We frequently get asked if there is an online AHA approved certification. In short, no. The American Heart Association requires hands-on skills practice and testing for all students. This requirement is what sets AHA apart from other organizations – and is the reason why AHA certifications are the most widely accepted. Many companies advertise “AHA compliant” certifications but the truth is there is no such thing.

The American Heart Association approves certain businesses who meet criteria to become Training Centers to issue official AHA certifications, and they’re responsible for following AHA guidelines and curriculum standards. AHA Training Centers train and certify instructors under them to issue official AHA certifications and are responsible for the quality of courses taught by their aligned instructors.

“The American Heart Association does not approve training courses created by other organizations, does not allow its course completion cards to be given to students who do not complete the skills check portion of American Heart Association training, and there are no “AHA-compliant” training courses or “AHA-certified” professionals conducting training. An organization that has been approved to issue cards with the AHA logo upon successful completion of an AHA training course should display the “Authorized Training Center” logo to help you know they are authorized. You should check with your present or prospective employer about the course completion cards they will accept before paying anyone for training intended to gain or retain your training status.” – (excerpt from the American Heart Association Fraud Warning, 2021)