The American Red Cross runs the most widely recognized CPR certification program in the United States

The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that trains and certifies people in CPR, first aid, and related emergency skills. Their CPR courses teach chest compressions, rescue breathing, and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Red Cross certification is accepted by most employers, healthcare facilities, and schools as proof that you know how to perform CPR on adults, children, or infants.

The Red Cross does not issue the only CPR certification — the American Heart Association and other organizations also certify — but Red Cross courses are widely available and their cards are recognized across industries. A Red Cross CPR certification typically lasts two years before renewal is required.

Key Takeaways

  • The American Red Cross offers CPR courses for adults, children, and infants, with separate classes for healthcare providers and the general public.
  • Red Cross CPR certification is valid for two years and requires renewal through either a full course or a shorter renewal class.
  • You can take Red Cross CPR training in person at local chapters or online through blended courses that combine video instruction with an in-person skills test.
  • The cost of Red Cross CPR certification varies by location and course type, typically ranging from $50 to $150 for a single course.
  • Red Cross certification is accepted by hospitals, schools, childcare centers, and most employers as proof of current CPR training.

Types of Red Cross CPR courses and who they are designed for

The American Red Cross offers several CPR course levels. The most common is CPR/AED for the American Red Cross, a course for anyone with no medical training who might need to perform CPR in an emergency. This course covers adult CPR, child CPR, infant CPR, and AED use in a single class, usually lasting three to four hours.

Healthcare providers — nurses, paramedics, physicians, and other medical staff — take CPR for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers, which goes deeper into technique, covers two-rescuer CPR, and includes scenarios specific to medical settings. This course is longer and more detailed than the standard version.

The Red Cross also offers Pediatric First Aid and CPR, which combines CPR training with first aid for injuries and illnesses in children. This course is common for childcare workers, teachers, and parents. Some employers or facilities may require one course type over another, so check what your workplace or school asks for before you register.

How to find and register for a Red Cross CPR course

The American Red Cross operates through local chapters in most U.S. cities and counties. To find a course near you, visit the Red Cross website and enter your zip code into their course search tool. The search shows available classes, dates, times, locations, and the instructor's name.

You can register online directly through the Red Cross website or by calling your local chapter. Some chapters allow walk-in registration on the day of class, but registering in advance is more reliable because classes fill up. When you register, you will need to provide your name, contact information, and date of birth. You do not need any prior training or experience to register for a standard CPR course.

The Red Cross also partners with hospitals, schools, workplaces, and community centers to offer on-site training. If your employer or school offers Red Cross CPR training, you can often register through them instead of finding an independent class.

In-person versus blended online courses

Red Cross CPR training is offered in two formats. In-person classes meet at a physical location — usually a Red Cross chapter, hospital, fire station, or community center — for the full course duration. An instructor teaches CPR technique, demonstrates on a mannequin, and watches you practice compressions and rescue breathing before you are tested.

Blended courses combine online video instruction with an in-person skills session. You watch the instructional videos at home on your own schedule, then attend a shorter in-person appointment (usually one to two hours) where an instructor observes your CPR technique, answers questions, and administers the skills test. Blended courses are faster overall but require you to complete the online portion before your in-person session.

Both formats result in the same Red Cross certification card. The choice between them depends on your schedule and whether you prefer learning in a classroom or at home. Blended courses are not available in all locations, so check what your local chapter offers.

What happens during a Red Cross CPR class

A typical in-person Red Cross CPR class begins with an overview of when CPR is needed and how to recognize cardiac arrest. The instructor then demonstrates proper hand placement, compression depth, compression rate, and rescue breathing technique on a mannequin. You practice these skills on the mannequin yourself, usually with feedback from the instructor or other participants.

The class covers AED use, including when to use one, how to turn it on, and what to do if the person regains consciousness. Most classes include a scenario or practice drill where you respond to a simulated emergency. Toward the end of class, you take a written test (usually multiple choice) and a skills test where the instructor watches you perform CPR on a mannequin and checks that your technique meets Red Cross standards.

If you pass both tests, you receive your Red Cross CPR certification card at the end of class or within a few days. If you do not pass, most instructors allow you to retake the test or attend another class at no additional cost.

Cost and what to bring to class

The cost of Red Cross CPR certification varies by location and course type. A standard CPR/AED course for the general public typically costs between $50 and $150. Healthcare provider courses cost more, usually $100 to $200. Some chapters offer discounts for students, seniors, or people registering multiple people from the same organization.

When you arrive at class, bring a photo ID and your registration confirmation (if you registered online). Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move your arms freely, since you will be practicing compressions. Most classes provide mannequins and all training materials. You do not need to bring anything else.

If you are taking a blended course, you will need a device with internet access to watch the online videos before your in-person session. The Red Cross provides the video link when you register.

Renewing your Red Cross CPR certification

Red Cross CPR certification is valid for two years from the date you pass the course. Before your card expires, you can renew through either a full CPR course or a shorter renewal class. A CPR renewal course typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes and covers updates to CPR guidelines, a brief skills review, and another skills test. Renewal courses are faster and usually cost less than a full course — typically $30 to $75.

You must renew before your card expires. If your card has already expired, you will need to take a full CPR course again rather than a renewal class. The Red Cross website and your local chapter can tell you when your card expires and what renewal options are available in your area.

How Red Cross certification is recognized by employers and institutions

Red Cross CPR certification is accepted by hospitals, emergency medical services, schools, childcare centers, fitness facilities, and most other employers as proof of current CPR training. Many jobs that require CPR — such as nursing, teaching, lifeguarding, or personal training — specifically accept Red Cross certification, though some employers also accept certification from the American Heart Association or other organizations.

When you explore for a job that requires CPR, bring your certification card or a digital copy. Some employers ask to see the card before hiring; others verify your certification through the Red Cross database. Your certification card includes your name, the course type, the date you completed it, and the expiration date.

If you lose your card, you can request a replacement from the Red Cross. Contact your local chapter or the Red Cross website to order a duplicate card, which usually arrives within one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need CPR certification to take a Red Cross CPR course?

No. Red Cross CPR courses are open to anyone with no prior training or experience. If you already have CPR certification from another organization, you can still take a Red Cross course, but you do not have to.

What is the difference between Red Cross and American Heart Association CPR certification?

Both organizations teach CPR using similar techniques and both certifications are widely recognized. The main differences are in course structure, cost, and availability in your area. Most employers accept either certification. Check with your employer or school to see if they have a preference.

Can I take a Red Cross CPR course if I am pregnant or have a medical condition?

Most people can take CPR training safely. If you have a medical condition or are pregnant, tell the instructor before class starts. They can modify the practice drills or suggest alternatives so you can still learn without risk to your health.

What if I fail the skills test during my Red Cross CPR course?

Most Red Cross instructors allow you to retake the skills test when ready or at another scheduled time at no extra cost. If you do not pass on the second attempt, you can attend another full course. Talk to your instructor about what options are available.

Can I take a Red Cross CPR course online without an in-person component?

No. Red Cross CPR certification requires an in-person skills test where an instructor watches you perform CPR on a mannequin. Blended courses allow you to watch videos online, but you must attend an in-person session to be certified. Fully online CPR courses do not result in Red Cross certification.