You’ve gone through the training, mastered the skills, and maybe even used your CPR knowledge out in your community in the past––but are you still CPR certified? It’s easy to lose track of time during our hectic lives and it can be difficult to remember when to renew your CPR certification. However, staying on top of your certification and prioritizing CPR training is an incredibly worthwhile use of time. It might even save the life of a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or family member!
Once you’ve completed the training course, it can sometimes feel like you’re all set. However, CPR certification does expire, and so it is important to understand how long your certification is valid for, how to check your status, and what to do if it has become void.
How long does CPR certification last?
Many students find themselves wondering, “how long is CPR certification good for?” The answer: CPR certification is valid for 2 years from the date you complete the training course. After that date, either your certification becomes void, or you can take another class to maintain certification and keep your skills sharp.
Take note that certification expires 2 years from the date of course completion, not necessarily from the day you receive the card. At SureFire CPR, we provide our students with same-day certification cards, but some training centers do not deliver cards for many days after the training.
Why does CPR certification expire?
Learning CPR is different from playing piano or mastering a field goal kick: you can’t practice it every day! Especially if you’re not a medical professional using CPR techniques on the job, you hope to never use the training you’ve received. Because of this, we might forget how to administer CPR or use an AED over time. After a few years, it is important to get re-certified and go over these critical techniques again. Plus, as science advances and new information becomes available, the curriculum is updated with new techniques and information. Staying on top of your certification keeps you in the loop with the best possible CPR know-how.
What is a CPR certification lookup?
Since CPR certification expires, you need to know when it’s time to renew it. If you’re applying for medical roles or your current employer requires CPR certification, you might even need proof of a valid certification card. If your certification has expired, you can sign up for a renewal course to maintain your credentials.
The good news is that it’s easy to find out whether your certification is still valid. First, try checking your card to see if you can find the expiration information there. Your certification card likely has an exact expiration date printed right on it.
However, if you’re still unsure of your certification status, you can use a CPR certification lookup to find out. There are many different providers that can check your certification online or via phone. These lookups can help you find the exact expiration date and provide other helpful information.
Why is it important to renew your CPR certification?
Many medical professionals and healthcare providers like nurses and EMTs are required to maintain AHA BLS certification (BLS is the healthcare equivalent for CPR and stands for Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers). So, if you’re working in the medical field, your employer will likely require that you are certified. For laypeople whose jobs do not require CPR certification, it can be a little more difficult to keep track of your status. However, it’s still essential to take renewal classes and maintain your certification. You’ve put in the work, so don’t let your CPR certification expire!
Regardless of whether it’s regulated by your employer, it’s always a good idea to refresh your knowledge and brush up on your life-saving skills. A renewal class will clear out any mental cobwebs and keep your CPR expertise sharp.
Renew Your CPR Certification with SureFire CPR
Now that you know how to check CPR certification status, did you discover that yours has expired? No worries! It’s easy to renew your certification with us! The course takes between 2.5 hours and 4 hours depending on what certification you need to complete and there are plenty of date/time options to select from, so you can find the session that’s most convenient for you. Upon completion of the course, you’ll receive a same-day certification card that renews your status. Sign up for a course here: CPR & First Aid Training.
If you’ve never been CPR certified, now is the time to do so! Our CPR Certification Classes are taught by medical professionals who have used CPR in the field. With real-world examples, engaging lessons, and hands-on practice, we create a positive, fun learning environment for our students. You’ll learn incredible life-saving techniques, including how to administer CPR and proper AED usage.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for a SureFire CPR course today! Give us a call at (888) 277-3143 or register online anytime at www.SureFireCPR.com.
