AHA CPR Courses: Common Questions
Whether you’re new to CPR or renewing your certification, our American Heart Association (AHA) courses are designed to fit your schedule and learning style. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about taking an AHA CPR or BLS course—covering topics like online learning options, hands-on skill sessions, course costs, and certification details.
Use this guide to better understand which course is right for you and what to expect when training with an AHA-authorized provider.
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The AHA does not mandate a minimum age requirement for learning CPR.
The ability to perform CPR is based more on body strength than age. Studies have shown that children as young as nine years old can learn and retain CPR skills. Please speak with an AHA Instructor or Training Center if you have any concerns.
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The science in the official AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC shows that victims have a greater chance of survival from cardiac arrest when high-quality CPR includes use of an AED.
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For American Heart Association courses that include psychomotor skills such as CPR, students must complete a hands-on skills session to obtain an AHA course completion card. With AHA blended learning, students will practice and test skills to ensure competency during the hands-on skills session. The AHA offers a variety of blended learning and eLearning courses.
For blended learning courses, a student completes part of the course in a self-directed manner online, followed by a hands-on skills session in person with an AHA Instructor or using a Voice Assisted Manikin (VAM) where available. AHA eLearning courses are fully self-directed, and do not require a separate hands-on skills session.
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The cost for hands-on sessions is determined by the AHA Training Center offering the session. Training Centers will be able to answer your questions about availability and fees.
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No, first aid is not included in the AHA’s BLS courses. The AHA offers a variety of courses that will prepare you to respond to a first aid emergency, including:
Heartsaver First Aid
Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED
Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED
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No, BLS is not included in AHA’s ACLS courses. However, it is expected that healthcare providers taking an ACLS course come to class already proficient in BLS skills. However, the AHA has provided its Training Centers with sample agendas that allow BLS skills to be incorporated into advanced courses. Check with your Training Center about this option.
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Students in ACLS courses are not required by the AHA to have a current BLS Provider card, but they are expected to be proficient in BLS skills. Training Centers may require students to have current BLS Provider card.
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In CPR and first aid training,
An infant is younger than one year
A child is older than one year and has not reached puberty
An adult is anyone who has gone through or is going through puberty
