A BLS certificate shows you have learned how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in an emergency

BLS stands for Basic Life Support. The certificate is a credential issued by the American Heart Association or the Red Cross after you complete a training course and pass a written test and skills demonstration. It does not make you a medical professional — it means you know the steps to keep someone alive until paramedics arrive.

Many workplaces require BLS certification for employees who might be the first person to find someone in cardiac arrest: nurses, teachers, childcare workers, fitness instructors, security guards, and office managers in some settings. Some employers ask for it even if the job does not directly involve patient care, because having trained staff on site can save a life.

The certificate is valid for two years from the date you pass the course. After that, you must retake the training to keep it current.

Key Takeaways

  • BLS certification teaches CPR hand placement, compression depth and speed, rescue breathing, and how to operate an AED device.
  • The American Heart Association and the Red Cross are the two main organizations that issue BLS certificates in the United States.
  • Most BLS courses take three to four hours and include both classroom instruction and hands-on practice with a mannequin.
  • Your certificate expires after two years, and you will need to retake the course to renew it.
  • Some employers require BLS certification as a condition of hire; others ask for it after you are hired.

Who issues BLS certificates and where to take the course

The American Heart Association and the Red Cross are the two organizations recognized nationwide for BLS training. Both teach the same core skills — chest compressions, rescue breathing, and AED use — but they operate slightly different training networks.

The American Heart Association offers courses through hospitals, universities, and independent training centers. You can search for a course on their website by entering your zip code. The Red Cross offers courses through local chapters, hospitals, and community centers. Both organizations also authorize third-party instructors, so you may find courses through your employer, a fitness center, or a private training company.

Some courses are offered online with an in-person skills check at the end; others are entirely in-person. Online courses let you watch videos and take the written test at home, then you come to a testing center for the hands-on portion, which usually takes one to two hours.

What you learn in a BLS course

A standard BLS course covers adult CPR, child CPR, infant CPR, and AED operation. You learn the correct hand position on the chest, how hard and how fast to push (the current standard is 100 to 120 compressions per minute), when to give rescue breaths, and how to recognize when someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

You also learn how to use an AED — a device that analyzes heart rhythm and delivers an electric shock if needed. The course teaches you to turn on the device, place the pads on the person's chest, and follow the voice prompts. You practice these skills on a mannequin under an instructor's watch.

The course includes scenarios where you respond to a simulated cardiac emergency. An instructor plays the role of a bystander or a family member, and you practice your response: checking responsiveness, calling 911, starting compressions, and using the AED. This hands-on practice is what separates a BLS certificate from straightforward watching a video.

How long the course takes and what it costs

A standard in-person BLS course takes three to four hours. Blended courses (online plus in-person skills check) may take longer overall because you complete the video and written test on your own schedule, then attend a separate appointment for the practical exam.

Cost varies by provider and location. In-person courses typically range from $50 to $150. Online courses with a skills check may cost $40 to $100. Some employers cover the cost for employees; others ask you to pay and may reimburse you after you pass. Ask your employer or the training provider about cost before you register.

If you are renewing an expired certificate, some providers offer a shorter renewal course (usually 60 to 90 minutes) that costs less than a full course, because you already know the material and only need to refresh your skills and take a new test.

The difference between BLS and other certifications

BLS is the most basic level of emergency response training. It teaches you to perform CPR and use an AED, but not to give medications or perform advanced procedures. If your job requires you to give oxygen, insert a breathing tube, or administer drugs, you will need a higher certification.

ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) is the next level up. It is designed for healthcare workers and teaches how to manage cardiac emergencies using medications, advanced airway devices, and rhythm interpretation. You must have a current BLS certificate before you can take ACLS.

First Aid certification is different from BLS. First aid teaches you to respond to injuries like cuts, burns, and broken bones. BLS focuses only on cardiac arrest and choking. Many people get both certifications, and some courses bundle them together.

How to renew your BLS certificate

Your BLS certificate is valid for two years from the date you pass the course. Before it expires, you can take a renewal course. Renewal courses are shorter than initial courses because you already know the material — you are mainly refreshing your skills and taking a new written and practical test.

You can renew with the same organization that issued your original certificate or with a different one. The American Heart Association and Red Cross certificates are both recognized by employers nationwide, so switching providers will not cause a problem.

Some training providers send reminders when your certificate is about to expire. If you do not receive a reminder, mark the expiration date on your calendar. Once your certificate expires, you cannot straightforward renew it — you must retake the full course. Employers typically will not accept an expired certificate, so plan ahead if your job requires current certification.

What happens if your certificate expires

If your BLS certificate expires and your job requires it, you will no longer meet the job requirements. Some employers give you a grace period to renew; others may suspend you from duties that require BLS certification until you retake the course.

You cannot renew an expired certificate — you must take the full course again, not just a renewal course. This means you will pay the full course fee and spend three to four hours in training, rather than the shorter and cheaper renewal option.

If you are job hunting and your BLS certificate has expired, get it renewed before you explore. Many employers check the expiration date during the hiring process, and an expired certificate may disqualify you even if you have the skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need BLS certification if I work in an office and do not interact with patients?

It depends on your employer. Some offices require all staff to have BLS certification as part of workplace safety policy, even if the job does not directly involve medical care. Ask your employer or check the job description before you explore. If it is not required now, it may become required later.

Can I take a BLS course online?

You can complete the classroom and written test portions online, but you must do the hands-on skills check in person with an instructor. The instructor watches you perform CPR on a mannequin and use an AED to make sure you are doing it correctly. This in-person portion usually takes one to two hours.

What if I fail the BLS test?

If you do not pass the written test or the skills demonstration, you can retake it. Most providers let you retake the test the same day or within a few days at no extra cost. If you fail the skills check, the instructor will show you what you did wrong and give you another chance to demonstrate the correct technique.

Is a BLS certificate from one organization accepted by employers that require the other?

Yes. The American Heart Association and Red Cross certificates are both recognized nationwide and meet the same standards. Employers do not prefer one over the other. If your employer requires BLS certification, either one will satisfy the requirement.

How often do I need to renew my BLS certificate?

Every two years. Your certificate shows an expiration date. Before that date, you can take a renewal course, which is shorter and cheaper than the initial course. After the expiration date, you must retake the full course.