To renew your ACLS certification, complete the appropriate current American Heart Association ACLS course pathway, including the required hands-on skills. If you still need the applicable HeartCode ACLS online coursework, choose Online + Skills. If you have already completed the applicable current HeartCode ACLS coursework and have the required completion documentation, Skills Only may be the appropriate next step.
At Citywide CPR, an American Heart Association Training Center, applicable ACLS hands-on skills can be completed during a Self-Guided Skills Session at a CPR Verification Station™ learning center.
After successful completion of the applicable course requirements, the appropriate AHA eCard is issued according to current processing procedures.
If you’re searching for ACLS renewal near me, the first step is therefore not simply finding the closest appointment. Determine which course components you still need, then find a location offering the appropriate ACLS pathway.
How Does AHA ACLS Renewal Work?
ACLS renewal requires completing the applicable current ACLS course requirements; it is not simply an extension of the expiration date on an existing ACLS eCard.
For someone completing an applicable blended-learning pathway, the process generally involves:
- Confirm your ACLS requirement. Verify that ACLS is the credential required by your employer, facility, program, or credentialing organization.
- Determine which course components you need. Decide whether Online + Skills or Skills Only is appropriate based on coursework you have actually completed.
- Complete HeartCode ACLS when applicable. Finish the required online learning before the corresponding hands-on session.
- Complete the required ACLS hands-on skills. At Citywide CPR, applicable skills can be completed during a Self-Guided Skills Session.
- Successfully complete the applicable course requirements.
- Receive the applicable AHA eCard according to current processing procedures.
Being an experienced ACLS provider or having previously completed ACLS does not automatically eliminate current course requirements.
Who Commonly Takes ACLS Certification?
ACLS is designed for healthcare professionals whose roles involve the management of cardiac arrest and other cardiovascular emergencies, but actual certification requirements depend on the person’s responsibilities and organization.
Healthcare professionals in certain emergency, critical-care, cardiac, procedural, or other acute-care environments may encounter ACLS requirements.
Depending on the role and facility, this can include some:
- Nurses
- Physicians and other providers
- Paramedics and emergency-care professionals
- Respiratory therapists
- Other healthcare professionals involved in applicable cardiovascular emergency care
These examples should not be interpreted as universal occupational requirements.
Two healthcare professionals with the same job title may have different ACLS requirements because they work in different departments, facilities, or clinical roles.
Always follow the specific requirement provided by your employer, facility, program, or credentialing organization.
What Does ACLS Certification Cover?
ACLS focuses on advanced assessment and management of adult cardiovascular emergencies.
Course concepts include areas such as:
- Cardiac arrest management
- Recognition and management of significant arrhythmias
- Advanced airway considerations
- ACLS medications
- Effective resuscitation team dynamics
- Post-cardiac arrest care
- Acute coronary syndromes
- Stroke-related assessment and systems of care
Healthcare professionals preparing for certification or renewal can use Citywide CPR’s ACLS Study Guide to review important ACLS concepts before completing their course.
When Should I Renew My ACLS Certification?
You can begin the appropriate ACLS renewal process before your current credential expires rather than waiting until the expiration date.
Renewing before expiration can provide time to complete applicable HeartCode coursework, schedule required hands-on skills, and submit an updated credential to the organization that requires it.
Your employer, hospital, healthcare facility, credentialing department, or other organization may also establish its own deadline for submitting an updated ACLS credential.
Check your current eCard and any organization-specific requirements that apply to you.
What If My ACLS Certification Has Already Expired?
An expired ACLS credential does not prevent you from completing the appropriate ACLS training and obtaining a current credential.
However, you should not assume your employer or facility provides a grace period.
If ACLS has expired:
- Confirm that ACLS is still required for your role.
- Determine which current ACLS course pathway you need.
- Complete any applicable HeartCode ACLS coursework.
- Complete the required hands-on skills.
- Successfully complete all applicable course requirements.
- Submit your updated credential according to your organization’s procedures.
Whether an expired credential can be temporarily accepted while you complete training is determined by the organization requiring ACLS.
Can I Renew ACLS Entirely Online?
Applicable HeartCode ACLS coursework can be completed online, but online coursework alone should not be confused with completion of an ACLS certification pathway that also requires hands-on skills.
For an applicable blended-learning pathway, the process looks like:
HeartCode ACLS online learning → required hands-on skills → successful completion → applicable AHA eCard
This is an important distinction when searching for ACLS renewal online or comparing ACLS classes.
Before purchasing an online course, confirm how you will complete the corresponding required hands-on component.
What Is ACLS Online + Skills?
Online + Skills is for participants who still need the applicable HeartCode ACLS online coursework and the corresponding required hands-on skills.
This option provides the applicable components needed for someone who has not already completed the HeartCode portion separately.
The online learning is completed first when required by the selected pathway. The participant then completes the corresponding hands-on portion.
