Get your ACLS certification online

Your guide to getting certified in advanced cardiac life Support—accredited, widely accepted nationwide and achievable in less time.

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ACLS certification designed for healthcare professionals like you

ACLS Training Center courses are designed to help healthcare professionals enhance their skills while fitting easily into busy schedules. Whether you're working in emergency care, critical care, or another healthcare field, our online, accredited courses are tailored to meet your career needs. Achieve your certification at your own pace and on your own time.

Accredited: Earn 8 AMA Category 1 credits
Learn anywhere: 100% online certification
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Why you need to become certified in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)

Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification is crucial for healthcare professionals, equipping them with the expertise needed to manage life-threatening cardiac emergencies. From handling cardiac arrest to addressing stroke situations, ACLS training enables providers to act decisively in critical moments.

ACLS certification ACS algorithm excerpt

This certification is particularly vital for those working in high-pressure environments such as emergency rooms, intensive care units (ICUs), and operating rooms. Nurses, doctors, paramedics, and other first responders rely on ACLS training to meet the highest standards of patient care during emergencies.

The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that over 500,000 healthcare professionals undergo ACLS training annually, with nearly 60% of nurses in acute care settings holding this certification. In many hospitals and states, ACLS certification is mandatory for staff in critical care departments, including anesthesia, cardiology, and emergency medicine.

Given that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide—responsible for approximately 17.9 million deaths each year—the need for ACLS-certified professionals is more important than ever. Many healthcare employers require ACLS certification for roles in critical care, making it required for career advancement in fields like emergency medicine, surgery, and cardiology.

Beyond fulfilling job requirements, ACLS training enhances the ability of healthcare teams to respond quickly and coordinate effectively in emergencies, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Whether in hospital settings or out in the field, ACLS-certified professionals play a key role in saving lives during cardiac emergencies.

Steps to getting your ACLS certification

Before you can take advantage of the opportunities that come with providing critical care in emergency situations, you'll need to obtain your ACLS certification first.

The good news? Earning your ACLS certification can be completed in just a few straightforward steps.

Steps to become certified in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)

Earning your online certification or recertification has never been easier! Here is a step-by-step explanation of how our courses work.

Step 1—sign up for online training

The first thing to do is to figure out what classes you need. Typically, the organization that you will be working with can tell you which certifications are required and when they are due. And for group training, see our group training page.
Next, select all the classes that you need from our list of courses.
Enroll in the courses through our secure online shopping cart. Remember, there is a discount if you enroll in more than one course!

Step 2—complete your ACLS online course

After you enroll in the course(s), you will have immediate access to the online training material. You can either read it on an Internet browser, access from your iPad, or download a PDF copy to print out.
Once you have access to the material, it’s time to study! Take as much time as you need.
When you feel ready, you can take the online, multiple choice test. Remember that you need an 84% in order to pass the test. There are no time restrictions on the exams, and you are given three tries for every course that you enroll in.
You will still have access to the course materials for up to a year from your enrollment date. If you need access after one year, simply send us an email requesting access and include your order number.

Step 3—skills test sheet included

This is optional for in-hospital employees.

We do include the skills checkoff paperwork so you can review with a supervisor or local skills instructor. You will receive your provider eCard after passing the online exam. Complete the skills form separately.

Step 4—receive your eCard certificates

Once you have passed the exam with an 84% or better, we will issue your same-day PDF provider eCard. You can use eCard as immediate proof that you are certified.
If requested, we will mail a hard copy of your certificate within 1 business day. If you live in the United States, it should be 3–4 shipping days before you receive your certificate (we send our certificates via First Class Mail). We also include your receipt.
We have additional shipping options if you need an international or express delivery.
Remember we offer a 100% money-back guarantee for the first 30 days!

Student Name has successfully completed the course requirements and cognitive evaluation in accordance with ACLS Training Center curriculum.

Exact words on our healthcare provider certificate

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What's included in an ACLS certification course?

