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CPR Certification Requirements

Cardiopulmonary respiration---CPR---is a rescue procedure used when someone has no pulse or is not breathing. The currently recommended procedure for most adults uses only chest compressions, although another method uses both chest compressions and rescue breathing. Small children, infants and drowning victims still need chest compressions and rescue breathing. CPR certification is not necessary in order to perform the procedure.

  1. Choosing a Class

    • Take the class and learn the techniques. There is no age requirement for certification, and CPR can be taught to any age in any group situation.

      Many local fire departments offer classes. Local American Heart Association and American Red Cross chapters often offer classes. Some people prefer to take an online class and learn the techniques at their own convenience rather than sitting in a classroom.

      Most classes require you pay a fee, regardless of the format you choose.

    Health Care Provider CPR Requirements

    • If you need health care provider CPR certification, additional course material is required. If you are a health care provider, you must know how to use a bag and mask device, oxygen, an AED (a defibrillator) and a barrier shield. You will also need to be able to do one and two-person CPR on adults, children and infants.

    Skills Proficiency

    • Complete the skills demonstration. The skills test may require you to demonstrate proficiency on adult, child and infant dummies. For health care provider CPR certification, you will need to prove proficiency for both one-man and two-man skills.

      Online classes for basic CPR do not require that you perform a skills demonstration.

    Test Requirement

    • Pass the test. This multiple-choice test verifies that you understand and can safely execute CPR. You must pass the test with at least 70 percent accuracy in order to be certified.

    Your Certification Card

    • Online classes will ask you to print the card out on your computer. Classes taken in person will provide your certification cards after you pass the proficiency test.

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