The best BLS renewal is the one your employer accepts. For hospitals, nursing schools and dental licenses, that's AHA HeartCode BLS or Red Cross blended. If your employer has confirmed in writing that it accepts an online card, Advanced Medical Certification is our pick for CE credit; American Health Care Academy is the low-cost option.
Quick picks
| Course | Acceptance | Price | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top pick for hospital workers AHA HeartCode BLS Best for hospitals and schools |
Widely accepted | $38 + skills session | Online + hands-on | View at AHA |
Red Cross BLS blended Best AHA alternative |
Broadly accepted | e.g. $59 total | Online + in-person skills | Find a class |
Advanced Medical Certification Best online option for CE |
Most hospitals don't accept | $99 renewal · $119 initial | Fully online | View coursePaid link |
American Health Care Academy Lowest cost |
Most hospitals don't accept | $29.95–$39.99 | Online or online + live virtual | View coursePaid link |
How we rank
No provider can pay for a higher ranking. Commission rates are not a factor.
AHA HeartCode BLS
Widely acceptedThe online part costs $38 on AHA's store. You then book a hands-on session with an AHA Training Center, which charges its own fee. You get the AHA BLS Provider eCard, valid two years.
- The card hospitals and nursing schools ask for by name
- Includes the hands-on test dental boards require
- Requires scheduling and travel
- Total cost depends on your training center
We earn nothing from AHA courses.
Red Cross BLS blended
Broadly acceptedOnline modules, then a required in-person skills session. One California training site lists the full blended class at $59, with a two-year digital certificate.
- Often cheaper than AHA
- Accepted by many employers and dental boards
- Hospitals with an "AHA only" policy won't take it
- Requires scheduling an in-person session
We earn nothing from Red Cross courses.
Advanced Medical Certification
Most hospitals don't accept$119 initial, $99 renewal. Fully online with an instant digital card and up to 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. AMC refunds the purchase if your employer rejects the card.
- Fast, with CE credit included
- Refund if your employer rejects it
- No hands-on skills test
- Not accepted by most hospitals or nursing schools
American Health Care Academy
Most hospitals don't acceptListed at $29.95–$39.99 depending on the option, with a two-year card and unlimited exam attempts. A live virtual session option is available.
- Lowest price we found
- Live virtual session option
- Not a substitute where AHA or in-person skills are required
- Not accepted by most hospitals
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest BLS renewal?
Online-only courses start around $30. The cheapest card your employer accepts is the real cheapest.
Can I renew AHA BLS online?
Partly. HeartCode is online, but you still need the hands-on skills session for the card.
Do online BLS courses give CE credit?
Some do. AMC lists up to 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.
Sources
Last reviewed [date] · Prices checked Oct 3, 2026- AHA HeartCode BLS product page (shopcpr.heart.org)
- Red Cross BLS blended course (redcross.org)
- Red Cross blended class listing, CPR and More, Upland, CA
- Advanced Medical Certification BLS renewal
- American Health Care Academy BLS certification
Spot an error? Email corrections@acceptedcpr.org and we'll fix it and note the change.