How Much Does a CPR Class Cost?
Key takeaways:
CPR training can range from free to more than $100 including materials. The cost of a class depends on the depth of training as well as whether you need a completion card, certification, or continuing education credit.
An online class without hands-on training can cost less than $20. Adding a hands-on session to an online class and receiving a completion card can cost $50 or more. A specialized CPR course that qualifies for certification can cost $100 or more.
Receiving certification or a completion card usually requires an in-person, hands-on session — and both often cost extra.
Health emergencies can strike at any moment, and it’s important to be prepared. One way to prepare is to be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, more commonly known as CPR. It can help you save the life of someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Keep reading to learn more about where to find CPR training and what you should expect to pay.
What’s the cost of a CPR class?
The price of CPR training varies. CPR classes can be free when offered as part of a community program. An online class without hands-on training can cost less than $20. Adding a hands-on session with a completion card or certification to an online class can cost $50 or more.
A specialized CPR course can cost $100 or more when combined with the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and other life-saving training. The price can be even higher for a specialized course that comes with a certification or qualifies for continuing education credit.
You can use this tool to search for the cost of an American Red Cross CPR class near you.
You can use this tool to search for the cost of an American Heart Association CPR class in your area.
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What’s the difference between a certification and a completion card?
You’ll want to pay close attention to how you receive proof of your training. Some courses offer a certification and others provide a completion card.
The American Red Cross offers certifications that last 2 years. Certification of your skills is often required for employment in certain jobs that we will discuss later. Some classes also qualify for continuing education credit.
The American Heart Association (AHA) provides completion cards valid for 2 years, but they don’t certify you to perform CPR. Some classes will qualify for continuing education credit.
Where can I find CPR classes?
CPR classes are widely available. There are many life-support training options that include CPR. Instruction may be offered:
Online
In person
As a hybrid or blended course
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross are the nation’s leading providers of resuscitation training, including CPR classes. Skills taught in their classes may include chest compressions, rescue breathing, and AED use.
The AHA’s course catalog can help you find the right training for your needs and an in-person, hands-on course in your area. The AHA has a network of approved providers that offer courses across the country. You can find an American Red Cross class by type and location.
Other organizations offer CPR training approved by the AHA or American Red Cross. But beware. Not all training qualifies for CPR certification, a completion card, or continuing education credit. If you need to use the CPR training to complete another credential — such as for employment as a healthcare professional — be sure to choose a course approved by the organization that requires CPR training.
CPR classes also are offered at places such as:
Hospitals
Community colleges
Universities
Houses of worship such as churches, temples, synagogues, and mosques
Community centers
Health departments
Fire stations
How long does a CPR class last?
The length of your CPR training depends on the method of training and how many modules are included in your course. For instance, if you take a basic CPR course without in-person training, you will review materials at your own pace.
If you take a blended course with the American Red Cross, you will complete the online coursework followed by a CPR hands-on session that lasts about 2 or 3 hours.
An in-person CPR course with video training, hands-on instruction, and testing can last at least 4 hours.
Is CPR certification included in the cost of a CPR class?
CPR certification may be included in the cost of your CPR class if you buy a package that includes certification. Or you may need to purchase certification for your training separately.
As mentioned earlier, you can complete a basic CPR class without certification. If you are an EMS professional or healthcare provider, you will need a more extensive course such as basic life support (BLS). American Red Cross BLS training meets competency verification, education, credentialing, and privileging requirements, which is why this course with certification costs more.
How long does CPR certification last?
American Red Cross certifications and AHA course completion cards last 2 years. A course completion card expires at the end of the month the certification was issued.
AHA does not certify people to perform CPR. It only confirms that you completed the training successfully.
Do I need to retake a CPR class to renew an expired certification or completion card?
You can extend an American Red Cross certification with a shortened refresher course. An AHA completion card can be renewed by contacting an AHA training center.
Ideally, you would renew your certification or completion card before your 2-year period ends.
Do certain jobs require CPR certification?
As mentioned earlier, many jobs — particularly in healthcare — require CPR training and certification. Other jobs where CPR certification is almost always required include:
Firefighter
Lifeguard
Childcare worker
Exercise instructor
Flight attendant
Sports coaches and trainers
The bottom line
CPR training can add lifesaving skills to your personal or professional toolkit for less than $100. For more specialized CPR training with certification, you may pay more than $100. Some community programs offer basic CPR training for free. CPR certification and completion cards are valid for 2 years.
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References
American Heart Association. (n.d.). Course card information.
American Heart Association. (n.d.). FAQs about AHA training.
American Heart Association. (n.d.). What to expect from CPR, first aid, and ECC courses.
American Heart Association. (2022). Emergency cardiovascular care: Course card reference guide.
American Red Cross. (n.d.). CPR renewal & recertification.
American Red Cross. (n.d.). CPR training.
