Best CPR Certifications For 2024
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Each year, around 450,000 people die from cardiac arrest in the United States alone. CPR training provides the opportunity for these people to be saved and for that number to decrease. Performing an emergency procedure to keep the blood flow active, even if not entirely, can help sustain their life until medical help arrives.
While performing CPR is a hands-on skill meant to save lives, it can hurt the individual if done incorrectly. Knowing what you’re doing increases your odds of saving a recipient in need and decreases the chances of additional harm.
When it comes to becoming a personal trainer, a CPR or AED certification is a prerequisite, as you’ll be working with people who are putting extra stress and exertion on their bodies daily. Even once you are a personal trainer, you’ll need to continue to recertify in CPR to stay current.
Here, we’ll give you our top choices for the best CPR certifications. They are as follows:
- ResusciTech
- American Safety Training Institute
- American Red Cross
- American Heart Association
Then we’ll also answer some common questions about CPR training, including:
- What is CPR training, and what does it entail?
- What is the difference between AED and CPR certification?
- How long does CPR certification last?
- What are the best CPR certifications with online options?
- How much does it cost to get CPR certified?
- How long is a CPR class?
Read on!
But first…
Why Am I Trustworthy In Ranking CPR Certifications?
As a certified personal trainer, I understand the importance of safety in the fitness environment. One essential aspect of safety is the ability to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency, which is why CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification is critical for fitness professionals.
I have obtained CPR certification myself and have also trained and supervised other fitness professionals in this area. This has given me firsthand experience with different CPR certification programs and their content.
As a personal trainer, I am responsible for the well-being of my clients, and that includes being prepared to respond appropriately in case of a medical emergency. My training and experience have taught me the importance of selecting a high-quality CPR certification program that covers all the essential skills needed to perform CPR correctly.
I can evaluate and rank CPR certification programs based on factors such as the quality and depth of the training, the reputation of the certifying organization, and the credentials and experience of the instructors. Additionally, I can consider how well the program aligns with current CPR guidelines and practices, which is essential for ensuring that individuals who complete the program are well-prepared to respond to an emergency in a real-life situation.
The Best CPR Certifications For 2024
RESuSCITECH is rated 4.5 out of 5 for Convenience and Features
OVERVIEW
This is an excellent choice to go at your own pace and learn using an app.
At the current time, many CPT options offer the ability to participate in online CPR training to satisfy the CPR prerequisite. This app for your phone allows you to learn CPR and actually practice it where it’s able to use your motions to evaluate your skills.
No special tools are needed, as even a couch cushion can give you the required model to understand and assess the aptitudes expected to perform CPR.
Stats For ResusciTech
- Certification Price: $75 for individual
- Course Length: 90 minutes
- How You Can Take It: Hands-on app driven
Pros
- ResusciTech CPR certification covers both adult and pediatric CPR.
- The certification is available online, making it convenient for individuals with busy schedules.
- The program offers interactive training modules and simulations to help learners practice their skills.
- The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE).
- The certification is recognized by many healthcare organizations and employers.
Cons
- ResusciTech CPR certification may not be recognized by all healthcare organizations or employers.
- Some individuals may prefer in-person training and hands-on practice over online learning.
- The program may not provide as much in-depth instruction as some other CPR certification programs.
- The cost of the certification may be higher than other options.
As a certified personal trainer, I have researched various CPR certification programs and found that ResusciTech CPR Certification has received many positive online reviews. The program covers both adult and pediatric CPR, making it a great choice for fitness professionals who work with clients of all ages.
The online format is convenient, allowing learners to complete the program at their own pace. Many reviewers noted that the program was easy to navigate, even for individuals who were new to CPR. The interactive training modules and simulations were praised for making learning engaging and effective. ResusciTech has a high success rate, with many learners passing the certification exam on their first attempt.
The certification is recognized by many healthcare organizations and employers, adding value to the credential. The customer support team was noted to be responsive and helpful, and the program even offers a money-back guarantee.
Overall, ResusciTech CPR Certification seems to be a reliable choice for individuals who need a high-quality CPR certification that is convenient, effective, and recognized by healthcare organizations and employers.
