Everyone could benefit from CPR and First Aid training. Having the confidence to know you are doing the right thing in an emergency is immensely powerful. These skills could come in handy in a natural disaster, an auto accident, or an emergency at home with the family. Learning these skills has never been easier than now.
I am talking about the ability to get trained online in first aid, CPR, and AED use, with course content that follows the American Heart Association’s latest guidelines, updated in 2025. Some of the most common questions regarding online training will be answered here.
1. What is online training?
It used to be that the only way to learn lifesaving skills and knowledge was to attend an in-person class for at least 4 hours. You had to be available on that specific day, at that time and location. You had better pay attention, because you would only hear the information once. Not only did you have a test to take in a few hours, you had to remember this stuff for the next 2 years.
With online training, you take the class on your own schedule. This means you get to choose a time that is convenient for you. No driving. Just get on your computer and begin. And if you need to stop and come back later, you can do that also. It is not 4 hours, but more like 1 hour of your valuable time. And don’t worry about missing something; you can always watch the training videos repeatedly. That will be extremely helpful at test time. You will also be able to revisit your training any time you feel you need a quick refresher over the next two years.
2. How is an online class different from in-person training?
As I mentioned above, there is a lot of freedom in online instruction versus in person. Of course, the format is different. With online teaching, each module comes with step-by-step videos that explain the skills necessary to be proficient. An in-person class would have lectures and maybe some videos to demonstrate techniques. But the big difference is there is no hands-on portion with distance learning. Even though online courses do not include hands-on training, they do give you the tools necessary to master the CPR and first aid techniques.
The complaints I have encountered with in-person courses are that students don’t feel they get the personal attention, or the pace is too fast or too slow for their personal learning styles. With online courses, you set the pace and only take the test when you feel you are ready.
3. Is an online course difficult?
It is actually quite easy because you are in charge of your learning. Again, you pick the time and place and how fast you go through the course. The videos even include text at the bottom of the screen for those with different learning styles. You can even translate the text into Spanish if that is your first language.
4. What if I fail the test?
When it comes to the test, you take it when you are prepared, not when the instructor says it’s time. If you do not pass the first time, you can study and re-take the test for free. So you don’t pay until you pass and need a certificate.
5. Is an online certification expensive?
No, it is almost always cheaper than an in-person class; that is just one of the benefits of online CPR certification. You can take the course for free unless you need a certificate. In fact, we encourage family members of our students to take the class for free, because everyone should be prepared to save a life.
