How to Become CPR Certified

Becoming certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is very beneficial. CPR saves lives and is easy to learn, and is easy to be certified in. Countries that have dedicated heart and health associations (such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and Red Cross) host many different types of seminars and classes for your convenience. This skill may be essential in certain careers, such as childcare, healthcare, and occupational therapy and it is a helpful skill to have.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Gathering Information About CPR Certification

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1
Identify reasons to get certified. There are many reasons to get certified in CPR. Some of the most important ones include:
- You can save lives - it teaches you to be aware of your surroundings and recognize signs of cardiac arrest and other debilitating situations.
- You are better equipped to assist others in need. Studies have shown that CPR certified individuals are more likely to lend a hand in time of need.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- It looks good on a resume or an education application. CPR certification can be handy in a number of jobs such as childcare, education, food services, sports coaching, and elder care.
- It gives you peace of mind knowing you are prepared to help others in need.
2
Prepare questions to ask certification providers. There are a few frequently asked questions you should ask your certification organization to make sure you are getting the most out of the course.^{[2]XResearch source} These questions include:
- Do I receive a CPR card after completing this class? This demonstrates that you have finished a certified course.
- Do I get hands-on-training in this class? While you can complete this certification online, it might be best to practice these skills in a classroom.
- Is my instructor certified to teach CPR certification? You want to make sure your instructor is legally able to teach the class!
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3
Meet age requirements. Almost everyone is eligible to take a CPR class. If you are able to pay the course fee and able to perform the duties necessary, you can become certified to save lives.
- It is suggested that cards can be provided to children as young as 10 years old.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Learning the CAB (Compression, Airway, Breathing) acronym

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1
Learn to do compressions. This is designed to restore blood flow. In a CPR course, your trainer will teach you to properly do chest compressions on adults and infants. You will learn:
- Put the victim on his back.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Kneel at the victim’s side.
- Put the heel of your hand in the proper position on the victim’s chest (between the nipples). Stack you hands on top of one another. Keep your elbows straight and your shoulders squared and directly above your hands.
- Use your upper body weight and press straight down. Push hard at about 100 compressions per minute.
2
Understand how to clear an airway. After chest compressions, you should learn how to clear a person’s airway. Generally, you do this by the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. To do this:^{[4]XResearch source}
- Gently lift the victim’s forehead with your palm. Then, gently tilt the head back.
- With your other hand, tilt the chin forward.
- Check for normal breathing and look for chest motion.
- Begin mouth-to-mouth breathing if the victim is gasping or not breathing normally.
3
Focus on breathing. In your CPR course, you will learn how to properly give mouth-to-mouth breathing. To do this:
- After the victim’s airway is clear (using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver), pinch his nostrils closed.
- Cover the victim’s mouth with your own to create a seal.
- Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Give a one-second breath and watch to see if the chest rises. If it does, give the second breath.
- If the chest doesn’t rise, repeat the airway clearing maneuver (head-tilt and chin lift) and try again.
- After giving rescue breaths, give thirty chest compressions.
- Continue CPR movements until there are signs of movement or medical personnel arrive.
4
Put people in recovery position. A recovery position is designed to keep the victim’s airway open.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source} This will also ensure that the victim will not choke from fluids or vomit. In a CPR class, you will learn to:
- Get down on the ground near the victim.
- Place the victim’s arm, the one nearest to you, at a right angle toward his head.
- Tuck the victim’s other arm up toward his head so that the back of his hand is touching his cheek.
- Bend his knee, the one furthest from you, in a right angle.
- Carefully roll him on his side by pulling his bent knee. At this point, his arm should be cushioning his head.
- Tilt his head back slightly; this will ensure his airway is open.
- Stay with the person and monitor his condition.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Passing a Certification Course

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1
Expect the course to take a few hours. In general, a basic CPR course takes around three hours to complete. These courses might run longer or shorter depending on the audience of the class.^{[6]XResearch source}
- For example, if you are just renewing your CPR certification, it might take less time than a classroom full of new students.
2
Prepare to take a written exam, in some cases. Some certifications, such as the AHA’s BLS course, has a 25 question test that you must get a 84% or higher on to pass.^{[7]XResearch source}
- These questions cover the material covered in your class including how to respond in emergency situations. You can take a pretest on the AHA’s website that might help you prepare.^{[8]XResearch source}
3
Prepare to take a skills check.^{[9]XResearch source}, You will be required to demonstrate that you are able to perform CPR and other lifesaving duties. This may include:
- Checking patient for response.
- Activating emergency response signal.
- Opening airway using chin-tilt method.
- Checking breathing.
- Checking carotid pulse.
- Locating CPR hand position.
- Delivering appropriate CPR compressions.
4
Remember to recertify. Certifications generally last around two years. You will need to retake the course to renew.
- Expiration dates appear at the bottom of your CPR certification card.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Finding Certified Programs

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1
Identify accredited programs. You want to make sure that you will be receiving a certification from an accredited source.^{[10]XResearch source} It is always best to go through a known organization (example: AHA, Red Cross) that specializes in health and safety.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Their websites have detailed information about their programs and certificates.
- Some online programs may try and sell certificates that are not associated with national institutions. Do not pay for programs that promise certifications with no skill checks, or does not provide certificates through the mail.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Sometimes, online programs will promise an instant electronic course card upon completion of a course. Most often, these are fraudulent and should be avoided.
2
Avoid scams. A legitimate company will never try and sell you a product. National organizations warn users about scams that try and sell insurance or other products.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Heart AssociationLeading nonprofit that funds medical research and public educationGo to source} Avoid and be wary of anyone who asks you to:
- Provide financial or personal information such as personal identification numbers, social security numbers, or passwords
- Buy insurance on behalf of the AHA or other national organizations
- Purchase exam answers for certification programs
To become certified, you must pay the fee to take the course. The prices vary. A basic CPR course is about $30.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Enrolling in a CPR Course

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1
Pick a class type. There are, generally, three types of class types you can choose from when going for a certificate: in-person, blended, online. Each has its benefits and shortcomings.
- In-person classrooms offer personalized instruction. Instructors are able to monitor if a student has questions or problems.^{[14]XResearch source} You can more easily practice the needed skills in an actual classroom. However, the downside is that you have to travel to a location.
- Blended-classes offer flexibility of online classes. It also provides hands-on training. These classes are often not asynchronous and are scheduled at specific times, which may limit accessibility.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Online classes are great for flexibility. You can take them at any time and at your own pace. However, they often lack personalized and hands-on training.^{[16]XResearch source}
2
Enroll in an General CPR & AED (automated external defibrillator) course.^{[17]XResearch source} This course is designed for general CPR certification including:
- Techniques for rescue breathing and chest compression.
- Infant, child, and pediatric CPR.
- CPR with an ambulance bag.
- AED use.
- Choking response.
3
Consider a Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification. This is more in depth course taught by certified instructors.^{[18]XResearch source} It is designed for healthcare professionals and caregivers. It includes training on:
- First aid techniques.
- Chest compression and rescue breathing.
- Basic life support for shock, drowning, and drug overdose.
- AED use.
- Dealing with stroke victims.
- Bloodborne pathogen training.
4
Get certified in basic first aid. This is a general class for anyone wanting to learn basic first aid and CPR.^{[19]XResearch source} It includes how to respond to:
- Minor/major bleeding.
- Burns.
- Unconscious victims.
- Fainting/heat stroke victims.
- Bites and stings.
- Allergic reactions.
- Choking.

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Warning

CPR class names are not standardized. The ones listed here are directly from the AHA. Read the description of each course to make sure you are obtaining a certification in the skills you require/desire.