Where to verify your CPR card is still valid

The fastest way to check your CPR certification is to look at the card itself. Your expiration date is printed on the front, usually in the bottom right corner. If you have the physical card in front of you, that date tells you whether you are currently certified or need to renew.

If you cannot find your card, contact the organization that issued it. The major CPR training providers — American Heart Association, Red Cross, and American Safety and First Aid Council — all keep records of your certification. You will need your full name and the approximate date you took the course.

Some employers and schools also maintain copies of your certification records. If you took CPR training through your workplace or a school program, check with the human resources department or the training coordinator who ran the course.

Key Takeaways

  • Your CPR expiration date is printed on the front of your card, usually in the bottom right corner.
  • If you lost your card, the organization that issued it — American Heart Association, Red Cross, or another provider — can confirm your certification status by phone or online.
  • Most CPR certifications expire after two or three years, depending on the type and the issuing organization.
  • Your employer or school may have a copy of your certification on file if you took the course through them.

Contacting the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association runs the largest CPR training program in the United States. To check your certification with them, visit their website and use their verification tool, or call their customer service line. You will need your name, date of birth, and the approximate year you took the course.

The American Heart Association can issue a replacement card if yours is lost or damaged. They typically charge a small fee for reprints and can mail it to you or make it available for pickup at a local training center.

Checking with the Red Cross

The Red Cross also maintains certification records for everyone who completes their CPR training. You can search for your certification on their website using your name and date of birth. If you took the course at a Red Cross training center, that location may also have your records on file.

If your Red Cross certification has expired, you can renew it through any Red Cross training center or through their online renewal program, depending on the type of CPR you took and how long ago it expired.

Understanding CPR expiration timelines

Most CPR certifications last for two years from the date you complete the course. Some organizations, including certain employers and medical facilities, require renewal every year. The expiration date on your card will show exactly when yours runs out.

Once your certification expires, you cannot use it for employment or volunteer work that requires current CPR. You will need to retake the course to become certified again. Some providers offer abbreviated renewal courses that take less time than the initial training if your certification has only recently expired.

What to do if your certification has expired

If your CPR certification has already expired, you will need to retake the course rather than straightforward renew it. Contact a local training center run by the American Heart Association, Red Cross, or another provider in your area. Many hospitals, community colleges, and fire departments also offer CPR training.

The cost of recertification varies by provider and location, but typically ranges from thirty to one hundred dollars. Some employers cover the cost of CPR training for their staff. If you took your original course through your workplace, ask whether they will pay for the renewal.

Keeping your certification current

Mark your expiration date on a calendar or set a phone reminder a month or two before it expires. This gives you time to schedule a renewal course before your certification lapses. Many training centers book up during busy seasons, so planning ahead prevents gaps in your certification.

Some employers send reminders when employee certifications are about to expire. If your workplace does this, watch for those notices and schedule your renewal promptly. If they do not, it is your responsibility to track the date and renew on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my CPR certification online?

Some organizations offer online renewal for CPR certifications that have not yet expired, but only if you took the original course within the past year or so. If your certification has already expired, you must take an in-person course. Check with your original training provider about their renewal options.

What if I took CPR training years ago and do not remember where?

Call the American Heart Association or Red Cross directly with your name and approximate training date. They can search their records across all training centers. If you took it through a hospital or employer, contact their training department. If you still cannot locate it, you can retake the course to get a new certification.

Do I need to bring my card to renew my certification?

Most training providers ask you to bring your card to renewal courses so they can see what type of CPR you took and when. If you have lost it, tell the training center when you register. They can still renew your certification, but you may need to provide additional information to verify your original training date.

What happens if my employer finds out my CPR certification expired?

If your job requires current CPR certification and yours has expired, you are no longer may have access to to perform those duties. Tell your supervisor when ready and schedule a renewal course. Some employers have grace periods or will allow you to renew during work hours. The longer you wait, the more serious the issue becomes.