When Does Your CPR Certification Expire and How to Renew It

If you’re certified in CPR, first—thank you. You’ve taken a step that can literally save a life. But CPR credentials don’t last forever, and letting them lapse can put you, your employer, and the people around you at risk. In this guide, we’ll explain when your CPR certification expires, how to check your status, and the simplest ways to renew—without stress or last-minute scrambling. Along the way, we’ll highlight key tips for staying compliant and confident. (Yes, we’ll also use the search-friendly phrase CPR certification expiration so you can easily find and share this info.)

How long does CPR certification last?

For most major training providers, CPR certification is valid for two years from the date you pass your course. That includes widely recognized organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Red Cross (ARC), and other accredited providers. Your course type matters, too:

• Heartsaver/lay rescuer CPR or CPR/AED (with or without First Aid): typically two years.

• Healthcare Provider/Basic Life Support (BLS): typically two years, with renewal required for healthcare roles and many clinical settings.

Because policies can vary by provider and program, your card (physical or digital) is the final word on your exact expiration date.

Why do CPR certifications expire?

Skills fade without practice. CPR involves time-sensitive steps—recognizing cardiac arrest, calling for help, delivering high-quality compressions, using an AED, and coordinating with others under pressure. Research shows that psychomotor skills and guideline knowledge decline over months, not years. Two-year renewal cycles keep responders aligned with the latest evidence and reinforce hands-on technique so actions become instinctive when seconds count.

How to find your expiration date (in 60 seconds)

What happens if your CPR certification expires?

It depends on your role and your organization’s policy:

• For workplace requirements: If your job requires current CPR or BLS (healthcare, childcare, fitness, education, public safety), an expired card can affect your ability to work assigned shifts or maintain compliance.

• For licensure or credentialing: Some boards or facilities require proof of current BLS/CPR at all times; expiration may trigger corrective steps or suspension of certain duties until you renew.

• For personal readiness: An out-of-date card doesn’t erase your knowledge, but it could mean you’re not trained to current guidelines—and that matters in an emergency.

If you’ve just lapsed, don’t panic. The fix is straightforward: enroll in a renewal course as soon as possible. If you’ve been expired for a long time, you may need the full course rather than a shorter update (see below).

Renewal options: which path is right for you?

Your best route depends on your provider, course type, and how long you’ve been certified.

Pro tip: Confirm that the course you pick matches your employer’s or licensing body’s requirements. For example, many healthcare facilities specifically require BLS for Healthcare Providers rather than a lay rescuer CPR card.

Step-by-step: how to renew your CPR certification

Does your employer accept online-only CPR?

This is a common point of confusion. Most workplaces—especially in healthcare, childcare, and fitness—require a hands-on skills evaluation with an instructor or approved manikin feedback device. Purely online CPR without an in-person skills check is often not accepted for jobs or licensure. If you’re renewing strictly for personal knowledge, online-only modules can be helpful—but always verify acceptance policies before you enroll.

Grace periods, extensions, and special cases

Some providers or employers offer a short grace period for scheduling renewal classes if you’re near the line. Others require you to be fully current on the exact date. Because these rules vary, don’t assume you have wiggle room. If you work in a regulated environment (hospitals, ambulatory centers, schools), plan to renew before your CPR certification expiration date to keep everything clean and compliant.

Special scenarios to keep in mind:

• Switching roles: Moving from a non-clinical to a clinical role? You may need to upgrade from lay rescuer CPR to BLS.

• Adding First Aid or Pediatric content: Positions in education, childcare, or youth programs may require Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED.

• Multi-state employment: Acceptance criteria can differ by state and by facility. When in doubt, ask HR or your credentialing department what they require.

How long does a renewal take—and what does it cost?

• Time: Renewal courses often take 1.5–3 hours for lay rescuer CPR and 2–4 hours for BLS, depending on provider and class size. Full courses take longer.

• Cost: Prices vary by provider and region, and whether First Aid or Pediatric modules are included. Many employers cover or reimburse training—always check before you pay out of pocket.

Keep your skills fresh between renewals

You don’t have to wait two years to practice. These habits make renewal painless and boost real-world readiness:

• Micro-refreshers: Re-watch technique videos or skim your course handbook every few months.

• Compression practice: If you have access to a training manikin at work, practice short sets to reinforce rate and depth.

• AED familiarity: Know where AEDs are located in your workplace and community spaces.

• Scenario drills: Team up with coworkers for brief “what would you do?” drills—recognize arrest, call for the AED, assign roles, begin compressions.

Frequently asked questions

1) Can I renew before my card expires?Absolutely. Many people renew 30–90 days ahead to avoid scheduling conflicts, especially if their employer audits credentials.

2) My CPR certification expired last month. Do I need the full course?Maybe. Some providers allow a renewal course shortly after expiration; others require the full class once you’re past a certain window. Check your provider’s policy and your employer’s acceptance rules.

3) What’s the difference between CPR and BLS?BLS (Basic Life Support) is typically for healthcare professionals and emphasizes team-based resuscitation, bag-mask ventilation, and multi-rescuer scenarios. Lay rescuer CPR focuses on immediate recognition, compressions, breaths (if trained), and AED use for the general public.

4) Will my digital card be accepted?Most organizations now accept digital eCards. Make sure the card clearly shows your name, course type, completion date, and expiration date.

5) Does First Aid affect my CPR certification expiration?First Aid can be bundled with CPR/AED, and its validity period often matches CPR (commonly two years). Always review your card details—expiration is printed for each credential.

Quick checklist: stay ahead of your CPR certification expiration

• Verify your expiration date today

• Check employer requirements (provider, course type, format)

• Schedule renewal 30–60 days in advance

• Complete pre-course modules (if blended)

• Bring a photo ID and your current card to class

• Save your new eCard and send it to HR/credentialing

• Set calendar reminders at 21 and 22 months for next renewal

Staying current is easier than ever with blended learning, shorter renewal paths, and digital cards you can access on any device. By planning a few weeks ahead of your CPR certification expiration, you’ll keep your credentials—and your confidence—fresh. Most importantly, you’ll be ready to act in those critical first moments when your training makes all the difference.