In today’s world, fake CPR certification cards are becoming more common. While some may only seek to learn CPR as a valuable skill, others rely on legitimate certification for their jobs or medical licenses, where authenticity matters. At Sierra BLS, we prioritize integrity in our training and certification process. When you take a CPR class with us, you’re not just learning a life-saving skill — you’re also ensuring you receive a valid, recognized certification that meets your needs and expectations. Get the real certification you deserve, and invest in quality training you can trust.

Why Would People Give Out ‘Fake’ Certifications?

There are a few reasons. The most common reason is the cost associated with certifications accredited by the American Heart Association. The AHA charges for each card issued, which instructors purchase through legitimate Training Sites or Training Centers.

Instructors may create their own cards to save money, but these are not recognized and violate AHA guidelines. Some instructors do this innocently, believing they can type up a nice-looking certificate for students without realizing the ethical implications. In the past, when certifications were on card stock, some people would illegally photocopy them. They looked just as fake as a photocopy of a dollar bill, but many people were fooled.

An additional reason people issue non-recognized certifications is that it’s an easy way to make money online. Usually, these certifications are ‘online-only’ classes and cost very little. They promise to refund your money if your employer doesn’t accept your certification, but meeting their refund requirements is often a hassle, making it not worth the effort.

How to Spot Fake CPR Certification & Cards

When looking at CPR certification cards, search for the words ‘American Heart Association.’ Fake cards often use phrases like ‘meets AHA standards,’ ‘taught in accordance with AHA guidelines,’ but they are not AHA classes. Other buzzphrases include “AHA Certified,” “AHA Approved,” or “AHA Compliant.” Certifications using this verbiage are usually fake.

Any printed AHA card not originally an eCard is also fake. Since 2018, all AHA certification cards are issued as eCards. If you received a printed or laminated card from your CPR course, which wasn’t printed directly after claiming your legitimate AHA eCard, you can be certain it was not a legitimate AHA course.

How Does the AHA Prevent Fake CPR Certification & Cards?

The AHA cannot regulate all CPR training worldwide. Anyone can offer CPR courses and give out non-AHA certifications online. These certifications won’t be recognized by employers, and students will have to find a legitimate class, hopefully.

For instructors teaching AHA classes using the AHA curriculum, legitimate AHA eCards must be issued. The AHA has taken many instructors to court for violating curriculum usage guidelines without issuing adequate certification.

How to Verify a CPR Certification?

In 2018, the AHA added a verifiable QR code to every eCard. This unique code can be verified on the AHA website, giving both the student and the employer peace of mind. However, fake certifications imitating the AHA’s QR code exist. Only QR codes directing you to www.ecards.heart.org are legitimate. You can visit this link to verify cards: https://ecards.heart.org/student/myecards

Consequences of Fake CPR Certification

Faking a CPR certificate or finding a printable one online can have disastrous consequences. There are stories of individuals who faced severe repercussions, including losing medical licenses or facing legal action, due to using fake certifications. Missing a day or two of work is better than risking your career and potential jail time.

Even if your employer unknowingly accepts a non-legitimate certification, most states hold individuals responsible for meeting certification requirements for maintaining their medical licenses. If found out, you will be held accountable, not just your employer.

Where to Obtain an Official CPR Certification and Card?

When attending an AHA CPR or BLS course at Sierra BLS, your instructor will ensure you are on a roster with your email address listed. Following class completion, the instructor will email you an eCard, typically issued before you even leave the classroom.

If you are searching for a CPR course in or around Reno, our schedule is available here.

Benefits of Obtaining a Verified CPR Certification

Many workplaces require CPR certification. Even if certification isn’t mandatory for you, taking an accredited AHA course can be beneficial. Many individuals who took non-accredited courses return to obtain legitimate certification.

Where to Report a Fake CPR Certification & Cards

If you took a course with an AHA Instructor who issued a fake card, or who wasn’t an AHA Instructor at all, report it to the American Heart Association at 1-800-242-8721 or email reportfraud@heart.org. The AHA has issued a Fraud Warning on their website.

Where Can I Find Legitimate Training?

At Sierra BLS, we pride ourselves on offering the highest standard and full credentialing as an authorized AHA Training Site. We offer CPR, BLS, ACLS, and PALS courses in and around Reno, NV. View our course calendar for public courses.

If you are not in our area, get matched with an AHA instructor through the official AHA Class Finder tool ; Atlas!

We hope you find training that is legitimate, makes you confident in your skills, and ready to respond in an emergency.