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, which trains instructors at hospitals, community colleges, fire departments, and private training companies. The Red Cross is another major option with similar reach. Both organizations set the standards for what instructors must teach, and both issue cards that employers recognize.

To find a course near you, visit the American Heart Association website and use their course locator tool by entering your zip code. The Red Cross has a similar search on their site. You can also call your local hospital, fire department, or community college directly—many run their own classes and can tell you the next available date and cost. Some workplaces offer CPR training on-site for employees; ask your HR department whether that option exists where you work.

Courses typically cost between $50 and $150, depending on the provider and your location. Some employers cover the cost entirely. The course itself takes about four to six hours and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice with a mannequin.

Key Takeaways

  • CPR certification requires an in-person course taught by a certified instructor; you cannot obtain it online or through self-study.
  • The American Heart Association and Red Cross are the two major providers, and their certifications are recognized by employers nationwide.
  • A typical course lasts four to six hours, covers adult CPR and basic first aid, and includes practice on a mannequin before you receive your card.
  • Your certification card is valid for two years, after which you must take a renewal course to keep it current.
  • Cost ranges from $50 to $150 depending on location and provider, and many employers cover the expense for their staff.

What happens during the course

The instructor will teach you the steps of CPR: checking responsiveness, calling 911, positioning the person, performing chest compressions at the correct depth and rate, and delivering rescue breaths (or hands-only CPR, depending on the course type). You will practice these steps repeatedly on a mannequin until you can perform them correctly. The instructor watches and corrects your technique in real time.

Most courses also cover basic first aid—how to recognize choking, treat bleeding, and respond to common emergencies. Some courses are CPR-only and take about three hours; others bundle CPR with first aid and run closer to six hours. Ask the provider which version you need before you sign up, since some employers require the combined course.

At the end of the course, you take a written test (usually 10 to 15 multiple-choice questions) and demonstrate CPR on the mannequin while the instructor observes. You must pass both parts to receive your card. Most people pass on the first attempt if they have paid attention during the course.

Choosing between course types

The American Heart Association offers Heartsaver CPR (the most common version for non-medical workers) and BLS for Healthcare Providers (for nurses, doctors, and medical staff). The Heartsaver course teaches adult CPR and basic first aid. The BLS course is more detailed and includes infant and child CPR as well as two-rescuer techniques. If your job does not require you to work in healthcare, Heartsaver is what you need.

The Red Cross offers similar tiers: CPR/AED for the general public and BLS for healthcare workers. Both teach the same core skills, but the healthcare version goes deeper. Ask your employer or the organization requiring the certification which course they want you to take—do not assume.

Some providers also offer online components paired with an in-person skills session. You watch videos at home and then attend a shorter in-person class to practice and be tested. This option can save time if you have a flexible schedule, but the hands-on portion is still required and cannot be skipped.

How long your certification lasts

A 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. You will need to take a renewal course to get a new card.

Renewal courses are shorter than the initial course—usually two to three hours—because you already know the material. You review the steps, practice on the mannequin again, and take a brief test. The cost is typically $30 to $75, less than the initial course.

Some people let their certification lapse and then take a full course again instead of a renewal. That is your choice, but renewal is faster and cheaper if you have kept your skills fresh.

What to bring and how to register

When you register for a course, you will need a valid photo ID and, in some cases, proof of your Social Security number (the provider uses this to issue your official card). Bring a pen for the written test. Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move your arms freely, since you will be practicing compressions on a mannequin.

Most providers let you register online through their website. You choose a date, time, and location, pay the fee, and receive a confirmation email. Some smaller providers still take phone registrations. Courses fill up, especially in busy seasons, so register at least a week or two in advance if you can.

If you cannot attend a scheduled course, many providers offer private or small-group sessions for a higher fee. This option is useful if you need a specific date or prefer to train with your coworkers.

After you receive your card

Your CPR card is a wallet-sized credential that you keep with you. Some employers ask to see it during hiring or annually to confirm it is still valid. If you change jobs, bring your card to your new employer so they have a record of your certification.

If you lose your card, contact the provider (American Heart Association or Red Cross) with your name and the date you took the course. They can issue a replacement, usually within a few business days, for a small fee.

CPR skills fade over time if you do not use them. If you work in a field where CPR is common—nursing, lifeguarding, emergency response—you will stay sharp. If you took the course for a job requirement but rarely use it, consider a refresher before your two years are up, even if your card has not expired yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a CPR course online?

You cannot take the entire course online. The hands-on practice and demonstration with a mannequin must happen in person with an instructor watching. Some providers offer a blended model where you watch videos online and then attend a shorter in-person session for practice and testing, but the in-person part is required.

What if I fail the test or the skills demonstration?

Most providers allow you to retake the test or skills portion the same day or within a few days at no extra cost. If you fail, the instructor will review the material with you and give you another chance. Failing is uncommon if you have paid attention during the course.

Do I need CPR certification to work as a lifeguard or in healthcare?

Most lifeguard positions require CPR certification before you start work. Healthcare jobs vary—some require it at hire, others train you on the job. Check the job posting or ask the employer during the interview. If they require it, they often cover the cost.

How much does CPR certification cost?

Initial courses typically cost $50 to $150 depending on location and provider. Renewal courses are $30 to $75. Some employers cover the full cost for employees. Private or on-site group training may cost more.

What is the difference between CPR and BLS?

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is the technique itself. BLS (Basic Life Support) is a certification course that teaches CPR plus additional skills like using an AED and recognizing stroke or heart attack. BLS is typically required for healthcare workers; CPR certification is what most other workers need.