Where to Look for CPR Certification Classes

CPR certification comes from organizations that run training courses in your area. The most common providers are the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and smaller local training centers. You can find classes through their websites, by calling your local hospital or fire department, or by searching "[your city] CPR certification" in a search engine.

The American Red Cross operates training centers nationwide and lists all locations on their website — you can filter by zip code and see class dates, times, and costs. The American Heart Association does the same through their site. Both organizations also train instructors at local gyms, community colleges, and workplace safety programs, so if you work somewhere that offers training, that's often the fastest route.

Your local hospital emergency department or fire station can usually point you to nearby classes, even if they don't run them themselves. Many fire departments offer CPR training to the public at low or no cost. Call ahead to ask about scheduling and what to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • The American Red Cross and American Heart Association are the two largest CPR certification providers and both let you search for classes by location on their websites.
  • Your workplace, gym, community college, hospital, or fire department may offer CPR training directly, which is often cheaper and more convenient than a standalone class.
  • CPR certification typically lasts two to three hours for a single-rescuer course and costs between $50 and $150, though workplace and community programs may charge less.
  • Your certificate is valid for two years from the date you complete the course, and you will need to retake the class to renew it.
  • Online courses exist but do not result in full certification — they cover the knowledge portion, but you still need an in-person skills test with an instructor.

What Happens During a CPR Certification Class

A standard CPR class covers chest compressions, rescue breathing, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). The instructor teaches the technique on a mannequin, then watches you perform it to make sure you're doing it correctly. Most classes take two to three hours and include a written test and a hands-on skills check.

You'll learn the current compression rate (100 to 120 compressions per minute), hand placement on the chest, and when to switch between compressions and rescue breaths. The instructor will correct your technique in real time so you leave knowing you can do it right. At the end, you perform the skills test — usually two minutes of compressions and breaths on a mannequin while the instructor watches — and if you pass, you get your certificate on the spot or within a few days.

Different courses exist for different situations. Basic life support (BLS) is the standard course and covers adult CPR. Pediatric CPR covers infants and children and uses different compression depths and hand positions. First aid is often bundled with CPR. Ask the provider which course matches your situation before you sign up.

Cost and How Long Certification Lasts

CPR certification through the Red Cross or American Heart Association typically costs $50 to $150 for a single course. Workplace training programs, community colleges, and fire departments often charge less or nothing. Online courses that teach the knowledge portion cost $20 to $40, but you still need to pay for an in-person skills test, which adds another $30 to $80.

Your certificate is valid for two years from the date you complete the class. After two years, you need to retake the course to renew it. Some employers require renewal every year, so check your workplace policy. Renewal courses are usually shorter (one to two hours) and cheaper than the initial course because you already know the material.

Online Courses and Blended Learning Options

Several organizations offer online CPR courses that teach the knowledge and theory part of certification. These courses let you watch videos, read about CPR technique, and take a quiz on your own schedule. However, an online course alone does not result in a valid CPR certificate — you still need to complete an in-person skills test with an instructor who watches you perform compressions and rescue breathing on a mannequin.

This blended approach (online knowledge plus in-person skills test) can save time if you're comfortable learning on your own. You complete the online portion at home, then schedule a short appointment with an instructor to demonstrate that you can actually do the technique. The Red Cross and American Heart Association both offer this option, and some local training centers do as well.

Be cautious of any provider claiming to offer "full CPR certification" entirely online. That's not how the certification works. The skills test must happen in person with a real instructor watching you perform on a mannequin.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring a photo ID and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Wear comfortable clothes that let you move your arms freely — you'll be doing chest compressions, which requires reaching across your body. If you have a shoulder, wrist, or back injury, tell the instructor before class starts; they can modify the technique or let you observe instead of performing.

You don't need to study beforehand for a first-time course. The instructor teaches everything in class. If you're renewing your certification, reviewing the compression rate and hand position beforehand can make the skills test less stressful, but it's not required.

Bring a notebook if you want to take notes, though most instructors provide handouts. Some classes include a CPR pocket guide or reference card that you can keep after certification. Ask what materials are included when you sign up.

Finding Specialized CPR Training

If you work in healthcare, you may need BLS for Healthcare Providers, which is more detailed than standard CPR and includes two-rescuer techniques and use of bag-valve-mask devices. Lifeguards need Lifeguard CPR, which covers water-related emergencies. Childcare workers often need Pediatric CPR or First Aid and CPR for Children.

Ask your employer which certification they require — the name matters because some employers won't accept a standard CPR certificate if they've specified a different course. The American Heart Association and Red Cross both offer these specialized versions, and the search tools on their websites let you filter by course type.

If you can't find a specialized course in your area, call your employer's human resources department or safety officer. They often know local instructors who run those courses or can point you to the nearest provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take CPR certification online?

You can take the knowledge portion online, but you must complete an in-person skills test with an instructor to earn your certificate. The instructor watches you perform chest compressions and rescue breathing on a mannequin. Some training centers offer blended courses where you do the online part at home and schedule a short appointment for the skills test.

How long does a CPR certificate last?

Your certificate is valid for two years from the date you complete the course. After two years, you need to retake the course to renew it. Some employers require annual renewal, so check your workplace policy. Renewal courses are usually shorter and cheaper than the initial course.

What's the difference between the Red Cross and American Heart Association CPR?

Both teach the same CPR technique and meet the same standards, so either certificate is equally valid. The main difference is location and schedule — one organization may have classes closer to you or at times that work better. Both offer online and in-person options, and both charge similar prices.

Do I need CPR certification for a job?

It depends on your job. Healthcare workers, lifeguards, childcare providers, and some fitness instructors need CPR certification. Many other jobs don't require it but may prefer it. Check the job posting or ask the employer during the interview process. Some employers provide free CPR training to new hires.

What if I fail the skills test?

Most instructors allow you to retake the skills test when ready or within a few days at no extra cost. If you don't pass on the second attempt, you may need to retake the full class. Ask the instructor what their policy is before the test starts.