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8 Best BLS Certification Providers of 2026
This list is for nurses, EMTs, dental teams and other healthcare workers renewing BLS or CPR certification, plus students getting their first card. We compared documented formats, hands-on requirements, card validity, continuing education credits and published prices for eight providers. Scores weigh features at 40 percent and ease of use and value at 30 percent each. Prices were checked on each provider's own pages in November 2026; AHA, Red Cross and HSI class fees are set by local training centers, so we list them as pending.
By the Mojolin research desk · Updated November 11, 2026 · 8 tools compared · Prices checked on vendor pages, latest November 11, 2026
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
Mojolin is self-funded How we score
Most healthcare workers should renew through the American Heart Association, because the AHA card is the BLS credential most hospital policies name and HeartCode BLS lets you do the theory online before a skills session of 60 minutes to 2 hours. The American Red Cross is an equal choice where employers accept it, and its adaptive renewal exam can take up to 50% less time. If your employer accepts online certification, ProCPR ($59.95, or $159.90 with a remote hands-on evaluation) is the most flexible option, American Health Care Academy adds 6.0 CE credits for $36.95, and National CPR Foundation is the cheapest at $14.95. Physicians who want CME can use ACLS Certification Institute or Advanced Medical Certification, which also sells a $549 lifetime renewal plan.
Top picks
Best overall
American Heart Association BLS
8.6 / 10
Hospital nurses, physicians and EMS staff whose employer asks for an AHA card
Read the review →Runner-up
American Red Cross BLS
8.5 / 10
Healthcare workers who want a short renewal with a nationally known card
Read the review →Also great
ProCPR Healthcare BLS
8.4 / 10
Healthcare workers who need an online course with a remote hands-on option
Read the review →Comparison table
| # | Tool | Pricing | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Heart Association BLS | Hospital nurses, physicians and EMS staff whose employer asks for an AHA card | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 8.6 |
| 2 | American Red Cross BLS | Healthcare workers who want a short renewal with a nationally known card | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 8.5 |
| 3 | ProCPR Healthcare BLS | Healthcare workers who need an online course with a remote hands-on option | $59.95 online; $159.90 with the hands-on skill evaluation | 8.4 |
| 4 |  HSI Basic Life Support (BLS) | EMS agencies and employers that train staff through HSI instructors | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 8.2 |
| 5 |  American Health Care Academy BLS | Budget buyers who also want CE credits | $36.95 for online BLS certification | 8.1 |
| 6 |  ACLS Certification Institute BLS | Physicians and advanced providers who want CME credits online | $99 for BLS certification or recertification | 8.0 |
| 7 |  National CPR Foundation BLS | People whose employer accepts online-only BLS and want the lowest price | $14.95 for BLS certification | 7.9 |
| 8 |  Advanced Medical Certification BLS | Long-career clinicians who want to stop paying for every renewal | $119 certification; $99 recertification; $549 BLS for Life | 7.8 |
Scoring weights
Every tool gets three editorial scores out of 10, from vendor documentation, product pages and the published price. The overall score is the weighted average below, the same method on every list. Full method
The full ranking
Rank 1 · Best overall
American Heart Association BLS
The AHA Basic Life Support course for healthcare professionals, taught in a classroom or as HeartCode BLS online learning plus a hands-on skills session.
heart.org8.6
out of 10
Best for: Hospital nurses, physicians and EMS staff whose employer asks for an AHA card
The American Heart Association writes the BLS curriculum that most US hospitals build their resuscitation policies around, which is why its card is the safest choice for healthcare workers renewing BLS. You can take the full course in a classroom or choose HeartCode BLS, where the cognitive part is completed online and followed by a hands-on session with an AHA Training Center or Instructor. AHA states that the online portion alone does not earn a card: the hands-on session is sold separately, and the eCard is issued only after both parts are complete. AHA puts the hands-on session at 60 minutes to 2 hours depending on the student's experience. Cards are valid for two years through the end of the month they were issued, and students must complete a provider course every two years unless they are enrolled in AHA's RQI program. The drawback is price transparency: AHA sells the online module, while training centers set their own skills session fees, so you need to compare local centers.
