How long are bls certifications good for

You were diligent and received your BLS (Basic Life Support) certification fair and square but in the meantime, you had your plate full and lost track of time. Before you knew it, the year 2020 was almost up and your BLS certification has expired or is about to expire. Now you’re not sure if you need to attend BLS certification or BLS recertification classes in San Diego so that you can take and pass the BLS exam and get your certification back. Since you consider time a precious commodity, you’re probably wondering how long do you have to renew your BLS after it expires. We answer all your questions!

How long is the BLS certification valid?

Both BLS certification and BLS recertification are valid for two years, meaning renewal is due every two years. As in the case of NRP programs, the certification or recertification courses that you need to attend must comply with American Heart Association’s guidelines.

Wondering how long do you have to renew your BLS after it expires (which it already has)?

The two-year period is the full validity period, but you do get a 30-day grace period! However, if you miss that whole window period, you have to go through the whole process again in order to get recertified. But worry not, it’s not the end of the world – being recertified before official expiration is simply easier.

Which course do you need to take after ACLS expires?

For most course providers, an BLS recertification will be perfectly acceptable once your BLS expires – no need to take a certification course, regardless of the lapse of time length. This means putting less effort, less time and less money into the endeavor, and still being awarded the same card that you received the first time around.

Wondering (ahead of time) how long do you have to renew your BLS after it expires?

If you’ve noticed that your BLS is soon to expire just in time to take the recertification course, wonderful! As long as your BLS still hasn’t expired, get on with the recertification course as soon as possible and avoid a lapse in certification. Remember, you also have the 30-day grace period!

Worried about how long do you have to renew your BLS after it expires? Join ACLS EDU classes and return to form fast!

Whether you’re interested in BLS certification or recertification, ACLS EDU offers you a stress-free learning environment in which you will gain hands-on experience. Our in-class approach is certain to give you the opportunity to learn new things – regardless of the duration of your professional experience.  Since we are an AHA-approved organization, our courses are recognized by all healthcare institutions, which will greatly contribute to your career advancement. We look forward to seeing you in class!

Health care is nothing like riding a bike, so you can’t expect to get your certification and be done with it. If you think back to the times when you went on a short break from school or university, you probably noticed a difference in your academic ability when you came back. You were likely a little rusty, and it took you some time to acclimate to the environment again. When you think about it this way, you can understand why your Basic Life Support (BLS) certification lasts two years. Read on for more about recertification.

Who Needs a BLS Certification?

Anyone working in health care must have their BLS certification, which includes nurses, doctors, firefighters, EMS responders, and police officers. However, this certification is not solely for those in the health care profession. Many people who work in schools or offices will also have this certification as they are in the company of others who might need immediate medical assistance.

Gain Confidence

Most of us don’t often find ourselves in a medical emergency, but for many, it is a common occurrence. When these incidences happen, we never know how we will react, even if we are in the health care field. Your BLS program helps fortify your confidence so you can handle any medical emergency that you may find yourself in. While a BLS certification helps one prepare for anything that might occur at a moment’s notice, it doesn’t last forever.

Stay Fresh

The information we gain from our studies does not stay as fresh and clear in our minds as when we first learn it. From then on, it gradually lessens, and we may forget some important skills and knowledge. That is why you must renew your BLS certification after two years. At CPR123, we offer a BLS renewal course that helps you stay fresh with ease—you can take our courses online, so there are no inconveniences.

The Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required by employers for many healthcare and medical-oriented professions.

This specifically includes:

  • Physicians
  • Nurses
  • EMT
  • Dentists & Dental Hygienists
  • Physical Therapists

Other professions also benefit from the detailed approach of a BLS certification, like:

  • Safety managers
  • Police Officers
  • Fire Fighters
  • Support staff in Healthcare settings

What Is BLS Certification?

The BLS certification goes into more detail than standard CPR courses.