ASTI is rated 4 out of 5 for CONVENIENCE AND FEATURES
OVERVIEW
The ASTI offers both online and in-person CPR courses, as well as a blend of the two course delivery options. Adult, child, and infant CPR is included as well as AED training.
On-site classes can be scheduled to meet your needs with fully certified instructors, first responders, and medical professionals. The online course can be completed in 1-3 hours and can be done at your own pace within 30 days.
Stats For American Safety Training Institute
- Certification Price: $19.95 for community or workplace
- Certification Price: $24.95 for healthcare professionals
- Course Length: 1-3 hours
- How You Can Take It: Online, in-person or blended
Pros
- American Safety Training Institute CPR certification is available online, making it convenient for individuals with busy schedules.
- The program offers interactive training modules and simulations to help learners practice their skills.
- The certification is recognized by many healthcare organizations and employers.
- The cost of the certification is typically lower than other options.
- The program offers a money-back guarantee.
Cons
- Some individuals may prefer in-person training and hands-on practice over online learning.
- The program may not provide as much in-depth instruction as some other CPR certification programs.
- American Safety Training Institute CPR certification may not be recognized by all healthcare organizations or employers.
- The program is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE).
One of the standout features of the program is its online format, which provides convenience for busy learners who want to complete the program at their own pace. Many reviewers noted that the program was user-friendly and engaging, thanks to the interactive training modules and simulations.
Another advantage of the ASTI program is that it is recognized by many healthcare organizations and employers, which can add value to the certification. Additionally, the program is often noted for its affordable cost, making it an accessible option for individuals who are looking for high-quality CPR training.
The program even offers a money-back guarantee, which provides additional confidence for learners.
Overall, the American Safety Training Institute CPR Certification is a reliable choice for individuals who need a CPR certification that is convenient, affordable, and recognized by healthcare organizations and employers.
ARC is rated 4 out of 5 for CONVENIENCE AND FEATURES
OVERVIEW
Offering both online instruction and in-person classes, the Red Cross provides adult, child, and baby first-aid/CPR/AED certification.
The online option allows you to work at your own pace and engage yourself in interactive courses. You will even continue to have access after course completion.
Stats For American Red Cross
- Certification Price: $37 - $97, depending on whether you do it in person, online or hybrid
- Course Length: 2 - 3.5 hours, depending on whether it’s in person, online, or hybrid.
- How You Can Take It: In person, online or hybrid
Pros
- American Red Cross CPR certification is widely recognized and accepted by many healthcare organizations and employers.
- The program offers both in-person and online training options, allowing individuals to choose the format that best suits their needs.
- The program covers both adult and pediatric CPR, as well as other emergency procedures such as AED use and choking relief.
- The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE).
- The American Red Cross has a strong reputation for providing high-quality training and certification programs.
Cons
- The cost of American Red Cross CPR certification may be higher than some other options.
- Some individuals may find the program's requirements for hands-on practice and skills evaluation to be more time-consuming or challenging.
- The program may not be as convenient for individuals with busy schedules, as in-person training sessions may have limited availability.
- Some individuals may prefer self-paced options that do not require specific attendance.
One of the key benefits of this program is that it offers both in-person and online training options, providing flexibility for learners who prefer different formats. The program provides thorough instruction and hands-on practice, which helps to feel confident in your ability to perform CPR in a real-life situation.
Additionally, the American Red Cross CPR Certification covers both adult and pediatric CPR, as well as other emergency response procedures like AED use and choking relief. This breadth of training makes it a great choice for fitness professionals who want to be well-prepared for any emergency situation.
The program is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE), which adds credibility to the certification. While the cost of the American Red Cross CPR Certification may be higher than some other options, I feel that the quality of the instruction justifies the price.
Overall, the American Red Cross CPR Certification seems to be a reliable choice for individuals who want a comprehensive CPR certification program that is recognized by healthcare organizations and provides hands-on practice.
AHA is rated 3.8 out of 5 for CONVENIENCE AND FEATURES
OVERVIEW
A world leader in CPR care, their certification options include online and physical classrooms.
