Where to Find Your CPR Certification Record

The fastest way to look up your CPR certification is to contact the organization that issued it directly. The three largest providers—the American Heart Association, the Red Cross, and the American Safety and Health Institute—all maintain searchable databases or can verify your certificate over the phone. You will need your name, date of birth, and the approximate year you took the course.

If you took your course through a hospital, workplace, or training center, that organization may also keep copies of your certificate on file. Many employers store employee certifications in their human resources system, so checking with your HR department is often the quickest route if you trained through work.

Key Takeaways

  • The American Heart Association, Red Cross, and American Safety and Health Institute each have their own verification systems, and you will need to contact the organization that issued your specific certificate.
  • You can verify your certification by phone, email, or through an online search tool—the method depends on which organization issued your card.
  • Your employer's HR department or the training center where you took the course may have a copy of your certificate in their records.
  • If you cannot locate your original certificate, most organizations will issue a replacement card or verification letter for a small fee.

American Heart Association Verification

The American Heart Association runs a verification system called eCard, which stores digital copies of certificates for people who completed their courses through AHA-authorized training centers. If you took an AHA course and received an eCard, you can log in at heart.org using your email address and password to view and read your certificate anytime.

If you do not have access to your eCard login or took your course before eCard was widely used, you can contact the American Heart Association directly at 1-877-AHA-4CPR (1-877-242-4277). Have your name, date of birth, and the year you completed the course ready. They can confirm whether your certification is still valid and issue a replacement card if needed.

Red Cross Verification

The Red Cross stores CPR certifications in a database you can search on their website. Go to redcross.org and look for the "Verify a Certificate" or "Check Certification Status" option in their training section. You will enter your name and the last four digits of your Social Security number, and the system will show your current certifications and expiration dates.

If the online search does not find your record, call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). They can search their database manually and send you a replacement certificate by mail. Processing typically takes one to two weeks.

American Safety and Health Institute Verification

The American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) maintains a certificate verification database on their website. Visit ashi.org and select "Verify a Certificate" to search by your name and certification number. If you have your original certificate card, the number is printed on the front.

If you do not have your certificate number, ASHI can search by name and date of birth. You can also contact them by phone at 1-800-246-2742 to request a verification letter or replacement card. There is usually a small fee for replacement certificates, typically between $10 and $25.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your Issuing Organization

If you do not remember which organization issued your certificate, start by checking with your employer or the training center where you took the course. They will have records of which provider they used and may even have a copy of your certificate on file.

You can also contact all three major providers and ask them to search their databases for you. Give them your full name, date of birth, and the approximate year you completed the course. At least one of them should have your record. If none of them do, your certification may have expired, or it may have been issued by a smaller regional training center.

Getting a Replacement Certificate

All three major providers will issue a replacement certificate if your original card is lost or damaged. Contact the organization that issued your certificate and request a replacement. You will typically need to provide your name, date of birth, and proof that you completed the course—your original certificate number helps speed up the process.

Replacement certificates usually arrive by mail within one to three weeks and cost between $10 and $30. Some organizations offer rush processing for an additional fee. Digital copies are often available when ready through online portals like the American Heart Association's eCard system.

Understanding Expiration Dates

CPR certifications are valid for two years from the date you complete the course. When you look up your certification, the database will show your expiration date. If your certificate has expired, you will need to retake the course to become recertified—there is no way to renew a CPR certificate without taking the training again.

Some employers require you to recertify before your certificate expires, so check with your workplace about their renewal timeline. Many training centers send reminder emails or letters when your certification is about to expire, but it is your responsibility to schedule a renewal course before the expiration date passes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I look up someone else's CPR certification?

No. The major certification providers keep records private and will only release information to the person whose name is on the certificate. If you need to confirm that an employee or volunteer is currently certified, ask them directly or request that they provide you with a copy of their certificate.

What if my CPR certification expired?

An expired CPR certification is no longer valid. You will need to retake the course to become recertified. Most training centers offer courses that take two to four hours and cost between $30 and $100. Check with your employer or local hospital to see if they offer free or discounted recertification courses.

Do I need the certificate number to look up my certification?

No. All three major providers can search by name and date of birth. Having your certificate number speeds up the process, but it is not required. If you have your original card, the number is printed on the front.

How long does it take to get a replacement certificate?

Standard replacement certificates arrive by mail in one to three weeks. Digital copies through online portals like the American Heart Association's eCard are available when ready. Some providers offer rush processing for an additional fee, which can reduce the timeline to three to five business days.

What if I took my CPR course at a hospital or workplace?

Contact your employer's HR department or the training center directly—they may have a copy of your certificate on file. You can also contact the certification provider that issued your card. Most hospitals and workplaces use one of the three major providers, so starting with those is usually the fastest route.