Frequently Asked Questions

We have the answers (well, most of the time)

Below, you'll find answers to the most common questions our students ask. Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out to us, we're happy to help.

Browse by topic

Course Information Website, checkout & after you pay
Skills Session Coming from the AHA / Atlas site
Rescheduling, changes & refunds Your Account
At your skills session Your eCard
Group & Corporate Training EKG
MAB HFS

Course Information

1. How does this class work?

Your certification has four simple steps:

  1. Sign up. Pick your location, date, and time. The time you choose is your in-person skills session — you'll do the online part on your own beforehand.
  2. Online coursework — from home, first. It's self-paced, so you can start and stop as needed. BLS takes about 30 minutes–2 hours; ACLS and PALS take longer (about 2–6 hours). Just finish it before you come in.
  3. Skills session — at a SureFire CPR Skills Lab near you. A short hands-on test on a live-feedback manikin — about 30 minutes–1 hour for BLS and PALS, 15–30 minutes for ACLS. There's no instructor — it's self-guided, and our team can help you remotely if you need it. It's a real hands-on demonstration, not a quiz on a computer, and you can retake it as many times as you need to pass.
  4. Get certified. You'll receive your American Heart Association certification, good for 2 years, with your eCard emailed to you within 1 hour of finishing.

Most people do the online coursework and the skills session the same day and walk out certified.

2. How do I sign up?

Your certification has four simple steps:

  1. Sign up. Pick your location, date, and time. The time you choose is your in-person skills session — you'll do the online part on your own beforehand.
  2. Online coursework — from home, first. It's self-paced, so you can start and stop as needed. BLS takes about 30 minutes–2 hours; ACLS and PALS take longer (about 2–6 hours). Just finish it before you come in.
  3. Skills session — at a SureFire CPR Skills Lab near you. A short hands-on test on a live-feedback manikin — about 30 minutes–1 hour for BLS and PALS, 15–30 minutes for ACLS. There's no instructor — it's self-guided, and our team can help you remotely if you need it. It's a real hands-on demonstration, not a quiz on a computer, and you can retake it as many times as you need to pass.
  4. Get certified. You'll receive your American Heart Association certification, good for 2 years, with your eCard emailed to you within 1 hour of finishing.

Most people do the online coursework and the skills session the same day and walk out certified.

3. Are you American Heart Association certified, and will my job or school accept it?

Yes. SureFire CPR is an American Heart Association (AHA) training center, and you earn an official AHA eCard — the nationally recognized certification used across healthcare.

It's 100% accepted. We've never had a student who couldn't use our card — for any hospital, nursing, dental, medical, or employer requirement. The hands-on skills session is your in-person component, so it satisfies programs that require in-person skills.

If your program's paperwork says “instructor-led” or “instructor-verified,” you're still covered — your skills session is conducted and verified at an authorized AHA training center, and you receive the same official AHA card.

Already certified and your employer's system isn't recognizing your card? It's still valid — the AHA issues the card in more than one format, so if their system flags it, we can reissue it in the version they accept, with no need to retake anything. Just reach out.

4. How soon can I get certified? Can I do it today?

Most students get certified the same day. As soon as you register, your online coursework is available immediately. The key is to schedule your skills session late enough to finish the online portion first — plan for about 30 minutes–2 hours for BLS, or 2–6 hours for ACLS and PALS. Once you've finished the online portion at home, head to your Skills Lab (open 24/7) for the skills session, and your eCard arrives within 1 hour.

We can't take walk-ins, since the online portion has to be completed at home before your skills session.

5. How much does it cost, and what's included?

Price: BLS is $89. ACLS and PALS are $255 each.

What's included: everything you need — the online coursework, the hands-on skills session, the provider manual (included as an eBook in your online account), and your AHA eCard. All materials are digital, included, and reflect the current (2025) AHA guidelines — there's no book to buy and nothing to bring.

