The two most widely known organizations offering CPR training are the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross.  Both offer courses ranging from Basic Life Saving (BLS) or CPR for the Professional Rescuer to First Aid and both provide courses in adult CPR/AED, pediatric CPR/AED as well as infant CPR/AED.  The most important difference between the two are whether your certification from either organization is accepted by your employer or school or not.

The similarities:

Both organizations follow guidelines for CPR training that have been established by the American Heart Association.  The AHA is responsible for setting the guidelines that are accepted and used throughout the United States.

• The Red Cross follows and teaches the principles of these guidelines.
• They both offer both online and in-person courses, known as “blended” courses.
• They both offer First Aid certifications and CPR/AED certifications to the community as well as healthcare professionals.

The differences:

The AHA certification in CPR is more widely accepted by healthcare professionals as it is considered slightly more extensive as well as more challenging.

• The Red Cross allows an 80% or higher on their exams as passing, the AHA requires a score of 84% or higher.
• The AHA certifies their students for two years where as the Red Cross certification is good for one or two years, depending on the level of CPR certification.

Check with your employer as to which type, the HA or the Red Cross is acceptable or preferred.