Standout feature
American Heart Association BLS is the best choice for healthcare workers because its eCard, valid for two years, is the BLS credential most hospitals ask for.
Use cases
ICU and ER nurses
Renew a BLS card before it lapses at the end of the month
Outcome: New AHA eCard valid for two more years
New graduate nurses
Get BLS before a hospital start date
Outcome: AHA card through a classroom or blended course
Key features
- Two formats: instructor-led classroom course or HeartCode BLS blended learning
- HeartCode BLS online portion is followed by a hands-on session with an AHA Training Center
- AHA says the hands-on skills session takes 60 minutes to 2 hours depending on the student
- Course completion eCard is valid for two years, through the end of the month it was issued
- RQI program offers an alternative to retaking the full provider course every two years
Pros
- The AHA card is the BLS credential most hospital job postings name
- Blended format moves the lecture online so the in-person part can be as short as 60 minutes
- Thousands of AHA Training Centers run skills sessions across the US
Cons
- The online HeartCode portion alone does not earn a card; the skills session is sold separately
- Total price depends on the training center, so there is no single national price
- Card renewal requires a new provider course every two years unless your employer uses RQI
Rank 2 · Runner-up
American Red Cross BLS
The Red Cross Basic Life Support course for healthcare providers, offered in person or as blended online learning with a skills session.
redcross.org8.5
out of 10
Best for: Healthcare workers who want a short renewal with a nationally known card
The American Red Cross runs the other large national BLS program, and its course is built for nurses, EMS staff and other healthcare providers who need certification or renewal. The Red Cross says BLS can be done in one day: the instructor-led class takes about 4 to 5 hours, while blended learning combines 1 to 2 hours of online coursework with a 2 to 3 hour in-person skills session. The renewal benefit is computer adaptive testing: learners who are renewing and demonstrate competency can complete the exam in up to 50% less time. Graduates receive a 2-year Basic Life Support digital certificate with access to their certificate and training history online, and the Red Cross is jointly accredited by ACCME, ACPE and ANCC to offer continuing education. Courses are developed and reviewed by the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Prices are set per class and shown in the class finder, so we could not confirm a national USD price. If your hospital names the AHA specifically, confirm that a Red Cross card is accepted before you book.
Standout feature
American Red Cross BLS is the best choice for fast renewals because renewing learners who show competency can finish the adaptive exam in up to 50% less time.
Use cases
Home health nurses
Renew BLS in one short session
Outcome: 2-year digital certificate after a blended course
Clinic staff groups
Book a group BLS class
Outcome: Red Cross certificates with online training records
Key features
- Instructor-led course of about 4 to 5 hours, or blended learning with 1 to 2 hours online and a 2 to 3 hour skills session
- Computer adaptive testing lets renewing learners finish the exam in up to 50% less time
- 2-year Basic Life Support digital certificate with online access to training history
- Red Cross is jointly accredited by ACCME, ACPE and ANCC to provide continuing education
- Courses are developed and reviewed by the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council
Pros
- Certification can be completed in one day in either format
- Adaptive testing shortens the exam for people renewing who show competency
- Class finder lists in-person and blended sessions by ZIP code
Cons
- Prices vary by class and location and are only shown in the class finder
- Some employers specify an AHA card, so check your facility's policy first
- Blended learners still need to attend an in-person skills session
Rank 3 · Also great
ProCPR Healthcare BLS
ProTrainings' online Healthcare BLS course with pay-after-you-pass pricing and an optional remote hands-on skill evaluation.
procpr.org8.4
out of 10
Best for: Healthcare workers who need an online course with a remote hands-on option
ProCPR is the consumer brand of ProTrainings, and its Healthcare BLS course is one of the more complete online options for clinical staff. The course is 3 hours and 11 minutes of video in English or Spanish, with lessons on adult, child and infant CPR, AED use, bag valve masks and multiple rescuer skills. ProCPR lets you train and take the test first and pay only after you pass, at $59.95. For employers that require a hands-on check, ProTrainings offers SUMO, a remote skill evaluation; the course list shows $159.90 for Healthcare BLS with that option. The certificate is valid for 2 years, a PDF card is available to print as soon as you pass, and a printed card arrives by mail in 5 to 7 business days. ProCPR claims 99% employer acceptance, but online cards are still a policy question at many hospitals, so ask your educator before you buy.