6. Where are you located, and how do I find a Skills Lab near me?

We have self-service Skills Labs nationwide, and they're open 24/7 — you complete your skills session whenever works for you. To find the one nearest you, enter your zip code on surefirecpr.com.

Our Skills Labs are located inside salon suites (Sola Salon Studios, Phenix Salon Suites, Salons by JC, and My Salon Suites) or in office buildings. When you arrive, go inside and look for the SureFire CPR Skills Lab signage. (If your map points you to a salon suite building or an office building, that's the right place — we're inside.)

7. What courses do you offer?

We offer American Heart Association BLS, ACLS, and PALS, plus EKG, MAB, and Hospital Fire Safety. You can see all of our courses and pricing at surefirecpr.com.

8. Do you offer instructor courses — can I become a CPR instructor through you?

No — we offer provider certifications (BLS, ACLS, PALS, plus EKG, MAB, and Hospital Fire Safety), but we don't offer instructor training.

9. Which course do I need?

We offer three American Heart Association resuscitation courses:

  • BLS (Basic Life Support) — the Healthcare Provider level of CPR and the most advanced CPR training on the market. It covers CPR, AED use, and choking response for adults, children, and infants. Because it's the highest level, any CPR requirement is covered by a BLS certification — so if your job, school, or program just asks for “CPR,” BLS satisfies it. This is the right course for the large majority of students.
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) — for healthcare professionals who respond to cardiac emergencies (physicians, nurses, paramedics, and ER/ICU/critical-care staff). Building on BLS, it covers managing cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening events — including ECG/rhythm interpretation, airway management, emergency medications, and leading a resuscitation team. It assumes you're already comfortable at the BLS level.
  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) — the pediatric counterpart to ACLS, for providers who care for infants and children (nurses, paramedics, EMTs, physicians, and ER/ICU/pediatric staff). Because children aren't just small adults, it focuses on pediatric assessment, recognizing and treating respiratory distress and shock, vascular access, weight-based treatment algorithms, and pediatric resuscitation team dynamics.

If your job or program just says “CPR” or “BLS,” choose BLS. If you're not sure, check the exact wording of your requirement, or text us and we'll point you to the right one.

10. I need to renew (recertify) — is that different?

No — it's the same course as a first-time certification, and there's no separate “renewal” option to look for. Just sign up for the course you need (BLS, ACLS, or PALS); this works even if your card has already expired.

Here's what makes renewing easy: our online coursework is adaptive. It adjusts to what you already know — experienced providers move quickly through material they've already mastered, while anyone newer gets extra guidance and practice along the way. Either way, you finish having truly demonstrated your skills, so you walk away with both the competence and the confidence to act in a real emergency.

11. Can I take more than one course, and do I need them in a certain order?

Yes, you can take more than one — but BLS comes first. A current BLS certification is a prerequisite for both ACLS and PALS. If you don't already have BLS, take it first (you can often do it the same day, before your ACLS or PALS). Each course is its own registration.

12. Is BLS the same as CPR?

Yes — BLS (Basic Life Support) is CPR, at the Healthcare Provider level. Our American Heart Association BLS class covers CPR and AED use for adults, children, and infants, so it satisfies any requirement that just says “CPR” or “CPR/AED.” And your card is issued as BLS for Healthcare Providers, so it also covers any job or program that specifically asks for “BLS for Healthcare Providers.”

The one thing BLS does not include is First Aid — that's a separate class we don't offer. So if your job or program asks for CPR and First Aid, BLS can cover the CPR/AED part and you can add a short First Aid course from another provider.

13. Do you offer a basic CPR or CPR + First Aid class (for babysitting, foster care, work, etc.)?

Our classes are the American Heart Association healthcare-provider courses — BLS, ACLS, and PALS — and right now we don't offer a basic/layperson CPR or a CPR + First Aid class. For a layperson CPR or CPR/First Aid certification, the quickest way to find one near you is the American Heart Association at heart.org or the American Red Cross at redcross.org — both list classes for babysitting, childcare, foster care, schools, and general workplace requirements.

