Renew your AHA BLS certification by taking a renewal course before your card expires, then pass the written test and skills assessment

The American Heart Association (AHA) requires BLS (Basic Life Support) certification to be renewed every two years. You cannot straightforward renew by mail or online — you must complete a hands-on renewal course that includes a written exam and a practical skills test where an instructor watches you perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The renewal course is shorter than the initial certification course. It typically takes two to four hours, depending on whether you take it in person or blended (part online, part in person). You can renew up to 120 days before your card expires, which gives you a window to fit it into your schedule without waiting until the last moment.

Key Takeaways

  • AHA BLS certification must be renewed every two years and requires a hands-on renewal course with an instructor present.
  • Renewal courses take two to four hours and include both a written test and a practical skills demonstration you must pass.
  • You can renew up to 120 days before your current card expires, giving you flexibility in scheduling.
  • Find renewal courses through the AHA website, hospitals, training centers, or your employer, and expect to pay between $50 and $150 depending on location and provider.

Where to find an AHA BLS renewal course

The AHA maintains a searchable database of training centers on its official website. Enter your zip code to see which centers near you offer renewal courses and check their schedules. Many hospitals, fire departments, and community colleges also host AHA-authorized renewal courses.

If your employer requires BLS certification, ask your human resources or safety department whether they offer in-house renewal training. Many large employers contract with training providers to hold courses on-site, sometimes at no cost to employees. This is often the fastest and cheapest option if it is available to you.

Online platforms like Red Cross (which offers a competing certification) and some independent training centers advertise BLS renewal, but make sure any course you choose is specifically AHA-authorized. The course provider's name should appear in the AHA training center database, or you can call the AHA directly at 1-877-242-4277 to confirm.

What happens during a renewal course

A renewal course covers the same core skills as initial certification but moves faster because you already know the material. You will review CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants; learn when and how to use an AED; and practice rescue breathing if your course includes it. The instructor will explain any updates to AHA guidelines since your last certification.

You will take a written test with multiple-choice questions about CPR, AED use, and choking. Most courses require a score of at least 84 percent to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can usually retake it the same day at no extra charge.

The skills test requires you to perform CPR on a mannequin while an instructor observes and grades your technique. You must demonstrate correct hand placement, compression depth, compression rate, and proper recoil. You will also show that you can turn on an AED, explore the pads correctly, and follow the device's prompts. If you do not meet the standard on your first try, the instructor will give you feedback and let you attempt it again.

Timing and expiration rules

Your AHA BLS card shows an expiration date. You can renew starting 120 days before that date. If you wait until after your card expires, you cannot renew — you must take the full initial certification course instead, which takes longer and costs more.

If your card has already expired, you have a grace period in some states or workplaces, but do not rely on it. Check with your employer or licensing board to see whether they accept expired cards or require when ready recertification. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities will not let you work with an expired card, even for a single shift.

The new card you receive after renewal is valid for two years from the date you pass the course, not from the date your old card expired. Plan your renewal timing so you do not end up with overlapping cards or gaps in coverage.

Cost and what to bring

Renewal course fees range from $50 to $150 depending on your location and the training provider. In-person courses tend to cost more than blended courses. Some employers cover the cost entirely; others ask employees to pay and then reimburse them after completion.

Bring a valid photo ID and your current BLS card to the course. If you cannot find your card, bring any document that shows your name and certification date — the instructor can look up your record in the AHA database. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, because you will be performing CPR on a mannequin and need to kneel or bend.

Blended courses: online plus in-person

Many training centers now offer blended renewal courses where you complete the written portion online at your own pace, then attend a shorter in-person session for the skills test. The online part usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and covers the knowledge review. You then schedule a two-hour in-person appointment to demonstrate CPR and AED use to an instructor.

Blended courses are convenient if you have a flexible schedule but need to fit training around work or family. However, you still cannot skip the in-person portion — the AHA requires an instructor to observe your skills in real time. Online-only BLS certification does not exist and should be treated as a red flag if a provider claims to offer it.

What to do if you miss the renewal window

If your BLS card has expired, you cannot renew. You must enroll in a full initial certification course, which takes four to six hours and costs $100 to $200. You will repeat all the material and take both the written and skills tests again, even though you already hold or held a BLS card.

Some employers will let you work under supervision while your certification is in process, but this varies by state and facility. Do not assume you can continue working with an expired card. Contact your employer's compliance or HR department when ready if your card has lapsed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my AHA BLS certification online?

No. The AHA requires an instructor to observe your CPR and AED skills in person. You can complete the knowledge review online in a blended course, but you must attend an in-person session to demonstrate your skills and pass the practical test.

What if I fail the skills test during renewal?

Most instructors allow you to attempt the skills test again the same day at no extra charge. The instructor will give you feedback on what you need to correct. If you fail a second time, you may need to retake the full course or schedule another renewal attempt, depending on the training center's policy.

Can I renew my BLS certification if my card is already expired?

No. Once your card expires, you must take the full initial certification course instead of the shorter renewal course. This takes longer and costs more. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this.

How long does a new BLS card take to arrive after I pass the renewal course?

You typically receive a temporary card or certificate when ready after passing the course. The official AHA card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary document is usually accepted by employers while you wait for the permanent card.

Do I need to renew CPR and AED training separately?

No. AHA BLS certification covers both CPR and AED use in a single course and card. You renew both at the same time.