HeartCode Complete vs. skills session only
Self-guided AHA certification has two parts. Which one you buy depends on a single question: have you already finished the online course?
How self-guided certification works
- HeartCode online (Part 1)The AHA’s adaptive online course for BLS, ACLS or PALS. You do it at home and download a certificate of completion when you finish.
- Skills session (Part 2)A hands-on test on an AHA-approved manikin station, often called an RQI station. Voice prompts and real-time feedback guide you through compressions, ventilations and the other required skills.
- eCardPass both parts and you receive the same two-year AHA course completion eCard you would get from an instructor-led class.
Which one should you buy?
Book skills only if your employer, school or the AHA store already gave you HeartCode and you have the certificate of completion. It is the cheapest way to finish: BLS from $66.99, ACLS from $90 and PALS from $90 in our data.
Book HeartCode Complete if you still need the online course. The provider gives you HeartCode access and the skills session for one price: BLS from $86.99, ACLS from $252.99 and PALS from $252.99.
The math
The AHA sells HeartCode online directly at shopcpr.heart.org for $38 (BLS) and $178 (ACLS or PALS) per person. Pairing that with the cheapest skills session costs more than the cheapest bundle:
| Course | AHA online | + Skills only | = Separately | Cheapest bundle | You save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLS | $38 | $66.99 | $104.99 | $86.99 | $18 |
| ACLS | $178 | $90 | $268 | $252.99 | $15.01 |
| PALS | $178 | $90 | $268 | $252.99 | $15.01 |
What to bring
- Your HeartCode certificate of completion if you booked skills only. Many providers ask you to upload it when booking.
- A government-issued photo ID.
- Clothes you can kneel in. You will do compressions on a manikin on a table or the floor.
Words you will see
- RQI
- Resuscitation Quality Improvement. The program behind the self-guided manikin stations; providers list their stations on cprfinder.com.
- HeartCode
- The AHA’s online course for BLS, ACLS and PALS. Also called Part 1.
- Skills session
- The hands-on test. Also called Part 2, skills check, skills verification or HeartCode skills.
- HeartCode Complete
- Part 1 and Part 2 sold together. Some providers call it Online + Skills.
- Self-guided
- The AHA’s name for this format. On the AHA Atlas class finder, choose Self-Guided to see these stations.
- eCard
- Your digital AHA course completion card. Valid for two years.
Common questions
Can I take the skills session at a different company than the one I bought HeartCode from?
Usually yes. A HeartCode certificate of completion from the AHA store or another training center is accepted for skills-only sessions at most providers, as long as it is recent. Check the provider's rules before you book; some want the certificate uploaded in advance.
How long does the HeartCode online course take?
Most providers estimate one to two hours for BLS and two to six hours for ACLS or PALS, depending on how much you already know. The course adapts to your answers, so experienced providers usually finish faster.
What happens if I don't pass a skill on the first try?
The station tells you what to correct and lets you try again. Several providers advertise unlimited attempts within your appointment.
When do I get my card?
Most providers issue the AHA eCard the same day you pass, and many issue it immediately at the station.