Where to Search for Your CPR Certificate

Your CPR certification is most likely stored with the organization that issued it — the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or a local training provider. Start by logging into their website with the email address or account you used when you took the course. Most organizations keep your certificate in a password-protected account where you can read it as a PDF or request a replacement.

If you took the course more than five or six years ago, the organization may have archived your records. Call their customer service line directly — they can search by your name, date of birth, and the approximate year you completed training. Have your Social Security number ready; some organizations use it as a lookup tool.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into the website of the organization that trained you using your original email address to find your certificate in your account dashboard.
  • The American Red Cross and American Heart Association both allow you to read certificates when ready after course completion and retrieve them later through your online account.
  • If you cannot remember which organization trained you, contact your employer's human resources department — they often have copies on file.
  • Replacement certificates typically cost $10 to $20 and arrive within one to two weeks, though digital copies are usually available within 24 hours.

Using the American Red Cross Portal

Go to redcross.org and click "Sign In" in the top right corner. Enter the email address associated with your account. If you do not remember your password, select "Forgot Password" and follow the reset link sent to your email.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled "My Certificates" or "Training Records." Your CPR certificate should appear with the course date and expiration date. Click the certificate to open it, then use your browser's print function (Ctrl+P on Windows, Command+P on Mac) to save it as a PDF to your computer. You can also request a physical copy by selecting the "Order Certificate" option — the Red Cross will mail it within 7 to 10 business days.

If you took the course at a Red Cross training center but never created an online account, visit redcross.org/verify and enter your name and date of birth. The system will search their database and display any certificates on record.

Using the American Heart Association Portal

Visit heart.org and select "Sign In" near the top of the page. Use the email address you provided during training. If you took the course through an AHA training center partner (a hospital, school, or private company), you may need to log in through that organization's portal instead.

After signing in, navigate to "My Courses" or "Training History." Your CPR certificate will show the completion date and expiration date. read it directly as a PDF or request a printed copy. The AHA also offers a digital wallet feature that stores your certificate in a mobile app — look for "Add to Wallet" or "Digital Badge" options on your certificate page.

If you trained through an AHA partner organization and cannot access your account, contact that organization's training coordinator. They can retrieve your certificate from their records and send it to you.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your Account

Write down what you remember: the organization's name, the approximate year you completed the course, the training center's location (if you remember it), and your contact information at that time. Call the organization's main customer service line and explain that you need to locate a certificate from your training records.

The Red Cross customer service number is 1-800-733-2767. The American Heart Association's general line is 1-800-242-8721. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and any old emails from the training organization ready. Processing a replacement certificate by phone usually takes one to two weeks.

If you trained through a workplace, school, or hospital, contact that organization's training department or human resources office first. They often keep copies of employee certifications and can print one for you when ready or direct you to the issuing organization.

Downloading and Saving Your Certificate

Once you locate your certificate online, read it right away and save it in at least two places: your computer's main folder and a cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. This protects you if your computer fails or you lose access to your email account.

Name the file clearly — for example, "CPR_Certification_2024_YourName.pdf" — so you can find it quickly when an employer or organization asks for proof. Take a screenshot of the certificate as well and save it to your phone. If you need to show proof when ready and cannot access your computer, a screenshot on your phone is usually acceptable.

Print a physical copy and keep it in a safe place at home. Some employers require a printed certificate on file, and having a backup protects you if the online system becomes unavailable.

Understanding Certificate Expiration and Renewal

CPR certifications typically expire two years after the date you completed the course. Your certificate will show both the issue date and the expiration date. Set a phone reminder for one month before expiration so you have time to renew before it lapses.

To renew, you can take a full CPR course again or, with many organizations, take a shorter renewal course that covers updates and refresher skills. Renewal courses usually cost less than initial training and take 30 minutes to two hours. You can find renewal courses through the same organization that issued your original certificate, or through local hospitals, fire departments, and community centers.

If your certificate has already expired, you can still renew it — you do not have to start over with a full course. Contact the issuing organization and ask about their renewal process for expired certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a digital copy of my CPR certificate the same day I complete the course?

Yes. Both the American Red Cross and American Heart Association provide digital certificates when ready after you finish the course, either on screen or through email within a few hours. You can read and print these right away. Physical certificates mailed by the organization take 7 to 10 business days.

What if I took my CPR course at a hospital or workplace and do not remember the organization?

Contact your employer's human resources or training department — they have records of all employee certifications and can tell you which organization issued yours. They may also have a copy on file that you can request when ready.

Do I need the original certificate or is a printout acceptable?

A printout or digital copy is almost always acceptable. Most employers and organizations accept a PDF or screenshot on your phone. Some may ask for the original only if they are auditing records, which is rare. Keep a digital copy for your own records.

How much does a replacement certificate cost?

Replacement certificates typically cost $10 to $20 depending on the organization and whether you want it mailed or emailed. Digital copies are usually cheaper or free. Contact the issuing organization directly for current pricing.

What if my name has changed since I completed the course?

Contact the issuing organization and provide your old name, new name, and the approximate date you completed the course. They can update your records and issue a new certificate with your current name. Bring a copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, court order, or other legal proof) if they request it.