How Often Should You Renew Your CPR Certification?

CPR will always be an essential emergency knowledge as it can save lives.  Congratulations if you have passed a course teaching or performing. However, few people know that this certification only lasts for a while. You must periodically renew your certification in CPR so that the skill is retained, current, and ready for application.

If you ever wonder how frequently you should renew your CPR certification, this guide will help. Northwest Career College is happy to help you develop the skills and confidence to make a difference when it counts.

How Often Should You Renew Your Certification in CPR?

The general rule is that reassessment of certification for CPR is usually carried out once every two years. This is as provided by the setting standards set by the American Heart Association, AHA, in providing guidelines and training in CPR.

Why two years? Because CPR techniques and guidelines change as new research becomes available, certification renewal keeps you current on the latest methodology and sharpens your skills.

Why Is Renewal So Important?

Renewing your CPR certification isn’t just about updating a card; it’s about preparing to take action in a life-threatening emergency. Here’s why renewal is so important:

Stay Current with Guidelines: Medical research and practices get better over time. Renewal means you learn any updates to CPR techniques, such as compression depth or timing changes.

• Refresh Your Skills: CPR is a hands-on skill, and like all other skills, it tends to fade unless practice regularly occurs. Renewal classes give you a chance to practice and feel confident again.
• Job Requirements: Many workplaces, mainly in the healthcare, education, and public safety sectors, enforce current CPR certification. Renewing keeps you compliant with the requirements.
• Save a Life: In emergencies, timing and action accuracy often spell the difference. Proper training will likely result in saved lives.
  

What Happens in a Renewal Class about CPR?

A CPR recertification class is similar to your initial certification course but much shorter and more focused. During the course, you will be reviewing essential techniques and practicing hands-on skills, including:

• Chest compressions and rescue breaths.
• Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
• Learn to help adults, children, and infants in emergencies.

You will also have a chance to ask questions and get feedback from the certified instructors. You must take a skills test to demonstrate your knowledge at the end of the class. Upon successfully taking this test, you will be awarded a new certification card that may last for two more years.

What if My Certification Expires?

You may also take renewal classes if your CPR certification has expired. However, it would help if you renew your certification before it expires. Keeping current with the certifications allows you to be prepared at any time if an emergency occurs and may prevent you from having to take a full-length class on CPR.

Who Needs a CPR Certification?

While useful for everyone, some professions require CPR certification, which includes:

• Healthcare workers
• Teachers and School Staff
• Fitness instructors
• Lifeguards
• Childcare providers
• Public safety officers

Even if it is not a job requirement, CPR training is a lifesaving skill worth acquiring. You never know if you need to help a family member, a friend, or a stranger during an emergency.

Where Can You Renew Your CPR Certification?

Renewing your CPR certification at Northwest Career College is never a problem. As one of the few AHA Training Centers, we proudly provide high-quality CPR classes in Las Vegas. Visit our website and inquire today!