CPR and First Aid Certification: 100% Online Training Guide
Like you, I wanted to learn CPR, but I didn’t want to have to find a local class or give up my Saturday to do it. A while back, I learned I could take a CPR and First Aid Certification course 100% online. It takes a lot less time than I thought, and the free version is all most people will need. In this guide, I share what I learned about this free online CPR certification and why I would choose Advanced Medical Certification when I need medical education certificates.
Get Free CPR Training Online
A free online CPR training course covers all the same information you’d learn in an in‐person course, but without having to spend your Saturday in a classroom with people you don’t know going over information you may already know very well. You can take a free online course on your own time on any device at your own pace and take the test when you feel ready.
The Advanced Medical Certification website offers a free CPR, 
AED, and First Aid online training course. This course covers key areas such as administering CPR, using AED devices, and providing first aid in various situations. It includes comprehensive online materials, video demonstrations, audiobooks, practice tests, visual algorithms, and even a printed CPR and first aid certification manual if you’d like to request one.
To receive a CPR certification, you will take and pass an exam and pay a small fee. However, the learning is 100% free and available for everyone.
Why Take a 100% Online Course
Taking an online CPR course makes it easier to stay up‐to‐date with the current evidence‐based CPR recommendations. If your employer or professional license requires a current CPR certification, and you wait until the last minute, you can complete the free course in about an hour without having to wait to schedule an in‐person CPR course.
Getting your CPR and First Aid Certification is convenient. It’s the way more people are keeping their CPR certifications current these days.
Join the 7 Million Life Savers and Growing
Advanced Medical Certification alone has helped almost seven million life savers learn CPR or update their knowledge in a convenient online course. That number really means something to me. Did you know:
- A review of 600K cases found that those who received bystander CPR are 28% more likely to survive ( NIH.gov ) and significantly less likely to have irreversible brain damage.
- 70‐80% of cardiac arrests happen at home, so the person you save may be a loved one. ( NIH.gov )
- 15‐20% of cardiac arrests happen in a public place, so you may get the chance to save a stranger. ( NIH.gov )
Getting a little technical for a moment, the review also showed that when a bystander witnesses and performs CPR immediately, the person is 30% more likely to have a shockable rhythm when EMS arrives. That’s important because those with an initially shockable rhythm are 1-2X more likely to survive to discharge.
What You Learn in an Online CPR Certification Course
You learn about the Chain of Survival. This chain starts when you see someone having a cardiac arrest, and you decide to start high‐quality CPR. You learn what to do in a specific order so that you can act quickly and confidently.
As a link in the Chain of Survival, you perform high‐quality CPR until an emergency response team arrives. If you are a medical professional like a medical assistant, EMS, or nurse, you may also be performing high‐quality CPR until medical professionals with more advanced technologies and scopes of practice arrive to take over.
Either way, I’ve already mentioned that not breaking this chain is so important.
To sum things up, by learning CPR for free online, you get to:
- Increase survival chances
- Reduce risk of brain damage
- Help the person keep a shockable rhythm
In a CPR and First Aid Certification course, you also learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to shock the person’s heart when they have a shockable rhythm. You learn these skills for not just adults, but also children and infants.
What You Learn in an Online First Aid Certification Course
Simply learning CPR is a brave undertaking. However, very often the person will need first aid instead. For this reason, you learn them together in one CPR and First Aid Certification course.
In AMC’s online first aid certification course you learn how to provide first aid in over 25 medical emergencies. Similar to CPR, your quick response can increase the person’s chance of surviving and thriving after the incident.
The free online first aid course with certificate includes but isn’t limited to learning what to do during the following emergencies:
- Obstructed airways / Choking
- Low blood sugar
- Stroke
- Asthma attack
- Severe allergic reaction
- Trauma
Over 220,000 People Certified
AMC has helped over 200K people get CPR and First Aid certified after they complete the free online CPR and first aid course with certificate.
Why Take CPR and First Aid Certification from AMC
It’s easy to start learning CPR and First Aid right now online. You don’t have to sign up or give any personal information. After you complete the free course, you’re welcome to share your name and info so AMC can send your official certificate electronically or by mail. However, that’s up to you.
As a representative of AMC, I believe that the more people who learn CPR and first aid, the better the world can be. People like you and I are ready to manage an emergency.
ILCOR’s Evidence‐Based Standards
Advanced Medical Certification bases its courses on the latest standards from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). This organization reviews the most current medical research to determine the best steps to take (in what order) to save lives.
Who Needs CPR and First Aid Certification?
Anyone can benefit from learning CPR and First Aid, even children as young as 12. With that said, specific professionals should absolutely get their CPR and First Aid Certification, including:
- Teachers, aides, and daycare workers
- Medical assistants
- EMTs
- Police officers and private security
- Firefighters
- Nurses
- Social workers
- Mental health professionals
- Fitness professionals
- Entertainment or hospitality
- Anyone who works in a medical setting
Why a Free Online First Aid Course is Great for Your Career
Regardless of your profession, potential employers respect those who have CPR and First Aid Certifications—from construction to food services. Not only are you ready for potential emergencies among employees or customers. It shows initiative. When all else is equal between two candidates, having a first aid certification can certainly tip the scales in your direction.
