Types

• Online agencies provide CPR recertification to members of the medical community and also to members of the lay community. Although similar in nature--both types of courses train candidates in adult, child and infant CPR--the recertification aimed at medical personnel also discusses universal precautions, two-person CPR and the use of a bag valve mask. An online recertification course specifically geared to doctors, paramedics and nurses is offered by the Nurse Testing site (a link is provided in the Resources section below). Successful candidates receive a BLS for Healthcare Providers identification card.
  
  

Features

• After you watch short online videos, you have the option of moving on to the next clip or replaying the clip you just saw. The videos used are short, usually no longer than about two to four minutes. They show actual CPR demonstrations of the various situations you may encounter, such as infant, child or adult CPR. All in all, the amount of time spent viewing the videos is little more than 3 to 5 hours. The exam takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
  
  

Considerations

• Apply for an online CPR recertification only if your initial certification has not yet lapsed, or is not more than 3 to 6 months past its expiration date. Failure to keep a close eye on the date may disqualify you from participating in an online only recertification. You may instead be required to do a mixed recertification, meaning online training and testing, and then a hands-on demonstration in front of a "live" CPR instructor.
  
  

Benefits

• Choosing online recertification is the easiest way to keep your CPR skills honed and your certification current. The card you earn is valid for 2 years. Another benefit is the privilege of retaking the final test as often as you like until you pass. You may review multimedia footage and read up on the portions of the test you miss, and then go over and retake the exam.
  
  

Warning

• Employers do not universally accept online CPR recertifications. In some cases, the online agency providing the recertification fails to provide the recommended minimum training. In other cases, the agency does not follow the guidelines set forth by major CPR certification agencies. Prior to enrollment, ensure that you are not wasting your money but are actually getting a valid CPR recertification.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Obtain your online CPR recertification from an accredited program that complies with the standards set forth either by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. Remember that complying with standards is not the same as being endorsed by the organization, and in case of a doubt it is a good idea to contact your human resources office and inquire about which accreditations they require in order to accept an online recertification of your CPR credentials. An online CPR recertification provider that appears accepted by a number of entities is Pro CPR (a link is provided in the Resources section below).