Here's everything you will learn in your ACLS course:

Resuscitation ethics: Explore the ethical considerations and decision-making processes involved in resuscitation efforts.
Basic cardiac life support (BCLS): Learn the fundamental techniques for providing effective basic life support in cardiac emergencies.
Identifying cardiac arrhythmias: Understand how to recognize and differentiate various types of cardiac arrhythmias.
Pharmacology: Gain knowledge of the medications used in resuscitation and their appropriate administration.
Resuscitation dynamics: Study the principles and team dynamics that contribute to successful resuscitation efforts.
Airway, ventilation, and oxygenation management: Master the techniques for managing the airway, ensuring proper ventilation, and maintaining adequate oxygenation.
Defibrillation, cardioversion, and pacing: Learn the methods and timing for applying defibrillation, cardioversion, and pacing in cardiac emergencies.
Acute coronary syndromes: Understand the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of acute coronary syndromes.
Treatment guidelines for specific rhythms: Review the recommended treatment protocols for various cardiac rhythms encountered during resuscitation.
Post-resuscitation care: Learn the critical steps involved in caring for a patient after successful resuscitation.
Acute stroke management: Explore the strategies for recognizing and managing acute strokes to optimize patient outcomes.

Search for ACLS courses near me

Our class is accepted in every US state and Canadian province, as well as over 60 countries in the Eurozone, Asia and Africa. 🇨🇦 Canadians, please visit our Canada ACLS page to sign up.

We offer a 100% money-back guarantee with all our courses, which is valid for 30 days from the time of enrollment. This guarantee states:

Our ACLS course is certified for up to 8 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. This course is also offers ACPE, ANCC and ADA credits.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to get an ACLS certification?

Depending on the provider you choose, the cost of obtaining ACLS certification typically ranges from $175 to $400 or more. The most significant and essential investment is the ACLS course itself. The cost of the course varies based on the provider and the type of learning format-whether online, in-person, or blended learning. Here are the typical fees involved:

	Online	Hybrid	In-person
Course Cost	$175	$275	$290
eCard	Free	$35	$50
Wallet card	Free	Free	$50
Shipping	$0	$0	$0
Totals:	$175	$310	$390

How long does it take to get an ACLS certification?

It typically takes an average of two (2) weeks to complete your ACLS certification, but the time frame can vary significantly depending on your personal pace. Some individuals may complete their certification in just a few days, while others may take a few months to finish.

The amount of time it takes to earn your certification largely depends on the course format you choose and how quickly you complete the training.

With online ACLS courses, you can work at your own pace. This flexibility allows you to complete your certification faster if you're motivated to move through the material quickly, or take your time if you need to balance it with other commitments.

In an in-person classroom setting, you'll follow the schedule of the course provider. This option can be beneficial if you prefer structured learning or want the added benefit of interacting with instructors and classmates.

What kind of jobs need an ACLS certification?

Earning an ACLS certification opens up a variety of career opportunities in healthcare, including:

Emergency room nurse
Critical care nurse
Paramedic
ICU physician

Each role offers different specialties within emergency and critical care, with some requiring additional certifications or advanced training to further your career. Specializing in certain areas, such as trauma or cardiac care, may also lead to higher earning potential.

For a general idea of salaries in healthcare, here's a look at the average wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Job title	Avg. hourly wage	Average yearly wage
Registered nurses (ER)	$39.78	$82,750
Critical care nurses	$42.00	$87,360
Paramedics	$22.78	$47,380

Salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and additional certifications like ACLS. Many healthcare professionals use their ACLS certification to advance their careers and increase their earning potential, especially in critical care and emergency settings.

To explore more about career options, specialties, and how ACLS certification can impact your career, visit our Resources page for additional information.

How do I get my ACLS eCards?

After you pass your ACLS certification exam, you will receive an email with a link to your eCard. You can download and print your eCard from this link. If you need a new copy of your eCard, you can log in to your account and download it from there.
How can I take the ACLS pretest?

The ACLS pretest is available on our website. You can take the pretest at any time before you take the final exam. The pretest is a great way to assess your knowledge and identify areas where you may need to review the material.
How to reprint my ACLS eCard?

If you need to reprint your ACLS eCard, you can log in to your account and download a new copy. You can also contact our customer service team for assistance with reprinting your eCard.
Do I need ACLS, BLS certification or recertification?

The need for ACLS and BLS certification or recertification depends on your job requirements and the regulations in your state or country. Many healthcare professionals are required to have ACLS and BLS certification to work in certain settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and emergency medical services.

If you are unsure whether you need ACLS or BLS certification or recertification, you can check with your employer or regulatory body for guidance. You can also contact our customer service team for assistance with determining your certification needs.
When does the ACLS certification expire?

It lasts two years from the issue date. That is, exactly 730 days from your certification issue date (or 731 days through a leap year). BLS and PALS are the same.

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