What a BLS License Actually Is and Who Needs One

A BLS (Basic Life Support) certification is not a driver's license — it is a card that shows you have learned CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Healthcare workers, first responders, and some other professions are required to hold current BLS certification as a condition of employment. Many employers will not hire you without it, and some will fire you if it lapses.

The American Heart Association (AHA) and the Red Cross are the two main organizations that issue BLS certifications in the United States. Most employers accept either one. Your certification is valid for two years from the date you pass, then you must renew it or take the course again from the beginning.

Unlike a driver's license, you do not get a BLS card from a government agency. You get it from a training provider — a hospital, community college, fire department, or private training company — that is authorized by either the AHA or Red Cross to teach and test the course.

Key Takeaways

  • BLS certification comes from the American Heart Association or Red Cross, not from a government office, and is valid for two years.
  • You must complete an in-person course and pass a written test and a skills test to receive your card.
  • The course typically takes four to six hours and costs between $60 and $150, depending on the provider and your location.
  • You can renew your certification before it expires by taking a shorter renewal course, or wait until it lapses and retake the full course.
  • Your employer may require a specific version of BLS (such as BLS for Healthcare Providers) rather than the basic BLS course.

Finding an Authorized Training Provider Near You

The American Heart Association and Red Cross both maintain searchable directories of training centers on their websites. The AHA directory is at cpr.heart.org and allows you to filter by location and course type. The Red Cross directory is at redcross.org and works the same way. Both will show you the address, phone number, and upcoming class dates for providers in your area.

Many hospitals, fire departments, and community colleges offer BLS courses to the public, not just to their own staff. These are often cheaper than private training companies. Your employer may also offer the course for free or at a discount — ask your human resources department before you pay out of pocket.

Some providers offer online modules followed by an in-person skills test, which can save time if you have a flexible schedule. Others require you to attend the entire course in person. Check the provider's website or call ahead to confirm what format they use and whether you need to bring anything (most do not).

What Happens During the Course and Test

A standard BLS course covers how to recognize cardiac arrest, how to perform chest compressions at the correct depth and rate, how to use a bag-valve-mask to deliver rescue breaths, and how to operate an AED. You will practice on a mannequin under the instructor's watch. The course also covers when to call 911, how to work with other rescuers, and special situations like choking and pregnancy.

At the end of the course, you take a written test (usually 10 to 15 multiple-choice questions) and a skills test in which you perform CPR and AED use on a mannequin while the instructor watches. You must pass both to receive your card. Most people pass on the first attempt. If you do not, the provider will usually let you retake the skills test the same day or within a few days at no extra cost.

The entire course, including the test, typically takes four to six hours. Some providers compress it into a single session; others spread it across two evenings or a half-day and a full day. The course fee usually ranges from $60 to $150, though some employers and community organizations offer it for less or free.

Different Types of BLS Certification and Which One You Need

The most common version is BLS for Healthcare Providers, which is what doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other medical staff must hold. This version includes instruction on how to work with other healthcare professionals and covers some scenarios specific to hospital settings.

Heartsaver CPR AED is a simpler version offered by the Red Cross for people who are not healthcare workers but may need to perform CPR in an emergency — lifeguards, teachers, office workers, and others. It covers the same core skills but with less depth and no requirement to know how to use a bag-valve-mask.

Some employers specify which version they require. A hospital will almost always require BLS for Healthcare Providers. A school or gym may accept Heartsaver CPR AED. Ask your employer or the job posting before you enroll, because taking the wrong course means you will have to pay for and take another one.

How to Renew Your Certification Before It Expires

You can renew your BLS certification anytime during the two years it is valid. A renewal course is shorter than the initial course — usually one to two hours — and covers updates and a refresher on the core skills. You take a written test and skills test again, just as you did the first time. The renewal fee is typically $40 to $100.

Renewing before your card expires is often easier than waiting until it lapses, because you can do it at your own pace and your employer may not penalize you for a lapse. However, if your card does expire, you can still take the full course again and receive a new card — you do not lose the ability to get certified, you just have to start over.

Some employers require you to renew within a certain window — for example, within 30 days of expiration — or they will not let you work. Check your employee handbook or ask your manager what the important date is. If you are unsure when your card expires, look at the expiration date printed on the back.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Most BLS courses require only a photo ID and your registration confirmation. Some providers ask you to bring a pen for the written test. You do not need to study in advance — the course teaches you everything you need to know. However, if you want to review beforehand, both the AHA and Red Cross publish study guides and videos on their websites.

Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move your arms freely, because you will be practicing chest compressions on a mannequin. Avoid very loose sleeves or jewelry that might get in the way. Arrive a few minutes early so you can check in and get settled before the course starts.

If you have a physical limitation that might affect your ability to perform CPR — such as arthritis in your hands or a back injury — tell the instructor before the course begins. They can work with you to adapt the practice or discuss alternative roles you might take in a real emergency.

What Happens After You Pass and Receive Your Card

Your BLS card will be mailed to you or handed to you at the end of the course, depending on the provider. It includes your name, the certification type, the date you passed, and the expiration date. Keep it in a safe place — you may need to show it to an employer, and some workplaces require you to post a copy in your work area.

Your certification is recorded in the AHA or Red Cross database (whichever organization issued it). If you lose your card, you can request a replacement from the provider or from the issuing organization. There is usually a small fee, typically $10 to $20.

Some employers require you to report your certification to them or upload a copy to a personnel file. Do this as soon as you receive your card, because some jobs will not let you start work without proof that you hold current certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a BLS course online?

You can take the classroom portion online with some providers, but you must complete the skills test in person with an instructor. The AHA and Red Cross both allow blended courses where you watch videos and take the written test at home, then come in for a two-hour skills session. This can save time if you have a busy schedule.

What if I fail the written test or skills test?

Most providers let you retake the failed portion the same day or within a few days at no extra cost. If you fail a second time, you may have to pay to retake the entire course. Ask the provider about their retake policy before you enroll.

Do I need to renew my BLS before it expires, or can I wait until it lapses?

You can wait until it expires and retake the full course, but many employers will not let you work with an expired card. Renewing before expiration is usually easier and faster. Check your employee handbook or ask your manager what your workplace requires.

Is BLS certification the same as an EMT license?

No. BLS is a card showing you know CPR and AED use. An EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) license is a state credential that requires much more training and allows you to work as a paramedic or ambulance crew member. You can have BLS without being an EMT, but most EMTs are required to hold current BLS as well.

Can I get BLS certification if I have never done CPR before?

Yes. The course teaches you from the beginning. You do not need any prior experience or medical knowledge. The instructor will guide you through each step and watch you practice until you are ready for the test.