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Program Overview: CPR Certification through American Aquatics and Safety Training is a blended safety course covering Adult, Child, and Infant CPR plus AED use. Candidates earn a nationally recognized 2-year certification after completing online coursework and an in-person hands-on skills evaluation.
Nationally Recognized, CMAHC-Aligned Training
American Aquatics and Safety Training is a nationally recognized training and certification provider whose curriculum is systematically reviewed against current standards from the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) and the American Heart Association’s CPR guidelines.
CPR Certification is one of three certifications bundled into our full Lifeguard Training course, but it’s also available as a standalone certification for anyone who needs it — teachers, coaches, caregivers, fitness professionals, or anyone required to hold current CPR credentials for work.
Core Curriculum
Coursework is organized into two core skill areas: adult/child CPR and infant-specific response, since infant technique differs significantly from adult and child protocols.
Adult & Child CPR
- Recognizing Cardiac Arrest: Identify the signs of cardiac arrest quickly, including unresponsiveness and abnormal or absent breathing, and understand when to begin compressions.
- Chest Compression Technique: Deliver compressions at the correct rate and depth for adult and child victims, with full chest recoil between compressions.
- Rescue Breathing: Perform rescue breaths at the correct compression-to-breath ratio for both adult and child scenarios.
Infant CPR & Choking Response
- Infant Compression Technique: Use the correct two-finger or two-thumb encircling technique sized appropriately for infant anatomy.
- Infant Choking Response: Apply back blows and chest thrusts to clear an obstructed airway in an infant, distinct from the abdominal thrusts used on older children and adults.
- Recognizing the Differences: Understand exactly where infant protocols diverge from adult and child CPR so you never default to the wrong technique under pressure.
Skills You'll Master
Beyond the core compression and breathing techniques, the course builds the surrounding skills that make CPR effective in a real emergency.
AED Operation
- Pad Placement: Correctly place AED pads for adult, child, and (where applicable) infant patients.
- Safety Checks: Confirm the area is clear before the device delivers a shock.
- Integrating the AED: Work the AED into the compression cycle with minimal interruption to chest compressions.
High-Quality Compressions
- Rate & Depth: Maintain the correct compression rate and depth throughout a full cycle, not just for the first few seconds.
- Minimizing Interruptions: Keep pauses in compressions as short as possible during rescue breaths, AED analysis, and rescuer switches.
Team & Bystander Response
- Multi-Rescuer Coordination: Switch compressor roles smoothly during multi-rescuer CPR without losing rhythm.
- Activating EMS: Know when and how to get emergency services called while care continues.
Requirements for CPR Certification
CPR Certification is open to teens and adults and does not require a swim test — that’s a lifeguard-specific requirement, not a CPR one. You do need to complete the coursework and demonstrate hands-on competency.
- Complete Online Modules: Finish the classroom portion covering CPR theory and AED fundamentals before your in-person session.
- Attend In-Person Skills Session: Practice compressions, rescue breathing, and AED use on training manikins under instructor supervision.
- Pass the Hands-On Skills Check: Demonstrate correct technique to a certified instructor before certification is issued.
How It Works
Our courses use a blended format so most of the coursework fits around your schedule.
- Step 1: Complete the online CPR and AED modules at your own pace.
Register for an in-person skills session near you.
- Step 2: Attend the in-person session prepared to practice on training manikins.
Work through the hands-on skills check with your instructor.
- Step 3: Demonstrate correct compressions, rescue breathing, and AED use to pass.
Receive your certification.
- Step 4: Get your nationally recognized 2-year CPR certification upon successful completion.
Nationally Recognized CPR Certification
Upon successful completion, you receive a professional CPR/AED certification from American Aquatics and Safety Training, valid for two years.
The curriculum follows nationally recognized CPR guidelines and is reviewed against current CMAHC-referenced standards.
Because employer and workplace requirements vary, always confirm with your employer or licensing body that this certification meets their specific criteria.
Who Needs CPR Certification?
CPR certification is required or strongly recommended across a wide range of roles.
- Lifeguards & Aquatics Staff: CPR is one of the three certifications bundled into standard Lifeguard Training.
- Teachers & Childcare Providers: Many schools and daycare licensing requirements mandate current CPR certification.
- Coaches & Fitness Professionals: Athletic organizations and gyms commonly require CPR credentials for staff.
- Caregivers & Parents: Anyone responsible for children, older adults, or at-risk individuals benefits from knowing CPR.
Frequently Asked Questions About CPR Certification
How long does CPR certification take?
Most candidates complete the online modules in 2–3 hours, followed by an in-person skills session that typically runs 2–4 hours depending on class size.
Is a swim test required for CPR certification?
No. A swim test is specific to lifeguard certification, not standalone CPR certification. CPR Certification only requires completing the coursework and passing the hands-on skills check.
What's the difference between CPR and First Aid certification — can I get both?
CPR covers cardiac arrest response, rescue breathing, and AED use. First Aid covers a broader range of injuries and medical emergencies like wound care, fractures, and allergic reactions. Many candidates take both, and they’re bundled together in our full Lifeguard Training course.
How long is the certification valid?
CPR Certification through American Aquatics and Safety Training is valid for two years from the date of successful completion.
More about CPR certification
Certification through Lifeguard Training HQ is blended — 7.5 hours of online coursework followed by 2 days of in-person skills sessions, 27.5 hours in total. You must be at least 15 and pass a swim test. Find lifeguard training by state and county or read how to become a certified lifeguard.