CPR vs BLS certification: which one do you need?
October 24, 2026 · Written by CPR Class Listing
CPR and BLS both teach you to help someone in cardiac arrest, but they are built for different people. Here is how to tell which certification your job, school or employer actually requires.
The short answer
CPR certification covers how to recognize cardiac arrest, give chest compressions and use an AED on adults, children and infants. BLS, or Basic Life Support, goes further: it is built for healthcare professionals and includes team based resuscitation, bag valve mask use, two rescuer CPR and pulse checks.
If you work in a hospital, a clinic, or as a first responder, you usually need BLS. Everyone else, including workplaces, schools, coaches and families, is usually well served by a CPR and AED course.
What each course covers
CPR and AED
- Recognizing cardiac arrest and calling for help
- Adult, child and infant chest compressions
- Rescue breaths and AED use
- Choking relief
BLS
- Everything covered in CPR and AED
- Two rescuer CPR and team based resuscitation
- Bag valve mask use
- Pulse checks and high quality compression standards
How long certification lasts
Most certifying agencies issue a CPR, BLS or first aid certification that stays valid for two years. Some workplace and healthcare programs refresh annually. Your card shows the issue and expiration dates, and every class listing on this site shows how long that provider's certification is valid so you can plan your renewal.
What it costs
Most CPR and first aid classes in the United States cost between $45 and $110. BLS, ACLS and PALS courses usually cost more because they run longer and include more equipment. The price also depends on whether a certification card is included and whether the class is taught at your own workplace.
How to choose a class
Check which certifying agency your employer, school or licensing board requires before you book. Employers generally accept certification from a nationally recognized agency such as the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, American Safety and Health Institute, Health and Safety Institute or EMS Safety. Every listing on this site names the certifying agency, the format, the price and the seats left, and you register directly with the training provider.
- CPR
- BLS
- Certification
Written and reviewed by the CPR Class Listing editorial team against the listings in the directory. How we verify providers.
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