Where to take a CPR course

CPR certification comes from a course taught by an instructor, not from a test you take alone. The most common provider is the American Heart Association (AHA), which trains instructors at hospitals, community colleges, fire departments, and private training companies. The Red Cross is another major national provider with similar reach. Both organizations set the standards for what instructors must teach, but the actual class happens at a local site.

To find a course near you, visit the AHA website and use their course locator by zip code, or call your local hospital or fire department—they often run classes for the public. Red Cross courses are searchable the same way on their website. Community colleges and YMCAs frequently offer CPR classes at lower cost than private providers. Some employers (hospitals, schools, gyms) run their own in-house courses for staff, but those are usually not open to the public.

Courses range from 3 to 8 hours depending on whether you take Basic Life Support (BLS), which includes chest compressions and rescue breathing, or Heartsaver CPR, which is shorter and covers hands-only CPR. BLS is what healthcare workers and first responders need; Heartsaver is common for childcare workers, teachers, and the general public.

Key Takeaways

  • CPR certification requires an in-person course taught by an instructor; you cannot earn it online or by reading alone.
  • The American Heart Association and Red Cross are the two main national providers, and both have course locators on their websites to find classes in your area.
  • Courses last between 3 and 8 hours depending on the type, and you will practice chest compressions and rescue breathing on a mannequin during the class.
  • Your certification card is valid for two years, after which you must retake the course or take a renewal class to keep it current.
  • Cost varies by provider and location, but expect to pay between $50 and $150 for a standard CPR course.

What happens during the course

The instructor will teach you how to recognize cardiac arrest, perform chest compressions at the correct depth and speed, and deliver rescue breaths using a barrier device or mouth-to-mouth. You will practice these skills on a training mannequin, and the instructor will watch to make sure you are doing them correctly. Most courses also cover how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), which is the portable device that shocks the heart back into rhythm.

You will also learn when to call 911, how to position an unconscious person, and what to do if the person vomits or is unresponsive. The course includes a written test (usually multiple choice) and a skills test where you demonstrate CPR on the mannequin. You must pass both to receive your card. Most people pass on their first attempt if they pay attention during the class.

How long certification lasts and renewal

Your CPR card is valid for two years from the date you pass the course. After two years, your certification expires and is no longer recognized by employers or institutions. Some workplaces will not let you work until you renew.

To renew, you can take a full course again or take a shorter renewal class, which usually lasts 1 to 2 hours and costs less than the initial course. Renewal courses review the same skills but move faster because you already know the basics. You must still pass a skills test to renew. If your certification has already expired, you will need to take the full course again rather than a renewal class.

Cost and what to bring

CPR courses cost between $50 and $150 depending on the provider and your location. Hospital-based courses and community colleges tend to be on the lower end; private training companies are often higher. Some employers cover the cost for employees. Check whether the course fee includes the certification card or if that is an additional charge.

Bring a photo ID and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move your arms freely, since you will be practicing compressions. Some providers ask you to bring a pen for the written test. If you have a physical limitation that affects your ability to perform CPR, tell the instructor before the course starts—they can discuss modifications or alternative ways to demonstrate competency.

Online CPR courses and blended learning

Some organizations offer a blended approach: you watch videos and take a written test online, then attend a shorter in-person session (usually 1 to 2 hours) to practice skills and take the skills test. This can save time if you are comfortable learning the theory on your own. However, the in-person portion is still required—you cannot earn a recognized CPR card from an online course alone.

Be cautious of websites that claim to offer "online CPR certification" without an in-person skills component. Those certificates are not recognized by the American Heart Association or Red Cross and will not satisfy employer or licensing requirements. Stick with courses offered directly by AHA, Red Cross, or their authorized training centers.

What your certification card means

Your CPR card shows that you have been trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and can perform it in an emergency. It does not make you a medical professional or give you legal authority to perform CPR—any trained person can do CPR if someone is in cardiac arrest. The card is proof that you completed a recognized course and passed the test.

Many employers require CPR certification as a condition of hire, especially in healthcare, childcare, schools, and fitness facilities. Some professional licenses (nursing, teaching, coaching) require current CPR certification to maintain the license. If your job requires it, your employer will tell you which type of certification they need (BLS, Heartsaver, or pediatric CPR) and when it must be renewed.

Choosing between AHA and Red Cross

Both the American Heart Association and Red Cross teach the same core CPR skills and their certifications are equally recognized by employers and institutions. The main differences are in course scheduling, location, and cost. AHA courses are often available through hospitals and medical centers; Red Cross courses are common at community centers and YMCAs. Some areas have more of one than the other.

If your employer requires CPR certification, ask them which organization they prefer—most accept either, but some have a specific requirement. If you have no preference, choose whichever course is closest to you or fits your schedule best. The quality of instruction depends more on the individual instructor than on which organization is running the course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get CPR certified online?

No. You must attend an in-person course where an instructor watches you perform CPR on a mannequin and you pass a skills test. Some courses let you watch videos online first, then come in for a shorter hands-on session, but the in-person portion is required. Certificates from online-only courses are not recognized.

What if I fail the skills test?

Most instructors will let you try again when ready or schedule a short follow-up session to practice and retest. Failing is uncommon if you pay attention during the class. If you do not pass on the second attempt, you may need to retake the full course, though policies vary by provider.

Do I need to renew my CPR certification if I do not use it?

If your job or volunteer role requires current certification, yes—you must renew before it expires or you will no longer be allowed to work in that position. If you are certified for personal knowledge only and no employer requires it, renewal is optional, but your card will be expired and not recognized if you ever need to prove certification.

Is pediatric CPR different from adult CPR?

Yes. Pediatric CPR uses gentler chest compressions and smaller hand placement because children's ribs are more flexible. Some courses teach both adult and pediatric CPR in one class; others are separate. If you work with children, ask whether your employer requires pediatric certification or if standard CPR is enough.

How much does CPR certification cost?

Most courses cost between $50 and $150. Community colleges and YMCAs are usually cheaper; private training companies and hospital-based courses vary. Some employers pay for employee certification. Renewal courses cost less than initial courses because they are shorter. Ask the provider whether the fee includes the card or if there is an extra charge.