Different Types of CPR Classes: Which One Suits You Best?
Last Updated: March 11, 2026
The AHA offers several distinct CPR and first aid courses, each designed for a specific audience. Choosing the right one means matching your professional requirements, learning preferences, and schedule to the course that fits.
Here is a breakdown of every major CPR class type available through AHA-authorized training centers like CPR-Professionals.
Already know which class you need? Check the schedule and book your seat.
BLS for Healthcare Providers
Who it is for: Nurses, physicians, EMTs, paramedics, dentists, dental hygienists, pharmacists, CNAs, medical assistants, respiratory therapists, lifeguards, and anyone whose employer or licensing board requires "BLS for Healthcare Providers."
What it covers: Adult, child, and infant CPR for single and multi-rescuer scenarios. Bag-mask ventilation. AED use. Team dynamics and communication. Opioid-associated emergencies. Choking relief using the 2025 updated protocol.
Duration: Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
Assessment: Skills test plus written exam (84% passing score).
Certification: AHA BLS Provider eCard, valid 2 years.
Cost at CPR-Professionals: $75 (eBook purchased separately).
This is the certification required by virtually every hospital, clinic, and healthcare employer in the country. If you work in healthcare, this is your course.
Deep dive into what BLS covers and how to excel in it.
Heartsaver CPR AED
Who it is for: Teachers, coaches, childcare workers, personal trainers, office employees, construction workers, and anyone not in a healthcare role who needs CPR certification.
What it covers: Adult, child, and infant CPR. AED use. Choking relief. Hands-only CPR.
Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.
Assessment: Skills test (no written exam).
Certification: AHA Heartsaver CPR AED eCard, valid 2 years.
This is the most popular class for OSHA workplace compliance and general preparedness.
Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED
Who it is for: Anyone who needs both CPR and first aid certification, particularly school staff, childcare workers, coaches, and safety teams.
What it covers: Everything in Heartsaver CPR AED, plus first aid for bleeding, broken bones, burns, allergic reactions, diabetic emergencies, seizures, and other common medical situations.
Duration: Approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Assessment: Skills test.
Certification: AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED eCard, valid 2 years.
Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED
Who it is for: Babysitters, nannies, childcare workers, and parents who want pediatric-focused training.
What it covers: Child and infant CPR using the updated 2025 techniques. Pediatric first aid. Choking relief for children and infants. AED use with pediatric pads.
Duration: Approximately 5 hours classroom, or 3 to 5 hours online plus 60 minutes in-person for blended.
Certification: AHA Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED eCard, valid 2 years.
Parents and babysitters should read our guide to the new infant CPR technique.
HeartCode BLS (Blended Learning)
Who it is for: Healthcare professionals who prefer to complete the cognitive portion on their own schedule before attending a shorter in-person skills session.
What it covers: Same content as traditional BLS, delivered in two parts. Part 1 is online self-paced learning. Part 2 is in-person skills practice and assessment.
Duration: 1 to 2 hours online plus approximately 45 to 60 minutes in-person.
Certification: Identical AHA BLS Provider eCard as traditional classroom BLS.
This is the best option for busy professionals who cannot block out a full 4-hour classroom session.
Detailed comparison of HeartCode BLS vs. traditional classroom BLS.
How to Choose
If your employer or licensing board specifies a course by name, take that course. If you have flexibility, use this general guide:
Healthcare job or healthcare student: BLS for Healthcare Providers (no substitute)
School, childcare, or coaching role: Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED
Construction, utility, or OSHA-regulated job: Heartsaver CPR AED (minimum) or Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED
Parent or family caregiver: Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED or Heartsaver CPR AED
General preparedness: Heartsaver CPR AED
Still not sure? Call us at 303-918-8077 or email [email protected]. We will point you to the right class based on your specific situation.
