Why AHA BLS Renewal Matters
As a healthcare professional, your Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is your license to save lives. The American Heart Association requires renewal every 2 years to ensure your skills remain sharp and current with the latest guidelines.
Reminder: Your certification can only be renewed up to 30 days after expiration. After 30 days, you’ll need to take the full course again!
In this blog, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to renew your AHA BLS certification.
Step 1: Identify Your Certification Expiration Date
The first step is to identify when your AHA BLS Card will expire. You can find this information on your current certification card, which shows the exact date of expiration. Alternatively, you can utilize the AHA’s online certification lookup tool or contact their customer service team to check your certification status. You can take a BLS renewal class up to 30 days after your card expires.
How to Find Your CPR Expiration Date:
| Method | How to Access | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
 Certification eCard |
Check the expiration date printed on your physical card | Instant |
 AHA Online Lookup |
Visit the AHA certification verification portal | 2-3 minutes |
 Customer Service |
Contact our CPR Training center for status verification | 5-10 minutes |
Renewal Timeline:
RENEWAL WINDOW
├── 
Optimal Time: 1-2 months before expiration
├── 
Acceptable: Up to 30 days after expiration
└── 
Too Late: 30+ days after expiration (full course required)Step 2: Select A Renewal Course
The next step is to select a renewal course. The AHA provides various options for renewal courses, including online courses and in-person courses. You can choose the course that best suits your schedule and learning style. Ensure that the course you choose is specifically designed for BLS certification renewal. We offer both in-person classes as well as online classes at our Los Angeles CPR Training Center.
 Online BLS Renewal |
 In-Person BLS Renewal |
|---|---|
 Pros:• Flexible scheduling • Self-paced learning • Cost-effective • No travel required |
Pros: • Hands-on practice • Immediate feedback • Interactive learning • Opportunities to ask questions |
 Considerations:• Requires self-discipline • Limited hands-on practice • Technical requirements needed |
Considerations: • Fixed schedule • Travel required • Higher cost • Time commitment |
Step 3: Take The BLS Renewal Course and Pass the BLS Test
After registering for the renewal course, it’s time to complete the course. In the online BLS course, you’ll need to watch instructional videos, take quizzes, and pass an exam. For in-person classes, you’ll attend a classroom session, practice hands-on skills, and take a multiple choice test. Make sure to pay attention and participate actively throughout the course.
Regardless of the type of course you choose, you’ll need to pass an exam to renew your certification. The exam tests your knowledge of BLS techniques, so it’s vital to review the course materials thoroughly. If you pass the exam, you’ll receive a new AHA BLS certification card.
Step 4: Maintain Your Certification
Once you’ve received your renewal AHA BLS certification, you must maintain it. The certification is valid for two years, after which you’ll need to renew it again. Keep track of your certification expiration date, so you don’t let it lapse. You can only take a BLS renewal class 30 days after it expires.
Conclusion
Renewing your American Heart Association BLS certification is a crucial step in maintaining your life-saving skills and keeping them up-to-date. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that you remain certified and prepared for any emergency situation that may arise. Register for one of our BLS renewal classes in Orange and LA counties below.