CPR Certification Requirements in Colorado: The Complete 2026 Guide

Colorado has specific CPR certification requirements for multiple professions and industries. Some are mandated by state law, others by federal OSHA, and others by professional licensing boards. This guide covers every major requirement so you can identify exactly what you need.

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Healthcare Professionals

What is required: BLS for Healthcare Providers (AHA preferred by most employers)
Who: Nurses, physicians, EMTs, paramedics, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, CNAs, medical assistants, physical therapists
Renewal: Every 2 years
Hands-on required: Yes
Source: Employer policy and The Joint Commission (PC.02.01.11)

Healthcare employers define which positions require BLS, ACLS, or PALS. The baseline for all clinical staff is BLS. Emergency department, ICU, and CCU staff typically require ACLS in addition to BLS.

Master your BLS skills with our complete healthcare provider guide.

Dental Professionals

What is required: BLS for Healthcare Providers with hands-on component
Who: All Colorado dental licensees (dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists)
Renewal: Every 2 years aligned with biennial license renewal (February 28 of even-numbered years)
Additional: Dentists with sedation permits need ACLS or PALS
Source: Colorado Dental Board, 3 CCR 709-1, Section G.7

Complete guide to dental office BLS requirements in Colorado.

Childcare and Daycare Workers

What is required: CPR and first aid covering adult, child, AND infant plus AED
Who: All direct care staff at licensed centers, preschools, and school-age programs
Renewal: Every 2 years. New hires: Introduction to First Aid and CPR within 30 days
Hands-on required: Yes
Source: CDEC licensing rules

Full CDEC compliance guide for childcare CPR requirements.

School Staff and Athletic Coaches

What is required: At least one CPR/AED trained person present during all school hours, field trips, and athletics. Athletic coaches specifically must be CPR/AED certified.
Renewal: Every 2 years
Source: C.R.S. 22-1-125.5 (coaches since 2015); SB23-023 (student CPR instruction encouragement)

Construction Workers

What is required: Valid first aid certificate from AHA, Red Cross, or equivalent on every site without nearby medical access
Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.50

On-site CPR training for construction companies.

Utility and Electrical Workers

What is required: CPR AND first aid mandatory for workers near 50+ volt equipment. At least 2 trained persons per field location. Response time under 4 minutes.
Additional: NFPA 70E requires training every 3 years with annual proficiency demo
Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269; NFPA 70E (2024)

CPR training for utility companies.

General Industry and Office Workers

What is required: First aid trained responders when no medical facility is within 3-4 minutes (high-hazard) or 15 minutes (low-hazard)
Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151

Full guide to OSHA CPR requirements for Colorado employers.

Personal Trainers and Fitness Professionals

What is required: Most certifying bodies (NASM, ACE, ACSM) require current CPR/AED certification as a condition of certification. Gym employers often require it as a condition of employment.
Renewal: Varies by certifying body, typically every 2 years

How to Determine Your Specific Requirement

When in doubt, ask your employer which specific certification they require. The most important questions are: Do they require BLS or Heartsaver? Do they require AHA specifically, or will Red Cross or HSI suffice? Do they require the certification before your start date or within a certain timeframe after hire?

CPR-Professionals can help you identify the right class. Call 303-918-8077 or email info@cpr-professionals.com.

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