BLS is the standard Basic Life Support certification; HeartCode BLS is the American Heart Association’s blended-learning option that combines online eSimulation with a hands-on skills session to deliver the same BLS credential.
What is AHA BLS certification?
AHA BLS certification is the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support credential for healthcare providers that teaches early CPR, AED use, choking relief, and the Chain of Survival in a classroom or blended-learning format.
Nurses, paramedics, EMTs, doctors, dentists, and other healthcare workers need this certification. It must be renewed every two years. Once you pass, you’ll get a two-year AHA course completion card from an authorized Training Center.
What is AHA HeartCode BLS?
HeartCode BLS is the AHA’s blended-learning program: learners complete interactive eSimulation cases online, then attend an in-person or hands-on skills session to earn the same BLS provider card as the traditional classroom course.
Launched back in 2020, HeartCode BLS uses adaptive learning to adjust the content based on how you perform. The online part usually takes 1–2 hours. The skills session (sold separately) covers CPR/AED practice and testing.
Is AHA BLS the same as CPR?
No; AHA BLS is not the same as layperson CPR, although the skills overlap. BLS is the healthcare-provider level of CPR and includes bag-mask ventilation, two-rescuer CPR, and use of an AED with advanced considerations.
Here’s the thing: BLS is designed for professionals who might work in a team during a cardiac arrest. Layperson CPR focuses on single-rescuer techniques. Both certifications last two years, but they’re not identical.
How do I get a HeartCode BLS card?
After passing the online eSimulation portion, you must complete a hands-on skills session with an AHA Training Center to receive your BLS course completion card. The card is issued only after the instructor verifies your CPR/AED skills.
Head to the AHA Training Network to find a center near you and schedule your session. Don’t forget to bring your online completion certificate to the skills session.
Can I get my AHA BLS online?
You cannot complete full AHA BLS entirely online; the AHA requires a hands-on skills session to issue the provider card. However, you can complete the cognitive portion online via HeartCode BLS and finish skills separately.
The online-only option is called HeartCode BLS Part 1; Parts 2 (skills practice) and 3 (skills testing) must be completed in person with an authorized instructor. Honestly, this is the best approach for busy professionals.
How long does the online AHA BLS course take?
The online portion of HeartCode BLS typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on prior experience and the pace of the adaptive learning program. The AHA reports most learners finish within 60–120 minutes.
If you’re new to BLS, allow closer to two hours. Experienced providers may finish in under an hour. The session can be paused and resumed within 60 days, which is super convenient.
How much does AHA BLS cost?
HeartCode BLS Part 1 (online cognitive) costs $36–$49 from the AHA’s online store as of 2026; the separate skills session adds $35–$75 depending on location. In-person classroom courses run $60–$80 all-inclusive.
Total blended-learning cost averages $70–$125. Always check with local Training Centers for package bundles and group discounts—some places offer better deals.
How many questions are on the AHA BLS exam?
The AHA BLS exam contains 35 questions and requires a minimum 84% score to pass; the exam is taken online after completing HeartCode BLS Part 1. Each question provides immediate feedback explaining the rationale for correct answers.
You can review missed questions and repeat the exam if needed; unlimited attempts are allowed until the 60-day access period ends. That’s one less thing to stress about.
Can you renew AHA BLS online?
Yes, you can renew BLS online via HeartCode BLS if you currently hold a valid AHA BLS provider card. The renewal course follows the same blended-learning format: online cognitive followed by a hands-on skills session.
Renewal candidates still need to demonstrate CPR/AED skills in person. The AHA accepts online renewal in all 50 states as of 2026, which saves a ton of time.
Is Red Cross BLS the same as AHA?
In practice, the American Red Cross BLS and AHA BLS are considered equivalent by most employers and regulatory bodies. Both teach identical core skills and comply with ECC and ILCOR guidelines.
Minor differences exist in course structure and testing formats. Always confirm your employer or licensing board accepts the specific provider before enrolling—better safe than sorry.
Do I need CPR if I have BLS?
No; if you hold a current AHA BLS certification, you do not need a separate CPR card. BLS includes all CPR content required for healthcare providers.
Layperson CPR remains optional for non-healthcare personnel. BLS is specifically designed for professional responders, so you’re covered.
How long does it take to get BLS certified?
In-person BLS certification typically takes 3.5–4.5 hours; blended-learning HeartCode BLS reduces seat time to about 1–2 hours for the online portion plus 30–45 minutes for the skills session.
Plan on 4–5 hours total to allow for check-in, breaks, and testing. Some providers offer accelerated one-day courses if you’re in a hurry.
Can BLS be done online?
BLS cannot be completed entirely online; the AHA and Red Cross both require a hands-on skills session to issue a provider card. Online-only “certificates of completion” do not meet certification requirements.
Both organizations offer blended-learning options where the cognitive portion is online and the psychomotor skills are verified in person. That’s the only way to get a real certification.
How long does it take to get AHA ecard?
Training Centers must issue AHA ecards within 20 days of successful course completion. In practice, many centers issue cards within 1–5 business days via email.
If you haven’t received your ecard after 20 days, contact your instructor or Training Center Coordinator. Always keep a PDF copy of your certificate until the ecard arrives—just in case.
How many modules are in BLS?
The AHA BLS provider course contains 13 modules covering the Chain of Survival, scene safety, one- and two-rescuer CPR, AED use, bag-mask ventilation, and relief of choking. The modules are delivered in a blended format in HeartCode BLS.
Each module includes video lessons, interactive scenarios, and knowledge checks; the final exam follows the last module. The structure keeps things engaging and practical.
