How to Check If Your CPR Certification Is Current

How to verify your CPR certification status

The fastest way to check your CPR certification is to contact the organization that issued it—the American Heart Association, Red Cross, or your employer's training provider. They keep records of when you were certified and when it expires. Call their customer service line, visit their website, or log into your account if you completed training online. Most will confirm your status within minutes and can email or mail you a replacement card if yours is lost.

If you took the course in person at a hospital, school, or workplace, contact that location's training coordinator directly. They often keep copies of certificates and can tell you the expiration date without needing to search a national database. If you completed training more than five years ago and cannot remember the provider, start by asking your employer's human resources or safety department—they usually have records of all employee certifications on file.

Key Takeaways

• Contact the organization that trained you—American Heart Association, Red Cross, or your workplace—to confirm your certification status and expiration date.
• Most providers can verify your status by phone, email, or through an online account portal within a few minutes.
• If you took training through your employer or a hospital, their training coordinator or HR department likely has a copy of your certificate.
• CPR certifications expire after two years, so check the expiration date on your card or ask the provider directly.
• If your card is lost or damaged, the issuing organization can print a replacement once they confirm your training record.

Check your American Heart Association certification online

The American Heart Association runs an online verification system called eCard. If you completed your CPR course through them, you should have received login credentials by email. Go to their website, select "Verify a Certificate" or "My eCard," and enter your name and the email address you used during training. The system will display your certification type, issue date, and expiration date.

If you cannot find your login information, call the American Heart Association's customer service at 1-877-AHA-4CPR (1-877-242-4277). They can look up your record by name and date of birth, confirm whether your certification is active, and resend your eCard login if needed. This process usually takes less than ten minutes.

Verify your Red Cross CPR certification

The Red Cross stores certification records in their online system. Visit their website and look for "Verify a Certificate" or "Check Your Certification Status." You will need to enter your name, date of birth, and the certification number from your card. The system will show your certification type, the date you completed training, and when it expires.

If you do not have your certification number, call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and provide your name and date of birth. A representative can search their database and tell you whether your certification is current. They can also mail a replacement card if yours is damaged or lost, though this usually takes one to two weeks.

Check certification through your employer or training location

Many workplaces require CPR certification and keep records of all employee training. Contact your human resources department, safety officer, or training coordinator and ask them to confirm your certification status. They often have the original certificate on file and can tell you the exact expiration date without needing to contact the external provider.

If you completed training at a hospital, school, fire department, or other institution, call their training department directly. Ask to speak with the person who manages CPR certifications. They can verify your status in their system and sometimes print a replacement certificate on the spot if yours is missing. This is often faster than contacting a national provider.

What to do if your certification has expired

If your certification expired, you will need to retake the course. Most CPR certifications last two years from the date you complete training. You can renew through the same provider that issued your original certification—American Heart Association, Red Cross, or your workplace—or through any other accredited training organization.

Renewal courses are usually shorter than the initial certification and cost less. Many can be completed in a single session, either in person or online (though most require an in-person skills test). Once you complete the renewal, you will receive a new certificate valid for another two years. Check with your employer to see if they offer free renewal training on site.

Understanding CPR certification expiration dates

CPR certifications expire two years after the date you complete the course. The expiration date is printed on your certificate card. Some employers or organizations may require you to renew before the official expiration date—for example, hospitals sometimes ask staff to renew at 18 months to may support no gaps in coverage.

If you are unsure whether your certification is still valid, check the expiration date on your card first. If the date has passed, your certification is no longer current. If the date is in the future, your certification is still active. When you are within three months of expiration, many providers will send you a reminder email or letter, though you should not rely on this—check your status yourself to be certain.

What information you will need to verify your certification

To check your CPR certification status, have the following information ready: your full name, date of birth, and the certification number from your card (if you have it). If you are checking through your employer, you may only need your employee ID. If you are contacting the training provider directly, they may also ask for the email address you used when you registered for the course.

If you have lost your certificate card and do not remember which organization trained you, start by asking your employer or the place where you took the course. If that does not work, you can contact both the American Heart Association and Red Cross with your name and date of birth—one of them will have your record. Keep a photo of your certificate card on your phone or in your email for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to verify a CPR certification?

Most providers can confirm your status within minutes if you call or use their online system. If you contact your employer's training coordinator, they may have the answer when ready. Replacement cards usually take one to two weeks to arrive by mail.

Can I check someone else's CPR certification?

No. Certification records are private. Only the person who holds the certification, their employer, or someone with written authorization can request verification. Providers will not release this information to third parties without consent.

What if I cannot find the organization that trained me?

Start by asking your employer or the institution where you took the course. If that does not work, contact both the American Heart Association and Red Cross with your name and date of birth—they can search their databases. If you trained through a hospital or workplace, their HR department should have records even if you no longer work there.

Do I need my original certificate card to renew my certification?

No. You can renew your certification without the card. The training provider will look up your record by name and date of birth. However, having your certification number from the card speeds up the process.

What happens if my certification expires before I renew it?

Your certification becomes inactive. You will need to retake the full course rather than a renewal course. Some employers allow a short grace period, but most require certification to be current at all times. Check with your workplace about their policy.