How long is your CPR certification good for?

In general, CPR training sessions and certifications are good for two years. After that, you must recertify to ensure you are up to date on the latest information and techniques. CPR is a lifesaving skill for a community member, employee or healthcare provider to know, as it enables you to respond appropriately if someone goes into cardiac arrest or stops breathing. In a CPR training, students learn compression techniques to keep blood flowing to the body’s organs if a person’s heart has suddenly stopped or they have stopped breathing. This action can keep a person alive until an emergency responder can arrive on the scene and can effectively save a life.

The American Red Cross explains that re-certification is important, because people start to forget information just a few months after taking a training. The American Red Cross recommends you keep your skills fresh by reviewing free, online materials or downloading their free, mobile app to keep abreast of CPR information and news. Re-certification courses are shorter than first-time CPR training. Your renewed CPR certification will be good for another two years.