Have you taken a CPR class in the past and want to find out if you are still certified? Figuring this out shouldn’t be too difficult with Sierra BLS, your go-to training center in and around Reno, NV.

Understanding CPR Certification Validity

CPR guidelines are updated every 5 years, and because CPR is a hands-on skill, the certification requires renewal every two years. Hopefully, your memory goes back at least two years, and you likely know if you took a course within that time frame. If your course was close to two years ago or even longer, it’s time to get recertified.

Checking Your Certification Status

If your course was in the last two years, it’s most likely you received a digital certification. As of 2018, the American Heart Association (AHA) and Red Cross began issuing electronic cards only. To claim the electronic certification card or eCard, you will need to respond to the email sent to you by either of those organizations or visit their website to search for your certification.

• To search for an AHA eCard, visit their website here. Employers can also verify the legitimacy of eCards via the ‘Employers’ tab.
• For Red Cross certifications, visit their site here. Enter the email you provided during the course to find your certification.

If you took a course through the Health and Safety Institute (HSI), you will need to contact the instructor you trained with directly or search your email for ‘HSI certification card’ to see if you still have their email. If you believe there is an error or cannot find your certification, you will need to contact the Training Center or instructor that issued your certification.

Is CPR Certification the Same as BLS Certification?

There are two types of CPR certification. There is a basic certification for lay responders and an advanced CPR certification for healthcare providers.

The AHA offers the Heartsaver CPR/AED for non-medical individuals and the BLS (Basic Life Support) for healthcare providers. For healthcare providers, BLS is necessary for roles such as nurses, physicians, and medical technicians.

What if My CPR Certification Has Expired?

If your certification has expired, you will need to take another CPR course. If your certification is still valid but about to expire, you are eligible to take a renewal course. Both CPR/AED training for lay responders and BLS for healthcare providers are available in classroom or online formats. However, remember that legitimate CPR certification always includes a hands-on component.

Where Can I Get a CPR Certificate From?

To find a CPR class near you, check our Sierra BLS Schedule page.

The cost for a CPR class varies depending on your location, but you should typically expect to pay between $47-$90 for the training.

Can Being CPR Certified Help Me Get a Job?

Being CPR certified offers several benefits. It isn’t just about lifesaving skills, although that is of utmost importance. Many employers favor candidates with CPR certification, especially in fields such as childcare, healthcare, and camp settings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still unsure if you have a current CPR certification or cannot locate it, it is prudent to take another course. CPR training is critical and necessary for some jobs. If your job requires the training, it is essential to stay current to avoid liability.

Ready to take your next course? Look for a CPR class near you with Sierra BLS today.

References

American Heart Association. (2018). eCards Information. Retrieved from https://ecards.heart.org/student/myecards

American Red Cross. (2018). Digital Certificate. Retrieved from https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/digital-certificate