Getting CPR certified online is simpler than most people expect. You pick a course, work through short lessons on your phone or computer, pass a few module exams, and print your card. For most people, the whole process takes about an hour, and you can do it tonight from your couch.

This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to get CPR certified online, which course to choose for your job, what it costs, and the two mistakes that trip people up most often.

What you’ll need

• A device and internet connection: a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop all work. You can switch devices; your progress is saved to your account.
• About an hour: most CPR/AED courses take 60 minutes or less. CPR + First Aid combos can take a bit longer. You can stop and come back any time; there is no time limit to finish.
• A payment card: SimpleCPR accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and Visa or Mastercard debit and prepaid cards.
• A printer (optional): you can print your card right away or download it as a PDF and send it to your employer.

Step 1: Confirm your employer’s requirements

This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that saves the most time and money. Before you buy, send your manager or HR contact three quick questions:

1. Is an online CPR course with a printable card acceptable, or do you require a hands-on skills check?
2. Do you require a specific provider or card issuer?
3. Which level do you need: adult CPR/AED, adult-child-infant CPR/AED, CPR and first aid, or BLS for healthcare providers?

Many employers accept online certification, especially for office, retail, school, coaching, fitness, childcare, and volunteer roles. Some, particularly hospitals and EMS agencies, require a hands-on skills check in addition to the online knowledge portion. For a deeper look, read Is Online CPR Certification Accepted by Employers?, which includes a copy-and-paste email template.

Step 2: Choose the right course

Course level matters more than anything else. Use this quick guide:

Not sure whether you need lay-rescuer CPR or BLS? Our guide to lay-rescuer CPR vs. BLS explains the difference, and what HCP stands for covers the healthcare provider level. Dental team members can also check which CPR class dental assistants should take.

Step 3: Create your account and start the modules

Click the course you chose, add it to your cart, and fill in your registration details. The name you enter is the name printed on your card, so double-check the spelling. If you are buying for someone else, enter their name and email so the account and card are in their name.

After checkout, you can start right away. You will also receive two emails: your receipt and your login details. Each course is divided into short training sections, with the lesson material and a module exam for each one. Work through them in order at your own pace. You can log out at any point and pick up where you left off.

Tip: take the course somewhere you can watch the videos with sound. Seeing hand placement, compression depth, and AED pad placement demonstrated makes the material stick far better than reading alone.

What you will learn

Content varies by course, but a typical CPR/AED course walks you through:

• How to check whether a scene is safe and whether a person is responsive and breathing normally
• When and how to call 911 and send someone for an AED
• Hand placement, compression depth, and compression rate for high-quality CPR
• Rescue breaths and how to use a barrier device
• How to turn on an AED, place the pads, and follow its prompts
• Choking relief for conscious and unconscious victims

Adult-Child-Infant courses add the differences in technique for children and babies, such as two-finger or two-thumb compressions for infants and adjusted compression depth for small children. CPR + First Aid combos add common emergencies like bleeding control, burns, allergic reactions, seizures, and heat- and cold-related illness. BLS covers professional-level CPR and AED skills for adults, children, and infants, geared to healthcare settings.

Because the course is self-paced, you can spend extra time on any section that feels new and move quickly through anything you already know. Many people who are renewing find they can review the material in well under an hour.

Step 4: Pass the exam

Each training section ends with a short exam covering what you just learned. You need a score of 85% or higher to pass each module exam. If you miss the mark, you can review the material and retake the exam as many times as you need, at no extra charge. There is no penalty and no extra fee for retakes.

Most people pass on the first or second try, because the questions follow the lessons closely. When you pass every module, the course moves to your Completed Courses list.

Step 5: Download or print your card

This is the part most people care about: you can print your card immediately after passing. Sign in, go to My Courses, then Completed Courses, and click Print Card. You can print it or save it as a PDF to email your employer, and you can reprint it any time for free.

