BLS certification is a credential that shows you know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in an emergency

BLS stands for Basic Life Support. It is a short training course—usually one day—that teaches you to recognize when someone's heart has stopped or they have stopped breathing, and how to perform chest compressions and rescue breathing until emergency responders arrive. The certification is a card you carry that proves you completed the course and passed a written test and skills demonstration.

In healthcare settings, BLS certification is often required or strongly expected. Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and emergency services typically ask for it as a condition of employment. Some healthcare roles—like nursing, emergency medicine, or respiratory therapy—almost always require it. Other roles, like administrative or housekeeping staff, may not need it, but many healthcare employers prefer it anyway because it means staff can help in a cardiac emergency.

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

Key Takeaways

  • BLS certification teaches CPR and AED use and is required or preferred by most healthcare employers.
  • The course takes about four to eight hours and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice on a mannequin.
  • You receive a card valid for two years; renewal requires a refresher course before the card expires.
  • The American Heart Association (AHA) and the Red Cross are the two main organizations that offer BLS training and issue certifications.
  • Cost ranges from $50 to $150 depending on the provider and whether you take the course in person or online with an in-person skills test.

Who Offers BLS Training and Certification

The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross are the two largest providers of BLS certification in the United States. Both are recognized by hospitals and healthcare employers nationwide. The AHA course is called the BLS for Healthcare Providers course. The Red Cross offers a similar course called CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.

Many hospitals and large healthcare systems run their own BLS training programs for new hires, often at no cost to the employee. If your employer offers this, it is usually the fastest and cheapest route. Community colleges, vocational schools, and independent training centers also offer BLS courses, and some allow you to take the written portion online and complete only the skills test in person.

When you choose a provider, check that they are authorized by either the AHA or Red Cross. The card you receive will say which organization certified you, and employers recognize both equally.

What You Learn in a BLS Course

A BLS course covers how to recognize cardiac arrest (when the heart stops beating) and respiratory arrest (when breathing stops), and how to respond. You learn the correct hand position and compression depth for chest compressions, the proper rate (100 to 120 compressions per minute), and how to use a bag-valve-mask device to deliver rescue breaths.

You also learn how to operate an AED (automated external defibrillator)—a machine that analyzes the heart rhythm and delivers an electric shock if needed. The course teaches you to recognize when an AED is available, how to turn it on, and how to follow its voice prompts. Most of the course is hands-on practice on a mannequin so you can feel the correct compression depth and rhythm.

The course also covers the chain of survival (the steps that improve outcomes in cardiac emergencies), how to work as part of a team during a code, and basic scenarios like CPR on an adult, child, or infant. You do not learn advanced skills like intubation or medication administration—those come in more specialized courses like ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support).

How the Course and Test Work

A standard in-person BLS course runs four to eight hours, usually in a single day. You spend the first part in classroom instruction, then move to skills stations where you practice on mannequins with an instructor watching. At the end, you take a written test (usually 10 to 15 multiple-choice questions) and demonstrate CPR and AED skills to an instructor, who scores you on technique, compression depth, and rate.

To pass, you typically need a score of 80 percent or higher on the written test and must demonstrate competency on the skills portion. If you do not pass on the first try, most providers allow you to retake the test or skills demonstration the same day at no extra cost.

Some providers now offer a blended format: you watch instructional videos online at your own pace, then attend an in-person session for skills practice and testing. This can save time if you have a flexible schedule. However, you cannot complete the entire course online—the skills portion must be done in person with an instructor present.

Cost and How to Register

The cost of BLS certification varies. In-person courses through the AHA or Red Cross typically range from $50 to $150, depending on your location and the provider. Blended courses (online plus in-person skills) may cost slightly more. If your employer offers BLS training, it is usually free or heavily subsidized.

To register, visit the American Heart Association website (heart.org) or the Red Cross website (redcross.org) and search for courses in your area by zip code. You can also call your local hospital or ask your employer if they run their own training program. Many community colleges list BLS courses in their continuing education catalogs.

Register early if you need the certification by a specific date—popular courses fill up, especially in healthcare-heavy areas. If you are renewing, start the process at least a month before your current card expires so you have time to schedule and complete the refresher course.

Renewal and Keeping Your Certification Current

Your BLS card is valid for two years from the date you pass the course. Before it expires, you must complete a renewal course. A renewal is shorter than the initial course—usually two to four hours—because you already know the basics and only need to review updates and practice skills again.

If your card expires before you renew, you will need to take the full initial course again rather than a refresher. Some employers will not allow you to work in a clinical role without a current BLS card, so do not let it lapse. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar about six months before expiration so you have time to schedule the renewal.

The AHA and Red Cross occasionally update their guidelines based on new research. When you renew, you will learn any changes to compression rates, rescue breathing techniques, or AED use. These updates are usually minor, but staying current means you are following the latest evidence-based practices.

BLS Versus Other Certifications in Healthcare

BLS is the foundation certification for healthcare workers. It covers basic life support only. If you work in emergency medicine, critical care, or as a paramedic, you will likely need ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), which builds on BLS and teaches medication administration, advanced airway management, and how to interpret heart rhythms. ACLS requires BLS certification first.

Other specialized certifications exist for specific roles—PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) for those who work with children, NALS (Neonatal Advanced Life Support) for neonatal care, and PHTLS (Prehospital Trauma Life Support) for paramedics and emergency responders. But BLS is the starting point and is required or expected in almost every healthcare setting.

Some employers also ask for First Aid certification, which is different from BLS. First Aid teaches how to handle injuries like cuts, sprains, and poisoning. BLS focuses only on cardiac and respiratory emergencies. You can take both, and many providers offer combined BLS/First Aid courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need BLS certification to work in healthcare?

It depends on your role. Nurses, paramedics, emergency room staff, and most clinical positions require it. Administrative, billing, or housekeeping roles may not require it, but many healthcare employers prefer it anyway. Check the job posting or ask the employer during hiring.

Can I take a BLS course entirely online?

No. The written portion can be online, but you must complete the skills demonstration (CPR and AED practice) in person with an instructor. Some providers offer blended courses where you watch videos at home and then attend a shorter in-person session for skills and testing.

What happens if I fail the BLS test?

Most providers allow you to retake the written test and skills demonstration on the same day at no extra cost. If you fail again, you may need to retake the entire course, though policies vary by provider. Ask before you register what their retake policy is.

How long does BLS certification last?

Your BLS card is valid for two years. You must complete a renewal course before it expires. If it lapses, you will need to take the full initial course again rather than a refresher.

Can I renew my BLS certification online?

Like the initial course, renewal requires an in-person skills component. Some providers offer online review followed by an in-person skills test, but you cannot renew entirely online. Plan to attend at least a short in-person session.