How Long Does It Take to Get CPR Certified?

Life today moves fast, especially for working professionals, caregivers, students, and parents managing packed schedules. Between work, family, and daily responsibilities, many people assume that learning CPR requires a major time commitment they simply can’t afford. This belief often leads to CPR training being postponed, not because it lacks importance, but because it is perceived as time-consuming and inconvenient.

In reality, CPR certification is designed to fit into real life. Most people are surprised to learn that basic CPR can typically be completed in 2–4 hours, even with hands-on practice included. Additional time may be needed if AED or First Aid training is added, while advanced certifications such as BLS, ACLS, and PALS take longer due to their in-depth and clinical focus. Understanding these time requirements helps remove a major barrier and makes CPR training far more accessible than many expect.

In this article, we will discuss what CPR certification is, how long different CPR certification classes take, and key factors that can influence overall class duration. This breakdown helps you to understand time commitment and choose the CPR training option that best fits your schedule and needs.

What Is CPR Certification?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification is formal training that prepares individuals to respond effectively during cardiac and breathing emergencies. It teaches essential life-saving skills such as performing CPR on adults, children, and infants, recognizing cardiac arrest, providing chest compressions and rescue breaths, and safely using an automated external defibrillator (AED). Participants also learn how to respond to choking emergencies and assess a scene quickly and safely.

CPR certifications are designed to meet the needs of different audiences. Basic CPR courses are ideal for the general public, caregivers, teachers, and workplace responders, while advanced certifications like BLS, ACLS, and PALS are tailored for healthcare professionals who require more in-depth training. The level of certification determines the complexity of skills taught, the amount of hands-on practice, and the overall training requirements.

How Long Does an Online-Only CPR Class Take?

The length of an online CPR class depends on the course type and how much material is covered. Basic CPR courses tend to be shorter, while advanced certifications such as ACLS and PALS take longer due to more detailed content. Online courses allow learners to complete theory at their own pace, which can affect total completion time.

Online Basic CPR Courses

Online Basic CPR courses are designed for the general public, including caregivers, teachers, coaches, workplace responders, childcare providers, fitness instructors, and anyone interested in emergency preparedness. These courses cover essential life-saving skills such as adult, child, and infant CPR, choking response, and proper AED use. The online format makes the material accessible while maintaining a structured learning experience.

Because online CPR training is self-paced, it is especially well-suited for individuals with busy schedules who may not be able to attend in-person classes. A basic online CPR course that focuses only on core skills can usually be completed in two hours or less. When additional components such as AED instruction, First Aid training, or skills testing are included, the overall time commitment increases, still the flexibility of online learning allows participants to complete the coursework at their convenience.

How Long Does a Blended CPR Class Take?

Blended CPR classes offer a flexible training option by combining online coursework with in-person skills practice. This format allows learners to complete the theoretical portion at their own pace while still meeting hands-on skill and evaluation requirements. Blended learning is commonly used for both basic and advanced CPR certifications and is ideal for those who want flexibility without sacrificing practical training.

Blended Basic CPR Courses

Blended basic CPR courses combine online learning with in-person skills practice. The online portion generally takes 1–2 hours, followed by 1–2 hours of hands-on skills training. Altogether, blended Basic CPR courses are usually completed within 2–4 hours. Courses that include more topics, like AED and first aid, typically require more time.

Blended Basic Life Support (BLS)

Blended BLS courses pair 1–2 hours of online HeartCode BLS training with 1–2 hours of in-person skills evaluation. This results in a total completion time of approximately 2–4 hours, depending on the learner and training provider.

Blended Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Blended ACLS courses include an online HeartCode ACLS component and an in-person hands-on session. The time required for the online module varies based on prior experience. The in-person skills session generally lasts 6.75–7.75 hours, including breaks.

Blended Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Blended PALS training combines an online HeartCode PALS module with an in-person skills session. The online portion varies by learner experience, while the hands-on session typically takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes, excluding optional lessons.

How Long Does an In-Person CPR Class Take?

In-person CPR classes provide structured, instructor-led training with hands-on practice and real-time feedback. This format is often preferred by learners who want direct guidance, skill demonstrations, and supervised practice using manikins and AED trainers. Because in-person courses include skills assessments and scenario-based learning, they typically take longer than online-only options.

In-Person Basic CPR Courses

Most in-person Basic CPR classes that do not include First Aid fall within the 2–4 hour range. These sessions allow ample time for instructor guidance, hands-on practice, and skill assessment. As additional learning components-such as pediatric CPR, AED training, or First Aid-are added, the overall class duration increases to accommodate the expanded content and practice time.

Typical durations include:

• Adult CPR/AED (general public): 2–3 hours
• Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED: 3.5–4 hours
• First Aid + CPR/AED: 4–6 hours

In-Person Basic Life Support (BLS)

In-person BLS courses generally last around 4.5 hours, including breaks, skills practice, and testing. The exact duration may vary depending on the training provider and the amount of time dedicated to hands-on scenarios.

In-Person Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

In-person ACLS courses typically require 13.25–16.5 hours, including breaks.

• ACLS courses without video prework take 15.5 hours to 16.5 hours.
• ACLS course with video prework can take between 13.25 and 14.25 hours.

These classes focus heavily on scenario-based simulations and hands-on practice to prepare participants for real-world cardiac emergencies.

