to take the full initial course again, not a renewal, so the cost goes back to $60 to $120. Renew before your card expires to avoid this and to pay the lower renewal price.

Do I need both CPR and First Aid certification?

It depends on your job. Healthcare workers and childcare providers usually need both. Many other jobs require only CPR. Check your job posting or ask your employer what they require. Some training centers offer a combined CPR and First Aid course for $100 to $150, which is cheaper than taking them separately.

Can I use a CPR card from one provider at a different job?

Yes, as long as the card is from the American Heart Association, Red Cross, or another nationally recognized provider. Employers accept any valid CPR certification from these organizations. A card from an unknown online provider may not be accepted, so stick with established providers.