We're hoping to add a layperson option down the road. If you'd like, let us know and we'll add you to our list to notify you the moment it's available.

Website, checkout & after you pay

14. The website won't let me check out — what do I do?

A few quick fixes clear most checkout problems: use a computer with Google Chrome, allow pop-ups, and finish checkout within about 5 minutes (your spot is held only briefly, so a slow checkout can drop the order). If it still won't go through — an address won't accept, the total looks off, a discount code won't apply, or it says “review and try again” — call us at 888-277-0199 and we'll complete your order for you over the phone.

15. What is the rescheduling insurance charge, and how do I remove it?

Rescheduling insurance is an optional add-on at checkout. With it, you can reschedule your skills session as many times as you need — for free; without it, each reschedule is the standard $30 per reschedule. If you don't want it, just click “No” for it on the checkout page and it comes off your total.

16. I paid — how do I access my online course?

Your online course is at surefirecpr.com/online. Your login and link are in your confirmation email — subject line “SureFire CPR Class Information.” It can look like a plain receipt and sometimes lands in spam, so keep an eye out. Log in with the email you used to buy the course; your password's in that same email.

You'll do a quick consent form and short intro video, then your modules begin. The course is adaptive — it adjusts to what you know, so there's no separate written test. Just finish all the modules before your skills session — your in-person skills stay locked until the whole online course is done.

17. I finished the online course — how do I know it counted? Do I need to bring proof?

If you completed the online course through us (at surefirecpr.com/online), there's nothing else to do — your completion is recorded automatically, and the computer at your Skills Lab will recognize it when you log in. You don't need to bring or show any proof.

If the course froze or locked up at the end (for example on a “well done” screen), don't worry — your completion is still recorded, so you're all set to come in for your skills session.

The one exception: if you did your online Part 1 somewhere else (for example, directly through the American Heart Association), email a copy of your completion certificate to office@surefirecpr.com so we can add it to your file before your skills session.

18. My course won't load — what do I do?

If your online course won't load — blank page, endless loading, or an error — try these in order: use Google Chrome (Safari and Edge often have trouble), clear your cache or open an incognito window, and restart your device. It works on a phone or tablet too, but if it's acting up there, switch to a computer or laptop — it runs more smoothly.

If it's the computer at your Skills Lab that won't load or freezes, first try restarting it — hold the power button for about 10 seconds until it shuts off, then turn it back on. If that doesn't do it, that's on us, not you — just reach out and we'll get it working or reschedule you free, no charge. You're never charged for a system or equipment issue on our end.

19. How do I claim my CME/CE credits?

Claiming credits has two steps, and skipping the first is why the Claim CME/CE button — the grayed-out circle next to View eCard — won't activate:

  • Complete the evaluation — it's about 20 questions and sits on the same screen as your eCard. Once you submit it, the Claim CME/CE circle turns active.
  • Claim within the window — you can claim any time within 6 months of completing your course; after that the window closes.

If the button still says you can't claim “due to one or more reasons,” it's almost always the evaluation — make sure it's submitted, not just opened. You can do all of this from home on your own device (downloads are often blocked on the Skills Lab computer), and you only need to claim your CME/CE if you need it for a license renewal.

Dentists and dental hygienists: there's no profession option on the claim page because credits aren't issued here — typically you can send a copy of your eCard to your licensing board, which grants your CE directly. Check with your state licensing board for details.

20. Can I get a receipt or invoice for reimbursement?

Yes — your receipt is in your order-confirmation email. Look for the email from anytime@surefirecpr.com with the subject “Order #[your order number] confirmed.” Open it and click the blue View your order button — that opens your receipt page, which you can screenshot or save for your employer.

Skills-session only

21. I already completed the online portion (Part 1) — can I just do the skills session only?

Yes. If you've already completed the American Heart Association's online course (Part 1) — whether you bought it directly from the AHA or elsewhere — you only register for your skills session:

If the main site shows you the full course price ($89 for BLS, $255 for ACLS/PALS), that's the bundle that includes the online part you've already finished — use the skills-only links above so you're not charged for it twice.