Your card is a full-color certification card issued by the American Health Association, SimpleCPR’s certifying organization since 2004. It shows your name, the course, your completion date, your expiration date, and a unique certification number your employer can verify online.

Want a physical copy mailed to you as well? After you pass, you can order Package 1 (a mailed wallet card) or Package 2 (the same wallet card plus a mailed 8×10 wall certificate) from your Completed Courses page.

Step 6: Put it on your resume and set a renewal reminder

Once you have your card, put it to work:

• Send it to HR: email the PDF or hand over a printed copy.
• Add it to your resume: list the course name, the issuing organization, and the expiration date. Our guide on how to list CPR certification on your resume shows the exact format employers like to see.
• Set a calendar reminder: CPR, AED, first aid, and BLS cards are valid for two years from your completion date. Some employers require renewal sooner. Set a reminder about 60 days before your expiration date. Read when CPR certification expires for more on renewal timing.

How long it takes and what it costs

Here is the full picture at a glance:

• Time: most courses take 60 minutes or less. Renewing when you already know the material often goes faster.
• CPR/AED courses and BLS: $19.95
• CPR + First Aid combos: $34.95
• Standard First Aid or Bloodborne Pathogens: $19.95 each
• Included: the full course, all exams, unlimited retakes, and a printable card
• Groups: buying five or more of the same course saves $5 per course
• Money-back guarantee: full refund available within 14 days of purchase

An in-person class often costs much more once you add travel time and time away from work. For a full breakdown, see How Much Does a CPR Class Cost?

Common mistakes to avoid

Buying the wrong course level

The most common mistake is buying adult-only CPR when the job requires adult-child-infant, or buying lay-rescuer CPR when a clinical job requires BLS. If you work with kids, choose adult-child-infant. If you work in healthcare, choose BLS. If your employer mentions first aid, choose a combo course. If you do buy the wrong one, contact SimpleCPR support and we can usually swap it.

Skipping the employer check

Most employers accept online certification, but some require a hands-on skills check or a specific provider. A two-minute email before you buy avoids surprises. If it turns out you need a hands-on session, the online course still covers the knowledge portion, and you can request a refund within 14 days if it does not meet your needs.

Letting your card lapse

Some jobs will not let you work with an expired card. Renew before your expiration date rather than after.

Still comparing providers? Our guide to choosing the best online CPR certification covers what to check before you buy and the red flags to avoid.

FAQ

Can I really get CPR certified online the same day?

Yes. Most courses take 60 minutes or less, and you can print your card immediately after you pass.

Will my employer accept an online CPR card?

Many employers accept online certification. Some, especially hospitals and EMS agencies, require a hands-on skills check. Check with your employer before you buy.

Do I need hands-on training?

Only if your employer or licensing body requires it. The online course covers the knowledge portion; if a skills check is required, you will complete that separately.

How long is an online CPR certification good for?

Two years from your completion date. Some employers ask for renewal sooner.

Is SimpleCPR legit?

Yes. SimpleCPR has been in business since 2004 and has certified over 1 million students. Courses are based on AHA (American Health Association) and OSHA guidelines, and cards are issued by the American Health Association with a certification number employers can verify.

Get CPR certified online today

You now know every step. Confirm what your employer needs, pick your course, and you could have a printed card in about an hour.

If you have been asked to get CPR certified for a new job, you probably have one question before you pay for anything: will my employer actually accept an online card? The honest answer is that many employers do, and some do not. The difference usually comes down to one detail, whether your role requires a hands-on skills check, and it takes about two minutes to find out.

This guide walks through what “accepted” really means, which jobs typically take online CPR certification, which ones usually need an in-person skills session, and exactly what to ask your employer so you buy the right course the first time.

Short answer: often yes, with one caveat

For a large share of jobs, online CPR certification is accepted. Offices, retail stores, schools, coaching programs, many gyms, churches, camps, and plenty of home care and childcare settings regularly accept online cards. SimpleCPR has been training people online since 2004 and has certified over 1 million students, and over 99% of our students report that their employer accepted their certification.

