FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ page. Find answers to frequently asked questions about CPR, BLS, ACLS, and PALS training, including registration, scheduling, requirements, and certification.

Which CPR Certification Is Right for Me?

The right course depends on your profession and certification requirements. CPR is ideal for community members and workplace safety, while BLS is designed for healthcare providers. ACLS and PALS are intended for medical professionals who manage adult or pediatric emergencies. If you’re unsure, check with your employer, licensing board, or school before registering.

CPR teaches the fundamentals of responding to cardiac and breathing emergencies. BLS includes additional healthcare-focused skills such as team-based CPR and AED use. ACLS covers advanced treatment for adult cardiovascular emergencies, while PALS focuses on the emergency care of infants and children.

Yes. CPR Washington provides American Heart Association (AHA) certification courses for CPR, BLS, ACLS, and PALS that follow the latest AHA guidelines.

Absolutely. Whether you’re getting certified for the first time or renewing an existing certification, our courses are designed to guide you through the entire process.

In many cases, yes. Many students complete more than one certification during a single visit.

Yes. We offer blended learning for ACLS, BLS, and PALS certification courses, allowing participants to complete the online educational portion at their convenience before attending a hands-on, in-person skills assessment session.

How Do I Register for a Class?

Simply choose your certification course, select a convenient location and date, then complete your online registration to reserve your spot.

Yes. Many CPR Washington locations offer flexible scheduling with weekday, evening, and weekend appointments.

Yes. If you need to change your appointment, contact CPR Washington as soon as possible. Our team will help you find the next available session based on scheduling availability.

Advance registration is strongly recommended. Reserving your appointment ensures your preferred date and time are available.

Yes. CPR Washington offers on-site training for hospitals, healthcare facilities, schools, businesses, dental offices, and community organizations throughout Washington.

Do I Need to Complete Anything Before My Appointment?

Yes. For blended learning courses, you must complete the required American Heart Association online course before attending your self-guided skills session.

Please bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your online course completion certificate if your course requires one.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to kneel and perform chest compressions comfortably during your skills session.

No prior medical experience is required for CPR courses. However, BLS, ACLS, and PALS are intended for healthcare professionals or students entering healthcare careers.

How Does the Skills Session Work?

After checking in, you’ll complete a self-guided skills session using voice-assisted manikins. The manikins provide real-time coaching and feedback while you perform CPR skills according to American Heart Association standards.

No. The hands-on portion is self-guided using advanced voice-assisted manikins. Staff members are available if you need assistance with the equipment or have technical questions during your appointment.

Yes. Every student completes their skills session individually using a dedicated voice-assisted manikin.

Yes. The written exam is completed during the required online learning portion before your in-person skills session.

Students must successfully complete both the online course requirements and the self-guided skills session. The online exam typically requires a minimum passing score of 84% in accordance with American Heart Association standards.

Most self-guided skills sessions can be completed in approximately 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the course and individual progress.

When Will I Receive My Certification Card?

After successfully completing both the online course and skills session, your American Heart Association eCard is typically issued the same day or within 24 hours.

CPR, BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications are generally valid for two years from the date of issue.

Students receive an official American Heart Association digital eCard. It can be downloaded, printed, or shared electronically whenever needed.

Yes. American Heart Association certifications are widely accepted by hospitals, healthcare employers, EMS agencies, dental offices, nursing programs, and healthcare organizations across the United States.

Yes. Employers can verify your certification using the official American Heart Association eCard verification system.

You can access your digital eCard online or contact CPR Washington if you need assistance retrieving your certification.

How Will I Receive My Online Course Information?

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions for accessing your American Heart Association online course, along with your appointment details.

Yes. The online coursework is compatible with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers with internet access.

First, check your spam or junk folder. If you still can’t locate your email, contact CPR Washington, and we’ll resend your registration information promptly.

