How long does it take to complete the BLS?

A BLS (Basic Life Support) course typically takes 3 to 5 hours for an instructor-led session, while blended learning (online + in-person skills) usually involves 1-2 hours online and 2-3 hours in person, with total time varying by provider and your prior knowledge. Renewal courses are shorter, and some online options can be completed faster for experienced individuals, with certification valid for two years.

How long does the BLS course take?

A BLS (Basic Life Support) class typically lasts 4 to 4.5 hours for initial certification and about 3 hours for renewal, with blended learning options taking less time in person (1-2 hours online + 1-3 hours skills). The duration varies by provider (like American Heart Association or American Red Cross) and whether it's an in-person or online/skills-based course, but covers essential CPR, AED use, and choking relief for healthcare providers. 

Is the BLS certification test hard?

No, the BLS (Basic Life Support) test isn't inherently hard, but it requires focus because it's more technical than layperson CPR, testing knowledge on CPR for adults, children, and infants, AED use, and airway management, with a written (multiple-choice) and hands-on skills component, designed to be passed if you pay attention in class and practice the simple, precise steps. Most people pass easily if they learn the material, as the skills are straightforward and instructors guide you, with the main challenge being increased info compared to basic first aid.
 

How many hours does BLS count for?

BLS Certification:

4.0 credits/contact hours.

What is the passing score for the BLS exam?

The BLS Certification Exam requires a passing score of 80%.

After passing the final exam, you will receive a copy of your BLS provider card and continuing education certificate via email. You can also access your digital card and certificate in your account under the “My Documents” tab.

BLS CERTIFICATION : IMPORTANT TIPS TO PASS THE BLS CERTIFICATION LIKE A BOSS CHEAT SHEET GUIDE

Is the BLS exam open book?

What does the BLS certification exam look like? The exam typically includes a 25-question open-book quiz and a hands-on skills test. You need about 84% to pass.

How many questions are on a BLS test?

The AHA BLS exam you'll take in class consists of a total of 25 questions. You need to score at least an 84% to pass, meaning you can miss a total of 4 questions.

How many times can you take the BLS exam?

Unlimited Exam Retakes with Rationale

It is much less important that you pass the exam the first time. That is why you can take the exam as many times as you need until you pass.

How long is a BLS course online?

The online portion of HeartCode BLS can be completed in approximately 1 to 2 hours. Time to complete the hands-on skills session varies from 60 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the experience of the student. HeartCode BLS Online is WCAG 2.1 AA compliant.

How many hours is 1 CEU worth?

One Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is typically worth 10 contact hours (or 600 minutes) of organized instruction, according to standards set by organizations like the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), though some fields or specific providers might use slightly different calculations or definitions (like a "contact hour" being 50-60 minutes). This means 10 hours of training equals 1 CEU, and shorter sessions are often awarded in tenths (e.g., 0.1 CEU for 1 hour, 0.15 CEU for 90 minutes). 

Is BLS harder than CPR?

Yes, BLS (Basic Life Support) is generally considered more demanding and comprehensive than standard CPR training because it's designed for healthcare professionals, covering more complex skills, teamwork, and equipment use (like Bag Valve Masks) in addition to core CPR for adults, children, and infants, whereas basic CPR is for the general public and focuses on fundamental compression/breath techniques. BLS involves more in-depth scenarios, longer training, and a broader knowledge base for managing cardiac and respiratory emergencies in clinical settings.
 

Is there a written exam for BLS?

To receive a course completion card, students in the Basic Life Support (BLS) Course must pass both skills tests and an online exam with a score of at least 84%. The BLS exam measures the mastery of cognitive knowledge and is administered at the conclusion of an instructor-led BLS Course.

Can you get your BLS completely online?

No, you cannot do a fully online BLS (Basic Life Support) certification that is widely accepted by employers and healthcare systems, because a hands-on skills assessment is always required for official certification, but you can do a blended learning course where you complete the knowledge part online at your own pace and then have a quick, in-person skills check. Organizations like the American Heart Association and American Red Cross offer these legitimate blended options, combining online modules with a required in-person or virtual skills session for proper training in chest compressions, AED use, and rescue breaths. 

Is BLS hard to pass?

No, Basic Life Support (BLS) certification isn't considered hard; it's designed to be practical and manageable, but requires focus because it covers more detailed techniques than basic CPR, with a hands-on skills assessment and a written exam (often needing an 84% score for American Heart Association), though it's very achievable with attention in class and practice, and most people pass easily. 

Does the BLS certificate expire?

BLS cards are valid for two years from the date on your certificate.

Is BLS certification free?

BLS certification is often not entirely free, but many organizations offer the training course content at no cost, allowing you to learn the skills, with a fee required only if you want the official, valid certification card (usually $15-$30) or if you opt for in-person, hands-on classes from providers like the Red Cross. You can find free online courses through providers like American BLS and the Disque Foundation that cover CPR, AED, and choking relief, but getting the card for two years of validity usually costs money. 

Is the BLS an open book test?

AHA BLS Course Completion

Students must pass an open-book written exam and skills test in order to qualify for a Basic Life Support Course Completion Card.

Do hospitals accept online BLS certification?

In most cases, your online BLS Provider card will be accepted by most hospitals and institutions. Keep in mind that the AHA does not accredit or endorse any other providers – they are their own provider.

What is the difference between CPR and BLS?

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) teaches basic chest compressions and rescue breaths, suitable for the general public, while BLS (Basic Life Support) is a more comprehensive training for healthcare professionals and first responders, including CPR but also advanced techniques like AED use, airway management, and team dynamics for a wider range of emergencies. Think of BLS as an expanded, professional version of CPR, meeting specific job requirements for medical settings.
 

What is the passing grade for BLS?

BLS Exam. The American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider Course Exam tests your knowledge of the skills you learned during class. You must pass with a score of at least 84%. There are 25 questions total, and time is allotted for one hour.

How long is a typical BLS course?

A BLS (Basic Life Support) class typically lasts 4 to 4.5 hours for initial certification and about 3 hours for renewal, with blended learning options taking less time in person (1-2 hours online + 1-3 hours skills). The duration varies by provider (like American Heart Association or American Red Cross) and whether it's an in-person or online/skills-based course, but covers essential CPR, AED use, and choking relief for healthcare providers. 

Can I work with expired BLS?

Working in a healthcare setting with an expired BLS certification can lead to compliance violations. Organizations, particularly hospitals and clinics, often face audits to ensure staff qualifications. Your expired certification could result in penalties for your employer and jeopardize your reputation.

What are the 3 R's of CPR?

The 3 Rs of CPR stand for Recognize, Respond, and Resuscitate, providing a simple framework for handling cardiac emergencies: Recognize the signs of cardiac arrest (unresponsiveness, no normal breathing), Respond by immediately calling emergency services (911/999) and getting an AED, and Resuscitate by starting chest compressions and rescue breaths (30 compressions to 2 breaths) until help arrives, according to the American Red Cross, AHA, and other sources like the Resuscitation Council UK.
 

How to pass BLS training?

Helpful Tips for Passing BLS Certification Exams

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Format. Understanding what to expect is half the battle. ...
2. Invest in a High-Quality Training Course. ...
3. Master Key BLS Skills. ...
4. Use Mnemonics To Remember CPR Steps. ...
5. Take Practice Tests. ...
6. Prepare for Renewal in Advance.

Why 30 compressions to 2 breaths?

During cardiopulmonary resuscitation, when correctly done, a chest compression strategy of 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths (30:2) was associated with higher survival than continuous chest compressions (CCC).