What to expect at a CPR class: length, tests and what to wear

How long do CPR classes take?

It depends on the course. Here is how long each class runs at our West Covina training center, taken from our own schedule and course pages.

What to wear and what to bring to a CPR class

You will spend a lot of the class kneeling next to a manikin on the floor, so dress for that. The American Heart Association says to wear something comfortable, and if you have long hair, to wear it back.

You do not need to bring any gear. Manikins, AED trainers and bag-mask devices are all supplied.

1. 01
   Wear clothes you can kneel in

   Pants or leggings and flat, comfortable shoes work well. Tie long hair back.

2. 02
   Know the email for your eCard

   Your card is sent by email, so use an address you check often.

3. 03
   Bring a photo ID if you need proof

   Bring one if your employer or school wants proof of attendance. ACLS and PALS students should bring a photo ID too.

4. 04
   Bring anything your course needs

   HeartCode BLS: your AHA online certificate of completion. BLS Renewal: your old card or a screenshot of the eCard, if you have it. ACLS and PALS: your precourse self-assessment certificate.

5. 05
   Arrive a few minutes early

   We are at 100 N. Barranca St, Suite #255-B, West Covina, CA 91791, on the second floor. Parking in the building is free. Check in with your instructor when you arrive.

What happens during a CPR class

Expect very little lecture. Most of the time goes on practice: you watch a short video, then do the skill on a manikin while the instructor corrects your hand position, depth and speed.

In AHA BLS, the class is video based with real world scenarios. You practice high-quality CPR for adults, children and infants, chest compressions, AED use, breaths with a pocket mask and a bag-mask device, and choking relief for all three ages. BLS also adds teamwork: a two-rescuer scenario and a team dynamics activity.

In AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED, you learn first aid basics, medical, injury and environmental emergencies, adult CPR and AED use, and choking help for an adult, child or infant. The AHA also lists drowning response and opioid emergencies, with optional child and infant CPR modules.

In Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid CPR AED, you work through first aid scenarios for injuries and sudden illness, then practice CPR and AED skills on adult, child and infant manikins.

Is there a test for CPR certification?

Yes. Every course that ends in a card includes a hands-on skills test, where you show the instructor you can do the steps on a manikin. Only some courses add a written exam.

How the BLS written test works

The AHA BLS exam is open resource. You can look things up in the BLS provider manual, printed or as an eBook, and in any notes you took during class. What you cannot do is talk with other students or the instructor during the exam.

The exam covers the course material, and you need a score of at least 84% to complete the course.

Can you fail a CPR class or BLS?

Technically yes, because the card is only issued when you pass. For AHA BLS, that means passing both skills tests and scoring at least 84% on the exam. The AHA says its card shows that, at the time of the class, you could perform the skills satisfactorily.

In practice, the class is built so you get there. You practice each skill with the instructor correcting you before you are tested, and the AHA notes that class times vary with remediation, which is extra coaching and practice on a skill that is not clicking yet.

If something goes wrong on test day, tell your instructor. They will explain your next step under AHA or Red Cross rules.

CPR class with bad knees, a back problem or while pregnant

Call us at (626) 605-2067 before you book, or tell your instructor when you check in. The AHA tells students to ask the training center about accommodations, so it is the right question to ask.

For Red Cross CPR and AED courses, the Red Cross says practice can be done with the manikin on a firm, flat, raised surface, but the final CPR and AED test is done with the manikin on the ground. In Red Cross BLS, you may test on a raised surface such as a hospital bed or stretcher if that is how you would do CPR at work.

An accommodation does not remove the test: you still need to pass the skills to earn the card. If you are pregnant or have an injury and are unsure whether kneeling and doing compressions is safe for you, ask your doctor before class.

Do you get your CPR card the same day?

For AHA classes at CPR West Covina, yes. Your official AHA eCard (BLS, Heartsaver, HeartCode BLS, ACLS or PALS) is issued the same day you pass, by email. Check your spam folder if you do not see it.

For Red Cross classes, the Red Cross emails you a link to your digital certificate once your instructor submits the class paperwork. You can view, print or share it from your Red Cross account.

Both cards are valid for 2 years.