How Much Does BLS Certification Cost? Pricing & Fees Explained
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification costs can vary depending on the course format, provider, and whether an in-person skills session is required, but most learners can expect to pay anywhere from a low-cost online option to a higher-priced in-person or blended course. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right certification without overpaying or missing important requirements.
In this blog we will break down the average cost of BLS certification, compare online and in-person pricing, explore costs by provider, and explain the key factors that influence what you’ll pay.
Table of Contents
- How Much Does BLS Certification Cost?
- Average Cost of BLS Certification
- BLS Certification Cost by Provider
- How Much Does BLS Renewal Cost?
- What Affects the Cost of BLS Certification?
- View BLS Course Pricing at ACLS Medical Training
How Much Does BLS Certification Cost?
Obtaining your certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) can feel like enough effort as it is - learning the material and being tested, often outside of work hours, can be a real pain. The real kicker though? Certification costs money, and this fact alone creates enough inertia for some to hesitate – often because they don’t know their options in terms of cost. This article will break down what to expect when considering the costs of BLS certification .
Average Cost of BLS Certification
What can you expect to pay for a BLS course? The biggest difference in cost is found between online and in-person BLS courses.
Online BLS Course Cost
Online courses will generally be cheaper than in-person courses, but even within this category there is variance. Courses on the cheaper end, typically 100% online, start as low as $15 while the more expensive courses, often blending online and in-person portions, can cost up to $100. The average cost of an online BLS course is around $55. Just note, not all “online” BLS courses are 100% online, so be sure to check whether the course has an “in-person” skills checkoff requirement as this will often add an additional cost to the course after initial registration.
In-Person BLS Class Cost
In-person BLS courses are usually more expensive due to several costs for the host of the training: physical classroom space, manikins, and a certified instructor. In person classes can range from a low end of $60 to an upper end of $120. The average price will hover around $80. Unlike online courses, fully in-person courses will not have additional costs as skills checkoffs will be included in the single course cost.
The following chart summarizes the cost differences in BLS courses discussed above:
| Low-End | High-End | Average | |
| Online | $15.00* | $100.00** | $55.00 |
| In-Person | $60.00 | $120.00 | $80.00 |
Chart based on current prices as of 2026.
* Low end prices often don’t include an in-person element.
** Higher end prices may reflect a “blended” course (online + in-person).
BLS Certification Cost by Provider
BLS certification costs don’t just differ between online and in-person formats. They also vary depending on the specific provider of the course.
AHA BLS Price
The most well-known course provider of BLS certification is the American Heart Association (AHA). For certification, their HeartCode Blended Learning course costs $37.00 for the online portion plus an additional amount for a required in-person skills session, which can vary in price depending on the 3rd party location selected – often in the range of an additional $70 to $80.
Online Training Providers
Other well-known online BLS certification providers include the American Red Cross whose “blended” course (online & classroom portions) costs anywhere from $55 to $95 total. There is not a single across-the-board cost given for the American Red Cross because their courses involve 3rd party facilities who charge differing prices. Other online BLS training providers follow the cost range mentioned in the prior table, holding at an average of $55.
How Much Does BLS Renewal Cost?
BLS renewal courses are typically shorter with condensed information for those who have already gone through a previous course. While they are shorter and more convenient, the in-person courses will range from $50 to $80 while the 100% online renewal courses will cost the same as mentioned above ($15 and up).
What Affects the Cost of BLS Certification?
Why is there such variance in costs for BLS training? There are several factors involved, which include the format of the course, the provider offering the credentials, and the requirements that the certification course meets.
Course Format
The format of the course is one of the biggest factors in course differences. When the course is 100% online, there is no need to cover the costs of a physical training space, an instructor for the class, or training equipment on which to practice. This helps to greatly reduce the cost of the course. Conversely, courses that utilize these items will push the cost toward the upper range of the spectrum.
Provider Type
The provider hosting the course can influence costs as well. This may be dependent upon the provider’s geographic location, but it can also be influenced by the prestige or authority that the provider carries. For instance, the AHA and the American Red Cross are well known entities whose reputation can allow them to charge a slightly higher price for their training courses (closer to the $100 range when considering their blended courses).
Certification Requirements
Lastly, some courses are designed to meet specific requirements for BLS certification, whether for employment or otherwise. Courses that include additional training or an in-person skills session typically charge more for this education.
View BLS Course Pricing at ACLS Medical Training
At first, knowing there are so many options for BLS training can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, it doesn’t need to be – our 100% online BLS Certification Training Course is available at the lowest cost available. This self-paced course has no in-person requirement and is available for certification or recertification, with options for additional ACLS Certification . Explore all available options on our site and take the next step toward mastering these life-saving skills by registering today!
