BLS Renewal: Requirements, Skills Test, Cost & What to Expect

If your Basic Life Support certification is approaching its expiration date, you may be wondering what you need to do for BLS renewal.

The good news is that renewing BLS doesn’t have to be complicated.

The goal isn’t simply to get another card. You should leave your BLS renewal prepared to perform these skills during a real emergency.

Is There a BLS Renewal Skills Test?

Yes. BLS renewal includes hands-on skills practice and testing.

The exact experience depends on your course format.

In a traditional instructor-led course, an AHA Instructor guides your training, practice, and skills testing.

HeartCode BLS works differently. You complete the online portion first. You then complete the required hands-on skills session.

AHA also offers self-guided BLS training at approved CPR Verification Stations. These stations provide real-time feedback while you complete your hands-on skills.

Regardless of the format, BLS requires more than simply watching an online course.

Can I Complete BLS Renewal Online?

You can complete part of your BLS renewal online through HeartCode BLS.

HeartCode combines online learning with hands-on skills practice and testing.

You complete the online portion at your own pace. You then complete the hands-on portion with an AHA Instructor or through an approved skills option where available.

This format can work well for nurses, first responders, medical professionals, and students with busy schedules.

How Long Does BLS Renewal Take?

The amount of time depends on the training format.

According to the American Heart Association, an instructor-led BLS Renewal Course takes about four hours, including breaks, skills practice, and testing.

HeartCode BLS works differently. The online portion may take approximately one to two hours. The hands-on portion may take another 60 minutes to two hours, depending on the student’s experience.

Self-guided BLS training can vary based on the learner’s experience and performance.

Experienced healthcare professionals may prefer flexible options that allow them to complete training around their work schedules.

How Much Does BLS Renewal Cost?

BLS renewal cost varies by training provider and course format.

Your total price may depend on whether you choose:

• A traditional instructor-led course
• HeartCode BLS
• A hands-on skills session
• A self-guided BLS option

Before registering, check exactly what the advertised price includes.

For blended learning, determine whether the HeartCode online portion and hands-on skills session are both included in the price. Some providers sell these components separately.

Also confirm that successful completion results in the certification your employer requires.

Do I Need a Current BLS Card to Renew?

Check with the Training Center offering your course and your employer for specific renewal requirements.

If your BLS card has already expired, don’t assume that you have a grace period.

Your employer, hospital, school, or clinical program may require you to maintain current BLS certification.

If your expiration date is approaching, scheduling your BLS renewal early can help prevent a lapse.

How Often Do I Need BLS Renewal?

An AHA BLS Provider Course Completion eCard is valid for two years.

That means most healthcare professionals who must maintain current AHA BLS certification will need to complete training again before their current card expires.

Check the Renew By date on your AHA BLS eCard.

Consider setting a reminder 30 to 60 days before that date. This gives you time to find a convenient course or skills appointment.

What Happens After I Pass My BLS Renewal?

After you successfully complete all required components, you receive an AHA BLS Provider Course Completion eCard.

The card is valid for two years.

You can provide your eCard information to an employer, hospital, school, or credentialing department when they request proof of current BLS training.

Keep your eCard somewhere you can easily access it.

Who Typically Needs BLS Certification?

BLS serves healthcare professionals and trained responders who may provide care during cardiovascular emergencies.

Depending on workplace or school requirements, this may include:

• Nurses and nursing students
• Physicians
• EMTs and paramedics
• Medical assistants
• Dental professionals
• Respiratory therapists
• Allied health professionals
• Other healthcare personnel

Always check your employer or school’s requirements before choosing a course.

BLS Renewal in Florida

Finish Strong CPR & Medical Training provides American Heart Association BLS renewal and certification options for healthcare professionals.

Our flexible training options help busy healthcare professionals complete their certification without waiting weeks for a traditional classroom course.

Whether you’re renewing for work, school, clinicals, or credentialing, make sure you choose the BLS training format that meets your requirements.

Ready for BLS renewal?

Schedule your AHA BLS training with Finish Strong CPR & Medical Training.

Finish Strong CPR & Medical Training
Confident Teams. Compliant Workplaces.

Frequently Asked Questions About BLS Renewal

What do I have to do to renew my BLS?

You must successfully complete the required BLS course components and hands-on skills testing. The process depends on whether you choose classroom, blended, or self-guided training.

Is there a test for BLS renewal?

BLS training includes skills testing. Your course format determines how you complete the learning, practice, and testing components.

Can I renew my BLS completely online?

HeartCode BLS allows you to complete the learning portion online. You must also complete the required hands-on skills portion to earn your BLS Provider eCard.

How much does BLS renewal cost?

BLS renewal prices vary by provider and training format. Check whether the listed price includes the online course, hands-on skills session, and other required components.

How long does BLS renewal take?

AHA lists approximately four hours for its instructor-led BLS Renewal Course. HeartCode BLS includes an online portion that may take one to two hours, followed by a hands-on session that may take 60 minutes to two hours.

How long is my new BLS card valid?

After successful completion, your AHA BLS Provider eCard is valid for two years.

American Heart Association (AHA) BLS training includes CPR, AED use, and other lifesaving skills for healthcare professionals. Depending on the training format you choose, you may complete your BLS renewal in a classroom or through a blended or self-guided option.

Here’s what to expect from the BLS renewal process, including requirements, skills testing, cost, and certification.

What Is Required for BLS Renewal?

To renew your BLS certification, you must successfully complete the required course components and demonstrate your BLS skills.