Standout feature
ProCPR Healthcare BLS is the best choice for remote renewals because you pay $59.95 only after passing and can add a remote hands-on evaluation.
Use cases
Dental assistants
Renew BLS without leaving the office
Outcome: 2-year certificate with remote skill evaluation
Travel nurses
Certify between assignments
Outcome: PDF card printable right after passing
Key features
- Healthcare BLS course of 3 hours and 11 minutes of video, in English and Spanish
- Pay only after you train and pass the test
- Optional SUMO remote hands-on skill evaluation for employers that require one, listed at $159.90 with the course
- Certificate valid for 2 years, with a printable PDF card right after the test
- Free professionally printed card mailed in 5 to 7 business days
Pros
- No payment until you are satisfied and pass
- Remote hands-on evaluation avoids a trip to a training center
- Test challenge option for CPR renewals
Cons
- Online-only cards are not accepted by every hospital
- Hands-on evaluation raises the total to $159.90
- Not an AHA or Red Cross card
Rank 4
HSI Basic Life Support (BLS)
Health & Safety Institute's BLS program, available online with a required hands-on skills session for full certification.
hsi.com8.2
out of 10
Best for: EMS agencies and employers that train staff through HSI instructors
Health & Safety Institute (HSI) is a large workplace safety training company, and its Basic Life Support program is common in EMS agencies, fire departments and employers that run their own instructors. HSI's online BLS course takes 2 to 2.5 hours and covers sudden cardiac arrest, BLS assessment, respiratory and cardiac arrest care, the multiple provider approach to CPR, and choking. HSI is a CAPCE accredited organization, so EMS professionals can earn continuing education hours. HSI is clear that a hands-on skills session is required to obtain full certification, which matters for healthcare workers whose employers reject online-only cards. Certification is valid for 2 years. We could not confirm a USD price from HSI's pages here, and most people reach HSI through an employer or local instructor rather than buying alone, so individual nurses may find the AHA or Red Cross easier to schedule.
Standout feature
HSI Basic Life Support is the best choice for EMS teams because its online course earns CAPCE CE hours and takes 2 to 2.5 hours.
Use cases
EMS agencies
Recertify crews with in-house instructors
Outcome: 2-year BLS certification with CAPCE CE hours
Occupational health teams
Train nurses at a worksite
Outcome: Online learning followed by a hands-on skills check
Key features
- Online course length of 2 to 2.5 hours
- Certification valid for 2 years
- Hands-on skills session required for full BLS certification
- CAPCE continuing education hours for EMS professionals
- Topics include multiple provider CPR, respiratory arrest and choking
Pros
- Short online portion of 2 to 2.5 hours
- CAPCE-accredited CE hours for EMS staff
- Widely used by workplace training programs
Cons
- Online course alone does not give full certification
- Price was not shown in USD when we checked
- Fewer public classes for individuals than AHA or Red Cross
Rank 5
American Health Care Academy BLS
An online BLS certification course for healthcare providers with 6.0 CE credits and an optional virtual hands-on session.
cpraedcourse.com8.1
out of 10
Best for: Budget buyers who also want CE credits
American Health Care Academy sells its online CPR, BLS, ACLS and PALS courses at cpraedcourse.com. The BLS course for healthcare providers costs $36.95, takes 2 to 3 hours, carries 6.0 CE credits and is valid for 2 years. Exam attempts are unlimited and the wallet card can be downloaded, printed or mailed. For learners who need a skills component, the site offers a Hands-on Training + Online option with live instructor sessions on Zoom. People who also need advanced certifications get BLS free when they buy ACLS and PALS together. The academy offers a money-back guarantee and says it updates courses to follow national emergency response standards. As with every online-only provider, the card is not an AHA or Red Cross credential, so confirm acceptance with your employer or school first.
