Where to verify your BLS card online

The American Heart Association (AHA) maintains a searchable database where you can check whether your BLS certification is current. Go to heart.org/en/cpr and look for the "Verify a Certificate" or "Find a Course" section. You will need to enter your name and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The search returns your certification status, expiration date, and the course type you completed.

If you took your BLS course through the Red Cross instead of the AHA, use the Red Cross verification tool at redcross.org. Click "Verify a Certificate" and enter the same information. Both databases are free to search and update within a few days of course completion.

Some employers and training centers also keep their own records. If you took the course at a hospital, clinic, or workplace training program, contact that facility directly — they may have a faster way to confirm your status in their system.

Key Takeaways

  • The American Heart Association's verification tool at heart.org lets you search by name and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • Red Cross certifications are verified separately at redcross.org using the same personal information.
  • Your certification status, expiration date, and course type all appear in the search results.
  • The database updates within a few days of course completion, so allow time after finishing your course before checking.
  • Your employer or the training center where you took the course may also have records you can request.

What information you need to search

Have your full legal name and Social Security number ready before you start. The database requires at least your name and the last four digits of your SSN — you do not need to enter your full number. If you have changed your name since taking the course, use the name that appears on your original certificate.

If the search does not find you on the first try, double-check the spelling of your name and make sure you are using the correct database. AHA and Red Cross maintain separate records, so searching the wrong organization's site will return no results. Some people complete courses through both organizations over time, so you may need to check both databases.

Reading your certification results

When the search finds your record, the page displays your certification number, the date you completed the course, and your expiration date. The expiration date is the most important detail — BLS certifications are valid for two years from the date of completion. If today's date is before the expiration date shown, your certification is still current.

The results also show which course you completed, such as "BLS for Healthcare Providers" or "BLS for Lay Rescuers." This matters because some employers require a specific course type. If you are unsure whether your course type matches your job requirements, ask your supervisor or the human resources department.

What to do if your certification has expired

If the database shows an expiration date that has already passed, your BLS certification is no longer valid. You will need to take a renewal course to restore your certification. Renewal courses are shorter than initial courses — they typically take two to four hours instead of a full day — and cover the same material with an emphasis on updates since your last certification.

You can renew through the same organization where you originally trained, or switch to the other organization if you prefer. Both AHA and Red Cross offer renewal courses at hospitals, training centers, community colleges, and online (though the skills test portion must be done in person). After you complete the renewal course, allow a few days for the database to update before checking your status again.

If the database shows no record of your course

Sometimes a certification does not appear in the online database right away. If you completed your course within the last week, wait a few more days and search again. The databases are updated regularly but not in real time.

If more than a week has passed and your record still does not appear, contact the training center or organization where you took the course. Bring your course completion card or certificate — the training center can look up your record by the course date and location. They can also resubmit your information to the database if there was a data entry error.

In rare cases, a training center may have closed or lost records. If that happens, you can retake the course to obtain a new certification. Some employers will accept a letter from the original training center confirming you completed the course, but this is not standard — a current certification is the safest option.

Using your certification status for employment

Many employers ask you to provide proof of current BLS certification during hiring or as a condition of employment. You have several options: print the verification page from the AHA or Red Cross database, show your physical certification card, or provide your certification number. Most employers accept any of these forms of proof.

If you are explore for a job and your certification is expiring soon, you can renew it before the expiration date. Your new certification will be valid for two years from the renewal date, not from your original completion date. This means renewing early does not extend your total time — it just resets the clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my certification to show up in the database after I complete the course?

Most certifications appear within two to three business days. If you completed your course on a Friday, it may not show up until Wednesday or Thursday. If more than a week has passed, contact your training center to confirm they submitted your information correctly.

Can I check someone else's BLS certification?

No. The verification databases are designed to protect privacy. You can only search for your own certification using your own name and Social Security number. If an employer needs to verify an employee's certification, the employee must provide it or authorize the employer to request it from the training center.

What if I lost my physical certification card?

Your physical card is a convenience, but the database record is what matters. You can print the verification page from the AHA or Red Cross website and use that as proof of certification. Some training centers will also issue a replacement card for a small fee if you request it.

Do I need to renew my BLS certification if I change jobs?

No. Your BLS certification is valid for two years regardless of where you work. However, some employers may require a specific course type — for example, "BLS for Healthcare Providers" instead of "BLS for Lay Rescuers." Check with your new employer about their requirements before you start.

Can I renew my BLS certification online?

The classroom and skills test portions must be done in person. However, some training centers offer blended courses where you complete the knowledge portion online and attend only the skills test in person. This takes less time than a full in-person course but still requires you to demonstrate CPR and rescue breathing techniques to an instructor.