How Long Is CPR Certification Good For?

CPR certification does not last forever. Whether you are an individual maintaining a workplace requirement or an employer managing a team of certified employees, understanding how long certification remains valid is a practical necessity — not just a formality.

The Standard Certification Period

Most CPR and AED certifications issued through the American Heart Association are valid for two years from the date of the course. This applies to Heartsaver CPR/AED courses taken by laypeople, employees, teachers, childcare workers, and others who need a recognized certification card.

The two-year cycle is based on evidence that skills degrade over time without regular practice. Periodic recertification ensures that responders are not relying on techniques they learned years ago without reinforcement.

CPR/AED vs. BLS Expiration Timelines

Both standard CPR/AED certification and BLS for Healthcare Providers follow the same two-year validity window under American Heart Association guidelines. However, they are distinct certifications with different skill requirements, and they should not be treated as interchangeable when it comes to professional requirements.

Healthcare employers — physician offices, dental practices, outpatient clinics — typically require BLS certification specifically. A standard CPR card will not satisfy that requirement, even if it has not yet expired. Knowing which certification your role or workplace requires is just as important as knowing when it expires.

Why Employers Track Expiration Dates

For employers, expired certifications create real liability exposure. If a workplace incident occurs and an employee's certification was lapsed at the time, that gap in compliance becomes part of the record.

In industries where certification is tied to regulatory requirements — such as healthcare, childcare, and some manufacturing environments — tracking expiration dates is a compliance function, not just an administrative task. Many HR departments build renewal reminders into their onboarding and annual compliance calendars.

On-site CPR training can simplify this process significantly. Rather than sending employees to find their own courses on different schedules, employers can coordinate group renewals that bring everyone into alignment at once.

What Happens When CPR Certification Expires

An expired CPR certification means the holder no longer has a valid credential. In most workplace settings, this means they cannot count toward any staffing ratio or compliance checklist that requires certified personnel.

Some individuals assume that expired certification still "counts" as training background, but most employers and credentialing bodies do not recognize it for compliance purposes. The course must be retaken, not extended.

The practical impact varies by industry. A childcare center required to maintain a minimum number of certified staff members cannot count an expired card toward that number. A healthcare office with a lapsed BLS requirement may face issues during a licensing review. The risk is real and preventable.

When to Renew — And Why Earlier Is Better

The simplest guidance is to renew before the card expires, not after. Waiting until the expiration date means there may be a gap between the old certification and the new one depending on when the next available course is scheduled.

Professionals working in regulated environments — healthcare, early education, emergency response support roles — should plan renewal at least 30 to 60 days before their current certification expires. This provides a buffer for scheduling and ensures continuous compliance.

Employers running CPR classes in Central PA through a coordinated group session can set a uniform renewal date across their team, which is far easier to track than managing a dozen individual expiration dates scattered throughout the year.

Staying Current Matters Beyond the Card

Certification is a baseline, not a ceiling. The value of renewal is not just a new card — it is the opportunity to practice skills, review updated guidelines, and rebuild confidence with hands-on repetition.

The American Heart Association periodically updates its guidelines based on new research. Renewal courses reflect those updates, which means a certified individual from several years ago may be using techniques that have since been refined. Staying current keeps responders effective, not just compliant.

If you are uncertain whether your current certification is still valid, contact your training provider directly. Do not assume a card is good simply because you do not remember when you took the course.

Schedule CPR Training with CPR Safety 411

If you are located in Central Pennsylvania or nearby New York communities and need CPR certification, BLS training, or on-site classes for your team, contact CPR Safety 411 today.

Visit cpr411.com or call (570) 360-9114 to schedule training.