AHA offers several ways to complete BLS training:

• Instructor-led classroom training
• HeartCode® BLS blended learning
• Self-guided learning at an approved CPR Verification Station™

The best option depends on your schedule, employer requirements, and preferred way to learn.

Before registering, confirm that your employer or school requires American Heart Association BLS.

What Skills Are Tested During BLS Renewal?

BLS training focuses on the skills healthcare professionals need to respond to cardiac and respiratory emergencies.

Your training may cover skills such as:

• High-quality CPR
• Adult CPR
• Child CPR
• Infant CPR
• AED use
• Ventilations
• Recognition of cardiac arrest
• Team-based resuscitation
• Relief of foreign-body airway obstruction

You will need to demonstrate the required skills successfully before completing your course.

The goal isn’t simply to get another card. You should leave your BLS renewal prepared to perform these skills during a real emergency.

Is There a BLS Renewal Skills Test?

Yes. BLS renewal includes hands-on skills practice and testing.

The exact experience depends on your course format.

In a traditional instructor-led course, an AHA Instructor guides your training, practice, and skills testing.

HeartCode BLS works differently. You complete the online portion first. You then complete the required hands-on skills session.

AHA also offers self-guided BLS training at approved CPR Verification Stations. These stations provide real-time feedback while you complete your hands-on skills.

Regardless of the format, BLS requires more than simply watching an online course.

Can I Complete BLS Renewal Online?

You can complete part of your BLS renewal online through HeartCode BLS.

HeartCode combines online learning with hands-on skills practice and testing.

You complete the online portion at your own pace. You then complete the hands-on portion with an AHA Instructor or through an approved skills option where available.

This format can work well for nurses, first responders, medical professionals, and students with busy schedules.

How Long Does BLS Renewal Take?

The amount of time depends on the training format.

According to the American Heart Association, an instructor-led BLS Renewal Course takes about four hours, including breaks, skills practice, and testing.

HeartCode BLS works differently. The online portion may take approximately one to two hours. The hands-on portion may take another 60 minutes to two hours, depending on the student’s experience.

Self-guided BLS training can vary based on the learner’s experience and performance.

Experienced healthcare professionals may prefer flexible options that allow them to complete training around their work schedules.

How Much Does BLS Renewal Cost?

BLS renewal cost varies by training provider and course format.

Your total price may depend on whether you choose:

• A traditional instructor-led course
• HeartCode BLS
• A hands-on skills session
• A self-guided BLS option

Before registering, check exactly what the advertised price includes.

For blended learning, determine whether the HeartCode online portion and hands-on skills session are both included in the price. Some providers sell these components separately.

Also confirm that successful completion results in the certification your employer requires.

Do I Need a Current BLS Card to Renew?

Check with the Training Center offering your course and your employer for specific renewal requirements.

If your BLS card has already expired, don’t assume that you have a grace period.

Your employer, hospital, school, or clinical program may require you to maintain current BLS certification.

If your expiration date is approaching, scheduling your BLS renewal early can help prevent a lapse.

How Often Do I Need BLS Renewal?

An AHA BLS Provider Course Completion eCard is valid for two years.

That means most healthcare professionals who must maintain current AHA BLS certification will need to complete training again before their current card expires.

Check the Renew By date on your AHA BLS eCard.

Consider setting a reminder 30 to 60 days before that date. This gives you time to find a convenient course or skills appointment.

What Happens After I Pass My BLS Renewal?

After you successfully complete all required components, you receive an AHA BLS Provider Course Completion eCard.

The card is valid for two years.

You can provide your eCard information to an employer, hospital, school, or credentialing department when they request proof of current BLS training.

Keep your eCard somewhere you can easily access it.

Who Typically Needs BLS Certification?

BLS serves healthcare professionals and trained responders who may provide care during cardiovascular emergencies.

Depending on workplace or school requirements, this may include:

• Nurses and nursing students
• Physicians
• EMTs and paramedics
• Medical assistants
• Dental professionals
• Respiratory therapists
• Allied health professionals
• Other healthcare personnel

Always check your employer or school’s requirements before choosing a course.

BLS Renewal in Florida

Finish Strong CPR & Medical Training provides American Heart Association BLS renewal and certification options for healthcare professionals.

Our flexible training options help busy healthcare professionals complete their certification without waiting weeks for a traditional classroom course.

Whether you’re renewing for work, school, clinicals, or credentialing, make sure you choose the BLS training format that meets your requirements.

Ready for BLS renewal?

Schedule your AHA BLS training with Finish Strong CPR & Medical Training.

Finish Strong CPR & Medical Training
Confident Teams. Compliant Workplaces.

Frequently Asked Questions About BLS Renewal

What do I have to do to renew my BLS?

You must successfully complete the required BLS course components and hands-on skills testing. The process depends on whether you choose classroom, blended, or self-guided training.

Is there a test for BLS renewal?

BLS training includes skills testing. Your course format determines how you complete the learning, practice, and testing components.

Can I renew my BLS completely online?

HeartCode BLS allows you to complete the learning portion online. You must also complete the required hands-on skills portion to earn your BLS Provider eCard.

How much does BLS renewal cost?

BLS renewal prices vary by provider and training format. Check whether the listed price includes the online course, hands-on skills session, and other required components.

How long does BLS renewal take?

AHA lists approximately four hours for its instructor-led BLS Renewal Course. HeartCode BLS includes an online portion that may take one to two hours, followed by a hands-on session that may take 60 minutes to two hours.

How long is my new BLS card valid?

After successful completion, your AHA BLS Provider eCard is valid for two years.