BLS Renewal Course: How to Renew Your Certification

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required for many healthcare professionals, but keeping it current is just as important as earning it in the first place. Whether your certification is about to expire or has already lapsed, understanding the renewal process can help you avoid interruptions to your employment or clinical responsibilities.

In this guide, we’ll explain when BLS certification expires, how renewal works, online renewal options, costs, and what to expect during recertification.

Table of Contents

• BLS Renewal Course: What You Need to Know 
• When Do You Need to Renew BLS Certification 
• How to Renew BLS Certification 
• Can You Renew BLS Certification Online 
• How Long Does BLS Renewal Take 
• BLS Renewal Cost 
• Enroll in a BLS Renewal Course With ACLS Medical Training 

BLS Renewal Course: What You Need to Know

Renewing your BLS certification is typically faster and simpler than completing an initial certification course. Most renewal programs focus on refreshing core life-saving skills, reviewing updated guidelines, and verifying competency through a final assessment. Depending on the course format and your employer’s requirements, a BLS renewal course may be completed either fully online or through a blended format with an in-person skills check.

When Do You Need to Renew BLS Certification

For virtually all training programs, BLS certification remains valid for 2 years after completion of a BLS course . The certification period will officially expire at the end of the month in which the 2-year mark occurs. This is the case for every certification course, from those produced by the American Heart Association (AHA) to the American Red Cross and beyond. It may seem like a short time period, but the 2-year certification limit ensures that those with the certification remain up-to-date on the most recent evidence-based practices via consistent trainings with updated guidelines.

How to Renew BLS Certification

Now that you are acquainted with the certification window for BLS, there are just a few simple steps involved when recertifying.

Check Your Expiration Date

First, you must check the expiration date of your BLS certification. Remember that your BLS certification typically expires at the end of the month in which the 2-year date from completion of the course occurs. Thus, if you completed your BLS certification course on July 1st, 2026, then your certification would expire on July 31st, 2028.

Enroll in a Renewal Course

The next step is to select and enroll in a BLS renewal course. Renewal courses are distinct in that they cover only the essential information for BLS and also any updates in guidelines or protocols.

Complete Training and Exam

The third step is obvious: Take the course and complete the exam! Be advised, some courses require an in-person skills exam in addition to an online exam for renewal.

Can You Renew BLS Certification Online?

At this point, you may be dreading the fact of having to go to an in-person class on your day-off from work to renew your certification. However, it doesn’t have to be that way! Depending on the requirements for your certification, you can renew via a 100% online course. Be sure to check your BLS requirements if you need the certification for employment purposes as different employers and roles may mandate that an in-person skills check be included in the course.

How Long Does BLS Renewal Take?

The time it takes to complete a BLS renewal course varies, but the biggest difference is found between in-person and online formats. In-person classes will take about 4-5 hours to complete, including hands-on practice and the skills check. Alternatively, online courses, such as those offered by ACLS Medical Training, can be completed in as little as 1-2 hours.

BLS Renewal Cost

Since BLS recertification classes are typically shorter with condensed information, they can be slightly cheaper than full certification courses. In-person renewal courses will range from $50 to $80, while 100% online renewal courses can cost as low as $15. The disparity in cost between in-person and online formats is due to the additional expenses of in-person training, including the physical training space, the course instructor, and the training equipment used to practice skills.

Enroll in a BLS Renewal Course With ACLS Medical Training

Recertifying in BLS is actually quite simple. All you need to do is know your expiration date, select a course based on your preferred or required format, and complete the course! Luckily, ACLS Medical Training provides convenient and efficient BLS recertification via an online format at the lowest cost. Our training format can be done at your own pace, as quickly or gradually as desired, with no requirement of additional in-person training. Consider taking the next step in renewing your BLS certification or ACLS certification by enrolling on our site today!