A CPR class is mostly hands-on practice on rubber mannequins, with some instruction mixed in. You’ll spend a few hours learning how to perform chest compressions, give rescue breaths, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Most people walk out certified the same day. Here’s what the experience actually looks like from start to finish.
How Long the Class Takes
Most in-person CPR classes run between two and four hours, depending on the provider and what the course covers. A basic CPR and AED course sits on the shorter end. A BLS (Basic Life Support) course, which healthcare workers typically need, runs closer to the longer end because it covers additional scenarios like two-person rescue teams.
Some organizations offer blended learning, where you complete the lecture portion online at your own pace and then attend a shorter in-person skills session. The hands-on portion still takes a couple of hours either way, since you need to physically demonstrate the skills to get certified.
What You Learn First
Classes typically start with a brief overview of how cardiac arrest works and why bystander CPR matters so much. The instructor covers how to recognize when someone needs CPR (they’re unresponsive and not breathing normally) and what to do in those first critical seconds: check the scene for safety, call 911 or have someone else call, and begin chest compressions.
This portion is straightforward lecture or video content. It moves quickly because the real learning happens once you get on the floor with a mannequin.
Chest Compressions on a Mannequin
This is the core of the class and where you’ll spend the most time. You kneel beside a practice mannequin on the floor, place the heel of one hand on the center of its chest, stack your other hand on top with fingers interlaced, and push. The target depth for adults is at least two inches, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. That pace is roughly the tempo of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, which many instructors will actually play or reference.
You position your shoulders directly over your hands and use your body weight rather than arm strength alone. This matters because effective compressions are physically demanding, and using proper form prevents you from tiring out too quickly. Most people are surprised by how much effort it takes. The mannequin’s chest has a clicker or feedback mechanism that lets you know when you’re pushing deep enough.
The instructor will have you practice several rounds of compressions, correcting your hand placement, depth, and speed in real time. You’ll also practice letting the chest fully recoil between compressions, which allows the heart to refill with blood.
Rescue Breaths
After practicing compressions alone, you’ll add rescue breaths into the sequence. For adult CPR, the standard ratio is 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths. You tilt the mannequin’s head back, lift the chin, seal your mouth over its mouth, and blow until you see the chest rise.
The mannequins have disposable face shields or lung bags that get swapped between students, so you’re not sharing a mouthpiece with anyone. Some classes also cover compression-only CPR (no breaths), which is what bystanders are often encouraged to do when they’re uncomfortable with mouth-to-mouth or don’t have a barrier device handy.
If the class covers infant CPR, you’ll practice on a smaller mannequin. The technique changes: you use two fingers instead of your full hands for compressions, and the target depth is about one-third the depth of the baby’s chest. Breaths are gentler puffs rather than full exhales.
Using an AED
Nearly every CPR class now includes AED training. An AED is the device you see mounted on walls in airports, gyms, and office buildings. It analyzes a person’s heart rhythm and delivers an electric shock if needed. The class walks you through the full sequence using a training unit that talks you through each step, just like the real thing would.
The process goes like this: you turn the device on, remove all clothing from the person’s chest (wiping it dry if necessary), and place two adhesive pads on bare skin. One pad goes on the upper right side of the chest, and the other goes on the lower left side, a few inches below the left armpit. If the pads risk touching each other, such as on a small child, one goes on the center of the chest and the other on the back between the shoulder blades.
Once the pads are placed, the AED analyzes the heart rhythm automatically. If it advises a shock, you say “CLEAR!” in a loud voice, visually confirm that nobody is touching the person, and press the shock button. The device guides you through all of this with voice prompts. In class, you’ll run through this scenario multiple times until it feels natural.
Choking Response
Most CPR courses include a section on helping a conscious choking adult or child. You’ll practice abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) and learn to recognize when someone has a severe airway obstruction versus a partial one. For infants, the technique switches to a combination of back blows and chest thrusts. This portion is usually shorter than the CPR and AED sections but still involves hands-on practice.
Scenarios and Skills Testing
Toward the end of class, the instructor runs you through realistic scenarios that combine everything you’ve learned. You might walk into a simulated scene where a mannequin is “found” unresponsive, and you’ll need to check the scene, call for help, start compressions, give breaths, and use the AED in sequence. This is where the individual skills click together into a coherent response.
To earn your certification, you need to demonstrate these skills at a competent level. The instructor evaluates your compression depth, rate, hand placement, and ability to use the AED correctly. It’s a practical skills check, not a high-pressure exam. If you need another attempt at something, you get one. There’s often a short written or online quiz as well, covering the key concepts from the course.
What to Wear and How to Prepare
Wear comfortable clothes you can move in easily. You’ll be kneeling on the floor repeatedly, leaning forward over a mannequin, and using your upper body for sustained effort. Business casual or athletic wear both work fine. Avoid anything restrictive or formal.
There’s no age requirement for most standard CPR classes. The only real prerequisite is being physically able to perform chest compressions and deliver breaths. If you have knee problems, some instructors can offer modifications or elevated mannequin setups, but it’s worth asking about this when you register.
You don’t need to bring anything special. The training center provides mannequins, AED trainers, and any barrier devices. Some providers send pre-course materials or online modules to complete before you show up, so check your confirmation email for instructions.
Certification and What Comes After
Once you pass the skills check and any written component, you receive a certification card, usually valid for two years. After that, you’ll need to take a renewal course to stay current. Renewal classes are typically shorter since they focus on refreshing skills rather than teaching from scratch.
The compression guidelines and AED protocols do get updated periodically, so even if you’ve taken a class before, a refresher ensures you’re practicing the current standards. Many people find that the skills fade faster than expected, which is why the two-year recertification cycle exists.