The American Heart Association states, "each student must have the current appropriate course textbook readily available for use before, during, and after the course." 

The textbook is not included in the class price; however, we can offer free handouts at class. The student is responsible for purchasing or gaining access. Students may reuse their textbooks during renewals or updates until new science guidelines are published.

If you need to purchase a book, students can purchase it when registering for the class. To purchase separately, please contact us.

No. With the new PAM (Program Administration Manual) release, the AHA no longer allows students to challenge a course. If you find a training location that offers this as an option, it may not be an accepted certification. 

Under most circumstances, your card is available to claim within ten business days after the class. 

Please watch for an email from eCards@heart.org to claim your card. If, after two business days, you have not received an email from the American Heart to claim your card, here are the most common reasons:

• We have an incorrect or invalid email on file for you.  Please contact us so we can update and resend.

• The eCards@heart.org email ended up in your spam folder. Check your spam folder for this email.

Yes. To comply with OSHA standards for CPR and first aid, training must include a hands-on skills component. Online-only courses without practice or skill verification are not sufficient (OSHA, 2012).

While many websites claim to offer CPR or BLS certification, those online-only certifications are not widely accepted. Employers and regulatory agencies typically require training from a recognized provider—such as the American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross, American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI), or an equivalent organization—that includes in-person practice and demonstration with an instructor.

CHILD CARE FACILITY LICENSING RULE

CHILD CARE CENTERS, NURSERY SCHOOLS, SMALL CHILD CARE FACILITIES, OTHER PROGRAMS 10-148 CODE OF MAINE RULES CHAPTER 32

SECTION 8. TRAINING

B. Orientation training. All Child Care Staff Members must receive training in the following areas within the first ninety days of service:

10. Adult and pediatric first aid with hands-on skills demonstration;

11. Adult and pediatric Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with hands-on skills demonstration;

STATE OF MAINE FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDER LICENSING RULE

10-148 CODE OF MAINE RULES CHAPTER 33

SECTION 8. TRAINING

A. Orientation training. Except when another time period is indicated, all Staff Members must receive training in the following areas within the first ninety days of service: 11. Adult and pediatric first aid with hands-on skills demonstration; 12. Adult and pediatric Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with hands-on skills demonstration;

Ongoing training includes renewal of the FA/CPR certification every 2 years.