If your BLS certification is approaching expiration—or has already expired—the renewal process starts with determining which current course components you still need to complete.
To renew your BLS certification, complete the appropriate American Heart Association BLS training pathway, including the required hands-on skills component. If you still need HeartCode BLS online coursework, choose Online + Skills. If you already completed the applicable current HeartCode BLS course and have the completion documentation, Skills Only may be the appropriate next step.
At Citywide CPR, an American Heart Association Training Center, applicable hands-on BLS skills can be completed during a Self-Guided Skills Session at a CPR Verification Station™ learning center.
After successful completion of all required course components, the applicable AHA eCard is issued according to current processing procedures.
How Does AHA BLS Renewal Work?
AHA BLS renewal involves completing the appropriate current BLS course requirements rather than simply extending the expiration date on an existing card.
For someone using an applicable Citywide CPR blended-learning pathway, the process generally looks like this:
- Confirm that you need AHA BLS. Check the exact certification required by your employer, school, clinical program, facility, or credentialing organization.
- Determine whether you need HeartCode BLS. If you have not already completed the applicable current online course, select Online + Skills.
- Complete the applicable online coursework. Finish HeartCode BLS before the corresponding hands-on portion when required by your pathway.
- Complete the required hands-on BLS skills. At Citywide CPR, applicable skills can be completed through a Self-Guided Skills Session.
- Successfully complete all required course components. Your applicable AHA eCard can then be issued according to current processing procedures.
The key point is that BLS renewal is not simply an online card-renewal transaction. You still need to successfully complete the requirements associated with the BLS pathway you select.
When Should I Renew My BLS Certification?
You can begin the appropriate BLS renewal process before your current credential expires; you do not have to wait until the expiration date.
Starting early can give you more time to complete any applicable online coursework, schedule your hands-on skills session, and provide your updated credential to an employer or school.
Your workplace, clinical program, or credentialing organization may also have its own deadline for submitting updated documentation.
Check the expiration information on your current eCard and follow any organization-specific renewal policies that apply to you.
What Happens If My BLS Certification Has Already Expired?
An expired BLS credential does not prevent you from completing the appropriate BLS training and obtaining a current credential.
However, do not assume that an employer, hospital, school, or clinical program offers a grace period for an expired certification.
The organization requiring BLS determines whether it will accept an expired credential while you complete your training.
If your BLS has already expired:
- Confirm the exact credential your organization requires.
- Determine which BLS course pathway you need.
- Complete the applicable training as soon as practical.
- Submit your new credential according to your organization’s requirements.
An old or expired BLS card does not eliminate the need to complete the current applicable course requirements.
Can I Renew My BLS Certification Entirely Online?
Applicable HeartCode BLS coursework can be completed online, but online coursework alone does not complete a BLS pathway that also requires hands-on skills.
This distinction is particularly important when people search for “BLS renewal online.”
HeartCode allows the applicable cognitive portion of the training to be completed online. The participant then completes the corresponding required hands-on skills.
For an applicable Citywide CPR pathway:
HeartCode BLS online learning → required hands-on skills → successful completion → applicable AHA BLS eCard
So if your goal is to renew AHA BLS, do not assume that completing an online course by itself means all certification requirements have been completed.
What Is the Difference Between BLS Online + Skills and Skills Only?
Online + Skills includes the applicable HeartCode BLS online coursework and required hands-on skills. Skills Only is for an eligible participant who already completed the applicable HeartCode BLS online course and now needs the corresponding hands-on portion.
| Option | Who It Is For | What You Still Need |
| Online + Skills | You have not completed the applicable HeartCode BLS online coursework | Online learning + required hands-on skills |
| Skills Only | You already completed the applicable HeartCode BLS coursework | Required hands-on skills |
| Old/current BLS card only | Does not by itself establish Skills Only eligibility | Determine whether current HeartCode coursework is still needed |
This distinction can prevent a common registration mistake.
When Should I Choose BLS Skills Only?
