Where to take a CPR course

CPR certification comes from a course run by one of five main organizations: the American Heart Association, the Red Cross, the American Safety and First Aid Council, the National Safety Council, or the American CPR Training Association. Each teaches the same core skills — chest compressions and rescue breathing — but they differ in how they deliver the course and how long your card stays valid.

You can take a course in person at a hospital, fire station, community center, or training facility. In-person courses usually run two to four hours and include hands-on practice with a mannequin and an instructor watching you perform compressions. Many employers require in-person certification because it includes a physical demonstration.

Online courses exist, but they typically cover only the knowledge portion — videos, quizzes, and written tests. Most organizations require you to complete an in-person skills check afterward to receive your card. A few organizations offer blended courses where you watch videos at home and then attend a shorter in-person session to practice and be tested.

Key Takeaways

  • CPR certification comes from the American Heart Association, Red Cross, or one of three other national organizations, and each card is valid for two years.
  • In-person courses take two to four hours and include hands-on practice with a mannequin; online-only courses do not count as full certification without a skills check afterward.
  • Cost ranges from about $40 to $150 depending on the organization, course length, and whether you choose in-person or blended delivery.
  • You will need to bring a photo ID and arrive on time; some courses require you to pass a written test and demonstrate compressions at the correct depth and rate.
  • Your certification card is valid for two years from the date you pass, and you will need to retake the course to renew it.

What to expect during the course

Most in-person CPR courses begin with a brief video or instructor explanation of how cardiac arrest happens and why CPR matters. The instructor will then demonstrate chest compressions on a mannequin — showing hand placement, how far down to push, and the correct rhythm. You will practice compressions yourself, usually for several rounds, while the instructor corrects your hand position or compression depth.

The course covers rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation), though many organizations now emphasize hands-only CPR for adults, which skips the breathing step. You will learn when to call 911, how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available, and what to do if the person starts breathing again. Some courses include training on CPR for infants and children, which uses gentler compressions and different hand placement.

At the end, you will take a written test — usually 10 to 20 multiple-choice questions — and perform CPR on the mannequin while an instructor watches. The instructor is looking for correct hand placement, compression depth of at least two inches, a compression rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, and proper technique if you are doing rescue breathing. You must pass both the written test and the skills demonstration to receive your card.

Cost and how to find a course near you

In-person CPR courses typically cost between $40 and $150. The American Heart Association courses tend to be on the higher end, around $100 to $150, while Red Cross and independent training centers often charge $50 to $100. Some employers, schools, and hospitals offer CPR training to their staff for free or at a reduced cost. If you are looking for a low-cost option, check with your local fire department, community college, or YMCA — many offer courses for $30 to $60.

To find a course, visit the website of the organization you prefer — americanheart.org, redcross.org, or the National Safety Council's website — and use their course locator tool. You can search by zip code and see which courses are available in your area, what dates they run, and what the cost is. Many training centers also allow you to register online and pay when ready, though some require you to call or visit in person.

Online courses cost less, usually $20 to $50, but remember that you will still need to pay for an in-person skills check if your employer or organization requires a full certification card. Some training centers bundle the online course and skills check together at a discount.

How long certification lasts and when to renew

CPR certification is valid for two years from the date you pass the course. Your certification card will show the expiration date. When your card is about to expire, you can take a renewal course, which is shorter than the initial course — usually one to two hours — and covers updates to CPR guidelines and a quick skills review. Renewal courses cost less than initial courses, typically $30 to $80.

If your certification has already expired, you will need to retake the full initial course rather than a renewal. Some organizations allow a grace period of a few months after expiration, but it is best not to rely on that. If your job requires current CPR certification and yours has lapsed, check with your employer about whether they will allow you to work while you recertify.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring a photo ID to your course — a driver's license, passport, or state ID. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move your arms freely, since you will be doing chest compressions. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so you can check in and get settled before the course starts.

You do not need to study beforehand, but reading the course description or watching a preview video on the organization's website can help you know what to expect. If you have a physical condition that might affect your ability to do chest compressions — such as arthritis, a shoulder injury, or a heart condition — let the instructor know before the course begins. They can discuss modifications or alternative ways you might help in a cardiac emergency.

Differences between the main organizations

The American Heart Association is the largest CPR certifier in the United States and is often required by hospitals and medical facilities. Their courses are thorough and their cards are widely recognized. Red Cross courses are also nationally recognized and often available at more locations, particularly in smaller towns. Both organizations update their guidelines every five years based on new research.

The American Safety and First Aid Council, National Safety Council, and American CPR Training Association offer similar courses at lower costs and with more flexible scheduling. Their cards are valid and recognized by most employers, though some medical facilities prefer American Heart Association or Red Cross certification. If you are unsure which organization your employer prefers, ask them before you register.

All five organizations teach the same core CPR technique and follow the same guidelines from the American Heart Association. The main differences are in price, location availability, and how quickly you can get an appointment. If cost is your main concern, look for courses from independent training centers or community organizations that use one of the five national curricula.

What happens after you pass

You will receive a physical certification card when ready after you pass, or within a few days if you took an online course with a skills check. The card shows your name, the organization that certified you, the date you passed, and the expiration date. Keep this card in a safe place — you may need to show it to an employer or during a job interview.

Many organizations also offer digital copies of your card that you can read or access through their website or app. This is useful if you lose your physical card or need to prove your certification quickly. Some employers ask you to upload a copy to their system when you are hired.

If you need a replacement card because yours was lost or damaged, contact the organization that certified you. They can usually issue a new one for a small fee, typically $10 to $20, and it will have the same expiration date as your original card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take CPR online and get a full certification card?

Most organizations offer online courses for knowledge only, and you must complete an in-person skills check to receive a full certification card. Some training centers offer blended courses where you watch videos at home and attend a short in-person session for practice and testing. Check with the organization or training center about whether their online option includes a skills check or requires you to schedule one separately.

What if I fail the written test or skills demonstration?

Most organizations allow you to retake the test or skills check on the same day or within a few days at no extra cost. If you fail, the instructor will review the areas where you struggled and give you another chance to practice. If you fail a second time, you may need to retake the full course, though policies vary by organization.

Do I need CPR certification for a job, or is it optional?

CPR certification is required for jobs in healthcare, childcare, coaching, lifeguarding, and some emergency services. Many other jobs list it as preferred but not required. Check the job posting or ask the employer whether CPR certification is mandatory or just helpful for your role.

Can I use my CPR certification from another country?

CPR certification from outside the United States is generally not recognized by U.S. employers. If you have certification from another country, you will need to take a U.S. course to be certified here. Some training centers may accept your foreign card as proof that you already know CPR and offer a shorter renewal course, but this varies.

How do I know if my certification is still valid?

Check the expiration date printed on your certification card. If the date has passed, your certification has expired. You can also contact the organization that certified you with your name and they can look up your certification status in their system.