BLS Certification
Self-Guided Learning. Flexible. Self-paced.
Complete HeartCode Complete BLS online at your own pace, then verify your skills at a CPR Verification Station learning center. Receive your official AHA Course Completion eCard.
Self-Guided Learning™
How it works.
Complete your AHA BLS certification in three simple steps — on your schedule.
Select Your Location
Where would you like to get certified?
Three convenient Florida locations. Same AHA-approved instruction, same same-day eCards.
Learn on your schedule. Certify on your terms.
Self-Guided Learning™ from the American Heart Association® and Laerdal Medical lets you complete Self-Guided Learning from the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical gives you complete flexibility. Use True Adaptive Learning to work through content at your own pace, then visit a CPR Verification Station learning center to verify your skills and receive your AHA eCard immediately.
Get StartedCurriculum
What you'll learn.
The AHA BLS course covers the critical skills needed to recognize and respond to life-threatening emergencies.
BLS goes beyond individual skills. You will learn how to function as part of a high-performance resuscitation team communicating clearly, assigning roles, and coordinating interventions during a cardiac arrest.
You will understand the AHA Chain of Survival the critical sequence of early recognition, early CPR, rapid defibrillation, effective advanced life support, and integrated post-cardiac arrest care.
Who It's For
Who needs BLS certification?
BLS is required or recommended for healthcare professionals, students, EMS providers, workplace staff, and anyone requiring an AHA Course Completion eCard.
- Registered Nurses (RN)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)
- Physicians and Surgeons
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)
- Paramedics
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)
- Emergency Room Technicians
- Flight Medics
- 911 Dispatchers
- Paramedics
- Flight / Critical Care Paramedics
- Corrections Officers
- Lifeguards
- Security Personnel
- Medical and PA Students
- Dental and Dental Hygiene Students
- Physical and Occupational Therapists
- Respiratory Therapists
- Athletic Trainers
- Personal Trainers and Coaches
Compare Options
Side by side.
See exactly what each format includes.
| Feature | Self-Guided | Blended | Classroom | Skills Only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online coursework | ✓ | ✓ | — | |
| CPR Verification Station™ | ✓ | — | — | |
| Instructor-led skills / mega code | — | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Advanced scenarios (toxicology, etc.) | — | — | ✓ | |
| AHA eCard included | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Best for | Self-paced learners | Flexibility + guidance | Guided instruction | Renewals |
| Flexibility level | Highest | High | Moderate | Moderate |
FAQ
Common questions.
Self-Guided Learning uses HeartCode Complete online with True Adaptive Learning, followed by a skills verification session at a CPR Verification Station™ learning center. You receive your AHA BLS Course Completion eCard immediately upon successful completion.
There are no prerequisites for BLS. The course is designed for healthcare professionals and students at all levels.
Your AHA BLS Course Completion eCard is valid for two years. You can renew using any format including Self-Guided Learning before your card expires.
Yes. All formats result in an official AHA BLS Course Completion eCard, which is required by most hospitals, EDs, ICUs, and clinical settings nationwide.
Visit CPRFinder.com to search for CPR Verification Station™ learning centers near you. There are locations in 47 states with real-time scheduling — many with extended hours and weekends.
Self-Guided BLS is ideal if you prefer self-paced, independent learning. Blended is great if you want online flexibility plus instructor-led skills practice. Full Classroom is best for guided instruction from start to finish. Skills Session Only is for learners who have already completed HeartCode online.
Ready?
Get BLS certified on your schedule.
Choose your format. Find a learning center. Get certified.
