BLS certification lasts two years. Both the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross issue cards valid for a 24-month period, and most other training organizations follow the same standard. Your card stays valid through the end of the month it was originally issued, so a certification earned any time in March 2025 won’t expire until March 31, 2027.
Why Certification Expires After Two Years
The two-year cycle isn’t arbitrary. CPR guidelines are updated regularly as resuscitation science evolves, and skills like chest compressions and rescue breathing degrade faster than most people expect. Studies on CPR retention consistently show that technique quality drops significantly within months of training, not years. The two-year window balances practical scheduling with the reality that providers need periodic hands-on practice to keep their skills sharp enough to matter in an emergency.
How to Check Your Expiration Date
Your expiration date is printed on your physical card or available through your digital eCard. If you received an eCard from the American Heart Association, you can log into your AHA account to view it. Employers can also verify your certification status online by entering the eCard code on the AHA’s eCards Search page.
If you’ve misplaced your card and can’t remember your exact issue date, contact the training center where you took the course. They maintain records and can confirm your certification dates.
Renewal vs. Full Course
When your certification is approaching its expiration, you have two options: a renewal course or a full course. The renewal course is shorter, running about 4 hours compared to roughly 4.5 hours for the full initial course. Both include hands-on skills practice and a skills test. The time savings with renewal is modest, but the course is specifically designed for people who already have a foundation and just need to refresh and update their knowledge.
To take the renewal course, you typically need a current or recently expired certification. If your card has been expired for an extended period, you’ll likely need to retake the full BLS provider course. Policies on exactly how long after expiration you can still qualify for renewal vary by training center, so it’s worth checking with yours before signing up.
What Happens If Your Certification Lapses
The American Heart Association does not offer a formal grace period. Once your card’s expiration month passes, you are no longer certified. For healthcare workers, this can have immediate professional consequences. Most hospitals, clinics, and EMS agencies require active BLS certification as a condition of employment. Some employers build in reminders or schedule group renewals, but the responsibility to stay current ultimately falls on you.
If your certification does lapse, you don’t lose credit for your previous training permanently. You simply need to complete a course again, whether that’s a renewal (if you’re still within the eligible window) or a full course. There’s no penalty beyond the cost and time of retaking it.
Tips for Staying on Schedule
The easiest way to avoid a lapse is to set a calendar reminder a few months before your expiration date. Renewal courses can fill up, especially in areas with large healthcare workforces, so booking early gives you more flexibility with scheduling. Many providers now offer blended learning options where you complete the classroom portion online and then attend a shorter in-person skills session, which can be easier to fit into a busy schedule.
Some employers cover the cost of recertification or offer on-site courses. If you work in healthcare, check with your HR department or education coordinator before paying out of pocket. Group renewals through your workplace are often the most convenient and least expensive option.