A CPR card is a course completion card that proves you’ve been trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It’s issued after you pass a CPR training course from an approved provider like the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross. The card is valid for two years, after which you need to retake or renew the course to stay certified.
What a CPR Card Shows
A CPR card includes your name, the date you completed training, the specific course you passed, an expiration date, and information about the training center that issued it. AHA cards also carry a unique code or QR code that employers can scan to confirm the card is real. The back of the card typically lists the training center’s contact information.
It’s worth noting that a CPR card is not a government-issued license. It’s a completion card from a private training organization, confirming you demonstrated the required skills. That said, employers and regulatory agencies treat cards from recognized providers as the standard proof of competency.
Types of CPR Cards
Not all CPR cards are the same. The course you take determines which card you receive, and different jobs require different levels.
- Heartsaver CPR AED: The most common card for the general public, covering adult CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator. The AHA also offers Heartsaver versions that add first aid or pediatric skills.
- Basic Life Support (BLS): Required for healthcare workers like nurses, paramedics, dental hygienists, and medical students. BLS covers CPR for adults, children, and infants, plus team-based resuscitation techniques used in clinical settings.
- ACLS and PALS: Advanced cards for healthcare professionals who manage cardiac emergencies (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) or pediatric emergencies (Pediatric Advanced Life Support). These build on BLS training.
The American Red Cross offers a similar lineup with its own course names. Both AHA and Red Cross cards are widely accepted, though some employers specify which provider they require. If your workplace or school mandates CPR certification, check which card they accept before enrolling.
Paper Cards vs. Digital eCards
CPR cards now come in two formats. Traditional paper cards are printed by the training center or mailed to you after the course. Digital eCards are sent to your email and stored online, where you or an employer can access them anytime.
The AHA’s eCard system lets students and employers check training status 24 hours a day through the AHA website. You can pull up your card by entering the eCard code or scanning the QR code. For most purposes, an eCard carries the same weight as a physical card, and many employers actually prefer the digital version because verification is instant.
Who Needs a CPR Card
Healthcare workers are the most obvious group. Hospitals, clinics, and dental offices almost universally require a current BLS card as a condition of employment. But the requirement extends well beyond healthcare.
OSHA mandates CPR training for workers in several specific industries: logging, electrical work involving lines or equipment energized at 50 volts or more, commercial diving, and confined space operations. In electrical work settings with two or more employees at one location, at least two must hold current CPR certification. OSHA has also clarified that online-only training doesn’t count for these requirements. Workers must practice skills in person.
Beyond federal mandates, many states require CPR cards for teachers, coaches, childcare workers, lifeguards, personal trainers, and fitness instructors. Some schools and volunteer organizations also ask for proof of CPR training, even when it’s not legally required.
How Employers Verify Your Card
Employers don’t just take your word for it. For AHA eCards, they can scan the QR code with a mobile device or visit the AHA’s verification portal and enter the card’s unique code. For physical cards, verification involves contacting the training center listed on the back of the card. This system exists partly because fraudulent CPR cards are a known problem, especially with the rise of online-only courses that skip hands-on skills testing.
How to Replace a Lost Card
If you lose your CPR card, the training center that issued it is responsible for providing a replacement. They may charge a fee for reissuing.
For eCards, start by searching your email inbox for messages from the AHA’s automated system or from the training center directly. If you already claimed the card, you can view it through the AHA’s online portal without needing a replacement at all. For physical cards, contact the training center. If you can’t remember which center trained you, check with a coworker who took the same class (the training center’s info is printed on the back of their card) or ask the employer or school that arranged the course.
If the training center is unresponsive, the AHA’s support team can help track down your records if you provide the training center name, instructor name, and location of your class.
Renewal and Expiration
Both AHA and Red Cross CPR cards expire after two years. This isn’t arbitrary. CPR guidelines are updated regularly based on new resuscitation research, and studies show that skills degrade significantly within months of training without practice. Renewal courses are shorter than the initial certification and focus on refreshing hands-on technique and covering any guideline changes.
If your card has already expired, most providers require you to take the full course again rather than a shortened renewal. Keeping track of your expiration date saves time and money, especially if your job requires uninterrupted certification. Some employers will not let you work with patients or in the field if your card has lapsed, even by a single day.