How Long Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification Last?
A Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is valid for two years from the date it’s issued. Once that period ends, you’ll need to renew your certification.
Why does that matter? Because the science behind these lifesaving skills is constantly evolving, CPR guidelines, first aid, AED technology, and emergency protocols for cardiac arrest are updated regularly as new research emerges. If you renew your BLS certification, you never have to worry about whether you’re practicing the most effective, evidence-based techniques instead of outdated methods that could put your patients’ lives at risk.
Keeping your certification up to date also protects your professional standing. For healthcare workers and first responders, an expired certification means you’re no longer compliant with legal care standards or employer requirements and can cause you to be pulled from duty.
How Long Does BLS Certification Last?
BLS certification is valid for two years. This renewal cycle ensures your lifesaving knowledge—and your ability to perform skills like chest compressions, rescue breathing, and choking relief—remains fresh, effective, and aligned with the latest best practices.
When Should You Renew Your Basic Life Support Certification Online?
The best time to renew your BLS certificate is before it expires. While your card is valid for two years, it’s recommended that you plan to update your certification within six months of the expiration date.
Renewing early offers several advantages:
- No lapse in credentials – Many healthcare employers require active certification at all times. Waiting until your card expires could put your job responsibilities and even your employment status at risk.
- Required for key professions – Doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics, dentists, physical therapists, firefighters, police officers, and even teachers or coaches are often required to maintain current BLS certification.
- Career value – Certifications like BLS can make you more competitive in the workforce. Since employers often look for active credentials when hiring, being certified can open the door to more job opportunities, advancement potential, and in some cases, higher pay.
- Less stress, more flexibility – Renewing early gives you time to choose the course format that fits your schedule, rather than scrambling to figure it out at the last minute.
Why It’s Important to Keep Your BLS Certification Up-to-Date
Renewing on time matters because it:
- Keeps Role Eligibility – Nurses, doctors, EMTs, dentists, firefighters, and other professionals are often required to hold active BLS certification to perform their duties.
- Ensures Compliance – Employers and accrediting bodies expect proof of current certification. Renewing early helps you stay compliant with no lapses.
- Prepares You for Any Emergency – Skills like CPR and AED use fade without practice. Renewal reinforces your knowledge so you can respond confidently.
- Avoids Employment Disruptions – In healthcare and public safety settings, an expired certification may mean suspension from work until you’re renewed.
- Enhances Skills and Confidence – Each renewal brings updated guidelines, ensuring you’re practicing the most effective methods.
- Provides Proof of Certification – Many job opportunities, audits, and promotions require a valid card. Staying current keeps you competitive in the workforce.
What Happens If Your BLS Certification Expires?
Allowing your BLS certification to expire can have serious consequences for your career and your ability to assist in emergencies. Here’s what you might face if you don’t renew on time:
Your Responsibilities Could be Limited
Many healthcare facilities restrict what you can do if your certification isn’t current. If you can’t prove you recently completed Basic Life Support training, you may be barred from performing certain patient care tasks or responding in emergencies.
Suspension from Work
Employers in healthcare and public safety often require all staff to maintain active BLS certification. If yours lapses, you could be suspended from shifts or even removed from your position entirely.
Retake of Full Course
If you allow your certification to expire, there’s a good chance you’ll have to retake the full BLS certification course from the beginning, which can cost more and take additional time.
How to Know if Your BLS Certification Is Still Valid
Not sure when your certification expires? Here are the easiest ways to confirm your status:
Check with Your Training Provider
Most accredited providers keep digital records of your certification. Log in to your training account or contact the provider directly to confirm your expiration date. Many organizations now issue digital certificates that can be accessed anytime.
Validate the ID Number on Your BLS Card
Every BLS certification card includes a unique ID number. You can use this number to verify validity through your provider’s website or support team. The expiration date is often printed directly on the card for quick reference.
How to Renew Your BLS Certification
Renewing your BLS certification is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the right steps so your renewal is accepted by employers and licensing boards. Here’s how to do it:
1. Confirm Your Eligibility for Renewal
Most providers allow a shorter, faster renewal course if your certification is still valid or has only recently expired. If your card is past its grace period, you may need to take the full BLS certification course again. Always check your provider’s rules so you know which path applies to you.
2. Choose a Renewal Format
- In-Person Renewal: Ideal if you prefer hands-on practice, real-time feedback from instructors, or if your employer specifically requires in-person testing.
- Online Renewal: A flexible option for busy professionals. AMC offers a trusted online BLS renewal course that you can complete at your own pace, with video demonstrations, skills tests, and self-evaluation resources available anytime.
3. Verify Accreditation
Make sure the provider is accredited and recognized in healthcare settings. Choosing a respected provider like AMC means your certification will be accepted nationwide and meets the latest 2020–2025 ILCOR guidelines.
4. Complete the Coursework and Exam
Renewal courses typically take a few hours. You’ll review updated guidelines, practice key skills, and complete a written or online exam. At AMC, you’ll need a score of 80% or higher to pass, but you can retake the test as many times as needed at no extra cost.
5. Consider Bundling With CEU Credits
Many healthcare professionals need Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain their licenses. Choosing a BLS renewal course that offers CEU credit can help you meet two requirements at once, saving you both time and money.
First-Time vs Renewal BLS Courses: What’s the Difference?
First-Time Certification
If this is your initial certification – or if your certification has been expired for too long – you’ll need to complete the full BLS certification course. This version is more comprehensive and walks you through every element of Basic Life Support, from adult, child, and infant CPR to AED use, airway management, and choking relief.
Renewal Certification
If your current certification is still valid (or only recently expired), you may qualify for a shorter, less intensive renewal course. AMC’s renewal option is fast, simple, and completely online, often taking less than an hour to finish. You’ll review updated guidelines, refresh your core skills, and pass the exam to extend your certification for another two years. With AMC, there’s no clinical skills test required, free unlimited exam retakes, and you’ll get your digital provider card instantly upon passing.
Don’t Miss Your BLS Expiration Date
With a two-year renewal cycle, the best way to stay compliant, confident, and career-ready is to check your expiration date and renew before it lapses. Take a moment right now to look at your certification card. Is it close to expiring? If so, it’s time to begin that renewal process.
AMC makes it simple with a 100% online BLS Renewal Course that’s fast, accredited, and trusted by healthcare professionals nationwide. You’ll get instant proof of certification, free unlimited exam retakes, and up to 4 AMA Category 1 Credits™.