Frequently Asked Questions
What Is BLS Recertification?
BLS Recertification is a refresher course designed for healthcare professionals who need to renew their Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. It reviews the essential life-saving skills, such as CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), ensuring that participants stay current with the latest guidelines and are prepared to respond to emergencies.
WHO NEEDS TO TAKE A BLS RENEWAL CLASS?
Any healthcare professional whose BLS certification is nearing expiration or has recently expired should take a BLS renewal class. This includes doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics, and other medical personnel who require BLS certification for their job or clinical practice.
HOW DO I RENEW BLS CERTIFICATION?
To renew your BLS certification, enroll in a BLS recertification course, complete the required online modules, and pass the certification exam. Upon passing, you’ll receive an updated BLS provider card, typically available immediately in digital form.
IS THE BLS RECERTIFICATION COURSE ENTIRELY ONLINE?
Yes, our BLS Recertification course is fully online, with no in-person skills test required. It’s designed as a focused refresher for experienced medical professionals and is widely accepted both in the U.S. and internationally.
When developing our curriculum, the physicians at ACLS Medical Training determined that a hands-on skills test on a mannequin is not essential for a continuing education course. These practical skills are best acquired through real-world practice during your clinical training, rather than in a classroom setting. Therefore, our program focuses on ensuring you have a solid understanding of the theoretical content, which is assessed through a BLS Recertification exam.
CAN I EARN CME CREDITS THROUGH THIS BLS RECERTIFICATION COURSE?
Absolutely! Our BLS Recertification course offers continuing education credits. All courses provided by ACLS Medical Training are accredited by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine and offer AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (including accreditations from ANCC, ADA, and ACPE). If you are certifying for the first time, you’ll earn eight (8) CE credits. For bi-annual renewals, four (4) CE credits are awarded. Once you pass the BLS Recertification exam with a score of 80% or higher, you’ll receive the appropriate number of continuing education credits.
HOW LONG IS THE BLS RECERTIFICATION VALID FOR?
Your BLS provider card, earned through ACLS Medical Training, is valid for two (2) years from the date you successfully pass the BLS Recertification exam.
SHOULD I CHOOSE BLS CERTIFICATION OR RECERTIFICATION?
If you’ve been certified before, our more affordable BLS Recertification course is ideal, even if your prior certification was through a different organization or has temporarily expired. However, if your BLS certification has been expired for 12 months or more, we recommend enrolling in the full BLS Certification course.
HOW OFTEN IS BLS RENEWAL REQUIRED?
BLS certification renewal is required every two years to maintain current certification and ensure that your life-saving skills are up to date with the latest guidelines and practices.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY BLS RENEWAL CARD?
Upon passing the recertification exam, you’ll immediately receive a digital copy of your BLS provider card via email. You will also receive instructions for online employer verification. The card will display your name, the issue date, the renewal date, and the ACLS Medical Training logo.
HOW MANY CEUS IS BLS RENEWAL?
To renew BLS certification, healthcare providers typically complete a set number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs), as required by the certifying organization. This process ensures they stay current with life-saving techniques and usually takes 4 to 8 hours.
HOW LONG DO BLS RECERTIFICATION CLASSES TAKE?
The length of a BLS recertification class depends on the course format. In-person classes typically last 4-5 hours and include hands-on practice and assessments.
Online courses can be completed in 1-2 hours, such as those offered by ACLS Medical Training, which can be completed in as little as two hours.
The time required may also depend on your familiarity with the material. If you're well-versed in BLS concepts, you may complete the course and exam faster. Be sure to choose format that meets your certification needs.
