Where to find your BLS certificate online
The fastest way to look up your BLS certification is through the American Heart Association's verification system at heart.org/en/cpr. Go to the "Find CPR Classes" section and select "Verify a Certificate" — you'll enter your name, date of birth, and certificate number if you have it. The system will show whether your card is current and when it expires.
If you took your course through the Red Cross instead, use their verification tool at redcross.org. Click "Verify Certification" and enter your name and date of birth. The Red Cross database covers all Red Cross-issued BLS cards, including those from training centers that partner with them.
Some employers and training centers also keep records on file. If you took your course at a hospital, fire department, or private training company, call them directly — they can confirm your status and reissue a replacement card if yours is lost.
Key Takeaways
- The American Heart Association and Red Cross each maintain their own online verification systems, so you need to check the organization that issued your card.
- You can verify your certificate using your name, date of birth, and certificate number if you have it.
- Your training center or employer may also have a copy of your certification on file and can confirm your status by phone.
- BLS cards expire after two or three years depending on the issuing organization, so checking your expiration date tells you when you need to renew.
What information you'll need to look up your certificate
Have your full name and date of birth ready before you start — both verification systems require these. If you have your certificate number, the lookup will be faster, but it's not required. Your certificate number appears on the front of your card, usually in the upper right corner.
If you don't have your card and can't remember the number, the system can still find you using just your name and date of birth. However, if you have a common name, the search may return multiple results — in that case, knowing your training date or the name of your training center helps narrow it down.
Understanding your certificate status and expiration date
When you look up your certificate, the system will show your status as either current or expired. A current certificate means you can use your BLS skills in a healthcare setting or job that requires it. An expired certificate means you are no longer certified and will need to retake the course before you can use that credential.
The expiration date appears on your card and in the online record. Most BLS certifications last two years from the date you passed the course, though some organizations issue three-year cards. Check your expiration date at least three months before it runs out so you have time to schedule a renewal course.
What to do if you can't find your certificate online
If the verification system doesn't return a result, the certificate may not have been registered yet. Training centers sometimes take one to two weeks to upload records to the national database. Wait a few days and try again, or contact the training center directly to confirm they submitted your information.
If your certificate was issued more than five to seven years ago, it may no longer appear in the active database even if you renewed it — older records are sometimes archived. In that case, contact the issuing organization directly with your name and the approximate date you took the course. They can confirm whether your current certification is valid.
Replacing a lost or damaged BLS card
If your card is lost or damaged, you don't need to retake the course. Contact the organization that issued it — either the American Heart Association, Red Cross, or your training center — and request a replacement card. You'll typically need to provide your name, date of birth, and the original course date.
Most organizations charge a small fee for replacement cards, usually between $10 and $25. Some training centers will reissue a card for free if you took the course with them. The replacement usually arrives by mail within one to two weeks, though some centers can print one on the spot if you visit in person.
Verifying someone else's BLS certification
If you're an employer or supervisor who needs to confirm that an employee holds a current BLS card, you can use the same public verification systems. Enter the person's name and date of birth into the American Heart Association or Red Cross database. Both systems will show whether the certificate is current without requiring a certificate number.
Some employers ask employees to provide a copy of their card as proof instead of looking it up online. This is faster and doesn't require the employee's date of birth. If you need to verify multiple staff members regularly, ask your training center whether they offer batch verification or employer reporting tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look up my BLS certificate without the certificate number?
Yes. Both the American Heart Association and Red Cross systems allow you to search using just your name and date of birth. The certificate number speeds up the search, but it's not required to find your record.
How long does it take for my new BLS certificate to show up in the online system?
Most training centers upload records within one to two weeks of course completion. If you don't see your certificate after two weeks, contact the training center to confirm they submitted your information to the national database.
What if I took my BLS course at a hospital or workplace — where do I look that up?
Start with the American Heart Association or Red Cross verification systems, since most hospitals and workplaces use one of those organizations. If your certificate doesn't appear there, contact your employer's human resources or training department directly — they keep records on file.
Can I renew my BLS certificate online?
Some organizations offer online renewal courses, but you must take a hands-on skills test in person with an instructor. You cannot renew by looking up your certificate online — the verification system only shows your status, not renewal options. Contact your training center or the issuing organization to schedule a renewal course.
What happens if my BLS certificate expires?
An expired certificate is no longer valid for any job or healthcare setting that requires current BLS certification. You'll need to retake the full course, not just a renewal. Most employers will not allow you to work in a position requiring BLS once your card expires, so plan ahead and renew before the expiration date.