After you register, email a copy of your Part 1 completion certificate to office@surefirecpr.com so we can verify it and add it to your file.

The online portion must be the AHA's course — other providers' online courses (for example, the Red Cross) aren't accepted. Quick check: make sure you finished the actual HeartCode Part 1 course, not just a “certificate of attendance” or a prep/intro. If you're unsure what you completed, send us your certificate and we'll confirm. If you haven't done any online course yet, just register for the full course instead ($89 for BLS).

22. How do I send you my online completion certificate?

After you book your skills session, email a copy of your AHA Part 1 completion certificate to office@surefirecpr.com, and we'll attach it to your booking. Once we have it and you finish your skills session, your AHA eCard will be issued within 1 hour.

Don't have the certificate yet? You can download it from your AHA online account after you finish the course survey.

Coming from the AHA / Atlas site (atlas.heart.org)

23. I found or “enrolled” in a class on the AHA site (atlas.heart.org) — am I registered? What do I do now?

The AHA's Atlas site is a catalog that shows which training centers offer classes — it's how you found us, but it doesn't register you or take payment. Even if you saw “your enrollment request was approved,” your spot isn't secured yet.

To finish, complete your registration and payment at surefirecpr.com, and you'll get your online course access and skills-session details by email. Nothing transfers automatically — we're a separate company, so the class you saw on Atlas won't show as booked on our end until you register with us.

24. Do I have to pay again? I thought I already paid through the AHA.

If you only went through the AHA's Atlas site (atlas.heart.org), you haven't paid us yet — Atlas doesn't process payment, so there's nothing being double-charged. You pay once, on surefirecpr.com.

The one exception: if you already purchased and completed the AHA's online course (Part 1) on your own, you pay for the skills session only:

If you haven't done any online course yet, the full course on our site ($89 for BLS) includes everything. The skills-only option isn't a discount on the full course — it's only for people who already completed and paid for the AHA online portion separately.

25. The location, class, or time I saw on the AHA site isn't on your website — or it's in the wrong city.

Because Atlas is a catalog, what it shows doesn't always line up with what's actually bookable with us, and a pin can land in a city where we don't have a physical lab. Easy fix: go to surefirecpr.com, enter your zip code, and pick the SureFire CPR Skills Lab nearest you and a time that works — that's the one that counts, and it's the fastest way to get certified, often the same day.

26. The AHA listing showed a “classroom” or instructor-led class — is there an instructor?

Our standard class is hybrid and self-guided: you finish the online portion at home, then do a hands-on skills session on a live-feedback manikin at a Skills Lab near you. There's no instructor in the room — our team can help remotely — and you earn the exact same official AHA card. This is the American Heart Association's newest CPR delivery model, and most people choose it because it's the fastest way to get certified, often the same day.

If your program's paperwork says “instructor-led” or “instructor-verified,” you're still covered: your in-person skills session is conducted and verified at an authorized AHA training center, so it satisfies that requirement — and the card is identical. (If you specifically still want a live, instructor-led session, we do offer a virtual option, but it isn't same day and costs more, so most people go with the in-person skills session.)

Rescheduling, changes & refunds

27. Can I reschedule my skills session?

Yes — the quickest way is to reschedule yourself online from your account, no call needed: https://shop.surefirecpr.com/pages/customer-account-page

Not finished with your online course yet? That's okay — you can still move your skills session to a later time the same way, right from your account. Just be sure your online course is complete before your new skills session, since it has to be done first.

Rescheduling is $30, or free if you added rescheduling insurance when you signed up.

28. SureFire CPR asked me to reschedule — is there a charge?

No. When we ask you to reschedule — for example for building maintenance or a Skills Lab issue on our end — you're never charged the reschedule fee. You can pick a new time from your account, and your online course progress and certification are unaffected.