If you’re unable to access your online course, contact our support team. We’ll help resolve the issue so you can complete your training before your appointment.

Our customer support team is available to answer questions about registration, scheduling, online coursework, certifications, or your upcoming skills session.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is ready to help. We’ll get back to you soon.

What Our Students Say

Hear from Our Certified Professionals

Co Pah
4 days ago
In fairness, the place was neat. Ive been renewing somewhere else for 14yrs and since i moved near this location, i decided to give cprvam a try. Oh boy, the day I went, it was 85 degrees outside. Imagine the room without AC or fan (and its an old building). I was sweating like pig while doing the practice session. Practice session was fine. But the actual one, all it says was do it deeper. When i go deeper, it says do it slower (I am not perfect). So my thought was "when was the last time this mannequin was calibrated?" If you are used to interaction, this place is not for you. I learned the hard way. I regretted coming here. They should consider installing a fan too. Its scorching hot inside and you'll be drenched with sweat in summer heat.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We appreciate you noting that our location was clean and well-kept. We want to directly address your concerns regarding the room temperature and the simulation equipment: Room Temperature & Cooling: The building utilizes a single building-wide HVAC system controlled by a master thermostat that we unfortunately do not have direct access or control over. That said, this location averages roughly 60 students per month and has operated for the last two years without prior temperature complaints. Since hearing your feedback, we are actively looking into adding a supplemental fan to help keep the space comfortable during warmer days. Testing & Equipment Calibration: All of our equipment undergoes regular maintenance and calibration. This specific location was just serviced on August 6th, and numerous students have completed their certifications both before and after your session without any technical or feedback discrepancies. Course Pace & Feedback: Our system utilizes an objective, standardized test designed directly by the American Heart Association (AHA) to provide real-time, measurable feedback on depth and rate. Based on our data analytics, the average student completes their skills assessment in approximately 19 minutes. Your session took significantly longer than average, and the extended physical exertion in the room likely contributed to feeling overheated. As someone who has been in healthcare for over 25 years and actively performs CPR in the field, I can confidently share that this Voice-Assisted Manikin system provides the most accurate, objective, and realistic resuscitation training available today. We appreciate your business and your feedback as we work to continually improve our student experience.
chloe
1 week ago
Overall the location was great and the class itself was very clear, concise, and informative. I liked that the prompts walked me through the steps and provided immediate feedback!
margit walker
1 week ago
Nice and quick! Love the mannequin. Gives a real live version of how you’re performing CPR. I found this company to be real easy to work with.
Courtney Barnes
2 weeks ago
I like this training better than being in a group setting. I just did my course online, then went in person to test on a mannequin by myself. So simple to do and convenient!
Tisha Gulati
3 weeks ago
Super easy to get BLS certified, I did the online portion and then signed up for the individual skills test. The whole process was very detailed they sent videos on exactly how the computer testing for BLS will go, how to ensure you will pass when an instructor isn’t there to help you physically. The computer system would’ve been very challenging for me if I hadn’t watched the videos provided prior to my test, so it’s recommended to do that so it’s not confusing. Entrance to the building was super easy there was a video to follow exactly what to do. They were easy to contact via email, and I got my bls card less than an hour after my test. I would definitely recommend them to my friends and coworkers!!
Jayna Badgero
3 weeks ago
Cha Cole
3 weeks ago
I have completed my BLS,CPR, and ACLS course with Heart Start CPR. I enjoyed completing the course at my pace and without the pressure of an audience. The skills room is kept very tidy and the VAM is functioning optimally. I must mention that their support team is fantastic and is readily available to assist.I feel blessed that such services are offered here in Lynnwood. I wish for this services to continually be available through the empowerment of Jeff and his amazing team.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Cha, for the wonderful 5-star review. We’re thrilled you found the self-paced BLS, CPR, and ACLS courses comfortable and appreciated our tidy skills room, well-functioning VAM, and supportive team. Jeff and the entire staff join me in thanking you for your kind words and support. We look forward to continuing to serve the Lynnwood community.
