Renewing your AHA BLS card before expiration

Your American Heart Association (AHA) BLS certification lasts two years from the date you pass the course. To renew, you take either a full BLS course again or a shorter renewal course, pass the written exam and skills test, and receive a new card valid for another two years. The renewal course covers the same material as the original but moves faster because you already know the basics.

You can renew up to 120 days before your card expires. Many people wait until the last few months, but starting your search earlier gives you more class dates to choose from and removes the stress of a tight important date. If your card has already expired, you cannot take a renewal course—you must retake the full BLS course instead.

Key Takeaways

  • AHA BLS cards expire exactly two years after you pass the course, and you can renew starting 120 days before that date.
  • A renewal course is shorter and cheaper than the full course but covers the same skills and requires you to pass both a written test and a hands-on skills demonstration.
  • You must find an AHA-authorized training center—hospitals, fire departments, community colleges, and private training companies all offer renewal courses.
  • If your card has expired, you must take the full BLS course; renewal courses are not available once your certification lapses.
  • Bring your current BLS card and a photo ID to your renewal class, and you will receive your new card when ready after passing.

Where to find AHA renewal courses near you

The AHA does not run courses directly. Instead, it authorizes training centers—hospitals, fire departments, community colleges, urgent care clinics, and private training companies—to teach and test. To find a center near you, visit the AHA's official training center locator at heart.org/en/cpr and enter your zip code. The search will show you every authorized center within your area, their class dates, and whether they offer renewal or full courses.

Call or email the training center directly to confirm they have renewal courses available (not all centers offer both renewal and full courses). Ask about class length—renewal courses typically run 3 to 4 hours, compared to 8 hours for a full course—and whether they offer online or in-person options. Some centers let you complete the written portion online and attend only for the skills test, which saves time.

If no centers near you have dates that work, expand your search radius. Many people travel to a neighboring town or take a course at their workplace if their employer offers it. Some employers require staff to renew through their own training center, so check your employee handbook or ask your manager first.

What to bring and what to expect during renewal

Bring your current BLS card and a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). If you have lost your card, bring any documentation showing you completed the course—an email confirmation, a copy of your certificate, or a letter from your employer. The training center will look up your record in the AHA database if needed.

The renewal course covers the same topics as the original: recognizing cardiac arrest and stroke, performing CPR, using an automated external defibrillator (AED), and relieving choking. Because you have taken it before, the instructor moves through the material faster and focuses on updates to guidelines and any changes since your last course. You will practice chest compressions and rescue breathing on a mannequin, just as you did originally.

At the end, you take a written exam (typically 10 to 15 multiple-choice questions) and demonstrate skills on the mannequin while an instructor watches. You must pass both to receive your new card. Most people pass on the first attempt. If you do not pass the skills test, you can usually retake it the same day or within a few days at no extra cost; if you fail the written exam, policies vary by center, so ask beforehand.

Online renewal options and limitations

Some AHA training centers offer blended renewal courses: you complete the knowledge portion (video lessons and written exam) online at your own pace, then attend an in-person session for the skills test only. This cuts the in-person time to 1 to 2 hours. However, the AHA does not offer a fully online renewal course—you must demonstrate CPR and AED skills in person with an instructor present.

If a center advertises a fully online BLS renewal with no in-person component, it is not AHA-authorized. Only take courses from centers listed on heart.org/en/cpr. A card from an unauthorized provider will not be recognized by employers, hospitals, or licensing boards.

Timing your renewal to avoid a lapsed card

Mark your expiration date on your calendar or phone as soon as you receive your card. You can renew starting 120 days before that date. If you wait until after your card expires, you lose the option to take a renewal course and must enroll in a full BLS course instead, which costs more and takes longer.

If your card expires while you are waiting for a renewal course date, some employers will allow you to work under a temporary extension while your new card is in process. Ask your manager or compliance officer about your workplace policy. However, do not rely on this—it is always safer to renew before expiration.

Once you pass your renewal course, you receive your new card when ready, either printed on the spot or mailed within a few days depending on the center. Your new expiration date is two years from the date you pass the renewal course, not from your old card's expiration date.

Cost and what affects the price

Renewal course fees vary by location and training center. Prices typically range from $50 to $150 for the course itself, though some centers charge more. Hospital-based courses may cost more than community college courses. Private training companies often fall in the middle range.

Some employers cover the cost for employees who need BLS for their job. Check with your human resources or compliance department before paying out of pocket. If you are renewing through your employer's training center, the cost may already be included in your benefits or deducted from your paycheck.

The AHA itself does not set prices—each authorized training center sets its own fees. If you find a large price difference between two centers, call both to confirm what is included (some centers include materials or a printed card, others do not).

What happens if your card expires

Once your BLS card expires, you can no longer use it for work or volunteer positions that require current certification. If your job requires BLS, you may be suspended from duties or placed on unpaid leave until you renew. Some employers have policies that allow a grace period of a few days, but do not count on it.

If your card has expired, you cannot take a renewal course. You must enroll in a full BLS course, which takes longer and costs more than renewal. The full course covers the same material but includes more practice time and typically lasts 6 to 8 hours.

To get back on track, find an AHA training center and register for the next available full BLS course. Once you pass, your new card is valid for two years, and you can renew using the faster renewal course next time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my BLS card online?

You can complete the knowledge portion online at some training centers, but you must attend an in-person session to demonstrate CPR and AED skills. The AHA requires a live instructor to watch you perform chest compressions and use an AED before issuing a new card. No fully online renewal exists.

What if I took my BLS course from a different organization, not the AHA?

You can only renew an AHA BLS card through an AHA-authorized training center. If your card is from the Red Cross, American Safety and Health Institute, or another organization, you must renew through that organization instead. Check your card to see which organization issued it.

How long does it take to get my new card after I pass?

Most training centers print your card on the spot and hand it to you before you leave. Some mail cards within 3 to 5 business days. Ask the training center when you register whether you will receive your card when ready or by mail.

Can I renew if my card is already expired?

No. Once your card expires, you must take the full BLS course instead of the renewal course. Renewal courses are only available if your card is current or within 120 days of expiration. If your card has lapsed, register for a full course as soon as possible.

Do I need to bring anything besides my card and ID?

Bring your current BLS card and a photo ID. If you have lost your card, bring any proof of completion such as an email confirmation or a copy of your certificate. The training center can look up your record in the AHA database if you have neither.