Where to take a CPR course

CPR certification comes from a course taught by an instructor, not from an online test or a book. The American Red Cross and the American Heart Association are the two largest providers in the United States, but hospitals, fire departments, community colleges, and private training companies also teach CPR. Your employer may offer it free during work hours.

Start by searching "[your city] CPR course" or "[your county] CPR training" to see what is available near you. The Red Cross and American Heart Association both have location finders on their websites where you enter your zip code and see classes scheduled within the next month. Many classes fill up, so register as soon as you find one that fits your schedule.

Cost ranges from $40 to $150 depending on the provider and whether you take a single class or a multi-day course. Some employers, unions, and schools cover the cost for their staff. If cost is a barrier, ask your local fire department or community center whether they offer low-cost or sliding-scale classes.

Key Takeaways

  • CPR certification requires an in-person course with a live instructor; you cannot get certified online.
  • The American Red Cross and American Heart Association are the most common providers, but hospitals, fire departments, and community colleges also teach CPR.
  • Most courses take between two and four hours and teach chest compressions, rescue breathing, and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
  • Your certificate is valid for two years from the date you pass, and you will need to retake the course to renew it.

What happens during a CPR class

A typical CPR course lasts two to four hours. The instructor teaches the steps for adult CPR: hand placement on the chest, compression depth and speed, rescue breathing technique, and when to use an AED if one is available. You practice on a mannequin, not on another person.

The course covers what to do if someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally. You learn to recognize cardiac arrest, call 911, and start compressions when ready. Most classes also teach CPR for infants and children if you request it, though the hand placement and compression depth change for smaller bodies.

At the end of the class, you take a written test (usually 10 to 15 multiple-choice questions) and demonstrate CPR on the mannequin while the instructor watches. You must pass both parts to receive your certificate. Most people pass on the first attempt.

Types of CPR certification

CPR for healthcare providers is different from CPR for the general public. Healthcare provider courses are longer, cover two-person CPR, require faster compression rates, and include more detail about medications and advanced techniques. If your job requires you to have healthcare provider certification, your employer will tell you which course to take.

Basic Life Support (BLS) is the healthcare provider version. Heartsaver is the American Red Cross version for non-medical people. Both are recognized nationwide, but some employers specify which one they need. Ask your employer or the organization you are certifying for before you register.

Some courses bundle CPR with First Aid training in a single class. This takes longer (usually six to eight hours) but covers both skills in one session. If you need both certifications, a combined course saves time and often costs less than taking them separately.

How to renew your CPR certificate

Your CPR certificate expires two years from the date you pass the course. You do not have to wait until it expires to renew — you can take a renewal course anytime in the last three months before expiration. Renewal courses are shorter than initial certification, usually one to two hours, because you already know the material.

Renewal courses review the same skills but move faster and spend less time on lecture. You still practice on a mannequin and take a test. Some providers offer renewal-only classes on a different schedule than initial courses, so check the location finder for both options.

If your certificate expires before you renew, you will need to take the full initial course again, not a renewal course. Mark your expiration date on your calendar or set a phone reminder three months before it expires so you do not miss the window.

What your certificate proves

Your CPR certificate shows that you have been trained in CPR and passed a test on the material. It does not mean you are required to perform CPR if you witness an emergency — that is a personal choice. In most states, bystanders who perform CPR in good faith are protected by Good Samaritan laws, which shield them from liability if something goes wrong.

Many jobs require CPR certification as a condition of employment: lifeguards, nurses, childcare workers, personal trainers, and security guards often need it. Some volunteer positions also require it. Check the job posting or ask the hiring manager whether CPR is required before you explore.

Your certificate is a wallet card or a printed document that you keep. Some employers ask to see the original; others accept a photo or a digital copy. Keep your certificate in a safe place and bring it to your first day of work or your volunteer shift.

Online CPR courses and their limits

Some websites offer online CPR courses that end with a certificate. These courses teach the theory of CPR but do not include hands-on practice with a mannequin or an instructor watching you perform compressions. Most employers and organizations do not accept online-only CPR certificates because they cannot verify that you can actually perform CPR correctly.

If you see an online CPR course advertised, check whether the organization you need the certificate for will accept it. Many hospitals, schools, and childcare centers specifically require in-person certification. A few employers accept online courses as a first step, but then require you to pass an in-person skills check before you start work.

The safest approach is to take an in-person course from the start. It costs the same or less than an online course, takes only a few hours, and is accepted everywhere.

Finding CPR courses near you

The American Red Cross course finder is at redcross.org. Enter your zip code under "Find a Class" and select CPR. You will see courses scheduled in your area with dates, times, and prices. You can register online for most classes.

The American Heart Association course finder is at heart.org/cpr. Click "Find a Course" and enter your location. Results show both in-person and blended courses (which combine online learning with a short in-person skills session).

If you do not find a class that fits your schedule, call your local fire department or hospital and ask whether they teach CPR. Many offer classes on a rolling basis or can refer you to a provider in your area. Community colleges often have CPR courses listed in their continuing education catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get CPR certified online?

No. CPR certification requires an in-person course where you practice on a mannequin and an instructor watches you perform compressions. Online courses teach the theory but not the hands-on skill, and most employers do not accept them. A few organizations offer blended courses with a short in-person skills session, which may be accepted depending on your employer's requirements.

How long does a CPR certificate last?

Your CPR certificate is valid for two years from the date you pass the course. You can renew it anytime in the three months before it expires by taking a shorter renewal course. If your certificate expires before you renew, you must take the full initial course again.

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

Both teach the same CPR technique and are accepted nationwide. The main difference is the organization running the course and the specific details of the curriculum. Red Cross uses the term "Heartsaver" for general public CPR, while American Heart Association uses "BLS" for healthcare providers and "Heartsaver" for the public. Ask your employer which one they prefer, but either will work for most jobs.

Do I have to perform CPR if I see someone collapse?

No. Having a CPR certificate does not create a legal duty to perform CPR. It is your choice. If you do perform CPR in good faith, most states protect you from liability under Good Samaritan laws, even if something goes wrong.

How much does CPR certification cost?

CPR courses typically cost between $40 and $150, depending on the provider and course length. Some employers offer free CPR training to their staff. If cost is a barrier, ask your local fire department or community center about low-cost or sliding-scale options.