Linda T.
3 weeks ago
The directions to get in and start the skills test, as well as the virtual assistant were all easy to follow! Everything was super well thought out and high quality.
Cha Cole
3 weeks ago
I have completed my BLS,CPR, and ACLS course with Heart Start CPR. I enjoyed completing the course at my pace and without the pressure of an audience. The skills room is kept very tidy and the VAM is functioning optimally. I must mention that their support team is fantastic and is readily available to assist.I feel blessed that such services are offered here in Lynnwood. I wish for this services to continually be available through the empowerment of Jeff and his amazing team.
de-Anna Martin
3 weeks ago
Great experience! I had to renew my BLS on a quick turn around and the convenience of the RQI online and instructor less skills with many time options was very convenient.
Gabby Kim
3 weeks ago
Moses Lalasava
3 weeks ago
Excellent. Great learning touch up skills always
Hope Logsdon
4 weeks ago
The manikins actually worked and everything was organized and clean. Very easy set up. I’d definitely do it again in the future.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Jamie! We're so glad the manikins worked well and that you found everything organized, clean, and easy to set up. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to serving you again in the future.
Daniel Hap
4 weeks ago
I didn't know services like this existed and I'm very glad they do. It wasn't just that I could get re-certified at short notice, they offer an excellent curriculum and the practical skills test was so cool that I did it twice because there was plenty of space left in my time slot. Thank you!
Cara Gilbert
4 weeks ago
Absolutely the only way I’ll do my re-certs! Easy and streamlined for the busy health professionals!
Sarah Gehlhausen
4 weeks ago
Response from the owner:Thank you, Sarah, for the 4-star review — we’re glad you had a positive experience. We’re always working to earn that final star and appreciate any feedback on how we can improve. Please reach out to our team if there’s anything we can do before your next visit; we look forward to serving you again.
Madison Donovan
4 weeks ago
Super easy experience. Instructions and videos were incredibly helpful and easy to follow. The program they use is also great at providing feedback and was a lot easier than I expected it to be. Was definitely pricey, but I would say it’s worth it for how simple and convenient it was.
Avery Spiering
4 weeks ago
Im the type of person to get embarrassed when practicing my CPR on a mannequin so doing the BLS online then showing up to a private location where I can go at my own pace and get mad if I need made me super comfortable and get my BLS AHA certificate easy with the correct information and training. Thank you!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind review, Avery. We're thrilled our blended format and private skills session helped you feel comfortable and earn your BLS AHA certificate. Creating a low-pressure, supportive environment for practice is important to us, and we're glad it worked for you. We look forward to helping with future refreshers whenever you need them.
Purgation101
4 weeks ago
Quick, Clean, all supplies readily available. Very responsive company to phone calls if you have questions. Would highly reccomend for BLS recertification.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the excellent review and recommendation! We’re glad our classes were quick, clean, and well stocked and that our team was responsive to your calls. We appreciate you choosing us for your BLS recertification and look forward to serving you again.
Gustavo Olivares
4 weeks ago
Very helpful and throughly explained on the exam
Eva Nicholas
4 weeks ago
This course is exactly the way it should be: efficient, on subject, quick, but comprehensive enough. The skills test in person was also efficient and quick. I hate doing recertification every year, but this is the way I do it for the fastest and effective method available.
emma b
1 month ago

Life Saving Courses We Offer

ACLS

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support

Online Learning

Flexible & self-paced;

Skills Only

Hands-on practice

AHA
Approved

Truster Certification

PALS

Pediatric
Advanced Life
Support

Online Learning

Flexible & self-paced;

Skills Only

Hands-on practice

AHA
Approved

Truster Certification

BLS

Basic Life Support

Online Learning

Flexible & self-paced;

Skills Only

Hands-on practice

AHA
Approved

Truster Certification