29. I bought the wrong option — can you switch it?

Yes — just reach out and we'll fix it:

  • Bought the full course but only need the skills test? We'll switch you to Skills Session Only and refund the difference — $21 (BLS) or $131 (ACLS/PALS). If you already did the online Part 1 elsewhere, you don't have to redo it — just email your AHA completion certificate to office@surefirecpr.com and we'll verify it and unlock your skills.
  • Bought Skills Session Only but you still need the online course too? We'll add the online portion for that same difference — $21 (BLS) or $131 (ACLS/PALS). Reach out to us and we can take payment to get you access.

30. Can I get a refund or cancel?

Yes — just reach out and we'll take care of the cancellation for you. How much comes back depends on whether your online course has been activated. The online course for BLS, ACLS, or PALS is a one-time American Heart Association license — the moment you enter your name and email and save, it activates and can't be returned or reused, like a used gift card.

  • Not activated yet — full refund of what you paid.
  • Already activated — we can refund half: $44.50 (BLS) or $127.50 (ACLS/PALS).
  • Skills-session only (no online course) and you want to cancel — full refund of what you paid.

One thing to note: the options above apply before your scheduled skills date. If that date has already passed, we're not able to refund it — but we can reschedule you so you can still get certified (the standard $30 reschedule fee applies).

Refunds can take 5–7 business days, and we'll email you a confirmation.

Your account, name & login

31. The name in my online account is incorrect. How do I correct it?

If the name on your account isn't correct (maybe it reflects the credit card holder, you got married, changed your name, or there's a typo to fix), just send an email to office@surefirecpr.com. Include the incorrect name and email currently in the system and what you'd like it changed to. We'll correct it — usually within 24 hours (often sooner).

32. I can't log in — what do I do?

Log in with the email address you used when you signed up — it's the same login everywhere, both for the online course at surefirecpr.com/online and for the computer at your Skills Lab. Your password was sent to you in your confirmation email.

If it won't let you in, log out, refresh the page, and try again, making sure your email is typed exactly as you registered it. Still stuck? Reach out and we'll get you in — it's often a small typo in the email on file, which we can fix in a moment.

Logged in but don't see your course? You most likely accidentally created a new account by signing in with a different email. Double check the email your course receipt was sent to, and sign in with that exact email account. If your course still doesn't show, reach out and we'll get you into the right one.

33. Can I use a different email, or have my certification sent to another address?

Yes. Email office@surefirecpr.com from (or including) the email you signed up under, and tell us the address you'd like it on. We can resend your eCard to any email right away, or move your certification to a different email on file — handy when an employer only accepts certifications tied to your work email. A change to the email on your account is usually done within 24 hours, often sooner.

34. I didn't get my confirmation or online-course email — what now?

First, check your spam or junk folder — the confirmation (with your login details and online-course link) sometimes lands there.

If it's not there, the most common reason is a typo or it was sent to the credit card holder's info in the email entered at checkout, so it never reached you. Just reach out with the correct address and we'll fix it and resend everything right away, so you can get into your online course.

35. I bought a course for more than one person — how do we each get our own login and card?

Each person needs their own account, since every student gets their own certification card. If you bought more than one course under a single account — or paid for someone else — just reach out and we'll set up a separate login for each person (using their own email), so everyone can do their online course and skills session independently and receive their own AHA card.

One note on timing: each Skills Lab serves one student per hour, so if two people are testing at the same location, book them in back-to-back hours rather than the same slot.

At your skills session

36. Can I arrive early, or come a little late?

Every skills session is booked as a one-hour appointment. If you get there a few minutes early and the room is empty, go ahead and start — you don't have to wait for your exact time.

If you're running late, you can still come and do your skills. You have the full hour, and most people finish in 30–45 minutes (often faster). If you don't get through everything in your hour, your progress is saved — you can come back another time and pick up where you left off, without redoing the skills you already completed.

Arriving a little late doesn't cost anything — the $30 reschedule fee only applies if you actually move your appointment to a different time.

