How much does CPR certification cost?
How much does CPR certification cost?
$15 – $55 cost for Basic CPR certification
$60 – $140 cost for CPR with First Aid combination
CPR certification cost
A CPR class costs $15 to $55 for Basic CPR with AED training and certification. The cost of a CPR class including First Aid is $60 to $140. CPR training courses for healthcare providers cost $60 to $300, depending on the certifications required for their job or licensure.
| Course | Average cost | Designed for |
|---|---|---|
| Basic CPR with AED | $15 – $55 | Nannies, teachers, coaches, bus drivers, tour guides, spa workers |
| Pediatric CPR | $25 – $40 | Babysitters, daycare workers, nannies, teachers, parents |
| CPR & First Aid Combo | $60 – $140 | Anyone with limited medical training who wants to respond to emergencies |
| Basic Life Support (BLS) | $60 – $80 | Nurses, EMTs, paramedics, and others working in healthcare settings |
| Advanced Life Support (ALS) | $125 – $300 | Healthcare providers who need specialized skills in managing cardiac arrest and other life-threatening emergencies |
Basic CPR with AED course
The Basic CPR with AED course costs $15 to $55 on average and is the most popular CPR certification. This course teaches how to recognize and care for various first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies in adults, children, and infants using CPR and an AED device.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) involves manually compressing the chest of an unconscious victim to stimulate blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs. CPR is used when a person experiences sudden cardiac arrest, helping to prevent organ damage and brain injury until the heart can be restarted.
Automated external defibrillator (AED) training involves learning to use portable AED devices to restore the heart’s normal rhythm with electrical shock. You can find these life-saving devices in most schools, gyms, grocery stores, shopping malls, airports, and office buildings.
In an emergency, locating an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) promptly can be crucial. Apps like PulsePoint or Staying Alive can help you locate nearby AEDs, which you'll always find in a white cabinet with red lettering.
Other CPR courses
In addition to Basic CPR, other training courses range in price from $25 to $300 and include:
Pediatric CPR: This course costs $25 to $40 and focuses on CPR techniques specifically for infants and children. This course is recommended for parents, caregivers, and anyone who works with children.
CPR with First Aid: This course costs $60 to $140 and combines CPR training with Basic first aid skills. Topics include how to respond to various medical emergencies, such as bleeding, burns, fractures, and sudden illnesses.
Basic Life Support (BLS): This certification costs $60 to $80 and is mandatory for healthcare professionals like nurses and medical personnel. It focuses on administering adult, child, and infant CPR and aiding choking victims, and emphasizes the importance of a breathing barrier.
Advanced Life Support (ALS): This certification is required by first responders, intensive care nurses, and trauma center staff. The course costs $125 to $300 and is more advanced than BLS, covering topics like Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and other specialized areas in emergency medical care.
Many healthcare facilities and other employers cover the cost of initial CPR certification and recertifications for their staff. Check with your employer to see if they will cover your costs.
CPR training cost by provider
CPR training costs $15 to $140 on average, depending on the provider and course you choose. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC) are the biggest names in CPR certification, offering standardized curriculum and hands-on training. Private companies offer flexible classes and locations but quality can vary among providers.
| Agency | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| American Heart Association (AHA) | $35 – $140 |
| American Red Cross (ARC) | $37 – $125 |
| Private companies | $15 – $40+ |
*Basic CPR / AED and combo courses with First Aid
American Heart Association
The American Heart Association (AHA) offers CPR and First Aid courses ranging from $0 to $285, with certifications valid for 2 years. The AHA sets the CPR guidelines used by all other organizations, and their guidelines are based on the latest scientific research and advancements in resuscitation techniques.
The AHA is the industry standard for CPR, preferred by most healthcare professions due to its comprehensive curriculum tailored to the specific needs of healthcare settings.
| Courses available | Average course cost | Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Heartsaver First aid | $0 – $75 | General public |
| Heartsaver CPR / AED | $35 – $95 | General public |
| Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED | $60 – $140 | General public |
| Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED | $75 – $90 | General public |
| Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification | $80 – $88 | Healthcare professionals |
| Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) | $185 – $235 | Healthcare professionals |
| Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) | $195 – $285 | Healthcare professionals |
American Red Cross
The cost of American Red Cross CPR classes is $65 to $300 on average, depending on the certification course you choose. Online courses without skills sessions cost less but may not meet employment requirements. The ARC also offers First Aid and Pet First Aid courses for $25 to $40.