The caveat: some employers and licensing boards require a hands-on skills check, where you demonstrate chest compressions, rescue breaths, and AED use in front of an instructor. An online-only course covers the knowledge portion, but it cannot meet a hands-on requirement on its own. If your job has that rule, you will need to complete a skills session separately.

So the practical answer is: online CPR is usually fine unless your employer or license specifically says it needs a hands-on component. When in doubt, ask before you buy. We will show you how below.

What “accepted” usually means

When people ask whether online CPR is “accepted,” they are usually mixing together three different things. Separating them makes the answer much clearer.

1. Your employer’s internal policy

Most of the time, acceptance is simply a company or HR policy. A manager wants proof that you completed CPR training within the last two years. A printable card with your name, the course, a completion date, and an expiration date checks that box for most workplaces.

2. State licensing or program rules

Some roles are regulated by a state agency or licensing board, such as certain nursing programs, EMS credentials, or state-licensed childcare facilities. These rules sometimes spell out a format (for example, “must include a hands-on skills component”). When a regulator sets the rule, your employer has less flexibility, so it is worth reading the exact wording.

3. The course content and level

Even when online is fine, the level of course matters. An employer might require adult-only CPR, adult-child-infant CPR, CPR plus first aid, or professional-level BLS (Basic Life Support) for healthcare workers. Buying the wrong level is one of the most common reasons a card gets turned down, and it is easy to avoid. If you are unsure which level you need, our guide to lay-rescuer CPR vs. BLS breaks it down.

When online CPR is typically enough

Online certification tends to work well when the goal is documented knowledge of CPR, AED use, and basic first aid, and when no regulator requires an in-person component. That covers a lot of jobs.

Childcare, teachers, coaches, office and retail, and many fitness roles

• Teachers and school staff: many districts accept online CPR and first aid for classroom teachers, aides, and substitutes. Some districts set their own provider list, so check the onboarding packet.
• Coaches and youth sports volunteers: leagues and athletic programs commonly accept online CPR/AED cards for coaches and assistants.
• Babysitters, nannies, and some childcare roles: parents and many private employers accept online adult-child-infant CPR. State-licensed daycare centers sometimes require a skills check, so confirm with the licensing rules in your state.
• Office, retail, warehouse, and hospitality: designated workplace responders and safety team members often just need current training on file.
• Personal trainers and fitness staff: many gyms and certifying fitness programs accept online CPR/AED. See our guide on whether gyms accept online CPR certification for details.
• Volunteers, foster parents, camp staff, and church groups: these programs frequently accept online cards as proof of training.

When a hands-on skills check is required

A hands-on requirement is most common where people perform CPR as a core part of their job or where a licensing body has written it into the rules. In those cases, the online course still helps you learn and review, but you will need an instructor-led skills session to complete the requirement.

Clinical, hospital, and some EMS pathways

• Hospital nurses and clinical staff: many hospitals require a specific card format and a hands-on skills check for BLS.
• EMTs, paramedics, and some fire departments: state EMS rules often call for in-person skills verification.
• Some nursing and medical school programs: clinical placements may require a particular provider and an in-person component.
• Lifeguards and certain aquatics roles: water rescue programs usually include in-person training.
• Some state-licensed childcare facilities and workplace safety programs: rules vary by state, so read the exact requirement.

That said, plenty of healthcare-adjacent workers, such as home health aides, caregivers, dental office staff, and medical office employees, are able to use online BLS or CPR certification. If your role is clinical, the safest move is to confirm the exact requirement with your manager or education department. If you work in a dental practice, our guide on which CPR class dental assistants should take may help.

