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Certification and Renewal
1. How long does my American Red Cross certification last?
2. I am a nurse/doctor but am not currently certified in CPR. I do it for a living, so why can't I take the Review class?
3. I took CPR a few years ago. Can I take a Review class?
4. I took CPR with the American Heart Association. Can I take an American Red Cross Review course?
5. Is CPR certification given by the Red Cross in another country accepted here in the United States? What about Lifeguard certification?
6. I lost my certification card. What can I do?

1. How long does my American Red Cross certification last?

It depends on the course you're taking. CPR certification is valid for one year; First Aid certification is valid for three years. For most courses, you can take a Review or Challenge course to renew your certification. A Review consists of a review of the material in the program, followed by a test. A Challenge is a testing session only; there is no review or teaching component.  You must have a current certificate in order to take a Review course, but anyone may take a Challenge course.

2. I am a nurse/doctor but am not currently certified in CPR. I do it for a living, so why can't I take the Review class?

Review classes are for currently certified individuals only.  You can, however, take a Challenge course.

3. I took CPR a few years ago. Can I take a Review class?

No. In order to take a Review class, your certification must be current.

4. I took CPR with the American Heart Association. Can I take an American Red Cross Review course?

You can if the certification is within the first year of issue. American Heart Association certifications are valid for two years. The American Red Cross requires that you recertify every year.

5. Is CPR certification given by the Red Cross in another country accepted here in the United States? What about Lifeguard certification?

Certifications from Red Cross chapters in other countries are not recognized by the American Red Cross. If an individual with another country's Red Cross certification feels that he/she can pass a written and skills test, it is possible to take a Challenge course to gain an American Red Cross certification.

6. I lost my certification card. What can I do?

Call Customer Service, 1-877-REDCROSS ext. 2222 to request a Duplicate Form or download it below. The Form asks for the following information: name of the course, where it took place, name of the instructor, and completion date. If you don't have all the information, it will slow the process of getting the card to you, because the course paperwork will have to be located without it. The cost for a duplicate certificate is $15.

Download Duplicate Certificate Form
Download Duplicate Certificate Form

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