CPR certification expires and must be renewed through a training course

CPR certification does not renew automatically. Your card has an expiration date printed on it — usually two or three years from the date you completed the course. When that date approaches, you must take a renewal course to keep your certification current. The renewal process is faster than the original course because you have already learned the basics.

Most people renew their CPR certification through the same organization that issued their original card: the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or a hospital-based training program. You can also switch providers if you prefer. The renewal course covers the same skills — chest compressions, rescue breathing, and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) — but is condensed into a shorter session, usually one to two hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Your CPR card shows an expiration date; you must complete a renewal course before that date to keep your certification active.
  • Renewal courses are shorter than initial certification courses and focus on reviewing skills you already know.
  • You can renew through the organization that issued your original card or through any other accredited training provider in your area.
  • Many employers, schools, and healthcare facilities offer CPR renewal courses on-site or cover the cost for staff.
  • Online courses exist but typically require an in-person skills check with an instructor before your card is issued.

Finding a renewal course near you

The American Red Cross and American Heart Association both maintain searchable databases of training locations on their websites. Enter your zip code to see classes scheduled in your area, including dates, times, and whether the course is in-person, blended (online plus in-person), or hybrid. Both organizations offer courses multiple times per week in most cities.

If you work in healthcare, education, or public safety, your employer may offer renewal training on-site at no cost or at a reduced rate. Ask your supervisor or human resources department whether your workplace has a contract with a training provider. Many hospitals, fire departments, schools, and nursing homes run their own CPR courses for staff.

Community colleges, YMCAs, and local health departments also offer CPR renewal courses. These are often cheaper than courses run by the national organizations and may be more convenient if a location is close to your home or workplace.

What to expect during a renewal course

A CPR renewal course typically lasts one to two hours. You will review the steps for adult CPR, pediatric CPR (if your original certification covered it), and AED use. The instructor will demonstrate each skill on a mannequin, then watch you perform compressions and rescue breathing to confirm you remember the correct technique.

You do not need to study beforehand, though reviewing your original course materials or watching a refresher video can help you feel more confident. Bring your current CPR card to the course if you have it; the instructor will note the expiration date and issue a new card once you pass the skills assessment.

If you are taking a blended or online course, the classroom portion covers video instruction and knowledge checks, while the in-person portion is a brief skills session with an instructor. You cannot earn a CPR card through an online-only course — you must demonstrate your skills in person.

Cost and payment options

CPR renewal courses cost between $30 and $100 depending on the provider and your location. The American Red Cross and American Heart Association courses typically fall in the $50 to $75 range. Courses offered through community organizations or employers are often cheaper or free.

Most training providers accept credit cards, cash, or checks. Some offer discounts if you register online in advance or if you renew before your card expires. A few providers offer payment plans for group courses, though individual renewal courses are usually paid in full at registration.

Renewing online or by blended course

Several organizations now offer blended CPR renewal courses that combine online learning with a brief in-person skills session. You complete the knowledge portion at your own pace on a computer or phone, then attend a 30-minute to one-hour appointment with an instructor to demonstrate compressions and rescue breathing. This option works well if you have a flexible schedule or live far from a training center.

The online portion typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and includes video instruction, interactive scenarios, and a knowledge check. You must pass the knowledge check before you can schedule your in-person skills session. Once you complete both parts, your new card is issued.

Be cautious of courses advertised as fully online with no in-person component. These do not meet the standards set by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association and will not be recognized by most employers or healthcare facilities.

What happens if your certification expires

If your CPR card expires before you renew, your certification is no longer valid. Employers, schools, and healthcare facilities will not accept an expired card. If your job requires current CPR certification, you may be placed on unpaid leave or reassigned until you renew.

You do not have to retake the full initial certification course if you renew shortly after expiration. Most providers will still allow you to take a renewal course as long as you have held a valid CPR certification at some point. However, if your card has been expired for several years, some organizations may require you to take the full initial course instead.

Keeping track of your expiration date

Write your CPR expiration date on your calendar or set a phone reminder for two months before the date. This gives you time to find a course and schedule it without rushing. Many training providers send email reminders to people who have taken their courses before, so check your email for notifications as your expiration date approaches.

Take a photo of your CPR card with your phone and store it in a notes app or photo folder. This way you have the expiration date and card number with you even if you lose the physical card. Some employers and schools accept digital copies of CPR cards, though most still require the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my CPR certification if it has already expired?

Yes, most training providers will allow you to renew shortly after expiration if you have held a valid CPR certification before. However, if your card expired more than a few months ago, the provider may require you to take the full initial certification course instead of a renewal course. Contact the training provider directly to ask about their policy.

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

It is helpful to bring your old card so the instructor can see your expiration date and confirm you are renewing rather than taking initial certification. If you have lost your card, you can still renew — just tell the instructor when your original certification was issued and which organization issued it.

How long is a CPR renewal card valid for?

Most CPR renewal cards are valid for two years from the date of the course. Some organizations issue three-year cards. The expiration date will be printed on your new card. Check the card when you receive it to confirm the expiration date.

Can I renew CPR certification from a different organization than the one that issued my original card?

Yes. The American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and other accredited training providers all teach the same CPR standards. You can renew through any accredited provider, and your new card will be recognized by employers and healthcare facilities regardless of which organization issued it.

What if I cannot attend an in-person renewal course?

Blended and hybrid courses allow you to complete the knowledge portion online and schedule a brief in-person skills session at a time that works for you. Some training providers offer evening and weekend courses as well. If you travel frequently, you can take the online portion before you travel and schedule the skills session when you return.