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

BLS stands for Basic Life Support. It is not a degree or a job title — it is a card you earn by passing a course and a skills test. Most hospitals, clinics, and emergency services require their staff to hold current BLS certification before they start work. The certification lasts two years, then you must renew it.

The course teaches you to recognize when someone's heart has stopped or they have stopped breathing, to start chest compressions at the right speed and depth, and to use an AED if one is available. You learn the steps in a classroom or online, then you perform the skills in front of an instructor who watches you do CPR on a mannequin. If you pass both parts, you get the card.

BLS is different from ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), which is for nurses, paramedics, and doctors and teaches how to manage cardiac emergencies with medications and advanced airway techniques. BLS is the foundation that almost everyone in healthcare needs first.

Key Takeaways

  • BLS certification shows you can perform CPR and use an AED, and most healthcare employers require it before you start work.
  • The course includes classroom or online learning plus a hands-on skills test with an instructor, and takes a few hours to complete.
  • Your BLS card is valid for two years, after which you must renew it by taking the course again or by renewal-only option if your card has not yet expired.
  • BLS is required for nurses, medical assistants, phlebotomists, respiratory therapists, and many other healthcare roles, but not all.
  • The American Heart Association (AHA) is the main organization that sets the standards and certifies instructors, though other organizations also offer BLS courses.

Who needs BLS certification in healthcare

Any healthcare worker who might be present when a patient's heart stops or breathing fails needs BLS. That includes registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), medical assistants, phlebotomists, respiratory therapists, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Most hospitals will not hire you into these roles without a current BLS card.

Some roles do not require it — administrative staff, billing coders, and medical records clerks usually do not need BLS unless they work in an emergency department or intensive care unit. Ask the employer during the hiring process whether BLS is required for the specific job you are explore for.

If you are already working in healthcare and your BLS expires, your employer will usually give you a important date to renew it. Working without a current card can result in suspension or termination, depending on the facility's policy.

What the BLS course covers

The course teaches you to recognize cardiac arrest (when the heart stops pumping blood) and respiratory arrest (when breathing stops). You learn the signs: the person is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and has no pulse. You learn to call 911 when ready and start chest compressions — pushing hard and fast on the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

You learn the recovery position, which is how to place an unresponsive person who is still breathing so their airway stays open. You learn to use an AED, which is a machine that analyzes the heart rhythm and tells you whether to deliver an electric shock. You learn to work as part of a team — who calls 911, who does compressions, who operates the AED, and how to switch roles without stopping care.

The course also covers choking in adults and children, and how to perform the Heimlich maneuver. Most courses take three to four hours of classroom time plus the skills test. Some organizations offer blended courses where you watch videos online and then come in for the skills test only, which saves time.

How to get BLS certification

You take a course from an authorized instructor or training center. The American Heart Association (AHA) is the largest organization that sets BLS standards and certifies instructors, but the Red Cross and other organizations also offer BLS courses that meet the same standards. Many hospitals and healthcare schools run their own BLS courses for employees and students.

You can search for courses in your area on the AHA website or by calling local hospitals and community colleges. The course costs between $50 and $150 depending on the provider and location. Some employers pay for the course or offer it free to new hires.

You must attend the course in person or complete the online portion and then attend an in-person skills session. You cannot earn BLS certification by online course alone — an instructor must watch you perform CPR and using an AED correctly before you receive the card. On the day of the test, bring a photo ID and be prepared to demonstrate the skills multiple times.

BLS renewal and expiration

Your BLS card expires two years from the date you pass the course. Before it expires, you can renew it by taking the full course again or by taking a renewal-only course, which is shorter and costs less. Renewal courses usually take 60 to 90 minutes and review the key skills without the full classroom instruction.

If your card has already expired, you must take the full course again — you cannot use the renewal option. Some employers give you a grace period of a few weeks after expiration, but do not count on it. Mark your calendar when your card will expire and schedule your renewal course at least a month before the date.

If you let your card lapse and your employer requires BLS, you may be suspended from work until you renew it. Some employers allow you to work under supervision while you complete the renewal, but this varies by facility and state.

BLS versus ACLS and other certifications

BLS is the foundation. ACLS is the next level and is required for nurses, paramedics, and physicians who work in emergency or critical care settings. ACLS teaches how to manage cardiac emergencies using medications like epinephrine, how to place advanced airways, and how to interpret heart rhythms on an EKG monitor. You must have a current BLS card before you can take ACLS.

PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) is similar to ACLS but focuses on infants and children. It is required for nurses and doctors who work in pediatric emergency departments or pediatric intensive care units. Again, you need BLS first.

Some healthcare roles also require CPR certification for infants and children, which is sometimes included in the BLS course or offered as a separate add-on. Ask your employer which certifications you need for your specific role.

Cost and time commitment

A full BLS course costs between $50 and $150, depending on the provider and your location. Some hospitals offer free courses to employees. Community colleges and the Red Cross often charge on the lower end of that range. Private training companies may charge more.

The course takes three to four hours for the full version. Renewal courses take 60 to 90 minutes. If you take an online blended course, you might spend one to two hours on videos at home and then 60 to 90 minutes in person for the skills test.

Many employers require you to renew your BLS every two years, so budget for the course cost and time every other year. Some employers cover the cost; others require you to pay out of pocket. Ask during the hiring process whether the employer pays for renewal or if it is your responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take BLS online?

You can complete the learning portion online, but you must attend an in-person skills session with an instructor. The instructor watches you perform CPR on a mannequin and use an AED before you receive your card. Some training centers offer blended courses where you watch videos at home and then come in for a shorter in-person session.

What happens if my BLS expires while I am working?

Your employer may suspend you from work until you renew it, or they may give you a short grace period to complete the renewal. Check your employee handbook or ask your manager what the policy is. Do not wait until your card expires — renew it at least a month before the expiration date.

Do I need BLS if I work in a hospital but not with patients?

It depends on your role and your employer's policy. Administrative, billing, and clerical staff usually do not need BLS unless they work in an emergency department or intensive care unit. Ask your employer during the hiring process whether BLS is required for your specific position.

Can I use a BLS card from one state in another state?

Yes. BLS certification is recognized across all states because it is based on American Heart Association standards or equivalent. Your card is valid wherever you work in the United States. Some employers may have additional state-specific requirements, so check with your new employer if you move.

What if I fail the BLS skills test?

Most training centers allow you to retake the skills portion the same day or within a few days at no extra cost. If you fail, the instructor will tell you which skills need improvement. You can practice and retake the test. If you fail multiple times, ask the instructor for extra practice time or consider taking a different course from another provider.