37. What do I need to bring?

Nothing — everything you need is already there, including the computer and the manikin. Most people bring a water bottle in case they get thirsty, and we'd suggest wearing comfortable clothes, since the skills test is physical.

38. What skills will I be tested on?

Your skills test is hands-on CPR on a manikin, guided step-by-step by the computer. What you do depends on your course:

  • BLS and PALS — 6 skills: Adult Ventilations, Adult Compressions, 2-Rescuer Adult CPR, Infant Ventilations, Infant Compressions, and 2-Rescuer Infant CPR.
  • ACLS — 3 skills: Adult Ventilations, Adult Compressions, and 2-Rescuer Adult CPR.

For ACLS and PALS, the advanced material (like rhythm recognition) is all covered in your online portion — the in-person session is just these hands-on skills. There's no pass/fail pressure: there's a practice mode you can use as much as you like before your graded attempts, and you can retake any skill as many times as you need to pass.

39. What should I expect when I get to the Skills Lab?

Your Skills Lab is a private, self-service space inside a salon suite or office building, so it may look quiet or empty — especially after hours — and there's no instructor in the room. That's completely normal and exactly how it's meant to work.

Every session is monitored by camera, so even though no one is in the room with you, you're not on your own. When you arrive, log into the computer in the room with your course login and it will walk you through each skill step by step.

The address and all the access codes you'll need are in your confirmation email, so check it before you head over.

40. I'm here but I can't find the building or suite — what do I do?

Your Skills Lab is a private suite inside a larger salon-suite or office building — usually one of the salon-suite brands like Sola Salon Studios, Phenix Salon Suites, Salon Lofts, or Salons by JC. There's no SureFire CPR sign on the outside of the building, so look for that salon brand's name first.

Once you're inside, look for the SureFire CPR sign on our individual suite — that's your room. Your exact suite number and building access code are in your confirmation email.

If your GPS dropped you at a mall or shopping center and you don't see it, look for the Sola Salon Studios, Phenix Salon Suites, or other salon suite!

41. I'm here for my appointment but someone else is still in the room — what do I do?

If the student before you is still finishing up when you arrive, please wait 5–10 minutes for them to finish — the room will free up for you, you'll still get your full session, and you won't be penalized or charged. We'll work with you to ensure you get your certification as quickly as possible.

42. I'm here but the computer won't start or the system is down — what do I do?

First, try to restart the system by holding down the power button for 10 seconds. If that doesn't work, it's likely a temporary system issue on our end (the testing platform going down), not anything you did. Call us at 888-277-0199 and we'll either get you up and running or reschedule you for free — you won't pay the $30 reschedule fee, because it's on us. We know it's frustrating to be there and stuck, so reach out right away and we'll take care of it.

43. Can someone come into the room with me during my skills session?

Yes — you're welcome to bring someone along for support, and they can be in the room with you. The one rule is that you have to perform all of the skills yourself. A guest can't help with the compressions, ventilations, or any other part of the test — no hands-on assistance of any kind. Your certification has to reflect your own ability, so this one matters: it comes down to integrity. Your guest is welcome to keep you company; they just can't do the skills for you.

44. How do I know I'm finished, and what do I do on my way out?

When you've completed all your skills, there's just one last step before you go: fill out the quick feedback form. We text it to you, or you can scan the QR code posted on the wall in the room. Once you've submitted it, log out of the computer and you're free to leave.

Your eCard

46. The skills computer says to download my eCard, but nothing downloads. How do I get it?

Full Course (online + skills with us): That's expected — for security, the Skills Lab computer won't let you download to it. Use the on-screen option to email the eCard to yourself, then open that email on your own phone or computer and download or print it from there.

Skills Session Only (skills test only): As long as your Part 1 completion certificate has been emailed to office@surefirecpr.com, you'll get an email within 1 hour — subject “Claim your AHA eCard,” from ecards@heart.org — with instructions to access your eCard.

