Frequently Asked Questions
What is BLS certification?
BLS Certification, or Basic Life Support Certification, is a credential that shows an individual has received training in essential life-saving skills, including CPR and using an AED, mainly for healthcare providers and emergency responders. This training focuses on assessing and supporting patients experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory issues, or other critical health emergencies.
Are BLS and CPR the Same Thing?
No – BLS certification is a broader and deeper level of emergency training than CPR certification. While CPR courses are a good foundation for non-medical personnel looking to meet workplace safety requirements and provide aid until emergency responders arrive, BLS certification meets the needs of first responders and healthcare professionals working in pre-hospital, hospital, and post-acute settings.
In other words, CPR training is sufficient when you might need life-saving skills in a pinch, but BLS training is appropriate when you’re likely to need life-saving skills on the job.
Is Online BLS Certification Legitimate?
Yes! Online BLS certification is credible training if obtained from an accredited provider. However, it’s important to ensure the certification meets your employer's or professional field's requirements, as some only accept certifications from specific providers.
Is This BLS Course 100% Online?
Yes, our BLS certification course is 100% online, and you do not have to complete an in-person skills test. Instead, you must demonstrate that you have mastered the didactic material by passing the BLS certification exam.
Our curriculum is designed for experienced medical professionals looking for a targeted refresher of their BLS certification online.
When the physicians at ACLS Medical Training were creating our curriculum, they decided a hands-on skills test on a mannequin was not critical for a continuing education course. These tactile experiences cannot be duplicated in a classroom — they can only be learned through practice in the field, which comes as part of your clinical training.
Which BLS Course Is Right for Me?
If your BLS card has expired for 12 months or longer, you should elect to take the full BLS certification course.
For everyone else, the refresher course is sufficient, even if you were previously certified through a different organization or your certification has temporarily lapsed.
Will I Receive CME Credits From This BLS Certification Course?
Yes! We are proud to offer continuing education credits with our BLS certification. All courses provided by ACLS Medical Training are accredited by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine and offer AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (including ANCC, ADA, and ACPE accreditations).
If you take our full BLS certification online course, you’ll earn eight (8) CE credits. If you’re taking the bi-annual training course, you’ll earn four (4) CE credits. Please note that you’ll receive these credits only after you pass the BLS online exam with a score of 80% or higher.
How Long Is the BLS Provider Card Valid For?
Completing the BLS certification course through ACLS Medical Training will keep you credentialed for two (2) years from the date you pass the BLS exam.
When Will I Receive My BLS Provider Card?
You can download a digital copy of your BLS provider card immediately after passing the certification exam. The BLS provider card will include your name, issue date, renewal date, and the ACLS Medical Training logo.
What Jobs Can I Get With BLS Certification?
There are two industries where BLS certification is essential, healthcare and non-healthcare. Getting your BLS certification can be a huge leap forward in your career. In the healthcare industry especially, certification is not only widely recognized but often required for positions such as:
● Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
● Medical Assistant
● Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
● Home Health Aide
● Physical Therapist
Healthcare workers are not the only ones who are eligible for a BLS certification. It is also essential in many non-healthcare professions, such as:
● Lifeguard
● Firefighter and Police Officers
● Construction Workers or Electricians
● Educators and School Staff
● Nanny or Childcare Provider
● Care Providers
● Security Personnel
How Long Does It Take to Get BLS Certification?
The length of time needed to get BLS certified will vary based on the method of training. Instructor-led courses can last four to five hours. To allow you to learn at your own pace, we provide you with an online version. Passing the final exam might take the longest time, that is why we give you three chances to pass the test with a minimum score of 80%.
How Much Is BLS Certification?
The cost of a BLS certification usually varies based on where you are, the provider, and whether you are renewing an existing certification or trying for recertification. In-person class will generally cost more than an online version. ACLS Medical Training offers you a complete and affordable online option starting at $95. We also offer a recertification course at just $65.
How Many CEUs Is BLS Certification?
Provider to provider, the amount of continuing education (CE), sometimes known as continuing medical education (CME), hours you can earn will differ. Our online BLS certification course, accredited by Postgraduate Institute for Medicine, offers up to 8 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.
