The fastest route is a local hospital, fire department, or Red Cross chapter

CPR certification comes from organizations that run the actual training classes, not from a central registry. The American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and your local hospital or fire department all teach CPR and issue cards that employers recognize. You take a class in person (usually 3 to 4 hours), practice on a mannequin, pass a skills test, and walk out with a card valid for two years.

The fastest way to find a class near you is to call your local Red Cross chapter or fire department directly—they can tell you when the next class starts and whether spots are open. Many hospitals also run CPR classes for the public, not just staff. If you need certification quickly, ask about same-day or weekend classes; most organizations offer them.

Online-only CPR courses exist, but they do not issue full certification—they issue a completion certificate that some employers will not accept. If your employer or a licensing board requires hands-on certification, you must attend an in-person class where an instructor watches you perform chest compressions and rescue breathing on a mannequin.

Key Takeaways

  • The American Red Cross and American Heart Association are the two largest CPR trainers, but local hospitals and fire departments also run classes.
  • In-person classes last 3 to 4 hours, cost between $50 and $150 depending on location and organization, and result in a card valid for two years.
  • Your local Red Cross chapter or fire department can tell you the next class date and whether seats are open in a single phone call.
  • Online CPR courses do not meet most employer or licensing requirements—you need hands-on training with an instructor present.
  • CPR certification expires after two years, so you will need to retake the class or a shorter renewal course before that date.

American Red Cross and American Heart Association classes

The American Red Cross runs CPR classes through local chapters in every state. You can search for a class on their website by entering your zip code; the site shows you dates, times, locations, and whether spots are open. Classes cover adult CPR, infant CPR, and first aid depending on which course you choose. Most people take the "CPR/AED for Adults" course, which teaches chest compressions and rescue breathing on an adult mannequin.

The American Heart Association runs a similar program through hospitals, training centers, and community colleges. Their website also has a class finder by location. Both organizations' cards are recognized by hospitals, schools, childcare centers, and most employers. The main difference is that American Heart Association classes sometimes emphasize hands-only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breathing) more heavily, while Red Cross teaches both methods.

Cost varies by location and organization—expect $60 to $150 for a standard adult CPR class. Some employers cover the cost for staff; ask your human resources department whether they do.

Hospital and fire department classes

Many hospitals offer CPR classes to the public, not just employees. Call the main number of a hospital near you and ask whether they run public CPR training. Fire departments often do the same—call the non-emergency number and ask about CPR classes. These classes are usually cheaper than Red Cross or American Heart Association courses (sometimes $40 to $80) and may be faster to schedule because they run more frequently.

The card you receive from a hospital or fire department class is still valid for two years and is recognized by employers and licensing boards, as long as the instructor was certified to teach CPR. Ask before you sign up whether the instructor holds current certification from Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Workplace and school-based training

If you work in healthcare, childcare, education, or emergency services, your employer may require CPR certification and may run classes on-site or pay for you to take one. Ask your manager or human resources department whether they offer training. Many schools also require staff to maintain current CPR certification and will cover the cost of renewal classes.

If your employer requires a specific type of certification—such as "BLS for Healthcare Providers" (a more advanced version) instead of standard CPR—they will tell you which organization to use. Do not assume a standard Red Cross card will meet the requirement; ask first.

Online courses and blended learning

Some organizations offer a blended approach: you watch videos and take a written test online, then attend a short in-person session (30 to 60 minutes) where an instructor watches you perform CPR on a mannequin. This option is faster than a full 3 to 4-hour class if you study the online portion beforehand. The card you receive is the same as from a full in-person class.

Purely online CPR courses—where you never touch a mannequin or meet an instructor—issue a completion certificate, not a certification card. Some employers will accept this for training purposes, but hospitals, schools, and childcare centers typically will not. If you are unsure whether your employer will accept online-only training, ask them before you enroll.

CPR certification renewal and expiration

CPR certification is valid for two years from the date you pass the class. After two years, your card expires and you need to renew it. Renewal classes are shorter than initial certification—usually 1 to 2 hours—and cost less (often $30 to $80). You still need to attend in person and demonstrate CPR skills to an instructor.

Some organizations offer renewal classes on a rolling basis, meaning you can take one almost any week. Others schedule them less frequently. If your card is about to expire, contact your local Red Cross chapter or hospital to find out when the next renewal class is scheduled. Do not wait until the expiration date—if your card expires before you renew, you will have to take the full initial certification class again, not just the shorter renewal course.

What to bring and what to expect on class day

Bring a photo ID and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move your arms freely—you will be doing chest compressions on a mannequin, and tight sleeves or jackets can get in the way. The instructor will review CPR technique, show you how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator) if the course includes it, and then watch you perform the skills on a mannequin.

You do not need any medical background or prior knowledge. The instructor teaches everything from the beginning. Most people pass the skills test on the first try. If you do not pass, you can usually practice and retake the test the same day at no extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get CPR certification online?

You can take online CPR courses that issue a completion certificate, but most employers and licensing boards require hands-on certification from an in-person class. If your employer needs you to demonstrate CPR skills to an instructor, online-only training will not meet that requirement. Ask your employer which type they accept before you enroll.

How much does CPR certification cost?

Standard CPR certification classes cost between $50 and $150 depending on the organization and your location. Hospital and fire department classes are sometimes cheaper. Renewal classes cost $30 to $80. Some employers cover the cost for employees; ask your human resources department.

How long is CPR certification good for?

CPR certification is valid for two years from the date you pass the class. After two years, your card expires. You can renew it by taking a shorter renewal class (1 to 2 hours) instead of the full initial class. If your card expires before you renew, you will need to take the full class again.

What if I fail the CPR skills test?

Most instructors allow you to practice and retake the skills test the same day at no extra cost. The test is not difficult—you just need to perform chest compressions at the right depth and speed on a mannequin. The instructor will give you feedback and let you try again.

Do I need to know first aid to take CPR?

No. CPR classes teach everything from the beginning and do not require any prior medical knowledge. Some organizations offer combined CPR and first aid classes if you want both, but you can take CPR alone.