CPR certification comes from training organizations, not from government agencies

A CPR license is not issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles or any government body. Instead, you get CPR certification by completing a course through a private training organization that teaches cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The most common providers are the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and various hospitals and community colleges. Each organization runs its own courses, sets its own schedules, and issues its own cards when you pass.

CPR certification is valid for two years from the date you complete the course. After that, you will need to renew it by taking another course or a renewal class, which is usually shorter than the initial training. Some employers require CPR certification as a condition of employment — particularly in healthcare, childcare, and fitness — which is why many people pursue it alongside or after getting a driver's license.

Key Takeaways

  • CPR certification comes from organizations like the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, not from government agencies.
  • You can find CPR courses through hospitals, community colleges, fitness centers, and the Red Cross or Heart Association websites in your area.
  • Most CPR certifications last two years, and you renew by taking another course before your card expires.
  • In-person courses typically cost between $50 and $150, while online options may be cheaper but often require an in-person skills test.
  • Some employers cover the cost of CPR training for their employees, so ask your workplace before paying out of pocket.

Where to find CPR courses near you

The American Red Cross and American Heart Association both maintain searchable course calendars on their websites. You can enter your zip code and see which courses are available in your area, what dates they run, and what the cost is. Both organizations offer classes at multiple locations — Red Cross courses often run through local chapters, hospitals, and community centers, while Heart Association courses are frequently held at hospitals and medical facilities.

Community colleges in your area often teach CPR as a continuing education course, and these are usually less expensive than Red Cross or Heart Association classes. Check your local college's website or call the continuing education department directly. Hospitals sometimes offer CPR courses to the public, not just to their staff — call the education or human resources department to ask. Fitness centers and gyms frequently offer CPR training to members, sometimes at a discount or included in membership.

If you need CPR certification quickly, some organizations offer same-day or next-day courses. These are typically more expensive and may have limited availability, but they exist if you are on a tight timeline. Online courses are also available, though most require you to complete an in-person skills demonstration with an instructor before you receive your card.

What to expect during a CPR course

A standard CPR course takes between three and four hours for initial certification. You will learn chest compressions, rescue breathing, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). The instructor will demonstrate each technique on a practice mannequin, then you will practice on the mannequin yourself while the instructor watches and corrects your form. At the end of the course, you will perform CPR on the mannequin while the instructor evaluates whether you meet the standard.

You do not need any medical background or prior knowledge to take a CPR course. The instructor teaches everything from the beginning. Most courses are designed for people with no experience. If you are renewing your certification, renewal courses are shorter — usually one to two hours — because you already know the basics and only need to refresh your skills and learn any updated techniques.

CPR certification costs and payment

Initial CPR certification typically costs between $50 and $150, depending on the organization and your location. Red Cross courses are often in the $60 to $100 range. American Heart Association courses tend to be slightly more expensive, usually $80 to $150. Community college courses are often the cheapest option, sometimes $40 to $80. Renewal courses cost less than initial certification, usually $30 to $80.

Some employers cover the full cost of CPR training for employees who need it for their job. If your employer requires CPR certification, ask your manager or human resources department whether they will pay for the course. Many do, especially in healthcare and childcare settings. If you are paying out of pocket, online courses can be cheaper upfront, but remember that most still require an in-person skills test, which may have an additional fee.

How to renew your CPR certification

You can renew your CPR certification at any point during the two-year validity period, though most people wait until closer to the expiration date. The renewal process is the same as getting initial certification — you take a course and pass a skills test. Renewal courses are shorter because you already know the material, so they focus on updates and hands-on practice rather than teaching from scratch.

You do not have to renew with the same organization that issued your original card. If you originally got Red Cross certification, you can renew through the American Heart Association, a community college, or any other provider. The new card will be issued by whoever teaches the renewal course. Check your current card for the expiration date and plan to renew a few weeks before it expires, so you have time to find a course and complete it.

Different types of CPR certification

Basic Life Support (BLS) is the most common CPR certification and covers adult CPR, child CPR, and infant CPR, plus AED use. This is what most employers require. Heartsaver CPR is a simpler version that covers adult and child CPR but not infant CPR, and it is often used in non-medical settings. Healthcare Provider CPR is more advanced and is required for medical professionals — it includes more detailed instruction and higher performance standards.

If you are getting CPR certification for a specific job, ask your employer which type they require. Do not assume that any CPR card will work — some positions specifically require BLS or Healthcare Provider certification. The course description will tell you which type of certification you will receive when you complete it.

What happens if your CPR certification expires

If your CPR card expires, it is no longer valid. You cannot use an expired card to satisfy an employer's requirement or to work in a position that requires current certification. If your card has expired and you need certification when ready, you will have to take a full initial course again, not a renewal course — renewal courses are only available while your certification is still current or within a short grace period, which varies by organization.

Some organizations offer a brief grace period after expiration where you can still take a renewal course instead of starting over, but this is not may provide. The safest approach is to renew before your card expires. If you have already let it expire, contact the organization that issued your original card or a local training provider to find out whether you can take a renewal course or whether you need to start with initial certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get CPR certification online?

You can take the classroom portion of CPR training online, but most organizations require an in-person skills test with an instructor before you receive your card. A few organizations offer fully online certification without an in-person component, but these are less common and may not be accepted by all employers. Check with your employer about whether online certification is acceptable before you enroll.

How long does CPR certification take?

Initial CPR certification takes three to four hours for a single course. Some organizations spread it across two shorter sessions. Renewal courses take one to two hours. Same-day or accelerated courses are available but may cost more. The time depends on the organization and the type of certification you are getting.

Do I need to bring anything to a CPR course?

Bring a photo ID and your current CPR card if you are renewing. Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely, since you will be practicing chest compressions on a mannequin. Most organizations provide all materials and equipment. Call ahead if you have questions about what to bring or any physical limitations that might affect your ability to practice.

What if I fail the skills test?

If you do not pass the skills test on your first try, most organizations allow you to attempt it again during the same course or at a follow-up session. You do not have to pay for the entire course again — usually just a small fee for the retake. Talk to your instructor about what you need to improve and practice before your second attempt.

Is CPR certification the same everywhere?

CPR certification standards are set by national organizations like the American Heart Association and the Red Cross, so the basic skills are the same everywhere. However, some states or employers may have additional requirements or preferences for which organization's certification they accept. Check with your employer or state licensing board if you are unsure whether a particular certification will meet their requirements.