Keeping your American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification current is crucial for healthcare professionals. Not only is renewal a chance to refresh life-saving skills, but most medical employers require an active AHA BLS certification. Below, we’ll explain how to renew your BLS, what to expect in a renewal course, and answer common FAQs about the process.
Key Takeaways
- Renew your AHA BLS certification every 2 years to stay compliant with healthcare standards. Healthcare providers must have BLS to renew.
- Choose HeartCode BLS hybrid renewal: complete online coursework, then a brief in-person skills test.
- Online training typically takes 30–90 minutes, and the skills check lasts 15–30 minutes.
- Renewal is accepted nationwide, and a valid American Heart Association eCard is issued the same day.
- SureFire CPR offers 24/7 BLS hybrid skills sessions across the U.S with flexible scheduling.
How do I renew AHA BLS?
We know your schedule as a busy medical professional doesn’t leave much free time. That’s why SureFire CPR’s BLS certification renewal program is designed for efficiency and convenience:
- Flexible registration: Choose your preferred date, time, and location.
- Hybrid format: Complete online modules at your own pace, then visit one of our nationwide skills centers
- Quick online modules: Designed for those refreshing their skills — work from anywhere with an internet connection.
To sign up, just register for a BLS certification class time slot and location that fits your schedule. You’ll get access to the self-paced online training modules that can be completed at your convenience. After completing the virtual modules, visit one of our offices to complete a brief skills practice and test.
Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll receive a same-day American Heart Association BLS card to prove your certification. You can show this to your employer to let them know that you have renewed your certification. It remains valid for 2 years after the date you complete the training course.
Once your certification has expired, just head back to SureFire for another renewal course!
This hybrid model gives you the right blend of flexibility and hands-on practice—without compromising on quality or AHA compliance.
Convenient Renewal Options
Renewing your AHA BLS certification doesn’t have to be a hassle. At SureFire CPR, we strive to make recertification simple and convenient:
- Flexible Scheduling: We offer BLS renewal classes at all of our nationwide locations. Find a location near you and book now through our BLS Certification page. Healthcare providers must have BLS to renew.
- Hybrid Courses: Our hybrid BLS Renewal option lets you complete part of the training online and then do a quick in-person skills test.
Ready to get started? Visit our BLS Certification page to view course types and schedules.
Who Should Complete American Heart Association BLS Renewal?
AHA BLS renewal is essential for healthcare practitioners across a wide range of roles, such as:
- Doctors
- Registered nurses
- EMTs & paramedics
- Dentists & pharmacists
- Medical assistants and other clinical staff
Anyone with a current AHA BLS card must renew every two years — it’s both a best practice and usually a job requirement. Nearly every U.S. hospital and clinic mandates valid BLS credentials for employment. Renewal helps you stay up-to-date, confident, and ready to help patients in real emergencies.
What to Expect from an AHA BLS Renewal Class
- Register: Choose a class that fits your schedule and location.
- Online Coursework: Complete the self-paced eLearning modules (30–90 minutes).
- Skills Check: Visit a SureFire CPR location for a short in-person test (15–30 minutes).
- Certification: Receive your AHA BLS Provider eCard on the same day — valid for 2 years.
What Will I Learn in a BLS Renewal Course?
- How to provide CPR for adults, children, and infants
- Care for conscious and unconscious choking victims of all ages
- Proper technique for Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use and special considerations
- How to use breathing barriers and bag valve masks
- What to do in a 2 rescuer CPR situation
- Treatment for cardiopulmonary emergencies and special resuscitation situations
Renew Your AHA BLS Certification at SureFire CPR
- Nearby Training Centers nationwide!
- Frequent Class Times to fit busy healthcare schedules
- Experienced Instructors with real-world experience
- Interactive Training with hands-on practice
- High Success Rates and free retakes if needed
Certificate & Verification
After passing the skills test, your AHA Provider eCard includes a unique ID and QR code, allowing instant digital sharing and quick employer verification — a trusted standard across healthcare .
BLS Renewal Course Duration & Format
|
Course Type |
Duration |
|
Instructor-led renewal |
~3 hours |
|
Blended (HeartCode + skills) |
30-90 minutes online + 15-20 minutes skills testing |
|
Initial instructor-led |
~4.5 hours |
Your renewal is faster and more convenient than a full certification class—especially with the hybrid option.
Ready to renew your AHA BLS certification? Signing up is easy – head to our BLS Renewal Classes page or call (888) 277-0199. We’re here to make your renewal process as convenient and stress-free as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an American Heart Association BLS certification?
A credential verifying you’re trained in CPR, AED use, choking relief, and emergency response. Required for most healthcare jobs and valid for 2 years.
Who should renew their BLS certification?
Healthcare professionals like nurses, EMTs, doctors, and pharmacists should renew every 2 years to stay compliant with job requirements and AHA updates.
Can I renew my AHA BLS online?
Partially. You can do online modules, but still need an in-person skills test to receive a valid AHA card.
How long is the online AHA BLS renewal course?
The online portion takes about 30–90 minutes, with a 15–30 minute in-person test. Expect a total of 1.5–2.5 hours to complete the full renewal.
How much does BLS certification cost in the USA?
Most courses range from $80–$100. SureFire CPR charges approximately $89. Prices may vary slightly by provider and location.
How often do I have to renew my BLS certification?
Every 2 years. Cards expire at the end of the month, two years from your training date.
What happens if my BLS certification expires?
You must retake the full BLS course; there’s no official grace period. Renew before expiration to stay compliant.
Is the BLS renewal course different from the initial BLS course?
Yes. Renewal is faster and review-based, while the initial course is more comprehensive and longer.
Do I need a BLS certification if I have an ACLS certification?
Yes. ACLS doesn’t replace BLS. Employers usually require both, and each has separate training.
Is an AHA BLS certification accepted in all US states?
Yes. It’s recognized nationwide by hospitals and healthcare providers across all 50 states.
Contact Us
We’re here to make the BLS certification and renewal process as stress-free as possible. If you’d like to learn more about BLS certification and renewal classes, don’t hesitate to reach out. Use our online contact form or give us a call at (888) 277-3143. You can also learn more by visiting our BLS resources.
