What is CPR and AED Certification?

CPR and AED certification training teaches you the skills to respond to an adult or child who may be suffering from a life-threatening heart event, or a person who has stopped breathing.

First Aid certification, which tests your skills in responding to medical emergencies until emergency responders arrive, can be supplemented by CPR and AED certification. CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator.

Similar to First Aid certification, CPR and AED certification classes should be taught by a certified instructor from a reputable organization. Cintas is one of the largest national providers of American Heart Association (AHA) First Aid, CPR and AED certification training.

Not all certification classes are created equal: certification courses should have a low student to instructor ratio (1:9) and a low student to practice mannequin ratio (1:1 or 1:2). Multiple practice AEDs also should be available for students to use. ^[1]

CPR / AED Certification Courses

There are a variety of CPR/AED certification courses. These classes are designed to teach the latest life-saving techniques in emergency situations.

Certifications include:

• CPR certification tests your ability to recognize a cardiac event and administer CPR chest compression and artificial ventilation. CPR certification is only taught in conjunction with AED.
• AED certification tests your knowledge of administering an electric shock to the heart using AED equipment. AED certification is only taught in conjunction with CPR.
• BLS certification for healthcare professionals tests your knowledge in assisting in breathing and cardiac emergencies.
• First Aid certification tests your knowledge of basic first aid principles, and your skills in recognizing and responding to medical emergencies.

What’s included in a CPR or AED Certification training class?

CPR certification training classes and AED certification training classes take about 90 to 120 minutes each to complete.

CPR certification training involves teaching you how to identify a person suffering from cardiac arrest or from breathing constriction. Through certification courses, you’ll learn the proper chest compression techniques, and how to help the victim breathe through artificial ventilation.

AED certification training teaches students how to use an AED machine, including preparing a victim for a shock and how to properly deliver it.

What do CPR and AED certification cost?

CPR and AED certification costs vary by provider. Prices generally range from about $50 to $100 each.

What’s involved in recertification for CPR and AED training?

CPR and AED certification lasts for two years, but a best practice is to refresh your training every 12 to 15 months to keep up with the latest CPR techniques. Renewal training can be part of a person’s job, (like a healthcare provider or lifeguard) or for a general member of the public who wants to keep their CPR and AED skills sharp. ^{[2] [3]}