A BLS License Is a Separate Card That Shows You Know CPR and Basic Life Support

A BLS license (Basic Life Support) is not a driver's license. It is a credential issued by the American Heart Association or the Red Cross that proves you have completed training in CPR, rescue breathing, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). You carry it as a separate card, usually wallet-sized, and it expires every two years.

You do not need a BLS license to drive. You need it if your job requires you to respond to medical emergencies — or if your employer or a school program requires proof that you know how to perform CPR. Healthcare workers, childcare providers, lifeguards, personal trainers, and some teachers are the most common people who hold one.

The confusion happens because both are licenses you carry, both require training, and both expire. But they come from completely different organizations and serve completely different purposes. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles issues your driver's license. The American Heart Association or Red Cross issues your BLS license.

Key Takeaways

  • A BLS license is a card proving you completed CPR and basic life support training, issued by the American Heart Association or Red Cross, and is separate from your driver's license.
  • Most healthcare jobs, childcare positions, and some fitness or education roles require a current BLS license as a condition of employment.
  • You renew a BLS license by taking a renewal course, which is shorter than the initial certification course and costs between $40 and $100 depending on the provider.
  • BLS licenses expire every two years, and an expired card will not satisfy employer requirements even if you were certified in the past.

Who Needs a BLS License

Your employer or school program will tell you if you need one. The most common fields are healthcare — nurses, paramedics, emergency room staff, and hospital workers almost always need current BLS certification. Childcare centers require it for staff who work with infants and children. Fitness facilities often require it for personal trainers and group fitness instructors.

Some schools require BLS certification for coaches, health teachers, or staff who supervise students during activities. Dental offices, physical therapy clinics, and veterinary clinics often require it. If you are unsure whether your job requires it, ask your supervisor or check your job description or employee handbook.

You may also choose to get BLS certification even if it is not required, especially if you work in a setting where medical emergencies are possible or if you want to be prepared in your personal life.

How BLS Training Works and What You Learn

A BLS course is typically a half-day or full-day class taught by an instructor certified by the American Heart Association or Red Cross. The course covers how to recognize signs of cardiac arrest, how to perform chest compressions at the correct depth and speed, how to give rescue breaths, and how to use an AED. You will practice on a mannequin under the instructor's watch.

The course includes a written test and a skills test. You must demonstrate that you can perform CPR correctly on the mannequin and answer questions about when and how to use an AED. Most people pass both parts on their first attempt if they pay attention during the training.

The course usually costs between $60 and $150 depending on where you take it and which organization is running it. Some employers pay for their employees' BLS training, so ask your supervisor before you pay out of pocket.

Where to Take a BLS Course

The American Heart Association and the Red Cross are the two main organizations that issue BLS licenses. Both are legitimate and widely recognized. You can find courses through their websites by entering your zip code — they will show you instructors and class dates in your area.

Many hospitals, community colleges, and healthcare training centers also offer BLS courses. Your employer may have a preferred provider or may offer courses on-site. Some courses are offered in person only; others are now offered as hybrid classes where you watch videos at home and then attend a shorter in-person session for the skills test.

When you choose a course, check that the instructor is certified by either the American Heart Association or the Red Cross. Courses from other organizations may not be recognized by your employer.

How to Renew Your BLS License

Your BLS license expires two years from the date you pass the course. You will receive a card with an expiration date printed on it. Some employers send you a reminder when your card is about to expire; others do not, so mark your calendar.

To renew, you take a renewal course, which is shorter than the initial course — usually one to two hours instead of four to eight. You still take a written test and a skills test, but the renewal course assumes you already know the basics and focuses on updates and practice. Renewal courses cost between $40 and $100.

You must renew before your card expires. An expired BLS license will not satisfy your employer's requirements, even if you were certified in the past. If your card has already expired, you will need to take a full initial course again, not a renewal course.

What Happens If Your BLS License Expires

If your BLS license expires and your job requires it, you cannot legally work in that position until you renew it. Some employers will place you on unpaid leave or reassign you to a role that does not require BLS certification. Others may terminate your employment if you do not renew within a set timeframe.

If you realize your card has expired, contact your employer when ready and ask what the renewal important date is. Then register for a renewal course as soon as possible. Most instructors can schedule you within a week or two.

If you let your certification lapse for more than a short period, you may need to take a full initial course again rather than a renewal course. Ask the instructor when you register whether you can take a renewal or whether you need to start over.

BLS License vs. Other Medical Certifications

BLS is the most basic life support certification. Other certifications build on it. ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) is for healthcare providers who work in hospitals or emergency settings and covers more complex scenarios. PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) is for people who work with children in critical care. First Aid certification is separate and covers wounds, choking, and other non-cardiac emergencies.

Many healthcare jobs require both BLS and ACLS. Childcare jobs usually require only BLS. If you are not sure which certifications your job requires, ask your employer or check the job posting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a BLS course online?

Some organizations offer hybrid courses where you watch videos online and then attend an in-person session for the skills test. A fully online course without any in-person skills testing will not result in a recognized BLS license. The skills test must be done in person with an instructor watching you perform CPR on a mannequin.

How long does a BLS license last?

A BLS license is valid for two years from the date you pass the course. The expiration date is printed on your card. You must renew before that date if your job requires current certification.

What if I fail the BLS test?

If you fail the written test or the skills test, you can usually retake it the same day or within a few days at no extra cost. Most instructors will give you feedback on what you missed and let you try again. If you fail a second time, you may need to retake the full course.

Do I need to renew my BLS license if I change jobs?

No. Your BLS license is valid for two years regardless of where you work. If you move to a new job that also requires BLS, your current card is still good until it expires. You only need to renew when the expiration date approaches.

What is the difference between American Heart Association and Red Cross BLS?

Both are widely recognized and accepted by employers. The content and skills tested are very similar. The main difference is the organization issuing the card and the specific course materials used. Most employers accept either one. Choose whichever has more convenient class times and locations near you.