Using a network of authorized AHA Training Centers and instructors, the certification offers the education and skills needed to perform CPR properly. The AHS also offers an at-home, self-directed video-based program that teaches you the skills required in about 20 minutes and can be revisited whenever needed.
So what can you expect with your CPR certification? Here are some commonly asked questions we’ve answered:
Stats For American Heart Association
- Certification Price: $19.50
- Course Length: 1 hour
- How You Can Take It: In person, online or hybrid
Pros
- Lower cost than many other CPR options
- American Heart Association CPR certification is widely recognized and accepted by many healthcare organizations and employers.
- The program offers both in-person and online training options, allowing individuals to choose the format that best suits their needs.
- The program covers both adult and pediatric CPR
- The American Heart Association has a strong reputation for providing high-quality training and certification programs.
- The program may include additional training in first aid and other emergency response procedures.
Cons
- Some individuals may find the program's requirements for hands-on practice and skills evaluation to be more time-consuming or challenging.
- The program may not be as convenient for individuals with busy schedules, as in-person training sessions may have limited availability.
- Some individuals may prefer self-paced options that do not require specific attendance.
One of the standout features of the program is that it offers both in-person and online training options, providing flexibility for learners who prefer different formats. The program covers both adult and pediatric CPR, as well as other emergency response procedures like AED use and choking relief.
This course’s instruction is clear and concise, making it easy to understand and retain the information. Additionally, the American Heart Association CPR Certification is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE), which adds credibility to the certification.
The AHA is a highly respected organization in the healthcare field, which in my opinion, adds significant value to the certification. Overall, the American Heart Association CPR Certification appears to be a reliable choice for individuals who want a comprehensive CPR certification program that is recognized by healthcare organizations and provides clear and concise instruction.
Now, let’s answer some questions you might have about CPR training.
What Is CPR Training?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most vital first-aid techniques. Possessing skills in performing this life-saving procedure is not only valuable but required for personal trainers.
While anyone can read about it and learn the techniques, actual CPR training and certification are crucial because you put the skills into action in a hands-on environment.
Some personal training certifications normally don’t consider you CPR certified if you didn’t get the hands-on experience and only did an online course without an in-person skills assessment. But at the current time, there are exceptions to this due to COVID-19. Always check with the personal training certification you will be pursuing to make sure you’re enrolling in an acceptable CPR certification.
So what exactly do you learn with CPR training? In general, you’ll learn to perform CPR on an individual, including rescue breaths, hands-only techniques, how to administer the procedure correctly, compression methods and hand formations, timing, and more. You’ll also learn the difference in approaches when performing CPR on adults vs. children and infants.
A CPR certification not only gives you the knowledge required to perform it safely but it gives you the confidence needed to step in and help while identifying the boundaries of your abilities.
What is the difference between AED and CPR?
An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a machine that uses an electrical shock to try to restart the heart. AED has the potential to restart an individual’s heart and brain, which is why you can find a device in many public places.
CPR is also a life-saving method, but it’s not meant to bring a person back to life, only to sustain their life until help arrives. Both are critical parts of a rescue operation.
Most CPR courses will also touch on AED to be sure you’re also well-informed about how to use this device.
So let’s get into which are the best CPR certifications for you to obtain before pursuing your certification in personal training (CPT).
FAQs About CPR Certification
The cost of CPR training for an individual seeking certification can vary depending on what the course requires. Some require you to purchase course materials in addition to the class, while others do not. With the above recommendations, the costs range from $19.50-$97, depending on if it’s online-only, in-person, or a mixture of the two.
Depending on which course you choose and if your course is online or in-person, an entire class is anywhere between 1.5 and 3.5 hours.
A CPR certification typically lasts two years before requiring recertification. This specification ensures your skills are kept up, and you’re always ready to help an individual in need of CPR.
Final Thoughts
While CPR certification is straightforward and can often be completed quickly, it can mean the difference between life and death when it comes to a medical emergency.
Once you’re CPR certified, you’re ready to become a personal trainer. Ready to learn more about the steps to becoming a CPT?
Read more: Best Online Personal Trainer Certification
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Eddie Lester
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