How to confirm with your employer in one email

The quickest way to avoid buying the wrong course is to ask three short questions. You can copy and paste this template:

Subject: Quick question about CPR certification

Hi [Name],

Before I sign up for CPR certification, I want to make sure I get the right one. Could you confirm:

1. Is an online CPR course with a printable certification card acceptable, or do you require a hands-on skills check?
2. Do you require a specific provider or card issuer?
3. Which level do I need: adult CPR/AED, adult-child-infant CPR/AED, CPR and first aid, or BLS for healthcare providers?

The course I am considering is here: [paste course link]. Thank you!

Pasting the course link lets your manager see the course details and a sample card. Most people get a reply within a day, and many get a simple “yes, that works.”

What card you receive from SimpleCPR

When you pass a SimpleCPR course, you receive a full-color certification card issued by the American Health Association, SimpleCPR’s certifying organization since 2004. You will sometimes see it abbreviated as “AHA.” Our courses are based on AHA (American Health Association) and OSHA guidelines and follow current resuscitation science.

It is worth being precise here, because a few different organizations use similar names. If your employer asks for a card from one specific named provider, ask whether an American Health Association card meets the requirement before you buy. If you are curious how the large national providers compare to each other, see our comparison of the big-name CPR training organizations.

Each card includes:

• Your name, the course title, the completion date, and the expiration date
• A unique certification number your employer can verify online at the American Health Association’s verification site
• A printable and downloadable PDF version you can access any time from your account

Cards are valid for two years from your completion date. Our guide on when CPR certification expires explains renewal timing.

How long it takes and what you get

Most SimpleCPR courses take 60 minutes or less. Combination CPR and first aid courses can run a little longer. Everything is 100% online and self-paced, so you can stop and start on your phone, tablet, or computer and your progress is saved.

• Price: $19.95 for CPR/AED courses and BLS; $34.95 for CPR + First Aid combos.
• Exam: short module exams, with unlimited retakes at no extra charge.
• Card: print it immediately after you pass. Many people finish and hand their card to HR the same day.
• Optional mailed copy: Package 1 is a mailed wallet card; Package 2 is the same wallet card plus a mailed 8×10 wall certificate.
• Money-back guarantee: if it does not work out, you can request a full refund within 14 days of purchase.

Once you have your card, add it to your applications. Our guide on how to list CPR certification on your resume shows the exact format.

Ready to sign up? Follow our step-by-step guide to getting CPR certified online, or use our online CPR buyer’s checklist to compare providers.

FAQ

Do employers accept online CPR certification?

Many do. Online cards are widely used for office, retail, school, coaching, fitness, childcare, and volunteer roles. Some employers, especially hospitals and EMS agencies, require a hands-on skills check. Always confirm with your employer before you buy.

Is online CPR certification legit?

A legitimate online course gives you real training content, an exam, and a certification card with a verifiable number and a clear issuer. SimpleCPR has operated since 2004, has certified over 1 million students, and issues American Health Association cards your employer can verify online.

Can you get CPR certified online the same day?

Yes. Most courses take 60 minutes or less, and you can print your card immediately after you pass the exam.

Do I need hands-on training?

Only if your employer or licensing body requires it. Many do not. If yours does, the online course covers the knowledge portion and you will complete a skills check separately.

What if my card has expired?

You can renew online by retaking the course. If you already know the material, it often goes quickly. See CPR recertification online for details.

Next step: pick the right course

If your employer accepts online certification, or you are getting certified for personal preparedness, you can be done within the hour. Choose the course that matches your role:

• General workplace, office, retail: Adult CPR/AED ($19.95) or Adult CPR/AED & First Aid ($34.95)
• Teachers, coaches, childcare, parents: Adult-Child-Infant CPR/AED ($19.95) or Adult-Child-Infant CPR/AED & First Aid ($34.95)
• Healthcare roles: BLS / Healthcare Provider CPR ($19.95)
• Jobs with blood exposure risk: Bloodborne Pathogens / Infection Control ($19.95)