Walking into a BLS or ACLS class without knowing what’s ahead can feel intimidating. Both courses are designed to prepare you for life-saving situations, but their structure, expectations, and skills taught are very different. This guide will walk you through what to expect in BLS (Basic Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) courses – so you’re prepared, confident, and ready to succeed.
Both BLS and ACLS can be completed in:
Classroom format – fully instructor-led.
Blended learning – part online modules, followed by an in-person skills check.
💡 Tip: Check with your employer about accepted formats. Some require hands-on practice for compliance.
Typically 3–4 hours (shorter if it’s a renewal).
Blended formats let you do the theory online and complete a skills check in person.
Adult, child, and infant CPR
Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Choking relief techniques
Team dynamics during resuscitation
Emphasis on high-quality chest compressions (depth, rate, recoil, minimal interruptions)
Written test (usually multiple-choice, short)
Skills evaluation (demonstrating CPR & AED use)
Nurses, doctors, EMTs, dentists, medical students, allied healthcare staff
Usually 1–2 full days depending on your provider.
Renewal courses are shorter if your certification is current.
Recognition & management of cardiac arrest
Treatment of arrhythmias: tachycardia, bradycardia, PEA, asystole
Advanced airway management
Use of ACLS medications: epinephrine, amiodarone, atropine
Reading and interpreting ECG rhythms
Running megacode simulations (team-based scenarios)
Post-cardiac arrest care
Pre-course self-assessment (usually online)
Written exam (MCQs, algorithm-based questions)
Megacode evaluation (hands-on team scenario)
Physicians (ER, ICU, anesthesiology, cardiology)
Critical care and emergency nurses
Paramedics and advanced EMS provider
|
Aspect
|
BLS
|
ACLS
|
|---|---|---|
|
Focus |
CPR & AED basics |
Advanced decision-making, ECG, drugs |
|
Duration |
~3–4 hours |
1–2 days |
|
Assessment |
CPR + AED skills |
Megacode + exam |
|
Audience |
All healthcare providers |
Critical/emergency providers |
|
Pre-course work |
None |
Online assessment + algorithm review |
Practice basic CPR steps.
Familiarize yourself with AED operation.
Complete the AHA pre-course self-assessment.
Review algorithms (cardiac arrest, tachycardia, bradycardia).
Brush up on pharmacology and ECG interpretation.
Use practice tests and flashcards to reinforce memory.
Both BLS and ACLS certifications are valid for 2 years.
Plan renewals early—don’t wait until your card expires.
Renewal classes are shorter and easier if your certification is current.
Ready to enroll? Start with BLS to build your foundation, then advance to ACLS for critical care readiness. Check available blended and classroom options to suit your schedule.
BLS takes about 3–4 hours. ACLS usually requires 1–2 days depending on the provider.
Yes. ACLS is more advanced, covering ECG rhythms, medications, and algorithms, while BLS focuses on CPR and AED use.
Yes. You must be proficient in BLS to succeed in ACLS, and many centers require a valid BLS card before ACLS.
You can complete theory online, but both require an in-person skills check for certification validity.
Both are valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiration.
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The AHA strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in all AHA courses and has developed instructional materials for this purpose. Use of these materials in an educational course does not represent course sponsorship by the AHA. Any fees charged for such a course, except for a portion of fees needed for AHA course materials, do not represent income to the AHA.
