CPR renewal is faster than initial training because you already know the material

CPR certification renewal takes between two and four hours, depending on the organization issuing your card. You do not retake the full course — renewal courses skip the foundational lessons and focus on updates to guidelines and hands-on practice with the manikin. Most people renew through the same organization that issued their original card, though you can switch providers if you want.

Your card shows an expiration date, usually one, two, or three years from the issue date depending on the certifying body. You can renew up to 60 days before expiration without losing your current certification. If your card has already expired, you will need to retake the full initial course rather than a renewal course, which takes longer and costs more.

Key Takeaways

  • CPR renewal courses are shorter than initial training and focus on skill review and guideline updates rather than starting from scratch.
  • You can renew up to 60 days before your card expires; after that date, you must retake the full course.
  • The American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and other organizations all offer renewal courses at different costs and schedules.
  • In-person renewal requires a manikin and instructor, but some organizations now offer blended options with online modules and shorter in-person sessions.
  • Your new card is issued when ready after you pass the skills test, so you leave with current certification the same day.

Where to renew through your original certifying organization

If you were certified by the American Red Cross, visit redcross.org and search for CPR renewal courses in your area by zip code. You can filter by course type (Basic Life Support, First Aid + CPR, or CPR-only) and see dates, times, and costs. Register online and pay at that time. Classes fill up, especially in the weeks before expiration dates, so book at least two weeks ahead if possible.

If you were certified by the American Heart Association, go to heart.org/cpr and use their course locator. The American Heart Association works through training centers and hospitals rather than offering courses directly, so you will see a list of providers near you. Call or visit the provider's website to register. Costs and schedules vary by location.

Other organizations that issue CPR cards include the National Safety Council, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Check your card to see which organization issued it, then visit their website to find renewal courses. Most have a course locator tool similar to the Red Cross and American Heart Association.

Switching to a different certifying organization

You do not have to renew through the same organization. If you want to switch providers, you can take a renewal course from any organization that offers CPR training. Your old card does not need to be surrendered — you straightforward take the new course and receive a new card from the new provider.

Some workplaces or schools require certification from a specific organization, so check your employer's policy before switching. If your job requires American Heart Association certification and you renew through the Red Cross, your new card may not meet that requirement. Ask your supervisor or training coordinator which organizations are accepted before you register.

What to expect during a renewal course

Renewal courses begin with a brief review of CPR technique and current guidelines. The instructor will explain any changes to compression depth, hand placement, or rescue breathing since your last certification. This usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will then practice on a manikin with the instructor watching, and the instructor will correct your technique if needed.

After practice, you will perform a skills test. You must demonstrate CPR on an adult manikin for at least two minutes while the instructor observes. The instructor checks that your hand placement, compression depth, and rate meet the current standard. Most people pass on the first attempt. If you do not pass, the instructor will give you feedback and let you try again, usually the same day.

Once you pass the skills test, you are done. You do not take a written exam for renewal. The instructor will print your new card on the spot or mail it within a few days, depending on the organization. Your new card is valid when ready.

Blended and online renewal options

Some organizations now offer blended renewal courses, where you complete the knowledge review online and attend only the skills session in person. This cuts the in-person time to one to two hours. You log into the course website, watch videos on guideline updates, and answer a few questions. Then you schedule a separate appointment at a training center to practice and test.

Blended courses cost the same or slightly less than traditional in-person courses, and they are useful if you cannot find a course date that fits your schedule. However, you still must attend the in-person skills session — there is no fully online CPR renewal. The American Red Cross and American Heart Association both offer blended options, though availability varies by location.

Cost and payment

CPR renewal courses typically cost between $40 and $100, depending on the organization and location. The American Red Cross renewal courses usually fall in the $60 to $80 range. American Heart Association courses through training centers often cost $50 to $100. The National Safety Council and other organizations fall in a similar range.

Some employers cover the cost of renewal for employees who need CPR certification for their job. Ask your supervisor or human resources department whether your workplace will pay. If you are renewing for a volunteer position, the organization you volunteer for may also cover the cost. Always ask before you pay out of pocket.

Payment is usually due when you register online or at the start of the course. Most organizations accept credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes cash or checks at the training center. If you register online, you pay when ready. If you call to register, the training center will tell you when payment is due.

What happens if your certification expires

If your card expires before you renew, you can no longer use it for work or volunteer positions that require current CPR certification. Your employer may suspend you from duties that require CPR, or a volunteer organization may ask you to step back until you are recertified.

To regain certification after expiration, you must take the full initial course, not a renewal course. This takes four to six hours and costs more than renewal — usually $100 to $150. You will cover all the foundational material again, not just updates. For this reason, it is worth renewing before your card expires.

If your card expired more than a few months ago, check with the organization before you register. Some organizations have policies about how long after expiration you can still take a renewal course. Most allow renewal up to 60 days after expiration, but policies vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my CPR certification online?

No. CPR renewal requires a hands-on skills test with a manikin and an instructor watching. Some organizations offer blended courses where you complete the knowledge portion online, but you must attend an in-person session to practice and test your skills.

How long is my new CPR card valid?

Most CPR cards are valid for one, two, or three years from the issue date. Check the expiration date printed on your new card. The length depends on the organization and the type of certification — for example, some organizations issue one-year cards for healthcare providers and two-year cards for lay rescuers.

What if I fail the skills test during renewal?

The instructor will give you feedback on what you need to fix and let you try again, usually the same day. Most people pass on the second attempt. If you do not pass after a second try, you may need to retake the full initial course, depending on the organization's policy.

Do I need to bring my old CPR card to renewal?

No, but it helps. Bring your old card so the instructor can verify your previous certification and confirm you are may be able to access for renewal rather than the full course. If you cannot find your card, tell the instructor when you register and they can look up your certification history.

Can I renew my CPR certification early?

Yes. You can renew up to 60 days before your card expires. Renewing early is useful if you want to schedule a course at a convenient time or if you are worried about finding an available class close to your expiration date.