If you'd also like a physical laminated card, you can order one online for $12 — it's mailed within 5 days. The physical card is in addition to your eCard, not a replacement.

47. When will I get my eCard? I finished but I don't see it yet.

Full Course (online + skills with us): Your eCard is available immediately when you finish your skills. Log back in at surefirecpr.com/online, open your course, and click “View eCard” or “Send eCard” to email it to yourself or your employer. (Emailed from donotreply@rqi1stop.com — subject “Heartcode [BLS/ACLS/PALS] Complete - eCard / eCredential”.)

Skills Session Only (skills test only): As long as you've emailed the Part 1 certificate to office@surefirecpr.com, your eCard is emailed within 1 hour of finishing the Skills Session. If it's been over an hour, check your spam folder for an email from ecards@heart.org, then reach out and we'll resend it.

48. How do I open or claim my eCard?

Full Course (online + skills with us): Your eCard is ready the moment you finish. Log back in at surefirecpr.com/online, open your course, and click “View eCard” or “Send eCard” to email it to yourself or your employer.

Skills Session Only (skills test only): Open the email titled “Claim your AHA eCard” (from ecards@heart.org) and click “Click here to claim your eCard,” then follow the instructions. You may be asked to set up a free AHA account along the way, which includes creating a security question — that's normal.

49. My employer is asking for a certification number or a code. Where is it?

That's your eCard Code — the alphanumeric code on the front or back of your eCard. There are two versions of the AHA card, and both are valid:

  • Older version — a 12-digit code, verified at ecards.heart.org/student/myecards.
  • Newer version — a 24-digit alphanumeric code, verified at heart.org/rqiverify.

Many employers haven't been informed about the newer version yet — if yours is asking for a specific one, let us know.

To verify it, your employer can scan the QR code on your eCard or enter the code at the matching site above.

50. My employer or school says my card is invalid or won't accept it.

Almost always this is the card's format — not a problem with your certification. The AHA now issues eCards in a newer 24-digit alphanumeric format, and many employers and verification systems haven't caught up yet — so when they look it up the old way, nothing comes up and they assume it's invalid.

Two fixes:

  • Have them verify it the right way — the 24-digit code verifies at heart.org/rqiverify (not the older lookup), or they can scan the QR code on your card.
  • Ask us for the 12-digit version — if their system only takes the older 12-digit numeric code, email office@surefirecpr.com and we'll reissue your eCard in that format. It's the same valid certification, just the number their system expects. Verify it at ecards.heart.org/student/myecards.

Either way your certification is real and current — it's just a matter of giving them the version they can read.

51. How long is my certification good for?

Two years from the day you finish — through the end of that month. So if you complete it on June 14, your card is good through June 30 two years later. You'll get reminder emails and texts well before it expires, and you can add the expiration date to your calendar, too — so you won't get caught off guard.

52. I lost my eCard or need another copy.

Full Course (online + skills with us): Log back in at surefirecpr.com/online, open your course, and click “View eCard” or “Send eCard” to email it to yourself.

Skills-Only (skills test only): Go to ecards.heart.org/student/myecards and enter your name and email (or your eCard Code) to access it right from the AHA website.

Group & corporate training

45. Do you offer group or corporate training for our team?

Yes — and it's built so your whole team gets certified without your facility ever closing for a class. For groups of 10 or more, you get group pricing plus a set of redemption codes to hand out to your staff. Each person redeems their code at any of our Skills Labs — open 24/7, nationwide — and certifies on their own schedule, so there's no room to book, no instructor to coordinate, and no pulling everyone off the floor at once. They walk out with the official AHA card accepted everywhere, and the eCard lands within an hour of finishing. Get a quote in a couple of minutes at surefirecpr.com/group or call 714-464-7773 — billed by credit card or purchase order.

EKG course

53. What is the EKG course — and does it certify me as an EKG technician?

It's online continuing education for medical providers who want to get more confident reading and interpreting EKG rhythms. When you finish, you earn CE credit and a certificate — about 10 hours of CE in total.

