Our mission is to provide you with everything you need to know about CPR certification.
You may have lots of questions about getting CPR certified, and by the end of your research on this site, you should be well on your way with the knowledge to make the right decisions.
What is CPR and Who Needs It?
CPR, short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an emergency medical procedure used to keep a person’s lungs flowing with oxygen and their heart beating if they’ve entered cardiac arrest.
It has been around for over 50 years and saves many lives every year.
Anyone can benefit from learning this skill, and those that choose to go through a training program are awarded a CPR certification.
Many people decide to learn CPR for their own benefit, but others are required to be certified for various reasons and will need to take specific classes accordingly:
- CPR for Workplaces, Schools, and Individuals: It’s increasingly common for workplaces and schools to require individuals to be certified. If you fall into this category, you will need to take a class tailored for nonprofessionals.
- CPR for Healthcare Providers and Medical Professionals: If you need CPR as a skill for your job, such as firefighters or EMTs, you will need a certification designed for people in the medical profession.
Where should I get my CPR Training and Certification?
There are several options for you to consider.
The traditional places for people to get their certification are with the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross.
Online CPR certification is a new alternative that has been rising in popularity over the past few years. Review the following options to learn about the pros and cons of each:
What are the Courses Like?
In-person training courses traditionally take place in a classroom. You will learn from a qualified CPR instructor and will be provided with a course manual. During the course, students will have manikins to practice the application of CPR. Practicing on a manikin allows students to simulate the experience of performing CPR.
The first thing that will be taught in CPR certification classes is to remember that your role in saving a victim’s life is to keep them alive until the medical response team arrives. During the CPR course, students will be assessed on their competency. Those who show that they have learned to apply the necessary skills will receive their certification after their final written and practical exams.
Getting certified in a classroom usually takes 4–6 hours, or quite a bit shorter if you do an online e-learning based certification.
But be careful. Not all online programs are created equal. To make sure you choose the right online course, make sure to read our guide to getting certified online.
CPR Testing
The standard CPR test is made up of two parts:
- Written Test: The written CPR test includes a series of questions on the basics of CPR. This part of the test ensures that students understand when to perform CPR and how to perform CPR and know how to deal with various situations. The test is a multiple choice question test.
- Skill Test: The second part of the CPR certification test involves applying the skills students have been taught during the course. The instructors provide a manikin for students to demonstrate that they can competently apply their CPR skills.
How Long is CPR Certification Valid?
CPR certification is typically valid for two years.
When an individual wishes to get their recertification, they will be required to take the written test and the skill test to ensure that they have retained the proper knowledge, techniques, and skills.
Get Your Certification
There are two ways to get your CPR certification: You can either go through the traditional route by taking a 4–6 hour classroom course given by organizations such as the AHA or Red Cross, or you can get your CPR certification online.