BLS certification covers the following specifics and more:

  • 1 & 2 rescuer CPR for Adults, Children and Infants
  • Team approach to providing CPR
  • Use of  BVM, feedback devices and AEDs.

Another bonus is that with so many healthcare professionals in one place, the group format allows for stimulating dialogue as well as reviews of CPR and lifesaving situations participants have experienced during their career.

Many healthcare workers required to get BLS certification pair it with the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and/or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) for a more comprehensive certification set.  We offer combo courses to receive both certifications on the same day.

Whichever route you go, the resulting BLS certificate is not a one-and-done, lifelong certification. Like all American Heart Association (AHA) CPR, AED and/or first aid courses, BLS certifications must be renewed every two years.

How Often Do BLS Certifications Need To Be Renewed?

Once you’ve passed both the written and active skills tests for BLS certification, you are issued an eCard that is valid for 24-months after the date printed on the card. The date listed is the date you passed the written and hands-on tests.

While many employers send reminders, streamlining the process for their employees, it is ultimately up to the cardholder to renew their certification in a timely manner.

We suggest putting a reminder in your digital calendar for 60-days prior to the date of your BLS certification expiration date. This way you have plenty of time to find a renewal course near you so you can renew the course before your card expires.

Not only does this keep the information fresh in your mind, it also ensures you don’t run into any problems with HR and/or with prospective employers.

View Initial BLS Provider Classes taking place in Raleigh, NC.

How Do I Renew My BLS Certification?

If you are ready to renew your BLS certification,  enroll for a BLS for Providers Renewal course.

Review a list of upcoming, AHA-approved, BLS Provider Renewal Certification here in Raleigh, NC.

Instructor-Led Certification vs Heartcode-Blended Certification

Many adults enjoy the blended certification opportunities offered by the American Heart Association and others. Part online, with an in-person skills session.

After completing the online videos, simulation and testing, you still have to complete hands-on skills test with and AHA BLS certified instructor.  CPR consultants Heartcode BLS with Skills Evaluation includes the online course and the in-person skills practice and testing.  If you have already completed the online portion contact us to schedule the skills practice and testing only portion at 919-850-9295 or .

We recommend attending instructor-led course if this is your first time taking the BLS certification class.

In contrast, attending BLS certification classes in person provides the opportunity to ask more questions, not to mention hear and share the real-life scenarios healthcare professionals like yourself encounter on a daily basis.

In addition to the ability to complete coursework and tests, as well as participate in hands-on learning and simulations in the same session, the collaborative format of the courses makes for a more rich and interesting experience.

Most instructors agree online courses are better-suited for those who are renewing their certification rather than for those obtaining their initial certification.

Check out, Can You Take a CPR Class Online, for more information on the topic.

Employer-Hosted BLS & Other Healthcare-Oriented Certifications

If your employer requires BLS and/or other CPR/AED/First Aid certifications, talk to your human resources department about offering certifications in-house or bringing them to an accommodating, nearby location.

On-site courses are more convenient and affordable for everyone involved, including your employer.

Get BLS and CPR/AED/First Aid Certifications

CPR Consultants’ instructors are happy to bring the BLS class, and other certification courses, right to your brick-and-mortar business. This makes it easier than ever to ensure employees have the certification(s) they need, in a timely manner, and without having to worry about expiration dates.

Ask your HR department, management or relevant personnel director to contact CPR Consultants.

Is BLS and CPR the same thing?

Basic life support (BLS) includes CPR but is an overall higher level of medical care typically administered by public safety professionals, first responders, paramedics, healthcare providers, and qualified bystanders.

How long is BLS AHA good for?

Upon completion of all course requirements, participants receive a BLS Provider Course Completion Card which is valid for two years.

How long is a BLS instructor card good for?

Because your certification is only valid for two years, California BLS training isn't a one-time process.

How long can CPR be expired?

How long do CPR certifications last? After successfully completing CPR training, your certification will be good for two years. After that, you can extend your certification and stay up to date on the latest techniques through abbreviated CPR and First Aid renewal classes.