Safety Training Seminars
Safety Training Seminars
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) save lives every day. Your BLS (Basic Life Support) certification proves you have the skills to handle cardiac emergencies, respiratory failure, and choking incidents. But here’s the catch—your BLS card expires every two years.
Don’t let an expired certification derail your career or put patients at risk. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about BLS renewal for EMTs, including requirements, timelines, and how to complete your renewal efficiently.
Whether you’re approaching your expiration date or planning ahead, we’ll walk you through the entire process step by step. You’ll learn about renewal requirements, continuing education options, and practical tips to keep your certification current without stress.
Basic Life Support (BLS) is a level of medical care provided by trained healthcare professionals. For EMTs, BLS certification demonstrates your ability to perform high-quality CPR, use automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and provide effective ventilation.
The American Heart Association (AHA) sets the gold standard for BLS training. Their curriculum covers:
EMTs must maintain current BLS certification because it’s required by state licensing boards, employers, and medical directors. Your BLS skills form the foundation of emergency medical care. Without valid certification, you cannot legally practice as an EMT in any state.
BLS certification expires exactly two years from your issue date. The expiration date appears clearly on your certification card. Most EMTs receive their initial BLS certification during EMT training, but renewal becomes your responsibility.
Here’s what you need to know about timing:
Most states offer a brief grace period (typically 30 days) after expiration. However, you cannot work as an EMT during this period without valid certification.
You can renew your BLS certification up to 120 days before expiration. Early renewal doesn’t shorten your certification period—your new card will be valid for two full years from the original expiration date.
If your certification lapses, you may need to retake the full initial course rather than just the renewal course. This costs more time and money.
Mark your calendar now. Set reminders 60 days and 30 days before expiration. This gives you plenty of time to schedule and complete your renewal without rushing.
BLS renewal requirements are straightforward but must be completed through an AHA-authorized training center. Here’s what you need:
Online Portion: 1-2 hours of self-paced learning covering:
Skills Testing: 30-minute hands-on evaluation including:
Some states require continuing education credits for EMT license renewal. BLS renewal often provides 2-4 hours of CE credit, but verify your state’s specific requirements.
Only American Heart Association authorized training centers can issue valid BLS certification. Verify the center’s credentials before enrolling. Look for their AHA training center number on their website or ask for verification.
We operate as an official AHA Training Center (20784) with over 70 locations throughout California. Our instructors maintain current AHA credentials and use the latest training materials and equipment.
BLS renewal courses run more frequently than initial certification classes. Most training centers offer:
Book early during busy periods like late December when many certifications expire simultaneously.
Most renewal courses use a blended learning format. You complete the online portion at home, then attend in-person skills testing. The online module typically takes 1-2 hours and covers:
Print your completion certificate and bring it to skills testing.
Skills testing focuses on hands-on performance. You’ll demonstrate:
Instructors provide immediate feedback and coaching. Most centers guarantee a 100% pass rate, offering additional practice time if needed.
Upon successful completion, you receive your new BLS certification card immediately. The card includes:
Most EMTs prefer blended learning because it offers flexibility with quality assurance. You complete cognitive learning online at your own pace, then demonstrate skills in person with immediate instructor feedback.
Traditional classroom renewal covers all material in one session. This works well if you prefer face-to-face instruction or need to fulfill continuing education requirements with structured classroom time.
Be cautious of purely online BLS certification. AHA requires hands-on skills demonstration for valid certification. Online-only courses may not meet your employer’s requirements or state licensing standards.
BLS renewal costs vary by location and training center. Here’s what to expect:
Don’t wait until your certification expires to start renewal. Popular time slots fill up quickly, especially around common expiration periods in December and June.
Bring all required documentation to avoid delays or rescheduling. Missing items commonly include:
Don’t rely solely on experience. BLS guidelines update regularly. Review current protocols before your renewal session, especially:
If you need continuing education credits, ensure your training center provides proper documentation. Generic certificates may not meet state requirements.
While AHA sets national BLS standards, states may have additional requirements:
California: Requires AHA BLS certification for EMT licensure. EMSA (Emergency Medical Services Authority) oversees EMT programs.
Texas: Accepts AHA BLS but also recognizes American Red Cross certification for some EMT levels.
Florida: Mandates AHA BLS for all EMT levels. Department of Health oversees certification requirements.
Always verify your state’s specific requirements with your licensing authority.
Your employer may have additional requirements beyond basic AHA certification:
Many EMTs hold multiple certifications (BLS, ACLS, PALS). Coordinate renewal schedules when possible:
BLS certification renewal every two years maintains your credentials, but regular practice maintains your skills. Consider these ongoing education opportunities:
Set aside time monthly to practice BLS skills:
Participate in your agency’s quality improvement activities:
Attend additional training opportunities:
If your BLS certification expires, consequences depend on how long it’s been lapsed:
Most states and employers offer a brief grace period. However, you typically cannot work as an EMT during this time. Options include:
After 30 days, most training centers require the full initial BLS course rather than renewal. This means:
After one year, you must complete the full initial BLS certification course. Some states may require additional documentation or remedial training.
Working with expired BLS certification can result in:
Don’t risk your career. Start your renewal process 60 days before expiration.
Verify the center holds current American Heart Association authorization. Look for:
Choose locations that fit your schedule:
Research training centers through:
Modern training centers should offer:
We maintain over 70 locations throughout California, offering daily classes including evenings and weekends. Our facilities feature the latest training technology, and we guarantee same-day certification card issuance. With thousands of 5-star reviews, EMTs trust us for reliable, high-quality BLS renewal.
Your BLS certification protects both your career and your patients’ lives. Don’t wait until the last minute to renew. Start planning your renewal process now, whether your certification expires next month or next year.
Ready to get started? We make BLS renewal simple and convenient with over 70 locations throughout California, daily classes, and same-day certification cards. Our expert instructors use the latest AHA materials and state-of-the-art training equipment to ensure you’re prepared for any emergency.
Contact us today to schedule your BLS renewal. Our customer service team is available seven days a week from 8 AM to 10 PM to help you find the perfect class time and location. With our low price guarantee and 100% pass rate, you can renew your certification with confidence.
Remember: EMTs who maintain current certifications advance their careers, protect their licenses, and provide the best possible patient care. Make BLS renewal a priority, and keep your life-saving skills sharp and current.
BLS renewal assumes you have current knowledge and skills. It focuses on updates and skill verification rather than comprehensive instruction. Initial certification covers all material from the beginning and takes significantly longer.
It depends on how long your certification has been expired. Within 30 days, most centers offer standard renewal. Beyond 30 days, you typically need the full initial course.
You can complete the cognitive portion online, but AHA requires hands-on skills demonstration for valid certification. Pure online BLS certification is not acceptable for EMTs.