CPR Certified Provider • FAQ

Why Becoming Certified in CPR?

Becoming certified in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) has several benefits:

• Life Saving Skill: CPR is a life-saving technique that can preserve brain function until further medical treatment can be given. By becoming certified in CPR, an individual is prepared to respond in an emergency situation and potentially save a person’s life.
• Career Advancement: Many employers in the healthcare and emergency services fields require CPR certification as a prerequisite for employment. Having CPR certification can also make an individual more marketable and increase their chances of getting a job in these fields.
• Legal Protection: In some states and countries, Good Samaritan laws protect those who perform CPR in an emergency situation. However, these laws may not apply if the individual has not been trained and certified in CPR.
• Confidence: A CPR certification provides an individual with the knowledge and skills to respond in an emergency situation, giving them the confidence to take action and potentially save a life.
• Professional Development: CPR training and certification provides individuals with knowledge and skills that can be applied in many areas of their professional and personal life, such as risk management, emergency preparedness, and communication.

How to Become Certified in CPR?

Here are the general steps to become certified in CPR:

• Choose a certification course offered by a reputable organization such as the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. These organizations offer a variety of courses for different audiences, such as laypersons, healthcare providers, or professional rescuers.
• Register for the course and pay any associated fees. Some organizations offer online courses, while others may require in-person attendance.
• Study the material provided by the organization and familiarize yourself with the CPR guidelines and techniques.
• Attend the course and participate in the hands-on training. This will give you the opportunity to practice the skills you have learned and ask any questions you may have.
• Pass the certification test, which will typically include a written and/or a practical component. The test will assess your knowledge and skills in performing CPR.
• Receive your certification card or certificate from the organization. This will serve as proof of your certification.
• Renew your certification as needed. Most CPR certifications are valid for 1-2 years and require renewal through continuing education or retraining.

CPR certification requirements may vary depending on the certifying organization and the type of course you take. 

Which reputable CPR certifying organizations?

There are several reputable organizations that offer CPR certification, including:

• American Heart Association (AHA): The AHA is a well-known and respected organization that offers a variety of CPR courses for healthcare providers, laypersons, and professional rescuers. The AHA’s courses are widely accepted and recognized by employers and other organizations.
• American Red Cross (ARC): The ARC is another well-known organization that offers CPR certification for laypersons, healthcare providers, and professional rescuers. The ARC’s courses are also widely recognized and accepted.
• National Safety Council (NSC): The NSC is an organization that offers CPR certification for laypersons and healthcare providers, their courses are also recognized and accepted by employers and other organizations.
• Medic First Aid: Medic First Aid is an organization that offers CPR certification for laypersons and healthcare providers, their courses are also recognized and accepted by employers and other organizations.
• National CPR Association: National CPR Association is another organization that offers CPR certification for laypersons, healthcare providers, and professional rescuers, their courses are also recognized and accepted by employers and other organizations.

How long does it take to become certified in CPR?

The time it takes to become certified in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can vary depending on the type of course and certifying organization. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

• Layperson CPR Certification: A CPR certification course for laypersons typically takes about 4 hours to complete. This is a basic course that covers the knowledge and guidelines of CPR and the use of an AED.
• Healthcare Provider CPR Certification: A CPR certification course for healthcare providers, such as nurses and paramedics, typically takes about 8 hours to complete. This course covers the knowledge and guidelines of CPR, the use of an AED, and includes additional training on how to respond to different medical emergencies.
• Professional Rescuer CPR Certification: A CPR certification course for professional rescuers, such as firefighters and lifeguards, typically takes about 16 hours to complete. This course covers the knowledge and guidelines of CPR, the use of an AED, and includes additional training on how to respond to different medical emergencies and how to use specialized equipment.

These are just rough estimates and the time it takes to become certified in CPR can vary depending on the certifying organization and the type of course you take. Some organizations may offer accelerated courses that take less time, while others may offer more comprehensive courses that take longer.

How much does it cost to take the CPR certification exam?

The cost of taking the CPR certification exam can vary depending on the type of course and certifying organization. It is recommended to check with the specific organization for their exam policies, procedures and cost.

• Layperson CPR Certification: A CPR certification course for laypersons typically costs between $40 and $70.
• Healthcare Provider CPR Certification: A CPR certification course for healthcare providers, such as nurses and paramedics, typically costs between $70 and $150.
• Professional Rescuer CPR Certification: A CPR certification course for professional rescuers, such as firefighters and lifeguards, typically costs between $100 and $300.

Some organizations may charge additional fees for materials or certifications.

Oncce again, these figures are rough estimates and the cost of taking the CPR certification exam can vary depending on the certifying organization and the type of course you take.

Eventually, Is it worth it to become certified in CPR?

A CPR certification is generally considered to be a valuable asset, as it demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide life-saving assistance in the event of a cardiac emergency.

In addition, many employers in the healthcare and emergency services fields require their employees to hold a current CPR certification. Furthermore, people who work in the field of healthcare, education, and those who are parents, caregivers or want to help in emergency situations. So yes… it’s a good idea to have a CPR certification.