Renew ACLS Certification Before It Expires: What You Need to Know

As a healthcare professional responding to a cardiac arrest on a crowded street, every decision you make can save a life. Your training guides what you do next, from severity assessment and giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to administering an automated external defibrillator (AED) properly.

A study by the American Journal of Nursing Research looked at 282 nurses and found that about 83.9% of them had inadequate Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) knowledge. This knowledge gap often impacts the confidence of handling cardiac arrest cases, highlighting the need for up‑to‑date ACLS training among professionals.

You must renew ACLS certification to access protocols and techniques that improve patient survival in emergencies. It teaches you how to keep your credentials current, master updated guidelines, and handle cardiac events with confidence. So, scroll down to find all you need to know to maintain your ACLS card and its procedure.

What Is ACLS Certification and Why Does It Matter?

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) equips healthcare professionals to manage cardiac arrest, stroke, and other heart emergencies. In addition to basic CPR and AED training, it helps you gain advanced soft skills useful in the healthcare domain. Let us have a look at each of its components:

ACLS Certification Requirements

ACLS certification is mandatory for healthcare workers in emergency departments, intensive care units (ICU), and cardiac wards. Doctors, nurses, paramedics, and respiratory therapists all need this credential. It proves you can handle cardiac arrest, dangerous arrhythmias, and other critical heart emergencies.

Why it Matters

ACLS training accelerates recovery by teaching rapid treatment steps and fostering effective team communication to prevent errors. It follows up-to-date guidelines that standardize care across settings. You should renew your certificate every two years to keep skills current and stay ready for serious heart emergencies.

Skill Inclusions 

This advanced course teaches life-saving skills, including high-quality CPR and AED use, airway management with intubation or devices, and ventilation support with a bag-valve-mask or mechanical ventilator. You’ll also learn ECG heart monitoring, administer emergency medications, and provide post-resuscitation care to stabilize patients after a cardiac event.

How Long Is ACLS Certification Valid For?

The standard validity period for ACLS certification is up to 2 years from the date you receive it. Once the certification expires, you lose your active status and may face employment complications in medical settings.  Let’s explore the renewal timing requirements:

Renewal vs. Recertification

If your ACLS card is still valid but nearing its expiration, you can take a shorter renewal class to learn the updated guidelines. But if your certification has already lapsed, you’ll need to go through the full ACLS course again to get recertified.

Time to Get ACLS Renewal

Your ACLS certification is good for two years, so make a habit of renewing every other year. Start the renewal process a few weeks before your card expires to avoid any gap. Since most accrediting bodies don’t offer a grace period, it’s best to be prompt with the renewal process.

How to Renew ACLS Certification 

The duration to renew ACLS certification depends on the course format and training partner. Try to keep track of your validity expiration so that you can align the renewal process with your busy schedule. Here’s a step-by-step checklist to help you start your certificate updation journey:

Step 1: Check ACLS Certification Status

You can determine the certification status by looking at your ACLS card’s date of issuance. If you have misplaced or lost the card, log in to your online training account or contact the training center where you originally completed the course. They can confirm your certification status and provide a replacement digital card if needed. 

Step 2: Look for a Recognized Renewal Course

Search for accredited ACLS renewal courses by an Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) compliant local training center or an online training provider. Check if the course is recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) or another federally recognized body. You can also ask your peers and colleagues for recommendations and read online reviews to decide.

Step 3: Enroll in the Course

Enroll in the renewal course, submit any required documents (such as proof of provider status), and pay the fee. Make sure you receive confirmation of your course date, time, and location or access link.

Step 4: Start Your Learning Journey

Start by setting a schedule for self-paced online ACLS classes. After completion, participate in hands-on training where you will apply your theoretical knowledge and refresh your skills. 

Step 5: Appear for the Assessment

Accredited renewal courses require you to complete the assessment to judge whether you understand the updated ACLS protocols.  You need not worry about passing this exam on the first attempt, as most providers let you take unlimited exam attempts.

Step 6: Receive Your Renewed ACLS Certification

After passing both assessments, you will get your renewed ACLS card, valid for the next two years. You must update your employer and professional profiles with the new expiration date after you renew ACLS certification.

Other Considerations: Costs, Exams, and CE Credits

The fees to renew ACLS certification vary by provider and mode of delivery; however, the exam pattern remains consistent across all compliant programs. For better professional progression, you must also check if your training partner provides continuing education (CE) credits. Here, we will break down the key elements to help you choose the best renewal option:

Cost of ACLS Certification Renewal

The course fee for your renewal course depends on the mode of your training. Online courses often cost less when compared to in-person or blended training programs. Additionally, look for cancellation and refund policies before enrolling.

ACLS Renewal Exams

Take your ACLS recertification exam online, answering multiple-choice questions on the newest protocols, algorithms, and emergency medications. Aim for at least an 80% score to pass; most providers let you retry as many times as you need at no extra cost.

Continuing Education Credits

ACLS recertification courses usually offer continuing education credits (CE/CME) that count toward professional development. Accredited by major health bodies and accepted by most U.S. hospitals, these credits support licensure requirements and career growth. 

Get Your ACLS Certification Renewed Today!

To maintain your ACLS credentials, you require proactive planning and understanding of the renewal process. You can renew ACLS certification through a streamlined course that includes updated protocols, exam requirements, and continuing education credits. With a strict 2-year validity and no grace period for expiration, timing is critical. Fortunately, online renewal courses let you learn on your schedule without cutting corners on quality. So, choose the course format that fits your routine and stay ready to deliver top-notch patient care, no matter where your shifts take you. Ready to maintain your ACLS credentials without interruption? Enroll in an accredited ACLS renewal course today and secure your professional standing.