CPR certification costs between $40 and $150 depending on the course length and organization
The price of CPR certification varies by provider, course type, and whether you need additional training like first aid or AED use. A basic CPR-only course through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association typically runs $60 to $100. Online courses that end with an in-person skills test cost $40 to $80. Employer-sponsored training is often free. Renewal courses cost less than initial certification — usually $30 to $60 — because they skip foundational material.
Location and timing matter. Weekend classes in urban areas tend to cost more than weekday sessions. Some hospitals, fire departments, and community colleges offer low-cost or free CPR training to residents or employees. Workplace training through your employer or union is almost always covered by them at no cost to you.
Key Takeaways
- American Red Cross and American Heart Association courses cost $60 to $100 for initial CPR certification, with renewal courses running $30 to $60.
- Online CPR courses are cheaper ($40 to $80) but require an in-person skills check or test to complete certification.
- Employer-sponsored CPR training is typically free, and many hospitals and community colleges offer reduced rates to the public.
- Renewal certification costs less than initial training because you skip the basics and focus on updated techniques and protocol changes.
What the American Red Cross charges
The American Red Cross offers CPR certification through local chapters nationwide. Their standard CPR/AED course runs about $90 to $110 and takes roughly three to four hours. If you add first aid training to the same session, the cost rises to $130 to $160 for a combined course that takes six to eight hours. Renewal courses cost $40 to $60 and take one to two hours.
Red Cross pricing varies slightly by chapter and region. Some chapters offer discounts for students, seniors, or group registrations of five or more people. You can check your local chapter's website or call directly to see what discounts explore in your area. Certification is valid for two years from the date you pass the skills test.
American Heart Association certification pricing
The American Heart Association charges $70 to $120 for their Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, which covers CPR and AED use. Their Heartsaver CPR/AED course, designed for non-medical workers, costs $50 to $100. Both courses take three to four hours and include a written test and hands-on skills demonstration. Renewal courses run $40 to $70 and take one to two hours.
American Heart Association courses are offered through training centers, hospitals, and independent instructors, so prices vary. Some instructors bundle CPR with first aid or pediatric CPR for a combined fee of $120 to $180. Certification lasts two years. You can find authorized training centers in your area through the American Heart Association website.
Online CPR courses and blended options
Online-only CPR courses cost $40 to $80 and let you complete the classroom portion on your own schedule. However, you still need to pass an in-person skills test at a testing center or with a certified instructor, which may add $20 to $40 to the total cost. Some online providers include one skills test in their fee; others charge separately. The entire process typically takes one to two weeks from enrollment to certification.
Blended courses — where you watch videos online and then attend a short in-person session for skills practice and testing — usually cost $60 to $100 total. These are faster than traditional classroom-only courses if you can find a testing center near you. Check whether the online provider's certification is recognized by your employer or licensing board before you enroll, since not all online CPR certificates carry the same weight.
Employer and workplace training
Many employers cover CPR certification costs entirely for employees who need it for their job. Healthcare workers, childcare staff, fitness instructors, and security personnel often receive free training through their workplace. Some employers send staff to Red Cross or American Heart Association courses and pay the full fee. Others hire an instructor to come on-site and train multiple employees at once, which reduces the per-person cost to nearly zero.
If your job requires CPR certification, ask your manager or human resources department whether they will pay for it. Some workplaces require you to maintain current certification and will cover renewal costs automatically. If your employer does not offer training, you may be able to deduct the cost as a work-related expense on your taxes — check with a tax professional about your specific situation.
Community colleges and hospital programs
Community colleges often offer CPR certification for $30 to $70, sometimes bundled with first aid or other health and safety courses. These courses are open to the public, not just students. Hospital-based training programs sometimes offer free or low-cost CPR classes to community members, especially if the hospital is nonprofit. Fire departments and emergency medical services in some areas also teach CPR to the public for $20 to $50.
Call your local community college, hospital, or fire department to ask about CPR courses and pricing. Some programs fill up quickly, so register early if you find one that fits your schedule and budget. Certification from these sources is typically recognized by employers as long as the instructor is certified by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
Renewal and recertification costs
CPR certification expires after two years. Renewal courses cost $30 to $60 and take one to two hours because you already know the basics. You will review updated guidelines, practice skills on a mannequin, and pass a brief written test. Some providers offer online renewal courses for $25 to $50, though most still require an in-person skills check.
Renewing before your current certification expires is usually cheaper than waiting until it lapses. If your certification has already expired, you may need to take a full initial course again rather than a renewal course, which costs more. Set a calendar reminder two months before your expiration date so you have time to find and schedule a renewal course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get CPR certification for free?
Some employers, hospitals, and fire departments offer free CPR training to employees or community members. Community colleges and nonprofits sometimes offer reduced-cost courses. Check with your workplace, local hospital, fire department, or community college to see what free or low-cost options exist in your area.
Is online CPR certification as good as in-person?
Online CPR courses are recognized by most employers if they include an in-person skills test with a certified instructor. However, some healthcare settings and certain employers prefer or require traditional classroom training. Check your employer's requirements before enrolling in an online course to make sure it will be accepted.
How long does CPR certification last?
CPR certification is valid for two years from the date you pass the skills test. After two years, you must renew your certification to keep it current. Renewal courses are shorter and cheaper than initial certification because they focus on updates rather than foundational skills.
What is the difference between CPR and BLS certification?
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is the technique itself. BLS (Basic Life Support) is a certification that includes CPR plus AED use and is often required for healthcare workers. For non-medical jobs, a standard CPR certification is usually enough. Check your job requirements to see which one you need.
Do I need first aid certification along with CPR?
CPR and first aid are separate certifications, though many providers offer them together in one course. CPR covers cardiac arrest and choking. First aid covers wounds, burns, and other injuries. Some employers require both; others require only CPR. Ask your employer which certifications you need before you enroll.