CPR & AED Essentials for Healthcare Professionals
Fast, Convenient & Trusted Training
- Online CPR & AED Certification and Renewal
- Up to 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ (CME)
- Built for Medical, Dental, and Pharmacy Teams
- Cardiac Arrest Response for Clinical Settings
Joint Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine and ACLS Medical Training. Postgraduate Institute for Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
What Is CPR & AED Certification & Recertification?
CPR & AED certification trains healthcare professionals to recognize cardiac arrest and respond fast: delivering high-quality chest compressions, giving rescue breaths, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) until advanced care arrives. Grounded in current American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, the course also covers the Chain of Survival, team-based resuscitation, and post-cardiac arrest care.
CPR & AED recertification is how professionals who already hold this credential keep it current. Instead of repeating the full course, recertification refreshes your skills against current guidelines.
CPR & AED Certification vs. Recertification: Which Do I Need?
- Recertification is for professionals who hold a current CPR & AED certificate. It's a refresh of skills you already have.
- Certification is for first-time learners. It's the full course from the ground up.
Use the Get Certified / Get Recertified selector above to choose the right path and get started.
How CPR & AED Recertification Works
Recertifying means reviewing current CPR and AED guidance, then passing the online exam. Once you pass, you'll receive a certificate valid for 2 years.
What's Included in Our Online CPR & AED Course?
Every course includes:
- Three self-paced lessons (about 1 hour) on cardiac arrest recognition, high-quality CPR, and AED use, including special situations like implanted devices, pregnancy, and pediatric patients
- Unlimited exam attempts (85% passing score)
- A completion certificate valid for 2 years
- Full access from any computer, mobile device, or tablet
- 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for certification or recertification
Need first aid too? Explore CPR/AED & First Aid Essentials, which covers both in one course and offers 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
Will My Employer Accept Online CPR & AED Certification?
Acceptance depends on your employer and role. Many healthcare settings, including medical and dental practices, pharmacies, home health, and outpatient care, accept online CPR & AED credentials, but requirements vary. Before you enroll, confirm with your employer or credentialing office that this course meets their requirement, especially if they ask for BLS, a specific provider's card, or an in-person skills evaluation.
Get Trained Today!
This focused course gives healthcare professionals the essential skills to act fast until advanced help arrives.
- Choose certification or recertification
- Enroll & start learning at your own pace
- Complete the online CPR & AED exam
- Retake the exam until you pass (85% required)
- Print or download your certificate of completion
- Valid for 2 years
Why Choose ACLS Medical Training for CPR & AED Certification?
Get certified fast with expert-designed courses that follow the latest guidelines. Enjoy 24/7 online access, self-paced learning, unlimited exam attempts, and a digital certificate—all at a price that delivers exceptional value.
Trusted by providers nationwide, ACLS Medical Training makes certification simple, fast, and stress-free.
What Our Customers Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
Which CPR & AED Course Fits My Role?
Choose Certification if this is your first CPR & AED credential. Choose Recertification if you have already received training. If you also need first aid skills, CPR/AED & First Aid Essentials covers both in one course.
How Is CPR & AED Essentials Different From BLS?
CPR & AED Essentials covers foundational resuscitation skills: CPR and AED use. BLS goes further, with team-based resuscitation and skills used in hospital and pre-hospital care. If your employer specifically requires BLS, choose our BLS certification instead.
How Do I Renew My CPR & AED Training Online?
- Log in or create your account and select the Get Recertified option.
- Review the course material at your own pace.
- Pass the online recertification exam.
- Download or print your certificate of completion.
How Long Does It Take To Complete?
Certification takes about 1 hour. Because the course is self-paced, you can start and stop whenever your schedule allows.
How Can I Confirm My Employer Accepts This Course?
Ask your manager, HR, or credentialing office whether an online CPR & AED credential meets your role's requirement. Share the course name and description from this page so they can compare it to their policy.
Is There a Hands-on Skills Assessment?
No, this course does not include a hands-on skills assessment. Some employers require an in-person skills evaluation in addition to online training. Check your employer's requirements before enrolling.
What CME Credit Does This Course Provide?
This activity is designated for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, for either certification or recertification.
