AHA BLS renewal is the process of completing the required training to maintain current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) credentials. BLS training is designed for healthcare professionals and other individuals who need to respond to cardiac arrest, respiratory emergencies, and other life-threatening situations.
For learners who prefer a flexible training format, AHA HeartCode BLS provides a blended-learning option that combines online coursework with a hands-on skills session. You complete the educational portion online at your own pace and then attend a required in-person skills session at a CPR Verification Station.
The blended format allows you to complete the online portion before attending the hands-on session while still demonstrating the required BLS skills in person. After completing all required components, you receive an AHA BLS Provider eCard.
When Should You Renew Your AHA BLS Certification?
AHA BLS completion cards are generally valid for two years. Check the expiration date on your current BLS card and plan your renewal before the card expires.
Starting the renewal process early gives you time to:
- Complete the required HeartCode BLS online coursework.
- Schedule your hands-on skills session.
- Review and practice BLS skills before your appointment.
- Complete the required skills evaluation.
- Receive your updated AHA BLS eCard before your current credential expires.
This is particularly important if your employer, school, clinical program, licensing organization, or other institution requires proof of current BLS training.
Do not wait until the last few days before your card expires. Online coursework and skills-session appointments require separate scheduling, and availability can vary.
If your current BLS card has already expired, check the eligibility requirements for the course you plan to take before registering. Your employer, school, or training center has specific requirements regarding expired credentials.
How to Renew AHA BLS Certification
The AHA HeartCode BLS blended-learning format combines online education with a hands-on skills session. Instead of completing the entire course in a traditional classroom setting, you complete the online portion first and then demonstrate your practical skills during an in-person session. The renewal process generally follows these steps.
Step 1: Check Your Current BLS Card
Start by registering for the appropriate AHA HeartCode BLS course.
Before registering, confirm that the blended-learning format meets the requirements of your employer, school, clinical program, or other organization. Requirements can vary, so make sure the course format you select is accepted for your specific role or credential.
Review the course information carefully, including:
- Course format
- Online coursework requirements
- Skills-session requirements
- Skills-session location
- Available dates and times
- Registration instructions
- Course completion requirements
If you are unsure whether HeartCode BLS is the correct course for your situation, verify the requirement before completing registration.
Step 2: Complete the Online Coursework
After registering, complete the required HeartCode BLS online coursework before attending your hands-on skills session.
The online component provides instruction and learning activities covering core BLS concepts and skills. Depending on the course, you work through instructional content, knowledge checks, interactive activities, and other learning components.
Complete the online portion according to the course instructions and retain any required completion information.
Finishing the online coursework before your skills appointment is important because the hands-on session is designed to build on the knowledge and training covered in the online portion.
Do not assume that registering for the course means the online portion is already complete. Follow the instructions provided with your registration and make sure you have completed all required online coursework before arriving for your skills session.
Step 3: Schedule Your Skills Session at CPR Verification Station
Once you have completed the required online coursework, schedule your hands-on skills session at CPR Verification Station according to the course instructions.
The skills session is the in-person portion of the blended-learning course. It allows you to practice and demonstrate the practical BLS skills covered in your training.
When scheduling your session, pay attention to:
- The appointment date and time
- The skills-session location
- Any prerequisites that must be completed beforehand
- Required documentation or course-completion information
- Arrival instructions
- Any preparation requirements
Scheduling your skills session early can help you avoid delays, particularly if you need your updated BLS credential by a specific date.
Step 4: Attend the Hands-On Skills Session
At the CPR Verification Station, you will participate in the required hands-on portion of the BLS course.
The session focuses on applying BLS knowledge and demonstrating practical skills. Depending on the course requirements, activities include practicing:
- High-quality CPR
- Adult chest compressions and ventilations
- AED use
- Rescue breathing and ventilation
- Recognition and response to cardiac arrest
- Team-based resuscitation skills
- Other required BLS procedures
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to perform CPR comfortably. BLS skills practice involves physical activity, including performing chest compressions on a manikin. The AHA-VAM Assistant will provide guidance on the required techniques and help ensure that you understand how to perform the skills correctly.
Step 5: Receive Your AHA BLS eCard
After you complete all required components of the course, you can receive your AHA BLS Provider eCard according to the applicable course and Training Center procedures.
Your eCard provides electronic documentation of your completed BLS training. Keep it accessible because your employer, school, clinical program, or other organization may request proof of your current BLS credential.
