BLS is a certification, not a license

BLS (Basic Life Support) is a certification issued by an organization like the American Heart Association or Red Cross after you complete a course and pass a test. It is not a license. A license is issued by a government body — usually your state — and gives you legal permission to perform a job or profession. BLS certifies that you know CPR and emergency first aid; it does not authorize you to work as a healthcare provider or emergency responder on its own.

The confusion happens because many jobs require BLS certification as a condition of employment. Your employer or a state licensing board may demand it, but the certification itself comes from a private training organization, not from the government. You can hold a BLS card and still not be licensed to do anything — or you can hold both a BLS certification and a nursing license, for example, where the license is what actually permits you to work.

Key Takeaways

  • BLS certification is issued by private organizations like the American Heart Association after you complete a course and pass a written and skills test.
  • A license is issued by your state government and gives you legal permission to practice a profession; BLS does not do this.
  • Many jobs require BLS certification as a hiring condition, but the certification alone does not authorize you to work in healthcare or emergency response.
  • BLS certification typically lasts two years and must be renewed by retaking the course and test.

Who issues BLS certification and what it covers

The American Heart Association and the American Red Cross are the two main organizations that issue BLS certifications in the United States. Both run courses that teach CPR for adults, children, and infants; relief of choking; and basic first aid. After you complete the course — usually a few hours in person or online — you take a written test and demonstrate CPR skills on a mannequin. If you pass both, you receive a card valid for two years.

Other organizations like the National Safety Council also offer BLS training, but the American Heart Association and Red Cross versions are the most widely recognized by employers and hospitals. Some workplaces accept only one or the other, so check your employer's requirements before you sign up for a course.

What a license is and how it differs from certification

A license is a legal credential issued by your state government — usually through a licensing board or department of health — that permits you to work in a regulated profession. To become a nurse, paramedic, physician, or respiratory therapist, you must pass a state licensing exam and meet education requirements set by law. The state issues the license, and the state can revoke it if you violate professional standards.

BLS certification does not replace a license and does not give you the legal right to practice medicine, nursing, or emergency response. Instead, it is often a prerequisite for getting a license or for keeping one. For example, many states require nurses to hold current BLS certification as a condition of their nursing license, but the BLS card is not what makes you a nurse — the nursing license does.

Jobs that require BLS certification

BLS certification is required or strongly preferred for many healthcare and emergency roles. Nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), physicians, dentists, physical therapists, and many hospital staff members must hold current BLS certification. Some non-medical jobs also require it — lifeguards, fitness trainers, and childcare workers often need BLS to be hired.

Your employer will tell you whether BLS is required before you start. If it is, they may pay for the course or require you to complete it on your own time and dime. Some employers offer BLS training in-house; others direct you to a Red Cross or American Heart Association course. Check the job posting or ask during the interview.

How long BLS certification lasts and how to renew it

BLS certification is valid for two years from the date you pass the course. After two years, your card expires and you must retake the course and test to renew it. Some organizations offer a shorter renewal course if you already hold current certification — usually one to two hours instead of the full course — but you still must pass the test.

If your certification expires, you cannot legally claim to hold BLS certification, and your employer may require you to recertify before you return to work. Many workplaces track expiration dates and remind staff when renewal is due. If you let it lapse, you will need to retake the full course, not just the renewal.

The cost of BLS certification and where to get trained

BLS courses typically cost between $50 and $150, depending on the organization and whether you take it in person or online. The American Heart Association and Red Cross both offer courses at hospitals, community centers, fire departments, and through independent instructors. You can also find courses online, though most require an in-person skills test at the end.

Some employers cover the cost for their staff; others require employees to pay. If you are job hunting and need BLS before you start, budget for the course fee. Many community colleges and vocational schools also offer BLS training, sometimes at a lower cost than the national organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in healthcare without BLS certification?

Most healthcare jobs require BLS certification, but some do not — administrative roles, billing, and housekeeping positions may not need it. Check the job posting or ask the employer. If the job requires it and you do not have it, you will not be hired until you complete the course and pass the test.

Does BLS certification make me a certified nursing assistant or EMT?

No. BLS is a separate credential. To become a CNA or EMT, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass a state licensing exam. BLS is usually required as part of that process, but it is not the same as the license itself.

What happens if my BLS certification expires while I am working?

Your employer will likely require you to stop performing duties that need BLS certification until you renew. You may be placed on unpaid leave or reassigned to a different role. Renew before your card expires to avoid this.

Can I renew my BLS online?

Some organizations offer online renewal courses, but you will still need to complete an in-person skills test with an instructor. A few organizations may allow the full renewal online if you already hold current certification, but this varies. Check with the organization that issued your original certification.

Is BLS the same as ACLS or PALS?

No. BLS covers CPR and basic first aid. ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) are advanced certifications for healthcare providers who manage cardiac emergencies. You typically need BLS before you can take ACLS or PALS.