BLS Certification

Earn your BLS certification from the American Red Cross. Whether you are a healthcare provider, are in school to become a nurse or physician, police officer, or firefighter, when you get BLS certified you can show your employer that you have the BLS training you need to improve patient outcomes.

Designed and taught by experts, Red Cross BLS certification courses have been developed under the guidance of, and reviewed by, the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council – a panel of nationally recognized experts from a wide range of scientific, medical and academic disciplines – ensuring that the information provided meets or exceeds local, state and/or national standards.

And with in-person training, as well as our best-in-class blended learning program, you can gain the skills you need to get BLS certified in the way that suits you best.

BLS Recertification

BLS cards are valid for two years from the date on your certificate.

If your American Red Cross BLS certification is 30 days from expiration or has already expired, you can enroll in a recertification BLS course (a review course) and get recertified for two more years.

How long does it take to get BLS certification? Our instructor-led BLS courses takes approximately 4-5 hours, providing ample time to learn the latest techniques and information. Our blended learning BLS courses combine online learning (approximately 1-2 hours) with an in-person skills session (2-3 hours).

Certification Made Simple. Fast. Easy. Digital.

The American Red Cross makes BLS certification fast, simple and easy. And with Red Cross Digital Certificates you'll get anytime, anywhere access to your certificates; plus the ability to print, share, and download them wherever and whenever you like. Digital certificates can be viewed, printed or shared online and can be accessed anytime through your Red Cross Account. Each certificate includes a unique ID and a QR code which meets employment requirements and allows employers to easily confirm your certificate is valid. Class participants and employers can visit https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/digital-certificate and enter the ID found on the digital certificate (or scan the QR code with a standard QR reader using a smart device) to access a copy of the valid certificate with student training information.

Click here for instructions on accessing your BLS certification online.