How Long is a CPR Certificate Valid For?
- LIFESAVER YEG
- Nov 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 10
If you’re wondering how long your CPR certification lasts in Alberta, you’re not alone. Though nearly half of Canadians have experienced emergencies, just 18% of people are certified to provide CPR.
Whether you’re a healthcare provider, a workplace safety officer, or simply want to keep your skills up to date for personal safety, knowing your certification’s validity and renewal process is essential.
“It’s a common misconception that CPR is like riding a bicycle -- once you learn it, you never forget it,” says Ahmed Kermalli, Director of Lifesaver YEG. “In reality, you will become rusty, especially if you don’t practice your CPR skills. If you do not use it, then you will lose it.”
Here’s a clear guide on CPR validity, renewal timelines, and what to expect.
CPR Certificate Validity in Alberta: The Basics
Your CPR certification in Alberta is valid for three years from the date you complete the course. However, Basic Life Support (BLS) courses which are geared towards healthcare providers, allied health, paramedics, are typically valid for one year.
This means you need to renew your CPR certification every three years to stay compliant with workplace and regulatory requirements. However, to stay current with CPR training, it’s advisable that you seek refresher courses annually.
Why Does CPR Certification Expire?
CPR techniques and guidelines can change as new evidence and research emerge. Moreover, fewer than 20% of people in Canada feel confident performing CPR. Regular renewal ensures your skills reflect the latest standards recommended by organizations like Heart & Stroke Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.
Additionally, frequent practice keeps you confident and prepared to act in an emergency.
Who Needs to Renew Their CPR Certification Every Year?
Healthcare providers: Nurses, paramedics, and clinical teams usually take Heart & Stroke BLS, ACLS, and/or PALS courses. Annual BLS renewal is mandatory for maintaining current certification. ACLS and PALS are due for renewal every two years.
Workplace safety personnel: Workers with Standard First Aid (Intermediate First Aid) or Basic First Aid (Emergency First Aid) must renew their certification every three years in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards. However, workers may renew their certification earlier if required by their employer or workplace.
Parents and youth: Babysitters and youth attending safety courses should renew CPR certification yearly to refresh their skills.
How to Renew Your CPR Certification in Edmonton
Renewing your CPR certification is easy with Lifesaver YEG:
Choose your course: We offer renewal courses for CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), and others.
Select a blended or in-person option: Take the online module at your own pace, followed by a short in-person skills session.
Attend small classes: We keep class sizes small so you get hands-on practice and one-on-one attention.
Get immediate certification: Once you complete your course, you receive your certificate immediately.
CPR Renewal Course Details at Lifesaver YEG
Course | Format | Duration | Price | Validity |
CPR/AED Renewal (Level A or C) | Blended and/or In-person | 2 h – 3 h | From $70 | 3 years* |
Basic Life Support (BLS) Renewal | Blended and/or In-person | ~1.5 h – 2.5 h | From $66.67 | 1 year* |
Renewal Emergency First Aid CPR/AED | Blended and/or in-person | 4 h 15 min | From $90 | 3 years* |
Renewal Standard First Aid CPR/AED | Blended and/or in-person | 8 h | From $110 | 3 years* |
* (Can vary by industry, employer, and occupational requirements)
Why Choose Lifesaver YEG for Your CPR Renewal?
Accredited Training: Training Partners with Canadian Red Cross and Authorised Provider with Heart and Stroke Canada.
Immediate Certification: Get your certification upon successful completion of your training.
Small Classes: More hands-on practice and instructor attention.
Flexible Learning: Blended options combine online study with in-person skills testing.
Two Convenient Locations: Edmonton West (8944-182 St NW) and South (8804-51 Ave NW).
On-site Team Training: We can come to your workplace for group sessions.
What Happens If You Let Your CPR Certification Expire?
If your certification has expired, you will be required to complete a full course. This means more time and cost. However, there are some exceptions if you require BLS certification.
To avoid gaps, plan your renewal ahead of the expiry date and book early with
Lifesaver YEG.
Our Courses
FAQs About CPR Certification in Alberta
1. How long is a CPR certificate valid in Alberta?
CPR certifications from Canadian Red Cross and Heart & Stroke programs is valid for three years. BLS certification is valid for 12 months.
2. Can I renew my CPR certificate online?
Blended options enable you to complete the theory component online, but an in-person attendance for the physical component is required for your certification.
3. What happens if my CPR certification expires?
You will likely need to retake the full CPR course. If you require BLS certification; you may be able to complete the BLS prerequisite challenge exam in order to take the renewal BLS course..
4. Does Lifesaver YEG offer workplace CPR training?
Yes. We provide on-site group training for teams at your location in Edmonton.
5. How soon will I get my CPR certificate after course completion?
You receive immediate certification upon successful completion of the course.
6. Are Lifesaver YEG courses approved for workplace safety?
Yes. Our CPR and First Aid courses meet Alberta OHS provincial requirements and are widely accepted by employers, colleges, and universities.
Ready to Renew Your CPR Certification?
Stay current and confident with Lifesaver YEG’s fast, affordable, and accredited CPR renewal courses in Edmonton. Smaller class size, blended learning, and immediate certification means you get ready, get certified, and keep your skills up to date.
Book your CPR renewal today at our West or South Edmonton locations. We’ll guide you at a pace that feels comfortable and get you certified with confidence.
Contact Lifesaver YEG
West Edmonton: 8944-182 St NW
South Edmonton: 8804-51 Ave NW
Your Confidence is Our Win.
Comments