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Course FAQs


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

UPDATED 6/2017


What should I wear to class?

Our CPR and first aid courses involve hands-on practice sessions, so wear something comfortable that you can move around in. If you have long hair, it is best to wear it back.


What is the minimum age to learn CPR?
The AHA does not mandate a minimum age requirement for learning CPR. The ability to perform CPR is based more on body strength than age. Studies have shown that children as young as nine years old can learn and retain CPR skills. Please speak with an AHA Instructor or Training Center if you have any concerns.

Why is AED training included in all your CPR courses?
The science in the official 2015 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC shows that victims have a greater chance of survival from cardiac arrest when high-quality CPR includes use of an AED.

I need a general CPR course to prepare me to save the life of a loved one. Which course is best for me?
Family & Friends® CPR provides basic CPR training in a dynamic group environment using the research-proven practice-while-watching method. You may also be interested in learning basic CPR skills using the AHA’s CPR Anytime kit, which you can share with family, friends and loved ones.

I am not a healthcare professional and I need a CPR and AED course for work purposes. Which course should I take?
Heartsaver® CPR AED is probably best for you. The AHA offers this course in both eLearning and classroom-based formats. Heartsaver classes and eLearning skills sessions.

Are your courses OSHA compliant?
Our Heartsaver Courses are for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card for job, regulatory or other requirements. While these courses are designed to meet OSHA requirements, OSHA does not review or approve any courses for compliance.

Through the AHA/OSHA Alliance, we work with OSHA to raise awareness about workplace safety and health to prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the workplace.

Which CPR course should a "first responder" or “professional rescuer” take?
First responders or professional rescuers generally include fire, police and emergency medical personnel. These types of prehospital professionals usually need to complete a Basic Life Support (BLS) course. Check with your employer or licensing authority and learn more about eLearning and classroom-based BLS courses.

Which course should a daycare provider take?
The AHA’s Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED Course is designed to meet regulatory requirements for child care workers in all 50 United States. The AHA offers this course in both eLearning and classroom-based formats. Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED classes and eLearning skills sessions.

Do you have a list of all your CPR and first aid courses?
Yes. You may view a full list of provider courses at www.heart.org/ecccoursematrix.

Can I take an AHA CPR course online?
The AHA offers a variety of Blended Learning and eLearning courses through OnlineAHA.org, eLearning.heart.org, and our Distributors. For Blended Learning courses, a student completes part of the course in a self-directed manner online, followed by a Hands-On Skills Session in person with an AHA Instructor or using a Voice Assisted Manikin (VAM) where available. The cost for hands-on sessions is determined by the AHA Training Center offering the session. Training Centers will be able to answer your questions about availability and fees.  AHA eLearning courses are fully self-directed, and do not require a separate Hands-On Skills Session.

Do the AHA’s BLS courses include first aid?
No, first aid is not included in the AHA’s BLS courses. The AHA offers a variety of courses that will prepare you to respond to a first aid emergency, including
• Heartsaver First Aid Online – to be followed by a skills session with an AHA Instructor
• Heartsaver First Aid –classroom-based
• Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Online – to be followed by a skills session with an AHA Instructor
• Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED – classroom-based
• Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED Online – to be followed by a skills session with an AHA Instructor
• Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED – class-room based

Is BLS included in the ACLS Course?
No, But may be combined with ACLS for an additional fee.

For the purposes of AHA’s CPR and first aid training, what age constitutes an infant, child and adult?
In CPR and first aid training,

  • An infant is younger than one year
  • A child is older than one year and has not reached puberty
  • An adult is anyone who has gone through or is going through puberty

Is BLS a prerequisite for ACLS?
Students in ACLS courses are not required by the AHA to have a current BLS for Healthcare Providers card, but they are expected to be proficient in BLS skills. Training Centers may require students to have current BLS for Healthcare Providers card.


If you are unable to attend your scheduled class you may reschedule within 14 days, without additional charge,  if you give us notice prior to the day of the class!  IMPORTANT: If you are unable to reschedule your class you may request a partial refund within 14 days. The normal fee is 10% plus $10.00 registration fee. Your request for a refund must be sent to your instructor within 14 days of your class date.  Note: If you choose not to pre-pay for your class you may pay onsite at an increased cost of $10.00.

Purchase of a course is a NON-REFUNDABLE ticket but may be rescheduled within 14 days from purchase at no additional charge.


If you are unable to attend your scheduled class you may reschedule within 14 days, without additional charge,  if you give us notice prior to the day of the class!  IMPORTANT: If you are unable to reschedule your class you may request a partial refund within 14 days. The normal fee is $20.00 plus 10% processing fee, shipping fees and manual fee if applicable. Your request for a refund must be sent to your instructor within 14 days of your class date.  Note: If you choose not to pre-pay for your class you may pay onsite at an increased cost of $10.00.