How Many CEUs is ACLS Renewal?
When you work on the front lines of care, every second matters and every decision counts. A recent study found that patients had a 96% chance of surviving cardiac arrest when clinicians followed ACLS protocols with minimal deviation. But that number dropped to just 11% when guidelines weren’t followed, proving that staying sharp on ACLS can be the difference between life and death.
That’s why ACLS renewal, the recertification process for Advanced Cardiac Life Support, is so important. ACLS is an evidence-based framework for managing life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies like cardiac arrest, stroke, and arrhythmias. It’s a critical requirement for clinicians in emergency rooms, intensive care units, and any setting where decisive action saves lives.
It typically provides four continuing education units (CEUs) for eligible healthcare professionals, helping you fulfill license renewal requirements, meet employer standards, and stay prepared for the moments that matter most. Earning CEUs through ACLS renewal is a reflection of your commitment to excellence in care, and proof that your knowledge and skills are up to date.
Understanding CEUs: How Many Credits are required for ACLS Certification Renewal
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a high-level response system for cardiac emergencies that includes advanced airway management, medications, and team-based resuscitation. Based on ILCOR guidelines, it gives healthcare providers the tools and mindset to act decisively under pressure.
ACLS certification is valid for two years. After that, renewal is required. AMC’s fully online course makes the process quick and convenient, allowing you to complete it in under an hour while earning 4 CEUs or AMA Category 1 Credits™.
Initial Certification vs. Renewal
- Initial certification is for first-time learners. It’s more comprehensive and typically awards up to 8 CEUs.
- Renewal courses are for experienced providers. These streamlined courses focus on updates and reinforcement and generally award 4 CEUs.
Who Needs ACLS Renewal?
ACLS recertification is required for many healthcare professionals who manage cardiac emergencies, including:
- Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
- Doctors, including ER physicians, hospitalists, and intensivists
- Dentists who perform sedation or work in surgical settings
- Respiratory Therapists
- Paramedics and Advanced EMTs
- Physician Assistants (PAs) working in emergency, surgical, or cardiac units
What are CEUs? A Quick Refresher
CEU stands for Continuing Education Unit, which is a standardized measurement used to track participation in accredited learning activities, such as a recertification course. In healthcare, CEUs are often awarded in contact hours, with one CEU typically equating to one hour of approved continuing education.
CEUs vs. CME Credits
While both CEUs and CME (Continuing Medical Education) credits keep healthcare professionals informed and licensed, they differ in who they serve and how they’re accredited:
- CEUs are typically used by nurses, EMTs, therapists, and other allied health professionals.
- CME credits are primarily intended for physicians and are accredited by organizations like the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
AMC’s ACLS courses are eligible for both CEUs and AMA Category 1 CME Credits™, making them suitable for a wide range of medical professionals. We also offer PALS and BLS certification and renewal, which follow the same accreditation standards.
Why CEUs Matter
Most state licensing boards require healthcare professionals to earn a specific number of continuing education credits during each renewal period. These credits ensure that you remain current on medical standards, protocols, and technologies.
How Many CEUs are Required for ACLS Renewal?
Most providers earn 4 CEUs for an ACLS recertification course. This is standard across accredited programs and reflects the expected course duration and content. Although AMC’s course can be completed in less than an hour, it’s designed to meet the depth and time requirements of an 8-hour activity.
The number of CEUs you can apply toward license renewal may vary depending on:
- Your state’s licensing board requirements
- Your specific profession or title (e.g., RN, PA, DDS, RT)
- Your employer’s continuing education policies
- Whether you’re completing an initial certification or a renewal
Some boards refer to contact hours instead of CEUs, but in healthcare, the terms are often used interchangeably: 1 contact hour = 1 CEU.
CE Hours vs. CEUs: Is There a Difference?
Technically, 1 CEU equals 10 hours of instruction in general education settings. But in healthcare, CEUs are often awarded in 1-hour increments. So if your course says 4 CEUs, it usually means 4 contact hours, not 40.
How to Verify CEU Validity Before Taking ACLS Renewal
Before starting your ACLS recertification course, make sure the CEUs you’ll earn are accepted by your licensing board or employer. Here’s how:
Choose an Accredited Provider
AMC’s ACLS renewal course is accredited by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM) and offers up to 8 AMA Category 1 Credits™, widely accepted nationwide.
AHA vs. Other Courses
The American Heart Association (AHA) sets clinical guidelines, but it’s not an accrediting body. AMC’s courses follow the same ILCOR-based standards and are accepted across the country.
Check State-Specific Requirements
States like California, Texas, and Florida may have specific CEU rules. Always check with your state licensing board or employer to confirm acceptance.
Benefits of Earning CEUs via ACLS Renewal
Maintain Certification
ACLS certification is valid for two years, and CEUs earned through a renewal course are necessary to keep your credentials active and compliant with hospital and employer requirements.
Fulfill License Renewal Requirements
Many professionals are required to complete CEUs to stay licensed. AMC’s accredited renewal course helps fulfill that requirement.
Stay Updated on Best Practices
ACLS guidelines evolve regularly, and renewal courses keep you current on evidence-based protocols so your knowledge and skills align with today’s best practices in emergency cardiovascular care.
Advance Your Career and Earning Potential
CEUs demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning, which can enhance your professional reputation, open doors to new roles, and even improve your earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CEUs is ACLS worth for NBRC-certified therapists?
For respiratory therapists certified by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), ACLS renewal through an accredited provider is generally accepted for 4 CEUs. Always verify with the state board or Continuing Competency Program (CCP) requirements to ensure the credits align with your renewal period.
Is BLS considered CME or CEU?
Basic Life Support (BLS) is usually considered a CEU, not CME. BLS courses are commonly accepted for CEU credit among nurses, EMTs, and allied health professionals. Some BLS courses may also offer CME credits for physicians, but this depends on the provider’s accreditation.
What’s the difference between BLS recertification and renewal?
None. Recertification and renewal mean the same thing when it comes to BLS, ACLS, and other clinical credentials. Both terms refer to the process of completing an approved course to maintain a certification that is about to expire (typically every two years).
Do CEUs from ACLS renewal count toward other certification courses?
Yes. In many cases, CEUs earned from an accredited ACLS renewal course can be applied toward multiple certifications or licensure renewals, especially when state boards or employers accept them as general clinical CEUs.
Meet Your CEU and Certification Requirements with AMC
Every time you step into a hospital, clinic, or emergency scene, your knowledge has the power to save lives. Renewing your ACLS certification is a commitment to being ready in those critical moments.
At Advanced Medical Certification, we’re here to support that mission. Our fully accredited, 100% online ACLS renewal course is designed for healthcare heroes like you. In under an hour, you can refresh your skills, earn the 4 CEUs you need, and continue making a difference one patient, one moment, one heartbeat at a time.
Get started with AMC’s ACLS Online Certification Course and continue to lead with confidence, compassion, and clinical excellence.