How to locate your CPR certification

Your CPR certification is held by the organization that issued it, not by a central registry. The fastest way to find it is to contact the training provider directly — the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or a local hospital or community college that ran your course. Have your full name, date of birth, and the approximate year you took the course ready when you call or email.

If you took the course more than five years ago, the organization may have archived your record or moved it to storage. Most keep records for seven to ten years. If your certificate is older than that, you may need to retake the course rather than retrieve the original.

Many employers and schools keep a copy of your certification on file. Check with your HR department, your school's health office, or your supervisor before you spend time searching elsewhere — they may already have what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the organization that trained you directly: the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or your local hospital or community college.
  • Your employer or school may have a copy of your certification in your personnel or health file.
  • Most training organizations keep records for seven to ten years; older certificates may require you to retake the course.
  • Have your full name, date of birth, and the year you completed the course when you reach out to the training provider.
  • Some organizations now issue digital certificates that you can access through an online account or email confirmation.

Contacting the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross maintains records for people who completed CPR training through their courses. Call your local Red Cross chapter directly — find the number on redcross.org by entering your zip code. Tell them your name, date of birth, and the year you took the course.

If you took the course within the last few years, the Red Cross may have issued you a digital certificate. Check your email for a message from the Red Cross with a link to your certificate or instructions to access it through their online portal. Some certificates can be printed or downloaded directly from that account.

Contacting the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association issues CPR certifications through their training centers and online courses. Visit heart.org and use their "Find a Training Center" tool to locate the center where you trained. Call that center with your name and the date you completed the course.

If you took an online course through the American Heart Association, log into your account on their website using the email address you registered with. Your certificate should be available in your account dashboard to view, print, or read. If you do not remember your login, use the password reset option on their sign-in page.

Checking with your employer or school

Many workplaces require CPR certification and keep copies in your employee file. Ask your HR department or your direct supervisor whether they have a record of your certification. They can often print a copy for you or confirm the expiration date without you having to contact the training provider.

If you work in healthcare, education, or childcare, your certification may be stored in a compliance or credentialing system. Your manager or the compliance officer can retrieve it from there. Schools and universities also keep copies of student certifications in the health office or student records.

Retrieving records from hospitals and community colleges

If you took CPR training at a hospital, community college, or local health department, contact the department that ran the course. Ask for the training or education department and provide your name and the approximate date you completed the course. These organizations typically keep records in a filing system and can mail or email you a copy.

Community colleges often store older records in an archive. If your course was more than five years ago, allow extra time for them to locate the file. Some may charge a small fee to retrieve and copy archived records.

What to do if you cannot find your original certificate

If the training organization no longer has your record or the certificate has expired, you will need to retake the course. CPR certifications are valid for two years from the date of issue. After that, you must complete a renewal or recertification course to maintain an active certification.

Retaking the course is often faster and cheaper than searching for a lost certificate. Many organizations offer online or in-person options that take two to four hours. The cost typically ranges from thirty to one hundred dollars, depending on the provider and course format.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do training organizations keep CPR records?

Most keep records for seven to ten years. The American Red Cross and American Heart Association typically maintain records for at least seven years. After that, they may purge the file, so you should request a copy well before your certificate expires if you need a permanent record.

Can I get a replacement certificate if I lost the paper copy?

Yes. Contact the organization that issued it with your name and the date you completed the course. They can print and mail a replacement or send a digital copy. Some charge a small replacement fee, usually five to fifteen dollars.

What if I do not remember which organization trained me?

Ask your employer or school first — they often have that information in your file. If not, call the Red Cross and American Heart Association in your area with your name and approximate training date. One of them will likely have the record, or they can tell you which local provider issued it.

Can I access my CPR certificate online?

If you took the course recently, probably yes. The American Red Cross and American Heart Association both offer online access to digital certificates through your account. Log in with the email address you used to register. Older certificates may only be available as paper copies from the training provider.

What happens if my CPR certification has expired?

An expired certification is no longer valid. You will need to complete a renewal or recertification course to get a new active certificate. Renewal courses are shorter than initial training and usually take one to two hours.