The ARC teaches life-saving skills through hands-on practice and real-life simulations based on the latest AHA guidelines. Most employers and healthcare facilities recognize ARC certifications, which are valid for 2 years. Additionally, the Red Cross offers many of its courses in an online format for the general public.
| Courses available | Online course cost* | Certification course cost |
|---|---|---|
| First Aid | $37 | N/A |
| Cat and Dog First Aid | $25 | N/A |
| Adult and Pediatric CPR w/ AED | $37 | $70 – $90 |
| Adult First Aid/CPR/AED | $37 | $89 – $125 |
| Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED | $37 | $70 – $82 |
| BLS / CPR for healthcare providers | N/A | $65 – $100 |
| ALS/ PALS | N/A | $287 – $299 |
| CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers | N/A | $99 – $175 |
| Skills Session only | N/A | $42 – $82 |
*Online-only course; No corresponding skills session for certification.
Private organizations
Private companies charge between $15 and $40 for CPR certification and frequently offer more course options and flexible scheduling than some traditional providers. However, the price and quality vary depending on the company and instructor.
| Agency | Average course cost |
|---|---|
| National CPR Foundation | Free – $12.95 |
| American CPR Care Association | $15 – $37 |
| American Health Care Academy | $15 – $35 |
| CPR select | $20 – $35 |
| CPR Training School | $60 – $80 |
| ProMed | $35 – $40 |
| Response Institute | $50 – $75 |
Make sure the private company you choose is an Authorized Training Center of either the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) to ensure your certification is valid.
FAQs about CPR certification
How long does CPR certification last?
CPR certifications through the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are valid for 2 years.
How long is a CPR class?
A Basic CPR certification class lasts between 2 to 4 hours. Classes that combine CPR and First Aid training last from 4 to 8 hours. Online CPR courses without skills training last 4 hours but separate in-person skills testing may be required for employment purposes.
Are CPR classes free?
Some CPR classes are free, like those held at community centers and fire departments or through online platforms such as the National CPR Foundation. Occasionally, the American Red Cross and American Heart Association run special event programs with free CPR training.
Where can I take a CPR class?
You can take CPR classes online or in person through non-profit organizations like the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. Additionally, numerous private organizations offer online CPR courses. Be sure the company you choose is an AHA or AHSI-authorized training center.
Can you take a CPR class online?
Yes, you can take CPR classes online through organizations like the American Red Cross and the National CPR Foundation. While online CPR classes do not provide the opportunity to demonstrate skill proficiency to a certified instructor, they offer flexibility and accessibility for individuals seeking to learn life-saving skills.
What to look for in a CPR class
Before enrolling in a CPR class, consider these factors to ensure you receive the most effective training:
Choose a CPR class that meets your specific requirements, whether related to your job, caring for children, or personal interest.
Ensure the class provides hands-on training with advanced manikins that offer realistic feedback on your technique, including chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Look for classes that cover the most up-to-date CPR guidelines, including adult, child, and infant CPR techniques.
Consider the certification process offered by the class and whether it provides a course completion card or digital certificate that meets workplace safety requirements.
Evaluate the training methods available, such as in-person classes with instructors, online self-paced courses, or blended learning combining online modules with hands-on sessions.
Look for courses that suit your budget, location, and schedule.
Questions to ask a CPR instructor
Ask your CPR instructor these questions to gain valuable insights into their expertise, teaching approach, and the effectiveness of the training they provide:
Are you familiar with the latest CPR guidelines from the AHA?
How do you plan your classes?
How many students are in each class?
What experience do you have working with groups?
Do you provide written materials along with firsthand practice?
Do you use advanced manikins to provide realistic feedback?
Will I get my certification card at the end of class, or will you mail it later?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.