Where to look for your CPR card and records

Your American Heart Association CPR certification is most likely in one of three places: with your employer, in your email inbox, or in your personal files at home. Start by checking your email for messages from the training organization or instructor who taught your course — they usually send a digital copy or a link to read it. If you took the course through your workplace, ask your HR department or safety manager; they often keep copies on file.

If you completed the course in person at a hospital, community center, or training facility, call that location directly. Many keep records for several years and can print a replacement or confirm your completion date. Have your full name and approximate training date ready when you call.

The American Heart Association itself does not maintain a searchable database of all certified individuals, so you cannot look up your certification directly through their website. However, they do provide tools to verify training through the organizations that issued your card.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your email first — most training organizations send a digital copy or read link when ready after you complete the course.
  • Contact your employer's HR or safety department if you took the course through work, as they typically keep records on file.
  • Call the training facility where you took the course; they can confirm your completion and often provide a replacement card or letter.
  • The American Heart Association does not run a public lookup system, but your training organization can verify your certification if you need proof for a job or volunteer position.

Checking with your training provider

The organization that taught your course — whether it was the Red Cross, a hospital system, a private training company, or a community college — keeps the official record. Call them with your name and the approximate month and year you completed the course. They can tell you whether your certification is still active and send you a replacement card or a letter of completion if you have lost the original.

If you remember the instructor's name or the course location, that speeds things up. If not, describe what you remember: was it a workplace training, a class you paid for, or a course at a specific hospital or clinic? Most training organizations can search their records by name and date range.

Some training providers now use online portals where you can log in with your email address and read your certificate directly. Ask whether they offer this when you call.

Requesting a replacement card or verification letter

If you have lost your physical card, most training organizations will issue a replacement for a small fee — usually between $10 and $25 — or sometimes at no charge if you completed the course recently. A replacement card carries the same expiration date as your original, so it does not extend your certification period.

If you need proof of certification for a job process or volunteer position but do not have time to wait for a replacement card, ask for a verification letter instead. This is a signed document from the training organization stating that you completed the course, the date you completed it, and when your certification expires. Most employers and volunteer coordinators accept this as proof while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

Keep copies of any replacement card or letter in a safe place — a folder in your email, a drawer at home, and a photo on your phone all work well.

Understanding your certification expiration date

American Heart Association CPR certifications are valid for two years from the date you complete the course. Your card shows both the issue date and the expiration date. If your card is expired, you will need to retake the course to renew it — there is no way to renew by mail or online.

Some employers require you to renew before your card expires, so check your workplace policy. If your certification has already expired and you need it for work, contact a training provider in your area to schedule a renewal course. Renewal courses are usually shorter than initial training and cost less.

Finding a training provider if you cannot locate your records

If you cannot find your original training organization or your records have been lost, you can search for American Heart Association training centers near you on the American Heart Association website. They maintain a directory of authorized training centers by state and city. You can also search for "CPR certification near me" or "CPR renewal [your city]" to find local options.

When you contact a training center, explain your situation. Some will search their records to see if you trained with them. If they find your record, they can issue a replacement card. If not, you may need to retake the course, though some centers offer a shorter refresher option if you can demonstrate prior training.

What to do if you need proof before you find your card

If you need to show proof of CPR certification for a job interview or volunteer position and you have not yet located your card, contact your previous training organization and ask for a temporary verification letter via email. Most can send this within one business day. Print it and bring it to your interview or volunteer appointment.

Explain to your employer or volunteer coordinator that you are in the process of obtaining a replacement card. Most will accept a verification letter as temporary proof while you wait for the physical card to arrive. If they require the actual card before your start date, ask how quickly you need it and whether a renewal course would be faster than waiting for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I look up my CPR certification on the American Heart Association website?

No, the American Heart Association does not maintain a public database where you can search for your certification. You must contact the training organization that issued your card directly. They keep the official records and can confirm your certification status.

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Most training organizations mail replacement cards within one to two weeks. If you need proof faster, ask for a verification letter via email, which they can usually send the same day or next business day. You can print this and use it as temporary proof while you wait for the physical card.

What if I do not remember where I took my CPR course?

Start by checking your email for messages from training organizations. If that does not work, ask your employer's HR department — they may have records if the course was job-related. You can also search the American Heart Association training center directory by your city to call local providers and ask if they have your records.

Can I renew my CPR certification online?

No, you must complete an in-person course to renew your certification. However, renewal courses are shorter and less expensive than initial training. Some training centers offer blended options where you watch a video at home and then attend a brief in-person skills session.

What if my certification has already expired?

You cannot use an expired certification for work or volunteer positions. You will need to retake a full CPR course to become certified again. Contact a training center in your area to schedule a course. Renewal courses are available if you have prior training and just need to update your skills.