To be clear, it does not make you a certified EKG Technician. That's a separate path — typically a 4–12 week program with a national exam. Our course builds your rhythm-interpretation skills and gives you CE; it isn't a job-title credential.

54. What are the EKG levels, and what do they cost?

The course has four levels, which you can buy on their own or as a bundle:

  • Level 1 — $29
  • Levels 2, 3, and 4 — $99 each
  • Pro Package (all four levels) — $249 — the discounted option

Each level comes with its own eCard, so finishing all four gives you four cards. You can see every option at shop.surefirecpr.com.

55. How do I take it, does it count for CE, and does it expire?

It's fully online and self-paced — modules with short quizzes, no live or Zoom class and no in-person skills test. You access it the same way as our other online courses, at surefirecpr.com/online, using the email and password from your confirmation email. It runs best in Google Chrome on a computer.

Each level carries CE credit — 1 hour for Level 1 and 3 hours each for Levels 2, 3, and 4. Your EKG certificate doesn't expire, but we recommend retaking it once a year to stay sharp.

MAB course (Management of Assaultive Behavior)

56. What is the MAB (Management of Assaultive Behavior) course, and does it meet AB-508 / SB-1299?

MAB stands for Management of Assaultive Behavior — a violence-prevention course for healthcare providers, especially emergency room and psychiatric staff (plus RNs, MDs, EMTs, paramedics, and nursing students). You'll learn to spot a potentially violent situation, keep your situational awareness up, de-escalate, and protect yourself.

It's issued by SureFire CPR and comes as an eCard. The course is built to meet California's AB-508 and SB-1299 — the workplace-violence-prevention requirements for healthcare workers — and has equivalency for many states. It's about 4 hours, so if your employer specifically requires more hours than the AB-508/SB-1299 standard, check with them on what they'll accept.

57. What does the MAB course cost, and how is it delivered?

It's $120 for the full course — 100% online and self-paced, with a short assessment at the end of each module and no in-person or skills component. It's about 4 hours, and your certificate is issued the same day you finish.

You take it the same way as our other online courses, at surefirecpr.com/online, using the email and password from your confirmation email — it runs best in Google Chrome on a computer.

58. Does MAB carry CE, and does it expire?

Yes — the course carries 4 hours of CE, approved for California RNs (Board of Registered Nursing) and EMS providers. Your MAB certificate is valid for 1 year.

HFS (Hospital Fire Safety) class

59. What is the Hospital Fire Safety (HFS) class, and who needs it?

It teaches hospital staff what to do in a fire — fire response, patient rescue (drags and carries), using a fire extinguisher, the different types of fires, hospital fire-protection systems, and safe evacuation.

It's certified by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and is required for hospital employees in the City of Los Angeles — including skilled nursing facilities, psychiatric hospitals, clinics, and retirement homes (LA Fire Code 57.113.09). When you finish, you'll receive the LA Fire Card — also called the “Blue Card” — valid for 4 years. You don't have to be in Los Angeles to take it — if you just want the training and 4 hours of CE, you're welcome to join. Since the card it issues is the LA Fire Card, if you're outside LA, check with your employer about whether they accept it or require a local equivalent.

60. What does the HFS class cost, and how is it delivered?

It's $70, and it's a live, instructor-led class on Zoom — you pick a date and time and attend the 4-hour session. It consists of lecture, videos and a multiple-choice exam at the end, and you download your card and CE right after.

You'll need to make sure you have a working webcam and Zoom on your device beforehand. The class link opens best in Google Chrome on a computer. If you can't make your time, you can reschedule it like any other class.

61. Can I get CE units from the Hospital Fire Safety (HFS) class?

Yes — the class includes 4 CE units, accepted by the CNA, EMS, and RN boards. Your LA Fire Card (Blue Card) is valid for 4 years. The class is about 4 hours and meets the City of Los Angeles Hospital Fire Safety requirement; if your employer specifically requires more hours, check with them on what they'll accept.

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