The duration of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid training is highly variable, depending on the training format, the specific skills taught, and the certifying organization. Class duration is not fixed; it is a function of whether the class is entirely in-person, a hybrid of online and hands-on components, or a renewal of an existing certification. Determining the expected time involves considering these variables, which directly affect the total hours spent learning and practicing life-saving techniques.
Standard Class Duration and Formats
The delivery method is the single largest factor determining how long an initial CPR and First Aid course will take. A traditional, instructor-led, in-person class typically runs between five to eight hours for a comprehensive course covering both CPR/AED and First Aid for the general public. This full-day format allows for the necessary time to cover theoretical concepts, watch instructional videos, and complete extensive hands-on practice with training manikins and automated external defibrillator (AED) trainers.
A blended learning format splits the course into two distinct segments. The first part is an online module that covers all the cognitive, lecture-based material, which a student completes at their own pace over approximately two to four hours. After finishing the online portion, the student attends a shorter, in-person skills session to demonstrate proficiency. This hands-on component, which focuses purely on practical skills like correct compression depth and rate, typically lasts between one and three hours, significantly reducing the time spent in a classroom setting.
Variation in Certification Levels
The specific content covered in the training directly dictates the overall length of the course. A course focused only on CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is the shortest option, often requiring only three to four hours for a full initial certification. This training concentrates exclusively on recognizing cardiac arrest and performing high-quality compressions and ventilations for adults, children, and infants.
A combined course that includes both CPR/AED and First Aid is more extensive, generally requiring six to eight hours for a complete initial session. The additional time is allocated to learning non-cardiac emergency skills, such as treating burns, controlling severe bleeding, splinting fractures, and managing allergic reactions. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is a more intensive course designed for healthcare professionals, which usually takes about four to six hours to complete. BLS includes additional content on team dynamics, advanced airway management, and specific protocols for hospital and pre-hospital settings, making it more comprehensive than standard public CPR training.
Understanding the Renewal Process
Once a person is certified, the time needed for subsequent training is substantially reduced, as certifications for CPR and First Aid typically last for two years. Recertification or renewal courses are designed to be abbreviated, focusing on a review of current guidelines and a quick assessment of hands-on skills proficiency. These refresher courses are often 50 percent or less of the time of the initial class, frequently lasting only two to four hours.
The shortened duration is possible because the course assumes prior knowledge and concentrates on reinforcing muscle memory and updating students on any new resuscitation science guidelines. However, if a certification is allowed to lapse significantly past its expiration date, the full time commitment of an initial course may be required again.