CPR is a certification you earn by completing a training course and passing a test

CPR certification means you have completed a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, passed a written test, and demonstrated the physical skills to perform CPR on a person whose heart has stopped or who has stopped breathing. The certification is issued by the organization that trained you — usually the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or a hospital-based training provider. It is not a government credential, but rather a document that proves you met that organization's standards.

The certification lasts for a set period, usually two years. After that time, you must retake the course and test to keep the certification current. Many employers require their staff to hold active CPR certification, and some jobs — like lifeguarding, nursing, or emergency response — will not hire you without it.

Key Takeaways

  • CPR certification is issued by a training organization like the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, not by a government agency.
  • You earn it by attending a classroom or blended course, passing a written exam, and demonstrating CPR skills to an instructor.
  • Most CPR certifications are valid for two years, after which you must retake the course to renew.
  • Employers in healthcare, emergency services, childcare, and aquatics commonly require current CPR certification as a condition of employment.
  • The cost varies by provider and location, but typically ranges from $50 to $150 for a standard course.

Who Issues CPR Certification

The two largest CPR training organizations in the United States are the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. Both are nonprofit organizations that set their own training standards and issue their own certificates. Neither is a government body, though both work closely with hospitals, schools, and emergency services.

Many hospitals, fire departments, and community colleges also run their own CPR training programs and issue certificates. The content is similar across providers — all teach the same chest compression and rescue breathing techniques — but the certificate itself is only valid from the organization that issued it. An American Red Cross CPR card is not the same document as an American Heart Association card, though employers generally accept either one.

Some online platforms offer CPR training, but most require you to complete the hands-on skills portion in person with an instructor. A few organizations allow you to take the entire course online and then test in person at a local testing center, but this varies by provider.

What You Learn and How You Earn the Certification

A standard CPR course covers how to recognize when someone is unresponsive and not breathing, how to perform chest compressions at the correct depth and speed, how to use a rescue mask or barrier device, and when and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Most courses also include first aid basics like how to treat choking, severe bleeding, and shock.

The course itself usually takes four to six hours and is taught by a certified instructor in a classroom or community center. You will practice on a mannequin under the instructor's watch. At the end, you take a written test — usually multiple choice — and perform CPR skills in front of the instructor. You must pass both parts to receive the certificate.

Some providers offer blended courses where you watch videos and read material online, then attend a shorter in-person session for practice and testing. These typically take two to three hours in person plus a few hours of online work.

How Long CPR Certification Lasts

Most CPR certifications are valid for two years from the date you pass the course. The American Red Cross and American Heart Association both use the two-year standard, though some specialized certifications (like CPR for healthcare providers) may have different renewal schedules.

When your certification is about to expire, you can take a renewal course, which is shorter than the initial course — usually one to two hours — and covers updates to CPR guidelines. You do not have to wait until your card expires to renew; many people renew a few months early to avoid a gap in coverage.

If your certification lapses, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must retake the full initial course and pass both the written test and skills demonstration again. This is why employers often send reminder notices when staff certifications are about to expire.

Jobs That Require CPR Certification

Healthcare workers — nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and hospital staff — almost always need current CPR certification. Childcare providers, preschool teachers, and nannies are often required to hold CPR certification by state law or by their employer. Lifeguards, swimming instructors, and other aquatics staff must be certified. Fitness trainers, personal trainers, and gym staff frequently need it as well.

Some employers in customer service or retail may require CPR certification if the job involves working alone or in a remote location. Police officers and firefighters are required to maintain CPR certification. If you are unsure whether a job you are explore for requires it, ask during the interview or check the job posting carefully.

Cost and Where to Take a Course

CPR courses are offered by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, hospitals, fire departments, community colleges, YMCAs, and private training companies. Costs vary by location and provider. A standard CPR course typically costs between $50 and $150. Renewal courses are usually cheaper, between $30 and $80.

Many employers cover the cost of CPR training for their staff, either by paying the training provider directly or by reimbursing the employee after the course is completed. Some health insurance plans also cover CPR training, though this varies. If you are paying out of pocket, call local providers and ask for their current pricing.

You can find courses in your area by visiting the American Red Cross website (redcross.org) or the American Heart Association website (heart.org) and using their course locator tools. Both allow you to search by zip code and see available dates and times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take CPR training entirely online?

Most CPR certifications require an in-person skills test with an instructor, even if you complete the classroom portion online. A few providers offer fully online courses, but these are less common and may not be accepted by all employers. Check with your employer or the organization requiring the certification before enrolling in an online-only course.

What happens if my CPR certification expires?

An expired CPR certificate is no longer valid. You cannot renew an expired certificate — you must retake the full initial course and pass both the written test and skills demonstration. This is why it is important to renew before your card expires.

Is CPR certification the same as first aid certification?

No, they are separate certifications. CPR training focuses on chest compressions and rescue breathing for cardiac arrest. First aid training covers a broader range of injuries and illnesses, like cuts, burns, fractures, and poisoning. Many courses combine both, but you can take them separately.

Do I need to renew my CPR certification if I am not working?

That depends on why you have the certification. If it was required for a job you no longer hold, you do not have to renew it. If you want to keep it current for volunteer work, babysitting, or personal knowledge, you can choose to renew. There is no legal requirement to maintain it unless your employer or a licensing board requires it.

Which CPR certification should I get — American Red Cross or American Heart Association?

Both are widely accepted by employers and meet the same standards for CPR training. Choose based on which organization offers courses at times and locations convenient for you. If your employer has a preference, ask them which one they prefer before enrolling.