TL;DR:
All nationally recognized CPR certifications are valid for two full years, but not everyone follows the same schedule. Healthcare workers and first responders often need to renew their certifications whenever there is an update to CPR protocols. This ensures they are able to work together in an emergency.
How Long Does a CPR Certification Last?
Nearly all CPR certifications are valid for two years from the date they are issued. The standard two-year renewal cycle is followed by all nationally recognized CPR training organizations. However, some employers and credentialing bodies require more frequent certification
Employers will sometimes require that the renewal class is completed after a major update in CPR procedures. Especially when in a hospital or professional environments where 2-rescuer CPR is likely to be performed.
Whether you’re renewing CPR certification because your job requires it, to maintain a professional license, or simply to be prepared for an emergency at home, keeping your certification up to date ensures your skills stay sharp and that you meet the latest training standards.
Why CPR Certifications Expire
CPR is a trained skill. While it’s easy to remember the general steps, studies have found that important details such as compression depth, compression rate, compression-to-ventilation ratio, and the proper sequence for using an AED can deteriorate over time.
Renewing your certification helps you:
- Reinforce what you’ve previously learned
- Review the Key Numbers of CPR
- Learn updated guidelines
- Build confidence to act quickly in an emergency
The American Heart Association (AHA) will update CPR guidelines based on scientific research. Minor updates may occur annually. But major updates generally take place every 5 – 10 years.
How to Renew CPR Certification
The easiest way to renew your CPR certification is to take an online CPR certification renewal course. You must possess a current CPR certification, or one that has expired less than 6 months ago. You must renew the same type of certification. For example: If you have a BLS certification, you can take the BLS renewal. After completing the course, your CPR certification will be valid for another 2 years.
The Standard Two-Year Renewal
Nearly all CPR certifications are valid for two full years. Certifications are valid from the date your course and test are completed. In some cases, your certification will be valid until the end of the month, while others will expire on a specific day.
Nearly all schools, employers, and organizations will accept CPR certifications that have not expired.
If your certification expires, you will need to complete a full CPR course to become certified again. However, we allow renewal if your certification has expired for less than six months.
Does BLS Certification Last Two Years?
Yes. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is valid for two years, just like standard CPR certification. All nationally recognized providers issue two-year certifications.
Some BLS providers will issue certifications that expire at the end of the month, while others will expire two years from the date of completion.
For example: for a class completed July 10th, 2026, there are two possibilities:
- The expiration date will be July 10th, 2028
- The expiration date will be July 2008
Even though your certification is valid for 2 years, your employer may ask you to renew your certification more often. This is especially true if you are a lifeguard.
Jobs That May Require More Frequent CPR Renewal
Although two years is the industry standard, a few employers and credentialing organizations have their own individual requirements. Renewal may also be required when there is an update to CPR procedures.
Lifeguards
Lifeguards frequently have some of the most rigorous CPR renewal requirements. Most lifeguards are required to possess a current BLS certification completed within the past year.
Hospital Employees
Some hospitals require healthcare workers to complete a CPR course more often than the standard two years. This is especially true when there are updates to CPR protocols. Since CPR performed in a hospital setting generally involves more than one rescuer, it is essential to make sure everyone has been trained with the current AHA/ECC guidelines.
Emergency Medical Services, Firefighters and Law Enforcement
Similar to hospitals, some of our clients in these fields require their teams to renew their certifications more frequently.
First Responders often need to recertify:
- Every two years
- When guidelines for CPR are updated
What Happens If Your CPR Certification Expires?
If your CPR certification expires, you may:
- Be unable to work until you renew it
- Lose eligibility for certain professional licenses
- Fall out of compliance with employer policies
- Need to retake a full CPR certification course
Many employers track certification as part of their compliance program.
Can You Renew Early?
Yes, you can. However, your certification is only valid for two years after the course is completed. If you renew 3 months early, your certification will be valid for two years from the renewal, not two years from your previous certification expiration date.
Final Thoughts
All CPR certifications are valid for two years from the completion of the course. If you work in the healthcare field or if you are a first responder, you may be required to update your certification more often. This is especially true when there are updates to CPR protocols. Lifeguards will need to renew annually, even if they possess a valid certification.
If you need CPR certification for work or to maintain a professional license, don’t rely soley on the expiration date on your card. Be sure to check with your employer are licensing body to see if there are any additional requirements.
In an emergency, seconds count. Renewing your certification can help give you the confidence to act quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CPR certification always good for two years?
Yes, all nationally recognized CPR certifications are valid for two full years.
Do hospitals require CPR every year?
It’s rare, but be sure to check with your employer.
Can I renew my CPR certification for free?
We want everyone to learn how to save a life. We offer all of our courses for free. But if you need a certification card, we do charge a fee.
Does renewing my CPR certification require me to retake the test?
Yes, you must successfully complete the renewal test each and every time you renew your certification.
Do lifeguards have to renew CPR every year?
Yes, annual BLS certification is generally required to maintain a current lifeguard certification.
Do childcare workers need CPR every year?
Generally not. Check with your employer. Most childcare workers are required to have current CPR certification.