After receiving your eCard, verify that your information is correct and note the expiration date. Save the electronic card for your records and provide it to your employer or school if required.
What to Bring to Your BLS Skills Session
Your skills-session requirements can vary, so follow the instructions provided when you register. In general, be prepared with any information or documentation required by the training center.
You may need to have:
- Proof of registration or appointment confirmation
- Evidence that you completed the required HeartCode BLS online coursework
- Your current or recently expired BLS card, if requested
- Any course-related documentation specified during registration
You should also:
- Arrive on time for your scheduled appointment.
- Wear comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on CPR practice.
- Review the BLS material covered in your online coursework.
- Follow all instructions provided by the training center.
If you are unsure what you need to bring, check your registration instructions before your appointment.
How Long Does the Blended BLS Renewal Process Take?
The total time required for blended BLS renewal depends on the course, the online coursework, and the availability of skills-session appointments.
Unlike a traditional classroom course, the blended format separates the training into two main components:
- Online coursework:
You complete the required HeartCode BLS educational component online. - Hands-on skills session:
You attend an in-person session at CPR Verification Station to practice and demonstrate the required BLS skills.
The amount of time you need to complete the process therefore depends on how quickly you complete the online coursework and how soon you can attend an available skills session.
If you need your BLS credential by a specific deadline, begin the process early enough to allow time for both components and any required follow-up.
Always check the current course listing for the most accurate information about course duration, scheduling, and availability.
What Happens If Your BLS Card Has Already Expired?
If your AHA BLS card has expired, do not automatically assume that you should register for the same course used by someone with a current card.
Course eligibility and renewal requirements can depend on the specific course, Training Center procedures, and the requirements of your employer, school, or organization.
Before registering, determine:
- Whether your employer or school accepts a recently expired BLS card for the course you intend to take.
- Whether you need a specific BLS course rather than a renewal-specific option.
- Whether the training center has additional requirements for expired credentials.
- Whether your organization has a deadline by which you must provide current BLS documentation.
If you are uncertain, contact Same Day CPR or confirm the requirement with the organization requesting your BLS certification before registering.
The safest approach is to renew before your existing card expires whenever possible.
Common Mistakes When Renewing AHA BLS
Avoiding common mistakes can make the blended-learning renewal process easier and help prevent delays.
Waiting Until Your Card Expires
Starting too late can leave you without current BLS documentation if you cannot complete the online coursework and skills session before your deadline.
Choosing the Wrong Course
Not every BLS course or training format meets every employer or school requirement. Confirm that AHA HeartCode BLS and the blended-learning format are accepted for your specific requirement.
Forgetting the Online Portion
Registering for a blended course does not necessarily mean that the online coursework is already completed. Finish the required online component before your scheduled skills session.
Scheduling the Skills Session Too Late
The online portion and hands-on skills session are separate components. Give yourself enough time to complete the online coursework and attend the skills appointment.
Arriving Unprepared for the Skills Session
Review your online training and bring any required documentation. Wear clothing that allows you to perform hands-on CPR comfortably.
Assuming an Expired Card Has the Same Eligibility
Requirements can differ when a BLS card has expired. Confirm which course you need before registering.
Failing to Verify Your New eCard
Once you receive your AHA BLS eCard, check your personal information and expiration date. Keep a copy available for your records and submit it to your employer or school when required.
Assuming All BLS Certifications Are Interchangeable
Employers, schools, healthcare organizations, and licensing bodies may have different requirements. Always verify which certification and course format your organization accepts.
Keep Your AHA BLS Certification Current and Stay Prepared
Renewing your AHA BLS certification can be simple when you plan and complete each required step. Start by checking your current card, confirm that HeartCode BLS meets your organization’s requirements, complete the online training, and schedule your hands-on skills session. During the session, focus on practicing and demonstrating the required BLS skills before completing the evaluation. Once you finish all parts of the course, keep your AHA BLS eCard in a safe and accessible place. Starting early can help you avoid delays and ensure you have valid BLS credentials when you need them.
Ready to renew your AHA BLS certification? Same Day CPR offers convenient renewal options in more than 100+ locations, making it easier to find a training location that works for you. Choose a convenient location, complete your required training, and keep your BLS certification current. Register today and take the next step toward renewing your AHA BLS certification.
