CPR ranks among the most vital skills anyone should acquire, regardless of age or profession. This essential first aid technique may be needed at any moment since emergencies strike without warning. Through a CPR certification course, you’ll gain the expertise and confidence to administer CPR safely and effectively.
What Does CPR Certification Mean?
CPR certification demonstrates that you’ve received proper training to perform CPR when needed. While anyone can attempt CPR without certification, proper training ensures you can deliver it safely and effectively. Additionally, OSHA requirements may mandate that employees complete CPR and first aid courses for workplace compliance.
Are All Certifications The Same?
Not all certifications are equivalent, though this matters less for basic community volunteer certification. However, if you’re seeking professional certification or meeting OSHA requirements, you must consider the program’s accreditation carefully. It should follow current American Heart Association guidelines at minimum, along with other relevant standards. Here are some of the top CPR certifications available online.
Best CPR Certifications Online
ExpertRating—CPR Certification
ExpertRating’s CPR Certification offers a straightforward, comprehensive course for those seeking essential CPR skills. Designed specifically for beginners with no prior CPR experience, the course provides all necessary tools to master CPR techniques while adhering to American Heart Association guidelines.
The certification covers critical topics including the Heimlich Maneuver, CPR for adults and children, infant CPR, and potential complications. The entire course is delivered online—requiring only an internet connection and email address. After completing coursework, you’ll take a final exam that should be manageable if you’ve studied thoroughly. Failed attempts can be retaken for a modest $10 fee.
Health and Safety Institute—CPR and AED (All Ages)
The Health and Safety Institute’s CPR and AED for All Ages course delivers comprehensive training that extends beyond basic CPR fundamentals. It addresses complex scenarios like cardiac arrest response and infant choking emergencies. The program incorporates the 2015 American Heart Association CPR and ECC guidelines.
Your certificate remains valid for two years before requiring recertification. This concise course can be completed in 1-1.5 hours and covers essential topics including cardiac arrest recognition, legal considerations, AED usage, and multi-provider CPR approaches. Successful completion certifies your basic CPR knowledge and prepares you to respond effectively during health emergencies.
You’ll receive an online certificate upon course completion. For a physical completion card, you must complete a hands-on skills session supervised by an authorized ASHI or MEDIC First Aid instructor.
ProTrainings—Adult, Child and Infant CPR/AED
ProTrainings’ Adult, Child and Infant CPR/AED course provides excellent certification for community volunteers. After purchasing, you can train and test at your convenience without time constraints. This nationally accredited program follows the latest American Heart Association guidelines.
This course suits first-time first aid learners who lack prior certification perfectly. It’s ideal for parents, teenagers, and anyone seeking personal preparedness rather than professional requirements.
Course topics encompass medical emergencies like heart attacks and strokes, universal precautions including hand hygiene, choking response, shock treatment, and arterial bleeding management. Expect approximately two hours of video instruction, plus final testing and additional materials. Review the student manual here.
National CPR Foundation—CPR Certification Class
The National CPR Foundation’s CPR Certification Class delivers comprehensive training in CPR fundamentals and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) usage. This beginner-friendly course offers multi-device accessibility for convenient learning.
The class explores various CPR techniques and considerations for adults, children, and infants. You’ll also learn your first-responder rights during emergencies, ensuring you understand proper protocols and can act confidently under pressure.
Course completion requires passing a 10-question multiple-choice exam. Those seeking recertification can bypass the course and proceed directly to testing. This certificate carries accreditation from American Heart Association professionals, providing equivalent benefits to in-person AHA certification.
American Red Cross—Adult, Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED Online
The American Red Cross stands as a premier healthcare authority, and their online CPR course reflects this expertise. Accessible across multiple devices including PCs and tablets (though not smartphones, unlike some other Red Cross courses), you can begin training immediately after enrollment.
This course prepares you for diverse emergency first aid scenarios involving adults, children, and babies. Interactive simulations provide realistic virtual experiences, immersing you in lifelike situations safely. The complete course requires approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Note that this program doesn’t satisfy OSHA workplace requirements if that’s your objective.
Parting Words: CPR Certifications Online
Complete first aid training requires proper CPR instruction. CPR represents a critical emergency skill that benefits everyone to possess, even if never needed. These featured CPR courses offer additional valuable training beyond basic CPR, including health emergency recognition, infant choking response, Heimlich maneuver techniques, and more. Obtaining CPR certification is simply the responsible choice.
