Taking CPR training just once in your life is not enough.
Every two years, your CPR certification expires, and recertification is needed.
Because CPR is not something that we use in our everyday lives, it can quickly be forgotten. Like anything in life, if you don’t use it, you often lose it.
CPR techniques are no different, and your certification must be regularly renewed as recommended by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
Many jobs require you to have a valid, non-expired, CPR certification. If your certification is close to its expiry date, with less than six months before expiration, you are doing the right thing by getting recertified before it’s too late.
Why is CPR Recertification Important?
Studies show that less than half of CPR certified individuals can pass a skills test just one year after their initial training.
Recertification is important for refreshing your knowledge and skills and keeping up with changing guidelines. This past 2010 was a prime example when the American Heart Association made critical changes to its CPR guidelines.
As mentioned before, many jobs also require you to have a valid CPR certification, therefore if yours is expiring soon, or has expired, you will need to get recertified as soon as possible.
Do not get yourself into a problematic situation by letting your certification expire.
CPR renewal does not require a significant time investment, nor is it expensive. You dedicated yourself once to help save a life, and you should keep that commitment by renewing your certification every two years.
How to Renew Your CPR Certification
There are a few different ways to renew your CPR certification.
If you hold an American Heart Association or American Red Cross certification, then you can retake a review or challenge course through one of their programs. A review course is simply a review of the material followed up with an exam. On the other hand, a challenge course skips the review and teaching component, and you are only required to pass the exam.
Keep in mind that taking classes with the AHA and the Red Cross requires additional in-person skill evaluations before they grant you your recertification.
Finding the time to schedule an in-person skill evaluation can make it difficult, or even impossible, for those who need a renewal ASAP.
To renew your CPR card right away, without an in-person skill test, consider online CPR recertification.
Renew Your CPR Certification Online: The Most Efficient Way
No need to spend time in a classroom or carve out a day from your already busy calendar. Instead, you can renew your certification without needing hands-on training by following an online training program that adheres to the ECC/ILCOR and American Heart Association guidelines.
You can engage in the video-based training at your own pace, whenever it is convenient for you, from the comfort of your own home.
There are several different online certification providers. However, many do not follow the necessary guidelines for them to be approved for the workplace.
Based on our research, we recommend ProCPR.org due to their reputation, strict adherence to guidelines, and the fact that their certifications are nationally recognized. They even guarantee that your employer will accept your recertification.
Visit ProCPR to get recertified online.
For ACLS Recertification: Visit ProACLS to get recertified online.
Whatever you do, make sure to keep your CPR certification valid by renewing it in time.