Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is an essential credential for healthcare professionals. Prompt recognition of life-threatening emergencies and delivering high-quality CPR and defibrillation can often mean the difference between life and death.

But how long does it actually take to get certified in these critical skills? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the key steps and timeframes involved in obtaining your BLS certification.

An Overview of BLS Certification

The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Red Cross both offer accredited BLS certification courses. These courses teach:

• High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
• Using an automated external defibrillator (AED)
• Relieving choking emergencies
• Effective bag-mask ventilation
• Working as a team during multi-rescuer CPR scenarios

BLS certification equips participants with the skills to recognize and intervene in cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening emergencies.

The certification is valid for 2 years after which point recertification is required to stay current. BLS is geared for healthcare professionals but also beneficial for police fire rescue, and non-medical personnel.

Now let’s walk through the key steps involved in obtaining initial BLS certification.

Step 1: Select Your Training Option

The first step is choosing your preferred BLS training format. There are three main options:

In-Person Classroom Course

-Traditional instructor-led classroom training
-Hands-on skill practice and testing
-Offered through AHA and Red Cross training centers
-Typically 8 hours

Blended Course (Online + Skills Session)

-Online self-paced theory module (2 hours)
-In-person skills practice and testing (4 hours)
-Combines online convenience with hands-on training
-Offered through AHA and Red Cross

Online Course

-100% online self-directed training
-Theory modules and skills video demonstrations
-Skills are not physically practiced or tested
-Offered through AHA only (HeartCode BLS)
-Typically 4-6 hours

Each option has pros and cons. Hands-on practice is ideal but online courses offer more flexibility. Compare options carefully when selecting your preferred learning format.

Step 2: Find a Course in Your Area

Once you’ve decided on classroom, blended, or online, the next step is finding an available course in your region.

For in-person or blended learning, use the AHA or Red Cross online course search tools to locate providers in your area offering classes on dates convenient for your schedule.

For 100% online training, you can enroll in the AHA’s HeartCode BLS course anytime without being limited by geography or class schedules.

When selecting a course date and location, be sure to register early as popular classes can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Step 3: Complete Online Pre-Course Requirements

If taking a blended or online BLS course, you’ll need to complete a series of online modules before attending the skills session or receiving certification.

This self-paced online content covers core concepts and knowledge like:

• Cardiac chain of survival
• Early defibrillation
• High-quality CPR
• Team dynamics
• Stroke and asthma signs and care

You must complete all modules and pass accessory quizzes prior to advancing to the skills portion. Plan for 2 hours to thoroughly cover the online material.

Step 4: Attend the In-Person Skills Session

For classroom or blended courses, the next step is attending the live skills practice and testing session. Here you will:

• Physically demonstrate CPR and AED skills
• Practice critical BLS techniques
• Perform skills testing for certification
• Clear up any knowledge gaps on the techniques

Instructor-led skills sessions run around 4 hours for blended and classroom BLS courses. Arrive early and come prepared to fully participate and practice your skills.

Step 5: Pass the Skills Test

To earn BLS certification, you must exhibit competency in all core skills during testing scenarios. Skills evaluated include:

• Adult, child, and infant CPR
• AED operation
• Bag-mask ventilation
• Foreign body airway obstruction

Listen carefully to instructor feedback during your testing session. You’ll have two chances to demonstrate proficiency. Focus on proper technique and following protocols.

Allow the full time allotment to complete skills testing at an unrushed pace. Rushing leads to errors that could require retesting.

Step 6: Receive Your BLS Digital Credential

Passing all knowledge tests and demonstrating competency in the skills session earns you a 2-year BLS certification.

You’ll receive a digital BLS credential from the AHA or Red Cross. This contains your name, expiration date, credential ID, and other verification details.

Store this securely and provide copies to your employer, nursing school, or others requiring proof of valid BLS certification.

Total Time Investment

The total time investment to gain BLS certified can range from:

• 4 hours for online courses (HeartCode BLS)
• 8 hours for in-person classroom training
• 6 hours for blended learning (2 hours online, 4 hours skills session)

Factor in a full day to be safe when scheduling your BLS class to allow for check-in, breaks, skills practice, and testing.

For online courses, budget 4-6 hours for the self-paced online modules. Work through these incrementally if needed.

Recertifying Every Two Years

Once earned, BLS certification remains valid for two years. You must recertify before the expiration date on your credential to stay current.

Recertification options include:

• Renewal classroom course – 4-hour refresher on skills and latest protocol changes

• Online modules – Self-paced theory and technique review

• Skills session – In-person skills assessment

Plan for 2-4 hours to renew your BLS certification every two years through one of these formats. Check local availability in advance.

In Summary

Gaining BLS certified enables you to promptly recognize and intervene in potentially fatal emergencies. Through classroom, blended, or online courses, you’ll learn the skills to deliver high-quality CPR, AED usage, bag-mask ventilation, and choking relief.

It takes around 4-8 hours to complete initial BLS certification. This includes online pre-course learning, hands-on skills practice and testing, and certification receipt. Recertification every two years averages 2-4 hours.

Start planning early, allow ample time for skills sessions, and fully leverage practice time. With preparation and focus, you’ll gain the confidence and ability to provide lifesaving care through BLS protocols.