Certification & Renewal
Find answers to common questions about your AHA CPR and BLS certification, including how to access your eCard, replace a lost card, check validity, and renew your certification. Learn what to do if your card expires and how to stay current with the latest American Heart Association guidelines.
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After you successfully complete your course, your authorized Training Center will issue the card. For most U.S. provider-level courses, you’ll receive an electronic certification card (eCard) via email.
Once you receive the email, you’ll need to claim the eCard (by setting up your profile and answering a short survey) to make it official.
According to AHA, your Training Center must issue the eCard within 20 business days of class completion.
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Most AHA CPR, BLS and First Aid certifications are valid for two years from the issue date. You should plan to renew your certification before it expires to remain current with AHA guidelines.
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For instructions on what to do if your e-card is misplaced, please click the link below.
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You can view or verify your eCard via the AHA eCards portal:
Go to the “My Cards” page
Enter your first name, last name and the email used for the course, or the e-Card code if you have it.
For employers or third-party verification, the eCard includes a QR code and can be checked online for validity.
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To renew, you will enroll in a renewal course (either full or blended format depending on your prior certification). After completing the renewal training and meeting all requirements (hands-on skills check, online portion if applicable), your Training Center will issue a new certification card valid for another two years.
Tip: Check if your employer or state has specific renewal requirements or accepted formats. -
If your AHA certification has expired, you may still be eligible to take a renewal course — but if it’s been expired for a long time, you may need to take a full initial certification course rather than a renewal.
