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What BLS Certification Covers
BLS stands for Basic Life Support. It is the skill set used when someone is in cardiac arrest or is not breathing normally. The American Academy of CPR and First Aid course teaches high-quality chest compressions, rescue breathing, AED use, and how to work as a single rescuer or with a second person. Training covers adults, children, and infants.
Start a first-time BLS certification, complete BLS renewal, or finish BLS recertification online. Most learners finish the course and exam in about 60 to 90 minutes. After you pass, you can print the certificate and wallet card right away. The card is valid for two years. Course material follows current infection-control precautions from the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
BLS vs CPR vs Healthcare Provider CPR
People often search “BLS certification” when they actually need a different card. Use this as a quick check before you enroll.
- Adult CPR: Chest compressions, rescue breaths, and AED use for adults. Choose Adult CPR certification if your job only asks for standard CPR.
- BLS: Adult, child, and infant CPR, AED use, rescue breathing, and team or single-rescuer response. This is the usual requirement for clinical and many public-safety jobs.
- Healthcare Provider CPR: Built for medical workplaces. If your employer names that card specifically, use Healthcare Provider CPR.
Need first aid or bloodborne training as well? See our First Aid course and Bloodborne Pathogens course.
BLS vs BCLS
BCLS means Basic Cardiac Life Support. Employers and schools sometimes print BCLS on a job post and BLS on another. They are asking for the same core skills: CPR, AED use, and support during cardiac arrest.
If a listing says BCLS certification, this BLS course is the matching training. Keep a copy of the course name on your certificate in case HR asks.
New certification, BLS renewal, or recertification
New BLS certification: You have never held a BLS card, or your workplace wants a first card on file. Take the full course, pass the exam, and download the certificate.
BLS renewal: Your card is still valid or about to expire. Review the current steps and test again so the two-year date resets. Start from the renewal page if you already have an account.
BLS recertification online: The card has expired, or an employer wants proof you trained again. The exam still requires 80% or higher. You can print an updated card as soon as you pass.
What you learn in BLS training
The course walks through the actions you take at the scene, not a long lecture on theory.
- Check the scene, call for help, and start compressions
- Adult CPR, child CPR, and infant CPR
- Rescue breathing and opening the airway
- AED pads, prompts, and when to resume compressions
- Choking response for adults, children, and infants
- Single-rescuer care and two-rescuer / team roles
- PPE and other steps that limit exposure during a rescue
An AED talks you through the shock. The course shows pad placement and how to keep compressions going around the device.
Infection-control precautions during BLS
When you give CPR, you can be close to saliva, blood, or droplets. The course follows current precautions from the American Heart Association and the CDC, including:
- Keep extra bystanders back
- Use personal protective equipment when you have it
- Limit exposure while you give breaths or compressions
- Start chest compressions without waiting for extra gear
- Use an AED as soon as one is available
Will my employer accept this BLS certification?
Many hospitals, clinics, schools, and workplaces accept an online BLS course with a two-year certificate and CME/CEU credit. Requirements still vary. Ask your employer, licensing board, or school before you enroll if they named a specific provider.
This course includes accredited CME/CEU credit, a printable certificate, and a wallet card. Check the accreditation section on this page for the credit details that apply to your profession.
BLS online instead of a class near you
If you have been searching for BLS classes near you, the online course covers the same skill set without a classroom date. You can:
- Study any time, including evenings and weekends
- Use the free training videos for adult, child, and infant CPR and AED use
- Take the exam when you are ready
- Print the certificate and card from home
- Keep the certification for two years
Other courses that pair with BLS
After BLS, a lot of workplaces also want Adult CPR, First Aid, or Bloodborne Pathogens. You can add those from the same account.