I'm an elementary school teacher and I got my CPR certification about two years ago through a Red Cross course my district paid for. I can't remember exactly when it expires and I've misplaced my card. I know CPR renewal isn't optional — the certification doesn't last forever — but I'm not sure whether I'm looking at a two-year or three-year cycle.
Different organizations seem to have different renewal windows. The American Heart Association runs on two years for BLS, but some workplace first aid programs run three years. Our district requires current certification before each school year, so I want to stay ahead of the deadline rather than scrambling in August.
I've been refreshing my skills with the CPR practice test resources to brush up on updated compression ratios and AED protocols before signing up for a renewal class. Can anyone confirm the standard window for AHA vs Red Cross? Is there a grace period if your cert lapses by a few weeks, or do you restart from scratch?
AHA BLS is exactly two years — no exceptions and no grace period for clinical or school settings. Red Cross also moved to two years for healthcare provider courses. I'd schedule your renewal at 22 months so you have a buffer. Your old card usually has the issue date on it; you can also look up your records on the AHA's website if you've lost the card.