CPRvam Students
25,000+ students successfully trained annually

Your Ultimate American Heart Association (AHA) Courses FAQs Guide

Discover clear answers to common American Heart Association AHA course questions. This ultimate FAQs guide explains certifications, course types, requirements, renewals, and training details so you can confidently choose the right AHA program for your learning and career goals today.

American Heart Association Certifications: Key Facts and Essential Information

01. What AHA Courses and Services Can I Access as a Learner?

At our Official American Heart Association National Training Center, you can easily get certified with a wide range of AHA courses and services, each offering a 2-year validity. Our certifications include:

  • CPR, AED & First Aid (Heartsaver): Life-Saving Skills for Everyone
  • Basic Life Support (BLS): Essential Training for Healthcare Providers
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): Critical Care Certification
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): Expert Training for Children’s Emergencies
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Sales & Service: Equipment You Can Trust

02. Will I Receive an Official American Heart Association (AHA) Certification?

Absolutely. When you complete any course with us, you’ll receive an official American Heart Association (AHA) certification. Your eCard will be issued immediately, serving as proof of your valid and recognized AHA credentials.

03. How Long Is My American Heart Association (AHA) Certification Valid?

Your American Heart Association (AHA) certification, including BLS, ACLS, and PALS, is valid for two years. Stay current with the latest AHA guidelines by completing a renewal course before your card expires.

04. What’s the Difference Between AHA BLS, ACLS, PALS, and Heartsaver Courses?

Our AHA courses are designed to meet the needs of different providers and emergencies, ensuring that everyone from healthcare professionals to workplace responders has the skills and knowledge to save lives.

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
    This essential AHA course equips healthcare providers and lay rescuers with CPR and life-saving skills to confidently respond to emergencies in hospitals, clinics, and prehospital settings.
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
    Designed for healthcare professionals, ACLS teaches how to manage cardiopulmonary arrest and serious cardiovascular emergencies confidently and effectively.
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
    Created for healthcare providers, this AHA course equips you to respond confidently to emergencies in infants and children across emergency, intensive care, and critical care settings.
  • Heartsaver CPR AED First Aid
    This AHA course provides essential training in first aid, CPR, and AED use for individuals with little or no medical experience. It meets OSHA, workplace, regulatory, and professional requirements and combines online instruction with hands-on skills practice through the AHA Self-Guided blended-learning format.

Explore Our Training Options

05. Which AHA Training Formats Are Available to Me at Your Training Center?

At our training center, you can choose the format that fits your schedule and learning style with the convenient AHA Self-Guided Hybrid course or a traditional Instructor-Led class.

  • AHA Self-Guided Hybrid Course
    This popular and convenient option lets you earn same-day certification by combining online learning with a short hands-on skills assessment at one of our AHA Self-Guided RQI stations.
  • Traditional Instructor-Led Classes
    If you prefer a full in-person classroom experience, you can attend courses led by a certified instructor. These classes are available at our locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

06. How Can I Complete the AHA Self-Guided Hybrid Course?

Our innovative AHA Self-Guided Hybrid Course follows a simple three-step process combining online learning, hands-on skills, and instant certification.

  • Online Coursework
    Once you register, you gain access to the official AHA HeartCode online course, which you can complete anytime, anywhere, at your own pace using a computer or mobile device.
  • Hands-On Skills Session
    After finishing the online portion, you will attend a short, about 30-minute session at one of our facilities to complete your hands-on skills assessment at our self-guided RQI stations.
  • Instant Certification
    As soon as you complete the hands-on skills session, your official AHA eCard is emailed to you. It is the same certification you would receive in a full in-person class.

Your Self-Guided Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) Journey

07. How Do I Complete My AHA Self-Guided RQI Skills Assessment?

To complete your AHA Self-Guided RQI skills assessment, simply follow the virtual coach through the 30-minute session. You’ll get real-time feedback on your compressions and ventilations to meet AHA standards, and our friendly staff is ready via camera if you need any help.

8. What Benefits Will I Get from AHA Self-Guided Training?

With AHA Self-Guided Training, you will get the following benefits:

  • Convenience
    You can start my official AHA certification at my own pace online, then complete the hands-on skills session at any of the available stations, which takes only about 30 minutes.
  • Flexibility
    With many locations and appointment times, you can schedule my session around my busy day.
  • Quality
    The virtual coaching system ensures you perform high-quality CPR, which is essential for patient outcomes.
  • Confidence
    Real-time feedback helps me stay confident and up to date with my life-saving skills.

09. Will I get an Official AHA eCard with the Self-Guided Certification?

Absolutely Yes. The Self-Guided certification is an official AHA program. Once you complete it successfully, you will receive the same official AHA eCard provided in a traditional instructor-led course, proving your certification.

Group Training, Scheduling, and Assistance

10. How Can I Locate My AHA Training Facility and Receive the Access Code?

Once you register for a skills session, you’ll get a confirmation email with the facility address, parking details, access instructions, and any door codes. A video walkthrough is also included. Please review it before your appointment.

11. Can I Schedule On-Site AHA Training for My Team or Group?

Absolutely. We provide on-site group training for businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and organizations, offering two flexible and convenient options to fit your team’s needs.

  • On-Site Instructor
    We bring a certified instructor and all the equipment straight to your location, delivering a full, hands-on group training experience.
  • Flexible On-Site AHA Self-Guided RQI Certification
    Get our Self-Guided RQI Station delivered directly to your workplace, letting your team complete hands-on skills testing individually at their convenience. This flexible solution is perfect for certifying entire teams with minimal disruption.

12. How Can I Find Your AHA RQI Self-Guided Stations?

You can find our AHA RQI Self-Guided Stations at a growing network of convenient locations across several states, including:

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Idaho
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • Oregon
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Washington

Our stations are expanding into more neighborhoods every day. To find the one closest to you, check out our online scheduling page.

13. How Can I Get Support or Assistance from Your Training Center?

Our team is here to help you. For any questions, scheduling requests, or support, feel free to reach out to us anytime.