What Is ACLS Skills Only?
Skills Only is for an eligible participant who has already completed the applicable current HeartCode ACLS online coursework and now needs the corresponding hands-on skills portion.
Skills Only should not be selected merely because:
- You have taken ACLS before
- You are renewing rather than taking ACLS for the first time
- Your ACLS eCard is still current
- Your ACLS recently expired
- You already know the ACLS algorithms
The important question is:
Have you completed the applicable current HeartCode ACLS online coursework required for the corresponding Skills Only pathway?
If not, Online + Skills may be the appropriate option.
Does My Existing ACLS eCard Qualify Me for Skills Only?
No. An existing, current, previous, or expired ACLS Provider eCard does not by itself show that you completed the applicable current HeartCode ACLS online coursework required for a Skills Only pathway.
The two documents represent different things.
An ACLS Provider eCard documents successful completion of a previous ACLS certification course.
HeartCode ACLS completion documentation shows that you completed the applicable online coursework associated with the hands-on skills session you are now scheduling.
Therefore, renewal status alone does not determine Skills Only eligibility.
Does ACLS Renewal Require Hands-On Skills?
Yes. An applicable AHA ACLS certification pathway includes required hands-on skills. Self-Guided Learning does not mean online-only training.
At Citywide CPR, applicable ACLS hands-on training can be completed during a Self-Guided Skills Session at a CPR Verification Station™ learning center.
Participants physically perform applicable resuscitation skills using training equipment while the technology provides instructions and real-time performance feedback.
The training format may be Self-Guided, but the required skills remain hands-on.
For a more detailed explanation of this training model, visit Self-Guided CPR Training.
Preparing for ACLS Skills? Review Adult Ventilations
Use this short demonstration to review adult ventilation technique before an applicable ACLS hands-on skills session. Additional course-specific demonstrations are available in Citywide CPR’s Skills Demonstration Video Library.
What Happens During a Self-Guided ACLS Skills Session?
During an applicable Self-Guided Skills Session, you perform the required hands-on skills while CPR Verification Station™ technology guides the session and provides real-time performance feedback.
Before arriving, make sure you have completed any online coursework required for your selected pathway and reviewed the appointment instructions for your location.
During the applicable skills experience, you can expect to:
- Access your scheduled session
- Follow the training system’s instructions
- Physically perform applicable resuscitation skills
- Receive real-time performance feedback
- Complete the required skills associated with your ACLS pathway
A Self-Guided Skills Session changes how the hands-on experience is delivered; it does not remove the hands-on component.
How Is ACLS Different From BLS?
BLS focuses on foundational basic life support, while ACLS addresses advanced management of adult cardiovascular emergencies.
BLS includes foundational skills such as high-quality CPR, AED use, ventilations, and team-based basic life support.
ACLS builds on foundational resuscitation knowledge and addresses additional concepts such as cardiac arrest management, arrhythmias, advanced airway considerations, medications, and advanced team-based resuscitation.
Importantly, ACLS should not automatically be treated as a replacement for a separate BLS credential when an employer or organization requires both.
If you also maintain BLS, Citywide CPR’s BLS Study Guide can help with course preparation.
How Should I Prepare for ACLS Renewal?
Before your ACLS renewal, make sure you understand which course pathway you selected and prepare for both the cognitive and hands-on components that apply.
A useful preparation checklist includes:
- Confirm ACLS is the credential required for your role.
- Check the expiration information on your current ACLS eCard.
- Determine whether you need Online + Skills or Skills Only.
- Complete HeartCode ACLS before your skills session when applicable.
- Keep the appropriate HeartCode completion documentation available.
- Review ACLS algorithms and major course concepts.
- Review applicable hands-on skills.
- Check your appointment and location instructions.
The ACLS Study Guide and Skills Demonstration Video Library can be useful resources when preparing.
When Will I Receive My New AHA ACLS eCard?
The applicable AHA eCard is issued after successful completion of the applicable course requirements according to current processing procedures.
Completing HeartCode ACLS alone should not be confused with completion of the entire certification pathway when required hands-on skills remain.
Likewise, scheduling or attending a skills appointment does not by itself result in an eCard. The applicable course requirements must be successfully completed.
How Do I Find ACLS Renewal Near Me?
To find ACLS renewal near you, first determine which ACLS pathway you need, then search for nearby training that provides the applicable course and required hands-on component.
When searching for “ACLS renewal near me,” “ACLS certification near me,” or “ACLS classes near me,” check:
| What to Verify | Why It Matters |
| Course type | Make sure you are registering for ACLS rather than another certification |
| Training organization | Confirm AHA training if your organization specifically requires it |
| Online + Skills vs. Skills Only | Select based on the coursework you have actually completed |
| Hands-on component | Verify where and how required skills are completed |
| Appointment availability | Make sure the schedule works with your deadline |
| Completion documentation | Know what is required before your skills appointment |
| Credential after completion | Confirm the course pathway provides the credential you need |
Use the CPR Finder to search for available ACLS certification and renewal options near you.