Choose Skills Only when you have already completed the applicable current HeartCode BLS online coursework and need the corresponding hands-on skills portion.
You should have the appropriate completion documentation for the HeartCode course associated with your scheduled skills session.
Skills Only does not mean:
- “I have taken BLS before.”
- “I am renewing instead of getting certified for the first time.”
- “My BLS card is still current.”
- “My BLS card recently expired.”
- “I already know CPR.”
The deciding factor is whether you have completed the applicable HeartCode BLS online coursework required for that Skills Only pathway.
Is My Current or Expired BLS eCard Enough for Skills Only?
No. A current, previous, or expired BLS Provider eCard is not the same thing as documentation showing that you completed the applicable current HeartCode BLS online coursework for a Skills Only appointment.
These documents serve different purposes.
Your BLS Provider eCard documents successful completion of a previous BLS certification course.
HeartCode completion documentation shows that you completed the applicable online learning associated with the hands-on skills portion you are now scheduling.
Therefore, having a BLS card—even a current one—should not automatically be treated as qualification for Skills Only.
If you have not completed the applicable HeartCode BLS online coursework, Online + Skills may be the appropriate option.
Does BLS Renewal Require Hands-On Skills?
Yes. An applicable AHA BLS certification pathway includes required hands-on skills; completing online coursework alone should not be confused with completing the entire certification process.
BLS is built around practical lifesaving skills, including high-quality CPR and other applicable basic life support skills.
During the hands-on portion, participants physically demonstrate the skills required by their course pathway.
That is why Self-Guided Learning does not mean online-only training.
Watch BLS Adult & Child CPR Compressions
This short skills demonstration gives participants a visual review of adult and child CPR compressions before their hands-on session. For additional course demonstrations, visit Citywide CPR’s Skills Demonstration Video Library.
What Happens During a Self-Guided BLS Skills Session?
During a Self-Guided Skills Session, you physically perform the applicable BLS skills while CPR Verification Station™ technology provides instructions and real-time performance feedback.
At Citywide CPR, applicable hands-on BLS sessions take place at CPR Verification Station™ learning centers.
The technology guides you through the applicable hands-on process rather than requiring a traditional instructor-led group classroom for the skills session.
You are still physically performing the required skills on training equipment.
For a deeper explanation of this training format, read about Self-Guided CPR Training.
How Should I Prepare for BLS Renewal?
Start by confirming your course pathway, completing any required online coursework, and reviewing important BLS concepts before your hands-on session.
Preparation may include:
- Confirming whether you selected Online + Skills or Skills Only
- Completing HeartCode BLS before your scheduled skills session when applicable
- Keeping your HeartCode completion documentation available
- Reviewing high-quality CPR concepts
- Reviewing adult, child, and infant BLS skills
- Checking your appointment and location instructions
Citywide CPR’s BLS Study Guide can help you review important BLS concepts before certification or renewal.
When Will I Receive My AHA BLS eCard?
The applicable AHA eCard is issued after successful completion of all required course components according to current processing procedures.
Completing only the online portion does not mean the full BLS pathway is complete when hands-on skills are still required.
Similarly, scheduling a skills appointment does not itself result in a new eCard. The applicable course requirements must first be successfully completed.
How Do I Find BLS Renewal Near Me?
To find BLS renewal near you, look for a training option that provides the specific AHA BLS pathway you need and the required hands-on skills component.
If you’re searching Google for “BLS renewal near me” or “AHA BLS renewal near me,” check more than just the distance from your home or workplace.
Before registering, confirm:
- The course is the BLS credential you actually need
- Whether you need Online + Skills or Skills Only
- Where the hands-on skills are completed
- Current appointment availability
- What documentation is required
- How the applicable eCard is issued after successful completion
Citywide CPR offers CPR Verification Station™ learning centers in locations nationwide for applicable Self-Guided Skills Sessions.
You can also use CPR Finder to search for CPR and certification options near you.
Need to Renew BLS for Multiple Employees?
