Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, EMT, or student, your BLS and ACLS certifications are non-negotiable for clinical practice. But what happens if your certification expires? How long are they valid? And what are the renewal rules?
In this guide, we’ll break down the validity period, renewal process, and recertification tips for both BLS and ACLS – so you never risk losing compliance.
BLS certification is valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
ACLS certification is also valid for 2 years from the issue date.
⚠️ If your card expires, you cannot legally perform patient care activities that require certification until you renew.
Renewal is required before your card expires (recommended at least 30–60 days early).
Shorter than the full course (2–3 hours).
Covers CPR updates, AED skills, and changes in resuscitation guidelines.
Includes a skills test and sometimes a short written exam.
If lapsed, you must retake the full BLS course, not just a renewal.
Also valid for 2 years.
Recommended to schedule renewal 1–2 months before expiration.
Focus on updated ACLS guidelines.
Review of algorithms for arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, bradycardia, tachycardia.
Hands-on megacode testing.
Written exam.
You’ll need to take the full ACLS course again (usually 1–2 days).
Some providers allow grace periods, but hospitals may not accept expired cards.
Blended Learning – Complete theory online + attend an in-person skills check.
Classroom Renewal – Instructor-led with full hands-on practice.
Fully Online – Only valid for certain workplaces; many still require hands-on checkoffs.
💡 Always confirm with your employer or hospital HR which renewal format is acceptable.
Avoids compliance gaps that can affect your job.
Renewal courses are shorter and easier when certification is still valid.
Prevents last-minute stress before hospital audits or credential checks.
|
Aspect
|
Certification (First-time)
|
Recertification (Renewal)
|
|---|---|---|
|
Duration |
BLS: 3–4 hrs / ACLS: 1–2 days |
BLS: 2–3 hrs / ACLS: 1 day |
|
Exam Required |
Yes |
Yes (shorter for BLS, same for ACLS) |
|
Eligibility |
Open to all healthcare providers |
Must hold current valid certification |
|
If Expired |
Take full course |
Must retake full course |
Don’t wait until your certification lapses. Enroll in a BLS or ACLS renewal course today and stay compliant with your hospital and AHA requirements.
Both are valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
No. Once expired, you must retake the full course.
Yes. BLS renewal is ~2–3 hours. ACLS renewal is ~1 day instead of 2.
Yes, theory can be done online, but you must complete a skills check in person for certification validity.
Best practice is 30–60 days 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.