This national resource intentionally does not list individual cities or neighborhoods. Location-specific searches are better served through CPR Finder and Citywide CPR’s existing geographic pages.
Coordinating ACLS Renewals for Your Healthcare Staff?
Healthcare organizations coordinating ACLS renewal may have employees with different certification combinations, expiration dates, and training requirements.
Hospitals, medical practices, healthcare organizations, clinical educators, administrators, credentialing teams, and managers may be responsible for employees who require:
- ACLS
- BLS + ACLS
- BLS + ACLS + PALS
- Other role-specific combinations
- Different renewal dates across departments or employees
Certification needs should be based on employee responsibilities and applicable organizational requirements rather than assuming every healthcare employee needs ACLS.
Employees Can Complete Skills at a Citywide CPR Location
Employees who can leave the workplace can complete applicable online learning and schedule their Self-Guided Skills Sessions at Citywide CPR CPR Verification Station™ learning centers.
This can help organizations coordinate employees individually or in smaller groups according to certification type and renewal date.
Keep Employees Onsite When Applicable
Healthcare organizations that need employees to remain at their facility can also ask Citywide CPR about applicable portable CPR skills verification options, including RQI-P GO, for onsite training.
Healthcare organizations can learn about CPR Training for Healthcare Staff – BLS, ACLS & PALS to explore options for coordinating certification and renewal across their workforce.
ACLS Renewal Checklist
Before registering, confirm:
- Do I still need ACLS for my role?
- When does my current credential expire?
- Do I need Online + Skills or Skills Only?
- Have I completed the applicable current HeartCode ACLS course?
- Do I have the appropriate HeartCode completion documentation?
- Where will I complete my required hands-on skills?
- When does my employer or facility need my updated credential?
- Have I reviewed ACLS concepts and applicable skills?
These questions can help you choose the correct ACLS certification pathway before registering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I renew my ACLS certification?
Complete the appropriate current AHA ACLS course pathway, including required hands-on skills. Choose Online + Skills if you still need the applicable HeartCode ACLS coursework. Skills Only may be appropriate if you have already completed the applicable current HeartCode ACLS online course and have the required documentation.
Can I renew ACLS before it expires?
Yes. You can complete the appropriate ACLS training before your current credential expires. Your employer or credentialing organization may have its own deadline for submitting an updated credential.
What happens if my ACLS certification expires?
You can still complete the appropriate ACLS training and obtain a current credential. However, your employer or other organization determines whether an expired ACLS credential can be temporarily accepted, so do not assume there is a grace period.
Can I renew ACLS entirely online?
Applicable HeartCode ACLS coursework can be completed online, but online coursework alone should not be confused with completing an ACLS pathway that also requires hands-on skills.
What is ACLS Online + Skills?
Online + Skills is for someone who still needs the applicable HeartCode ACLS online coursework and the required hands-on portion.
What is ACLS Skills Only?
Skills Only is for an eligible participant who has already completed the applicable current HeartCode ACLS online coursework and now needs the corresponding hands-on skills.
Does my current ACLS eCard qualify me for Skills Only?
No. A current, previous, or expired ACLS Provider eCard does not by itself document completion of the applicable current HeartCode ACLS online coursework required for a Skills Only pathway.
Is ACLS renewal hands-on?
Yes. Applicable ACLS 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 environment used for applicable Citywide CPR Self-Guided Skills Sessions. Participants physically perform applicable skills using training equipment while technology provides instructions and real-time performance feedback.
Is ACLS the same as BLS?
No. BLS focuses on foundational basic life support, while ACLS addresses advanced adult cardiovascular emergency management. Some healthcare professionals may be required to maintain both credentials.
Where can I find ACLS classes near me?
Use the CPR Finder to search for available ACLS training near you. Before registering, verify the course, hands-on requirements, and whether you need Online + Skills or Skills Only.
How do I find AHA ACLS renewal near me?
Start by confirming that American Heart Association ACLS is the credential you need, then use CPR Finder to locate an appropriate nearby training option. Confirm how required hands-on skills are completed before registering.
When will I receive my AHA ACLS eCard?
The applicable AHA eCard is issued after successful completion of the applicable course requirements according to current processing procedures.
Ready to Renew Your ACLS Certification?
Start by confirming that American Heart Association ACLS is the credential required for your role. Then determine whether you still need the applicable HeartCode ACLS coursework or have already completed it and may qualify for Skills Only.
Citywide CPR is an American Heart Association Training Center offering applicable ACLS certification and renewal pathways with required hands-on Self-Guided Skills Sessions at CPR Verification Station™ learning centers.
Use the ACLS Study Guide and Skills Demonstration Video Library to prepare for your course. When you’re ready to find ACLS renewal near you, use the CPR Finder to locate available training.