CPR Certification

by Brett Long
(Middleburg, FL)

Are most CPR certifications only valid for a year or two?
And do they cost around $40 every time you renew them?
Do you always have to have a valid CPR certificate as a personal trainer?

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CPR certification is a must!
by: Dawn

Yes, certification is critical to a personal trainer. If you don't have CPR (and in some cases basic first aid) then you are not insurable!!! This is not an area of your professional profile that you want to let slip!! Stay on top of this!

The most common schools for accreditation are through St. John Ambulance and Red Cross, and they are valid for a couple years, at which time you pay a RENEWAL fee. If for some reason your certification lapses, then you have to pay the full payment again, versus the renewal fee.

Also, if you already have certification and are working for a health club, they will generally host a CPR session for the trainers where you will pay considerably lower cost for renewal. However, the renewal is usually only good for a year versus if you paid the extra couple dollars and renewed with the original (or other) institution of certification. The key here is don't let certification on anything lapse!! It will always cost you more-- whether for recertification or whether you are being sued! Good luck!

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CPR/AED
by: Karen

It's very easy to complete CPR, first aid, AED, etc. online through the American Red Cross. Payment online is through a credit card and I paid $40 for Adult CPR and AED. Once finished the review an online exam is taken. Then a skills test is necessary, at your local Red Cross Center. Call them to see when they administer the skills test. Take the proof of your passed online classes with you and the skills test will test you on your knowlege of CPR principles and use of the AED. They will then issue you your certification card. It is good for 1 year. Good luck! Check americanredcross.org.