BLS certification typically expires two years from the date you complete the course

Your Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is valid for exactly two years from the date you pass the course and receive your card. The American Heart Association, which issues most BLS certifications used in the United States, prints the expiration date directly on your card. If you completed your course on March 15, 2023, your card expires on March 15, 2025.

Some employers and healthcare settings require you to renew before that two-year mark ends. Hospitals, clinics, and emergency services often have their own renewal policies that may demand recertification at 18 months or even annually, regardless of what your card says. Check with your employer or the facility where you work to learn their specific requirement — do not assume your two-year card is enough.

If your certification has already expired, you cannot legally perform CPR or use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a professional capacity. Many employers will not allow you to work in patient-facing roles without current certification. Renewal is faster and cheaper than taking the full course again, so the sooner you act, the better.

Key Takeaways

  • BLS cards expire exactly two years from the date you pass the course, and the expiration date is printed on your card.
  • Your employer or healthcare facility may require renewal before the two-year mark, so check your workplace policy now.
  • Renewal courses are shorter than initial certification and can often be completed in a single session.
  • Once your card expires, you cannot perform CPR or use an AED in a professional setting, even if you remember the skills.

How to find your expiration date

Look at the front of your BLS card. The expiration date appears in one of two places: either in the bottom right corner or along the bottom edge, depending on which version of the card you hold. It will be printed as a month and year — for example, "03/2025" or "March 2025."

If you cannot locate your physical card, contact the organization that issued it. The American Heart Association, Red Cross, and other training providers keep records of certification dates. You can also ask your employer's human resources or occupational health department — they often maintain copies of employee certifications and know the exact expiration date.

What happens if your certification expires

Once your BLS card expires, it is no longer valid. You cannot use it to satisfy workplace requirements, and most employers will not allow you to work in roles that require current certification. Healthcare facilities, schools, and emergency services all treat expired certification as if you have no certification at all.

If you are already working and your certification expires, your employer will typically give you a grace period — often 30 to 90 days — to renew. After that window closes, you may be reassigned to duties that do not require BLS, placed on unpaid leave, or terminated, depending on your employment contract and local labor law. The exact policy varies by employer, so ask your manager or HR department what happens if your card lapses.

If you let your certification lapse and then need to work in a BLS-required role again, you will have to take a full renewal course. You cannot straightforward show an expired card and ask for an extension.

Renewal courses are shorter than initial certification

A BLS renewal course typically takes 1 to 2 hours, compared to 3 to 4 hours for initial certification. You will still practice chest compressions and rescue breathing on a mannequin, and you will still take a written or skills test. The main difference is that renewal assumes you already know the basics, so instructors focus on updates, changes to guidelines, and hands-on practice rather than teaching concepts from the ground up.

Many renewal courses are offered online with an in-person skills check at the end. You watch videos and answer questions at home, then visit a testing center for 30 to 60 minutes to demonstrate CPR and AED use. This format works well if your schedule is tight or if no in-person courses are available near you.

When to schedule your renewal

Schedule your renewal course at least one month before your card expires. This gives you time to find a course that fits your schedule and ensures your new card arrives before the old one lapses. If your employer requires renewal at 18 months, mark that date on your calendar now and book your course by month 17.

Many training centers fill up quickly during certain times of year — particularly in healthcare settings where multiple staff members have the same expiration date. If you wait until the last week, you may not find an available course before your card expires, leaving you unable to work.

Some employers offer on-site BLS renewal courses for their staff. Ask your HR or occupational health department whether they schedule group renewals. This is often faster and cheaper than finding an outside provider.

Where to renew your BLS certification

The American Heart Association and Red Cross both offer renewal courses at training centers nationwide. You can search for providers on their websites by entering your zip code. Many hospitals, clinics, fire departments, and community colleges also offer BLS renewal courses to the public.

Online renewal options are available through both major organizations and independent training providers. These courses are typically cheaper than in-person classes and let you study on your own schedule. You will still need to visit a testing center for the hands-on skills portion, but the classroom time happens at home.

Your employer may have a preferred training provider or may offer renewal courses directly. Check with your HR department before paying for an outside course — your workplace may cover the cost or require you to use a specific provider.

Cost and what to expect during renewal

BLS renewal courses cost between $30 and $100, depending on the provider and whether the course is in-person or hybrid. Initial certification courses cost more — typically $75 to $150 — because they include more instruction time. Some employers cover the cost of renewal for their staff; others require employees to pay and may reimburse you after you pass.

During a renewal course, you will review CPR technique, learn any updates to American Heart Association guidelines, and practice on a mannequin. You will also learn or review AED use and may practice rescue breathing. At the end, you will take a skills test — usually a five-minute scenario where you perform CPR and use an AED correctly. You will also answer a short written test or series of questions to confirm you understand the material.

Once you pass, you will receive a new BLS card valid for two years from the date you complete the course. Some providers issue the card when ready; others mail it within one to two weeks. Ask when you will receive your card so you know when your new certification period begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my BLS certification before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your certification up to 30 days before it expires and your new card will be valid for two years from the renewal date. Renewing early is a good strategy if you know you will be busy closer to your expiration date.

What if I let my certification expire?

You will need to take a full renewal course, not a shortened renewal. Some providers treat an expired certification as a lapsed certification and require the longer initial course. Contact your training provider to ask whether they offer a renewal option for expired cards or if you must retake the full course.

Do I need to renew if I change employers?

No. Your BLS certification is valid regardless of where you work, as long as the card has not expired. If you move to a new job, bring your current card with you. Your new employer may have their own renewal schedule, so ask about their policy during onboarding.

How long does it take to get my new card after I pass the renewal test?

In-person courses often issue cards when ready or within a few days. Online renewal courses typically mail cards within one to two weeks. Ask your provider when you register so you know when to expect your new card in the mail.

Can I work while waiting for my new card to arrive?

That depends on your employer's policy. Some employers accept a temporary certificate or completion letter while you wait for the physical card. Others require the actual card in hand. Ask your HR or occupational health department before your current card expires so you know what documentation they will accept during the transition.