In-Person Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

In-person PALS classes usually last 12.5 hours, including breaks, or approximately 11 hours and 40 minutes without breaks. The actual duration can vary based on factors such as class size, instructor-to-student ratio, and equipment availability.

What Determines CPR Certification Duration?

The total time required to complete CPR training depends on several practical factors, including the course level, learning format, prior experience, and specific certification requirements. Understanding these factors helps learners choose the right course and set realistic expectations before enrolling.

Here are some of the factors that influence CPR certification duration:

1. Type of CPR Course

The specific CPR course selected has the greatest impact on overall duration. Basic CPR courses for the general public focus on essential life-saving skills such as chest compressions, rescue breaths, choking response, and AED use, allowing them to be completed in a shorter timeframe.

Courses that include both adult and pediatric CPR require additional instruction and practice, increasing total training time. Advanced certifications, such as BLS, ACLS, and PALS, are designed for healthcare professionals and involve more in-depth content, multi-rescuer scenarios, and formal skills assessments, which naturally extend the length of the course.

2. Training Format

The format of CPR training significantly influences how long certification takes. Online CPR courses focus on theoretical instruction, videos, and knowledge-based assessments, which can often be completed more quickly and at the learner’s own pace.

In-person CPR classes require live instructor guidance, hands-on practice, and skill evaluations using manikins and AED trainers. While these sessions take longer, they provide valuable real-world practice. Blended CPR courses combine both formats, balancing flexible online learning with required in-person skills testing, resulting in a moderate overall time commitment.

3. Learning Experience

The learning experience can directly affect how long it takes to complete CPR certification, as participants with limited or no prior exposure to CPR often need more time for instruction and hands-on practice to build proper technique and confidence. This may include additional time practicing adult, child, and infant CPR skills and becoming familiar with AED use. In contrast, individuals with previous CPR training or those completing a renewal course typically move through the material more efficiently because they already understand the core concepts, making overall completion time shorter.

4. Employer or Regulatory Requirements

Workplace policies and regulatory standards can also affect CPR certification duration. Healthcare facilities, childcare centers, schools, and OSHA-regulated environments often require more comprehensive training. These programs may include First Aid, AED instruction, and scenario-based evaluations, extending the total course length compared to standard community CPR classes.

5. Skills Practice and Testing Requirements

The amount of hands-on skills practice and formal testing included in a course can significantly influence how long certification takes. Courses that require individual skills verification, scenario-based assessments, or team-based simulations typically need more class time to ensure every participant demonstrates competency.

6. Class Size

Class size plays a role in overall training duration as well. Larger classes may require additional time to ensure every participant receives adequate instruction, hands-on practice, and skills evaluation. Smaller class sizes often allow for faster skills testing and more personalized feedback, although instructors may still dedicate extra time to reinforce skill mastery and proper technique.

How Long is CPR Certification Valid For?

CPR certification is typically valid for two years. This standard applies to certifications issued by major training organizations such as the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.

The two-year validity period exists because CPR skills are perishable and medical guidelines evolve. Without regular practice, even trained individuals can lose compression accuracy, timing, and confidence.

Why CPR Certification Must Be Renewed

After two years:

• Skill quality can decline, especially in compression depth and rate
• Guidelines may be updated based on new resuscitation research
• Employers and regulators require renewal to ensure compliance and safety

Renewing your CPR certification before it expires helps maintain muscle memory, reinforces correct techniques, and ensures you are following the most current, evidence-based life-saving protocols.

How Long Is a CPR Renewal Class?

AHA Basic CPR and First Aid renewal classes typically take 2 to 4 hours, depending on the certification level and training provider. CPR certification renewals are often completed in a single session, making them an efficient way to stay compliant and confident for medical emergencies. For healthcare providers renewing AHA certifications, the time commitment varies by course type: a BLS renewal course (instructor-led) typically runs around 4 hours, including skills practice and testing, based on data from the American Heart Association (AHA).

Advanced renewal courses for healthcare professionals generally take longer. AHA‘s ACLS update courses (renewal) are structured to review advanced cardiac care and team dynamics and commonly run in the 8–9 hour range for classroom renewal formats. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) update or renewal courses at AHA training centers are also designed to refresh critical pediatric emergency skills and typically require 6–8 hours to complete, reflecting the depth of content and hands-on practice needed.

Why CPR Renewal Classes Take Less Time

CPR renewal class takes less time because participants already have prior CPR knowledge and hands-on experience. Instead of teaching fundamentals from scratch, the focus is on refreshing technique and confirming competency. These courses usually:

• Review the latest CPR and emergency care guidelines
• Refresh muscle memory for chest compressions, rescue breaths, and AED use
• Verify hands-on skills to ensure continued competency

Conclusion: Getting CPR Certified Is Faster Than You Think

Getting CPR certified does not require a large time commitment; most basic CPR courses can be completed in just a few hours, while advanced certifications like BLS, ACLS, and PALS take longer due to their clinical depth and hands-on requirements. Whether you choose online, blended, in-person, or renewal training, CPR certification is designed to be efficient, flexible, and accessible for both the general public and healthcare professionals.

If you’re ready to get certified without disrupting your schedule, CPR Lifeline offers trusted, streamlined CPR, First Aid, BLS, ACLS, and PALS courses that meet American Heart Association (AHA) standards. With flexible learning options, same-day certification, and courses built for busy individuals and professionals, CPR Lifeline makes it easy to gain life-saving skills with confidence. Enroll today and take the first step toward being prepared when it matters most.