Standout feature
American Health Care Academy BLS is the best choice for low-cost CE because its $36.95 course includes 6.0 CE credits.
Use cases
Pharmacy staff
Meet a BLS requirement and log CE
Outcome: 2-year certificate with 6.0 CE credits
ACLS and PALS candidates
Bundle all three certifications
Outcome: BLS included free with ACLS and PALS
Key features
- 6.0 CE credits with a 2 to 3 hour course
- Certification valid for 2 years
- Unlimited exam attempts
- Wallet card to download, print or receive by mail
- Hands-on Training + Online option with live instructor sessions on Zoom
Pros
- $36.95 with 6.0 CE credits
- BLS certification is free when you buy both ACLS and PALS
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Online cards may not meet hospital policies that require in-person skills testing
- The hands-on session is virtual, not in person
- Not an AHA or Red Cross card
Rank 6
ACLS Certification Institute BLS
ACLS.com's fully online BLS certification and recertification courses with AMA Category 1 credits.
acls.com8.0
out of 10
Best for: Physicians and advanced providers who want CME credits online
ACLS Certification Institute, which sells at ACLS.com, is built for clinicians who hold several life support cards. Its online BLS certification course is approved for four CEU and CME credits and takes about four hours, while the BLS recertification course is approved for 2 CEUs/CMEs and takes about two hours. Both cost $99. A digital card is available as soon as you pass, unless you choose the skills evaluation, in which case the card follows within one business day of verified skills forms; printed cards are mailed within two to three business days. The recertification course lists credit through the AMA, ANCC, AANA, ACPE and ADA-CERP. ACLS.com offers a money-back guarantee but states that it cannot guarantee every agency and institution will accept its BLS card, and it tells learners to check with their facility first.
Standout feature
ACLS Certification Institute BLS is the best choice for CME seekers because its $99 course earns 4 AMA Category 1 credits.
Use cases
Physicians
Renew BLS and log CME
Outcome: 2 CME credits from a two-hour renewal
CRNAs
Keep BLS and ACLS current with one vendor
Outcome: Courses with AANA credit
Key features
- BLS certification course approved for 4 CEU and CME credits, about four hours
- BLS recertification course approved for 2 CEUs/CMEs, about two hours
- Optional skills evaluation, with the card issued after verified forms are received
- Printed card mailed within two to three business days
- Money-back guarantee
Pros
- Earn 4 AMA Category 1 credits on the certification course
- Two-hour renewal course for people who are recertifying
- Digital card available as soon as you pass the exam
Cons
- $99 is more than other online-only courses on this list
- The vendor says it cannot guarantee every institution will accept its card
- Skills evaluation is a separate step you arrange
Rank 7
National CPR Foundation BLS
A low-cost online BLS for healthcare providers course where you pay after passing the test.
nationalcprfoundation.com7.9
out of 10
Best for: People whose employer accepts online-only BLS and want the lowest price
National CPR Foundation is the lowest-cost BLS option we found. Its BLS for healthcare providers course has 15 free modules, takes 1 to 2 hours and allows unlimited exam attempts, and you only pay $14.95 when you want the certification after passing. The certificate is valid for 2 years; you get a temporary wallet card on-site and by email immediately and a free PVC card by mail within 2 to 5 business days. Training follows ECC and ILCOR guidelines. The trade-off is acceptance. There is no hands-on skills component, and the foundation states plainly that it does not issue AHA cards and does not guarantee its certificates will be accepted in every situation. That makes it a fit for jobs and schools that accept online CPR or BLS, and a poor fit for hospital roles that require an AHA or Red Cross card.
Standout feature
National CPR Foundation BLS is the best choice for the lowest price because its certificate costs $14.95 after free training.
