Best Online CPR Certifications

Final Verdict

There are many online CPR certification courses available, and we've highlighted the best of the best. Companies like National CPR Foundation offer budget-friendly courses, while the AHA offers a BLS course for healthcare professionals. Overall, the best CPR certification we reviewed is through the American Red Cross with its user-friendly course, low price point, comprehensive curriculum, and exceptional reputation for emergency preparation training.

The American Red Cross has long been a leader in first aid, CPR, and AED training for both the general public and healthcare workers. With more than 140 years of experience creating lifesaving curriculums that are constantly updated with current medical evidence, it's no wonder its courses are popular. The company offers dozens of high-quality CPR classes online to help people prepare for emergencies in their own home, school, workplace, and community.

Compare the Best Online CPR Certifications

Guide for Choosing the Best Online CPR Certifications

Is Online CPR Certification Right for You?

Online CPR certifications have become more popular in recent years as convenient and accessible options. Fortunately, more employers are beginning to accept online CPR certifications as valid proof of proficiency.

Online certification can be completed in as little as 20 minutes and is widely available through numerous vendors. This makes it a great option for busy people who may not have the luxury of time during the day to sit in a classroom. Most can be started and stopped at any time, helping parents complete CPR certification while their children are napping. Some even offer the ability to receive AHA certification, the most popular and accepted CPR certification in the United States. If your place of employment requires certification, check with your supervisor or HR department to see if online courses are an acceptable option.

Comparing Online CPR Certifications 

When choosing an online CPR certification, consider these factors:

• Cost: Decide how much money you're willing to spend on certification. Generally, courses that offer accreditation cost more than those that don't. If your employer offers reimbursement, determine how much they'll contribute.
• Accreditation: Many employers require specific accreditation based on the industry or position you work in. Ask your employer if a specific certification is required before signing up for an online CPR certification. Make sure the company you choose for training is accredited and meets the requirements and standards of your company or organization.
• Curriculum: When choosing a CPR certification, make sure it is up to date with current medical findings and recommendations from approved organizations like the AHA. Additionally, verify that the information is presented in an easy-to-follow manner that is simple for you to remember.
• Time commitment: Many courses can be completed in 90 minutes or less, with most offering the ability to instantly print your card. Determine how much time you have to dedicate to online CPR certification and pick a course that works within your schedule.
• Additional skill test requirements: Some courses require an additional skill test (in-person or online) in order to receive certification. This is especially true for AHA-accredited programs. Check the requirements of the course to make sure you can complete the necessary testing. If there is an in-person component, verify whether there is a local testing center before signing up.
• Device Compatibility: If you don't have a computer or internet access at home, select a course that is compatible with mobile devices. Many courses are offered in mobile form, making it easy for you to complete your training on a tablet or smartphone. You'll still need access to internet connectivity to stream video and take the final exam.
• Company reputation: It's crucial to ensure the program you choose is reputable. Look online for customer reviews and testimonials.

How to Sign Up for Online CPR Certification

Before signing up for an online CPR certification course, identify your priority. Consider which accreditations and certifications are required for your job, school, or other organization. For example, the American Red Cross offers some of the most affordable and comprehensive online CPR certification courses available today. The AHA is another great option that has a long-standing reputation for excellence in emergency education and training for healthcare providers.

Most CPR certification courses have their own websites where you’re able to register directly. The above courses can all be accessed immediately upon signing up. For some, you may have to schedule a separate Zoom or in-person skills session after completing the coursework and exam.

Upon successful completion with a passing grade, CPR certification cards are available to print instantly. Most courses also send a physical certification card to your home within 10 business days. The majority of platforms allow you to log into your account at any time to review coursework, refresh your knowledge, and download a CPR card.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Do Online CPR Certifications Cost?

The cost of online CPR certifications varies by provider. Typically, costs start at as little as $13 and can reach $300 or more. There often are discounts available for bulk purchases, group training, and AHA certification packages.

Is Online CPR Certification Valid? 

An increasing number of employers are beginning to accept online CPR courses as a legitimate form of certification. However, check with your supervisor or HR department before registering for a course, just in case there are specific accreditation requirements. Some employers have strict guidelines around the types of CPR certifications they will accept.

While online certifications are a convenient way to learn CPR, It’s important to do your research on the specific company you plan on using before registering. Not all courses are created equally, and some may have lower standards than others. Do your due diligence to ensure the company you choose is reputable and has a good reputation for producing quality training materials.

The most reputable and widely accepted CPR certification programs have official accreditation from either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. This simply means that the course content has been reviewed and approved as meeting certain standards for CPR education. Some employers look for specific accreditations to meet their own employability requirements. Check with your HR department or supervisor to learn more about the accreditations they are looking for in a CPR certification course.

Can You Do CPR Certification Online? 

Most online CPR courses can be completed online within a few hours. Certifications are even available on mobile devices, which makes it easy to complete certification from almost anywhere.

It’s crucial to find a reputable program with high standards. The AHA and the Red Cross are two of the most popular providers of online CPR certification courses. These organizations have a long history of providing quality training materials and excellent customer service.

How Is Online CPR Certification Different From In-Person? 

There are a few key differences between online and in-person CPR certification. First, online courses typically offer more flexibility in terms of when you can complete the training, which is great for people who have busy schedules or other obligations. Additionally, most online courses offer comprehensive materials that can be reviewed at any time. Finally, with access to 24/7 technical support, you can get the help you need any time of day.

Methodology

Our methodology for evaluating online CPR certification courses is comprehensive and unbiased. We looked at dozens of different programs before picking the most reputable companies whose programs met our stringent qualifications. A variety of factors were considered, including price, coursework, and customer reviews. We then reviewed how each course compares to in-person training options, and lastly, factored in accreditation. The most common accreditations come from the American Heart Association and The American Red Cross. CPR certifications that have official accreditation from one of these two organizations are generally considered more trustworthy than those that do not.

Only CPR certification courses with an exceptional combination of pricing, accreditation, coursework, and customer reviews made the list. When making our decisions, we put a special emphasis on course content and usability. Since CPR is a lifesaving skill, access to high-quality courses with minimal hassle is critical.