CPR is a valuable skill. It can come in handy daily if a medical emergency situation occurs unexpectedly, such as cardiac arrest. It is helpful in several career fields, including childcare, service-related industries, and any jobs in the medical field. The American Heart Association last released a full CPR & ECC Guidelines update in 2020, with the most recent full revision published on October 22, 2025. Make sure your training reflects the most current standards recognized by the AHA and Red Cross.
Because not everyone uses CPR every day, it is vital to get recertified to keep your skills up to date. Thus, CPR recertification is required every two years. But it can be easy to forget when you need to take your recertification, and often, people let their certifications expire.
This guide explains how to check whether your CPR certification is still valid, where to verify it online, and what to do if your card has expired or does not meet employer requirements.
How To Lookup for CPR Certification Classes?
If your CPR card has expired, you may be frustrated, especially if a new career possibility is on the line. How will you find the time to schedule classes to get the Red Cross CPR certification you need? Well, never fear. You can get your CPR recertification quickly and easily from the comfort of your own home with online CPR certification classes. Accreditations through organizations such as the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross may be more widely accepted by employers and schools. They offer easy-to-take online courses in CPR, with proper use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices , and basic first aid training.
How to know if your CPR Certification is Still Valid?
Ensuring the validity of your CPR certification is crucial for both your confidence and your ability to provide life-saving assistance in emergencies. Fraudulent CPR cards exist, which is why verification is important before relying on a certification. Here are 4 methods to confirm your certification’s validity.
- Verify with the Issuing Organization:Start by contacting the organization that issued your CPR certification. Whether it's the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or another reputable provider, they should have a database or system in place to confirm your certification status. Provide them with your certification details, and they'll be able to verify its authenticity.
- Check Online Verification Services: Many CPR certification providers offer online verification services on their websites. Simply visit the provider's website and look for a verification tool or section. Enter your certification details, and if it's valid, you'll receive confirmation instantly.
- Contact Your Employer or Educational Institution: If you obtained your CPR certification for employment or educational purposes, your employer or educational institution may have records of your certification. Reach out to the relevant department or HR representative and inquire about the process for verifying your certification.
- Attend Refresher Courses or Recertification: Regularly attending refresher courses or recertification programs is not only essential for maintaining your CPR skills but also for ensuring the validity of your certification. Most certifications have expiration dates, and attending these courses allows you to renew your certification and stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and guidelines.
Fraudulent CPR cards do exist, especially from unaccredited providers. To avoid this risk, always verify through official portals. The AHA uses secure eCards, and the Red Cross offers a digital certificate lookup tool. These ensure your card is authentic and accepted by employers.
American Heart Association (AHA) eCard verification
Visit the AHA eCard verification page and enter the eCard ID or cardholder name. The system returns the certification status, issue date, and expiration date.
American Red Cross certificate lookup
Use the Red Cross certificate lookup tool and enter your certificate number or email address to confirm validity and expiration.
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