Use cases
Students and volunteers
Meet a BLS requirement that accepts online cards
Outcome: 2-year certificate for $14.95
Nurses studying for a class
Review BLS steps for free
Outcome: 15 free modules before an in-person course
Key features
- 15 free training modules and a 1 to 2 hour course
- Certification valid for 2 years
- Unlimited exam attempts
- Temporary wallet card on-site and by email right after passing
- Free PVC wallet card mailed in 2 to 5 business days
Pros
- Lowest price on this list at $14.95
- Training is free; you pay only to get the certificate
- Free mailed vinyl wallet card
Cons
- No hands-on skills component
- Vendor states it does not guarantee its certificates will be accepted in every situation
- No CE credits listed for the BLS course
Rank 8
Advanced Medical Certification BLS
An online BLS certification and renewal provider with AMA Category 1 credits and a one-time BLS for Life plan.
advancedmedicalcertification.com7.8
out of 10
Best for: Long-career clinicians who want to stop paying for every renewal
Advanced Medical Certification (AMC) sells online BLS, ACLS and PALS courses to healthcare providers. BLS certification costs $119 and recertification $99, and both courses are eligible for up to 4 CME credits after review by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine. Graduates get an instant digital BLS provider card, study videos and audiobooks, and access to a skills webinar and checklist. The distinct offer is BLS for Life at $549: one purchase covers future recertifications, so you log in, pass the updated exam and download a new card. AMC says its courses follow ILCOR standards, are Joint Commission compliant and come with a full money-back guarantee, and that it has certified over 240,000 healthcare professionals. Everything is 100% online, so nurses in hospitals that require an AHA or Red Cross card with in-person testing should not rely on it.
Standout feature
Advanced Medical Certification BLS is the best choice for long-term renewers because its $549 BLS for Life plan replaces paying for each renewal.
Use cases
Private practice clinicians
Keep BLS current for a whole career
Outcome: Unlimited renewals through BLS for Life
Physicians
Renew BLS and log CME
Outcome: Up to 4 CME credits per course
Key features
- BLS certification and recertification eligible for up to 4 CME credits
- BLS for Life plan at $549 covers ongoing recertification
- Instant digital BLS provider card
- Skills webinar and checklist available
- Follows ILCOR guidelines and states Joint Commission (JCAHO) compliance
Pros
- $99 renewal price
- One-time BLS for Life plan for people who renew for many years
- Student discount available
Cons
- $119 initial course is above other online options
- No in-person skills testing
- Not an AHA or Red Cross card
Frequently asked questions
+Where is the best place to get BLS certification?
The American Heart Association is the best place for most healthcare workers. Its BLS card is the one most hospitals ask for, and the HeartCode BLS blended course needs only a 60 minute to 2 hour hands-on session after the online part. The American Red Cross is a strong alternative where employers accept it.
+Can I renew my BLS certification online?
Yes, but only some employers accept online-only cards. AHA, Red Cross and HSI let you do the learning online, then require a hands-on skills session for the card. Fully online courses such as ProCPR ($59.95) and ACLS Certification Institute ($99) are fast, but check with your employer first.
+How much does BLS certification cost?
Online BLS costs about $15 to $120. National CPR Foundation charges $14.95, American Health Care Academy $36.95, ProCPR $59.95, ACLS Certification Institute $99 and Advanced Medical Certification $119 for a first certification. AHA and Red Cross class prices are set by local training centers.
+How long is BLS certification valid?
BLS certification is valid for 2 years with every provider on this list. AHA cards are valid through the end of the month two years after they were issued.
+Is Red Cross BLS the same as AHA BLS?
No, they are separate programs from different organizations, though both cover adult, child and infant CPR, AED use and team resuscitation. Some hospitals accept both and some accept only AHA, so check your facility's policy.
+How long does a BLS renewal class take?
Most renewals take 2 to 5 hours. The Red Cross classroom course takes about 4 to 5 hours, AHA HeartCode BLS needs a skills session of 60 minutes to 2 hours after the online part, and ACLS Certification Institute's online renewal takes about two hours.
About this list
Updated November 11, 2026 by the Mojolin research desk. Mojolin is self-funded
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
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