The BLS Certification Is a Card That Shows You Know CPR and First Aid

BLS stands for Basic Life Support. A BLS certification is a credential issued by the American Heart Association (or sometimes the Red Cross) that documents you have completed training in CPR, rescue breathing, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). The card itself is proof that you passed a written test and a hands-on skills test within the last two years.

Many employers require this certification as a condition of hire or continued employment. Healthcare workers, childcare providers, fitness instructors, and security personnel often need it. Some states require it by law for certain jobs. The certification shows an employer that you have current knowledge of how to respond if someone stops breathing or their heart stops beating.

The training takes between four and eight hours depending on whether you are renewing an existing certification or taking the course for the first time. You attend a class taught by an instructor certified by the American Heart Association or Red Cross, practice the techniques on a mannequin, and then take a test. If you pass, you receive a card valid for two years from the date you pass.

Key Takeaways

  • BLS certification documents that you know CPR, rescue breathing, and how to use an AED, and is valid for two years.
  • The American Heart Association and the Red Cross both issue BLS certifications, and both are widely recognized by employers.
  • Training takes four to eight hours and includes a written test and a hands-on skills demonstration on a mannequin.
  • Many healthcare, childcare, and emergency response jobs require current BLS certification as a condition of employment.
  • You can renew your certification before it expires by taking a shorter renewal course, usually two to four hours.

Who Issues BLS Certification and What the Differences Are

The American Heart Association and the American Red Cross are the two main organizations that issue BLS certifications in the United States. Both teach the same core skills and both cards are accepted by most employers. The main difference is the organization running the course and the specific format of the training.

The American Heart Association offers BLS certification through authorized training centers, hospitals, and community colleges. Their course is called the BLS Provider Course. The Red Cross offers a similar course called CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Both teach CPR for adults, children, and infants, and both include instruction on using an AED. Both require you to pass a skills test and a written exam.

Some employers or schools specify which organization they prefer, but most accept either one. Check your employer's requirements before you sign up for a course. If your employer does not specify, either certification will work.

What You Learn in a BLS Course

A BLS course teaches you to recognize when someone is in cardiac arrest or not breathing, and how to respond. You learn the steps of CPR: how to position your hands on the chest, how hard to push, how fast to push, and when to give rescue breaths. You also learn how to use an AED, which is a machine that can restart a stopped heart.

The course covers CPR for adults, children, and infants because the technique changes based on age and size. You practice on mannequins so you can feel the right depth and speed of chest compressions. You also learn when to call 911, how to position an unconscious person, and what to do if someone is choking.

The written test covers the same material and usually has 20 to 25 questions. You must score at least 84 percent to pass. The skills test requires you to demonstrate CPR and AED use on a mannequin while an instructor watches and scores you on technique, timing, and hand placement.

How Long the Certification Lasts and When to Renew

A BLS certification card is valid for exactly two years from the date you pass the course. After two years, the card expires and is no longer valid. Some employers check the expiration date on your card, and some will not let you work if your certification has lapsed.

You can renew your certification before it expires by taking a renewal course. A renewal course is shorter than the initial course—usually two to four hours instead of four to eight—because you already know the material and only need to refresh your skills and knowledge. You still take a written test and a skills test, and you still receive a new card valid for two years.

If your certification expires, you cannot straightforward renew it; you must take the full initial course again. So it is worth renewing before the expiration date. Many employers send reminders when your certification is about to expire, or you can check the expiration date on your card and schedule a renewal course a few weeks before that date.

Where to Take a BLS Course

BLS courses are offered at hospitals, community colleges, fire departments, the Red Cross, and private training centers. You can find courses in your area by visiting the American Heart Association website or the Red Cross website and searching for authorized training centers near you. Many courses are offered both in person and online, though the skills test must always be done in person with an instructor.

Some employers offer BLS training to their employees for free or at a reduced cost. If you work in healthcare, your hospital may have a training program. If you work in childcare, your center may offer it. It is worth asking your employer whether they provide training before you pay for a course on your own.

The cost of a BLS course varies by location and provider. Initial courses typically cost between $50 and $150. Renewal courses cost less, usually between $30 and $100. Some community colleges offer courses at the lower end of that range.

What Happens If You Let Your Certification Expire

If your BLS certification expires, your card is no longer valid. You cannot use an expired card to satisfy an employer's requirement. If your job requires current BLS certification and your card expires, you are no longer in compliance with your job requirements.

Some employers will suspend you from work or place you on unpaid leave until you renew your certification. Others may terminate your employment if you do not renew within a set time frame. The policy depends on your employer and your job. Check your employee handbook or ask your manager what the consequence is if your certification lapses.

If you let your certification expire, you must take the full initial course again, not a renewal course. This takes longer and costs more than renewing before expiration. For this reason, it is better to renew a few weeks before your card expires.

BLS Certification Versus Other CPR and First Aid Credentials

BLS certification is different from other CPR and first aid credentials. CPR certification alone teaches CPR but may not include AED training or the same depth of instruction. First Aid certification teaches how to respond to injuries like cuts, burns, and broken bones, but does not include CPR. ACLS certification (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) is a higher level of training for healthcare workers and includes medication administration and advanced techniques.

Some jobs require BLS alone. Some require BLS plus First Aid. Some require BLS plus ACLS. Check your job posting or ask your employer which certification you need. If you are unsure, BLS is the most common requirement and is a good starting point.

The American Heart Association and Red Cross both offer CPR-only, First Aid-only, and combined CPR and First Aid courses if you do not need the full BLS credential. These are shorter and less expensive than BLS, but they do not include all the same material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a BLS course online?

You can take the classroom and written test portions online, but you must complete the hands-on skills test in person with an instructor. Some training centers offer blended courses where you watch videos and take the written test at home, then come in for a short in-person session to demonstrate CPR and AED use on a mannequin.

What if I fail the skills test or written test?

Most training centers allow you to retake the test you failed at no additional cost if you fail on your first attempt. You may have to wait a few days or schedule a separate appointment. If you fail a second time, you may have to pay a retake fee or take the full course again. Ask your instructor about their retake policy before you take the test.

Is BLS certification the same as CPR certification?

No. BLS is broader and includes CPR, rescue breathing, AED use, and choking relief. CPR-only certification teaches only CPR and rescue breathing. BLS is more comprehensive and is what most employers require when they ask for CPR certification.

Do I need to renew my BLS certification if I change jobs?

No. Your BLS card is valid for two years regardless of where you work. If you change jobs, your old card is still good until it expires. You do not need a new card just because you have a new employer, as long as the card has not expired.

What should I do if I lose my BLS card?

Contact the organization that issued your card (American Heart Association or Red Cross) and ask for a replacement. You will need to provide your name, the date you took the course, and proof of your identity. There is usually a small fee for a replacement card, and it may take one to two weeks to arrive. In the meantime, ask your training center for a letter stating that you completed the course.