If you’re in healthcare or a role that requires life-saving skills, you’ve probably heard of BLS certification. But how long do BLS certifications last? And what happens when it’s time to renew your BLS certification? If these questions are on your mind, you’re not alone.
Staying current with your BLS CPR certification renewal is essential for keeping your skills sharp and your credentials valid. This blog will answer all your questions about how long BLS certifications last, when to renew BLS certification, and how to avoid letting your certification expire.
BLS certifications typically last for two years. Once you complete the training and pass the certification exam, you’re certified for 24 months. Those two years may feel like a long time, but they pass quickly, especially if you’re working in a fast-paced healthcare role.
The two-year certification period isn’t random. It’s based on the idea that life-saving techniques, like CPR, change as medical guidelines are updated. Every five years, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) updates CPR and emergency care protocols. By having a two-year certification cycle, healthcare providers stay current with the latest life-saving methods and best practices.
If you’re still wondering how long does BLS certification last, the answer is simple — 24 months from the issue date. After that, you’ll need to go through a renewal process to keep your certification active and valid.
To avoid letting your certification lapse, you should know when it expires. Most BLS certification cards, whether physical or digital, clearly show the expiration date. If you received a digital certificate, it’s probably in an email or accessible through the training provider’s online portal.
Some employers track expiration dates for their staff, but it’s best to keep an eye on it yourself. Some training platforms send reminders before your certification expires, but it’s risky to rely on that alone. If you miss your renewal deadline, you could face job-related issues or find yourself scrambling to renew your certification at the last minute.
A smart strategy is to set a reminder on your phone or calendar for 3-6 months before your BLS certification expires. This gives you plenty of time to find a course and schedule your renewal. This way, you’ll never be caught off guard when it’s time to renew BLS certification.
Renewing your BLS certification is a simple process. Here’s how it works step-by-step.
If you’re looking for the fastest way to renew BLS certification, online courses are a great option. Just make sure the course provider is accredited and that your employer accepts it.
If your BLS certification expires, it can create some serious problems. Some employers require their employees to have an active certification to continue working.
If you miss the renewal deadline, you may still be able to complete a renewal course. However, if too much time passes after your certification expires, you might be required to take the initial certification course again. Initial courses are longer, more involved, and often cost more than renewal courses.
To avoid this situation, it’s best to sign up for a renewal course as soon as your BLS certification has 3-6 months of validity left. This ensures you’ll have time to complete the course before your certification expires.
If it’s your first time getting a BLS certification, the process will be more time-consuming. Initial certification courses are longer and cover basic concepts, hands-on skills, and emergency response procedures in detail.
Renewal courses, on the other hand, are shorter and focus on refreshing your skills. Instead of learning everything from scratch, you’ll review and practice essential skills like CPR, rescue breathing, and using an AED. Renewal courses tend to be more focused and efficient, with less classroom time than the initial certification.
One key difference is that online renewal courses may allow for self-paced learning. But even with online courses, you’ll still have to pass a skills test.
The cost of BLS CPR certification renewal depends on several factors, like the training provider, location, and course format (online vs. in-person). On average, the cost to renew BLS certification ranges from $40 to $80. Our BLS Recertification course is priced at $59.
Some employers cover the cost of certification renewal as part of their employee benefits. If you’re unsure, check with your human resources department to see if they offer this benefit.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, online renewal courses are often more affordable than in-person courses. Just make sure the course provider is accredited so your employer will accept it.
So, how long do BLS certifications last? They last for two years, and those two years can go by faster than you think. The good news is that renewal is fast and simple, especially with online options. By staying on top of your certification, you’ll avoid last-minute stress and keep your credentials in good standing.
If your BLS certification is approaching its expiration date, don’t wait. Sign up for a renewal course as soon as possible. You’ll save yourself time, money, and the stress of having to retake the full initial certification course.
If you’re still asking yourself how long does BLS certification last, it’s probably time to check your expiration date. Take control of your certification schedule and stay ahead of the renewal process.
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