However, some professionals need a CPR and First Aid Certification more than others. Maintaining a certification can directly impact their ability to continue to practice and/or advance their careers. For example, it allows health and wellness professionals to:
- Renew professional licenses or certifications
- Potentially secure a new job or higher pay (if it’s not a requirement)
- Work effectively with their life‐saving teams
- Take on leadership roles
CPR Training for Continuing Education Credits
If you are a professional who has to complete continuing education to maintain your license or certification, getting certified or recertified in CPR and first aid may count as a CME/CE/CEU Credit. Are you wondering if these credits will be accepted by your licensing board? That’s where knowing you’re getting a free online CPR certification from an accredited company comes in.
Industry Accreditation
Advanced Medical Certifications (AMC) certifications are jointly provided by the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine (PIM). PIM is accredited by several organizations to provide continuing education. These organizations include:
- Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
- The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Handy CPR Algorithms
CPR algorithms are visual representations that you can follow during CPR to decide what to do next. These colorful guides are backed by evidence that has shown this is the most likely to help a person experiencing a cardiac arrest.
They break down CPR instructions into easy‐to‐follow decision trees while providing reminders about how to perform high‐quality CPR. However, it’s important to note that there’s no time during an emergency to follow an algorithm if you don’t already know it. Instead, algorithms serve as study tools, helping you internalize the 7 steps of CPR.
Adult BLS Algorithm
BLS stands for basic life support. Bystander CPR and BLS are interchangeable for the most part, with BLS focusing more on working with a team. This is critical because high‐quality CPR is hard to perform as one person.
In BLS you are expected to not only think about your own ability to perform CPR but how to work with others in the room who have similar training. This team mentality allows you to designate roles and swap roles when one role (chest compressions) becomes too tiring.
You’re more likely to work with a team as a medical professional, e.g., EMT, nurse, medical assistant. However, anyone can benefit from reviewing the BLS CPR algorithm. Bystanders with CPR training may need to work together as well.
Simple Adult BLS Algorithm
The Simple Adult BLS Algorithm is a scaled‐down version of the BLS algorithm. It eliminates all the extra instructions for high‐quality CPR and favors a visual you can quickly view. It only includes the following steps, which assume you already know CPR:
- Unresponsive: No Breathing or Only Gasping
- Activate Emergency Response
- Get AED and Start CPR (Push Hard and Fast)
- Monitor Rhythm and Shock if Needed
- Continue CPR
As a quick aside, if you’re using an AED, it handles the monitoring rhythms and may even administer shock automatically.
Keep Algorithms in Your Pocket
Algorithms in your pocket ensure you always have the right algorithm on you. Instead of thumbing through algorithm cards, you can see the steps and instructions on your phone.
AMC has an app called Medicode. It helps you quickly pull up the CPR algorithm for review as you begin CPR. This app includes an algorithm for:
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Basic Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- CPR
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Algorithms in Spanish and English
For the territories that speak Spanish, a Spanish version of the app is also available, ensuring you’re reviewing these vital algorithms in the language you’re most comfortable with.
Get Certified in CPR for Life
Did you know you could renew your CPR certification for life? For professionals required to maintain a certificate, this ensures these credentials don’t lapse. Every two years, when it’s time to get recertified in CPR, simply review the course and any potential changes. Then, take a quick test to make sure you remember the steps and get your recertification.
Buy once. Recertify forever. Never worry about the costs of certification going up or forgetting to recertify. You’re locked in and have already paid up for less than the cost of two certification periods. AMC will also send you a reminder when it’s time to renew, so you don’t forget.
You’re certified for life!
Bundle CPR with ACLS & PALS
I also want to make you aware that you can bundle CPR with other advanced medical certifications like Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). If your employers or licensing board requires these certifications, you can get them all in one place online with Advanced Medical Certifications.
How to Get Started
To start learning how to administer first aid, visit the free CPR and first aid course.
Frequently Asked Questions About CPR and First Aid Certification
What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure to assist someone whose heart has stopped or who is not breathing.
What does AED stand for?
Automated External Defibrillator.
Do I need to take a class to get certified?
Yes, certification typically requires completing a course and passing an exam. However, you can take a class 100% online with an accredited organization like Advanced Medical Certification (AMC) in association with the Post‐Graduate Institute of Medicine (PIM).
How long does certification last?
Usually 2 years. However, you can get certified for life by paying a small one‐time fee.
Is online first aid certification included with the CPR course?
Yes. Advanced Medical Certification’s (AMC) online course includes instructions for providing first aid for over 25 common conditions, from trauma to a bee sting.
Will I learn how to perform CPR on my child in a CPR course?
Yes. AMC’s CPR and First Aid course includes instructions for performing CPR on children and infants.