Healthcare organizations coordinating BLS renewal for multiple employees may need different certification pathways depending on each employee’s role and current credentials.
Practice managers, clinical educators, healthcare administrators, credentialing teams, and others responsible for workforce certification may have employees who require:
- BLS
- BLS + ACLS
- BLS + PALS
- BLS + ACLS + PALS
- Other role-specific combinations
Requirements should be determined according to employee roles, organizational policies, and other applicable requirements rather than assuming every staff member needs the same combination.
Citywide CPR’s CPR Training for Healthcare Staff – BLS, ACLS & PALS explains options for healthcare organizations coordinating certification and renewal across multiple employees.
BLS Renewal: Quick Checklist
Before registering for BLS renewal, confirm:
- Which credential do I need? Verify that AHA BLS is the certification required.
- Is my current BLS approaching expiration or already expired? Follow any employer or school deadlines.
- Have I completed the applicable HeartCode BLS course? If not, Online + Skills may be appropriate.
- Do I have HeartCode completion documentation? This is important when registering for Skills Only.
- Where will I complete my hands-on skills? Confirm the location and appointment.
- Have I completed every required component? The applicable AHA eCard follows successful completion according to current processing procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I renew my BLS certification?
Complete the appropriate current AHA BLS training pathway, including required hands-on skills. If you still need HeartCode BLS, choose Online + Skills. If you already completed the applicable HeartCode BLS online coursework and have the required documentation, Skills Only may be appropriate.
Can I renew BLS before it expires?
Yes. You can begin the appropriate BLS renewal process before your current credential expires. Your employer, school, or credentialing organization may also have its own timeline for submitting an updated credential.
What if my BLS certification has already expired?
You can still complete the appropriate BLS training and obtain a current credential. However, your employer or school determines whether it will temporarily accept an expired credential, so do not assume there is a grace period.
Can I renew my BLS certification entirely online?
Do not assume online coursework alone completes the entire certification pathway. Applicable HeartCode BLS coursework can be completed online, but the corresponding hands-on skills must also be successfully completed when required by the pathway.
What is BLS Skills Only?
BLS Skills Only is for an eligible participant who has already completed the applicable HeartCode BLS online coursework and needs the corresponding hands-on skills portion.
Does my old BLS card qualify me for Skills Only?
No. A previous, expired, or current BLS Provider eCard is not the same as documentation showing completion of the applicable current HeartCode BLS online coursework.
What is BLS Online + Skills?
Online + Skills is for participants who still need both the applicable HeartCode BLS online learning and required hands-on skills.
Is BLS renewal hands-on?
Yes. Applicable BLS certification pathways include required hands-on skills. At Citywide CPR, applicable skills can be completed during a Self-Guided Skills Session at a CPR Verification Station™ learning center.
What is a CPR Verification Station™ learning center?
It is the training setup used for applicable Citywide CPR Self-Guided Skills Sessions. Participants physically perform required skills using training equipment while technology provides instructions and real-time performance feedback.
Where can I find BLS renewal near me?
Look for a provider offering the AHA BLS pathway you need and confirm where the required hands-on skills are completed. Citywide CPR offers CPR Verification Station™ learning centers in locations nationwide, and CPR Finder can also be used to search for certification options.
When will I receive my AHA BLS eCard?
The applicable AHA eCard is issued after successful completion of all required course components according to current processing procedures.
Ready to Renew Your BLS Certification?
Start by confirming that AHA BLS is the credential your employer, school, healthcare facility, or clinical program requires.
Then determine whether you still need HeartCode BLS online learning or have already completed the applicable coursework and may qualify for Skills Only.
Citywide CPR is an American Heart Association Training Center offering applicable BLS certification and renewal pathways with hands-on Self-Guided Skills Sessions at CPR Verification Station™ learning centers.
Use the BLS Study Guide to review important concepts, explore Self-Guided CPR Training to understand the hands-on format, or use CPR Finder to look for a convenient certification option.