BLS is a certification, not a degree or diploma

BLS stands for Basic Life Support. It is a certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) or the Red Cross, depending on which organization trained you. BLS certification shows that you have completed a course in emergency response techniques — mainly CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) — and passed a written test and skills check.

BLS is not a degree. It is not a diploma. It is a credential that proves you know how to perform specific emergency procedures. Many employers require it as a condition of hire, especially in healthcare, childcare, and emergency services. Unlike a degree, which takes months or years, BLS certification can be earned in a single day or two.

The certification is valid for two years from the date you pass. After that, you must renew it by taking a refresher course and passing the test again.

Key Takeaways

  • BLS certification is issued by the American Heart Association or Red Cross after you complete a course and pass a written exam and hands-on skills test.
  • Many healthcare facilities, schools, and childcare centers require BLS certification as a condition of employment.
  • BLS certification lasts two years and must be renewed with a refresher course before it expires.
  • BLS is a standalone credential and does not count as college credit or contribute toward a degree.
  • You can earn BLS certification in one or two days, making it faster than most other professional credentials.

Who requires BLS certification and why

Healthcare employers are the most common source of BLS requirements. Nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), physicians, dentists, and many hospital staff members must hold current BLS certification. These roles involve direct patient care or work in settings where cardiac emergencies are a real risk.

Schools and childcare centers often require BLS certification for staff who work with children. Some states mandate it by law; others leave it to the facility's policy. Fitness facilities, swimming pools, and summer camps frequently require it as well. Even some office-based jobs in healthcare administration may require BLS if the role involves any patient interaction.

The reason is straightforward: cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, and the first few minutes are critical. An employee with BLS training can start CPR when ready while waiting for emergency services, which significantly improves survival rates.

How BLS certification differs from other credentials

BLS is narrower in scope than most other certifications. It focuses on one skill set: recognizing cardiac arrest and responding with CPR and AED use. It does not cover wound care, medication administration, patient assessment, or any of the broader medical knowledge that comes with nursing or EMT certification.

EMT certification, by contrast, requires 120 to 150 hours of coursework and covers patient assessment, airway management, shock, and trauma. Nursing requires a degree — either an associate or bachelor's — plus passing the NCLEX exam. BLS is a prerequisite for both of those, but it is not a substitute.

BLS also differs from certifications that require ongoing education. Once you pass BLS, you do not need to log continuing education hours until renewal time. Some professional certifications require you to complete a set number of hours each year to stay current.

The difference between BLS and ACLS

ACLS stands for Advanced Cardiac Life Support. It builds on BLS and is intended for healthcare providers who work in acute care settings — hospitals, emergency departments, intensive care units. ACLS covers rhythm interpretation, medication administration during cardiac arrest, and management of stroke and other acute conditions.

You must hold current BLS certification before you can take ACLS. ACLS is longer (typically one to two days) and more expensive than BLS. It is also more specialized: not every healthcare worker needs it, but most hospital-based roles do.

If your employer requires only BLS, taking ACLS is optional unless you move into a role that demands it. Some people take ACLS voluntarily to advance their skills or increase their job prospects.

Where to get BLS certification

The American Heart Association and the Red Cross both offer BLS courses. You can take a course in person at a training center, hospital, or community college. Many employers also offer BLS training on-site for their staff.

Online BLS courses exist, but they typically cover only the written portion. You must complete the hands-on skills test in person with an instructor. Some organizations offer a blended model: online theory, then a short in-person session for the skills check.

The cost varies. In-person courses typically range from $60 to $150. Online courses are often cheaper upfront but require an additional fee for the in-person skills test. Some employers cover the cost for employees; others require you to pay and may reimburse you after you pass.

What happens if your BLS certification expires

If your certification expires and you have not renewed it, you no longer hold a valid BLS credential. Most employers will not allow you to work in a role that requires BLS once your certification lapses. Some may place you on unpaid leave until you renew.

Renewal is straightforward: take a refresher course and pass the exam again. The refresher is shorter than the initial course — usually two to four hours instead of a full day. You can renew up to 30 days before your certification expires, so plan ahead.

If your certification has been expired for more than a short period, some employers may require you to retake the full initial course rather than the refresher. Check with your employer or training provider about their policy.

BLS certification and your career

BLS certification alone does not lead to a job. It is a requirement for many jobs, but not a qualification that employers hire for on its own. You need the underlying role — nurse, EMT, childcare worker — and BLS is the credential that proves you can respond to emergencies in that role.

That said, having BLS certification can make you a stronger candidate for entry-level healthcare and childcare positions. It shows you have taken the time to learn emergency response and are serious about safety. If you are explore for a job that requires BLS, having it before you interview removes a barrier to hire.

BLS certification does not count toward a degree or college credit. If you are pursuing a healthcare degree, your program will likely require BLS as a prerequisite or will include BLS training as part of the curriculum, but the certification itself does not reduce the number of courses you need to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get BLS certification online?

You can complete the written portion online, but you must pass the hands-on skills test in person with an instructor. Some providers offer blended courses where you do the theory online and the skills check at a testing center. Full online certification without any in-person component is not valid.

How long does BLS certification take?

An initial BLS course typically takes one full day or two half-days. A refresher course for renewal takes two to four hours. The exact length depends on the provider and whether you are taking it in person or blended.

What if I fail the BLS exam?

Most providers allow you to retake the exam the same day or within a few days at no additional cost. If you fail the skills portion, the instructor will usually give you feedback and let you try again. You do not pass until you demonstrate the correct technique.

Does BLS certification expire if I don't use it?

Yes. BLS certification is valid for two years from the date you pass, regardless of whether you use it. If you work in a role that requires it, your employer will track the expiration date. If you leave that role and return later, you will need to renew before you can work again.

Can I renew BLS before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to 30 days before your certification expires. This is useful if you know your renewal date is coming and you want to schedule the refresher course in advance. Renewing early gives you a new two-year window from the renewal date.