ACLS, PALS, and BLS: Renewal Tips and American Heart Association Guidelines

Diverse nurses practicing ACLS and PALS on adult and pediatric mannequins in a simulation lab with an instructor and visible digital certification card

This article helps U.S. nurses navigate ACLS, PALS, and BLS renewal using American Heart Association guidance while mapping those courses to nursing certification paths—LPN, RN, and specialty credentials. Read practical renewal timelines, employer and state compliance tips, study plans for recertification, and career-ladder strategies to maintain licenses, strengthen clinical skills, and advance in acute and specialty nursing roles.

How ACLS PALS and BLS Fit into Nursing Certification and Career Ladders

For nurses in the United States, resuscitation certifications are more than just mandatory training; they are foundational building blocks for career advancement. Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) are essential credentials that validate your ability to respond effectively in life-or-death situations. Understanding what each course entails, who needs it, and how it fits into your professional journey is critical for managing your career path, from your first LPN role to advanced specialty practice.

Basic Life Support (BLS) The Universal Foundation
BLS is the cornerstone of resuscitation care. As defined by the American Heart Association (AHA), the BLS Provider course teaches high-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants, the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and relief of choking. It is designed for all healthcare professionals, from LPNs and RNs to physicians and paramedics. You will find BLS is a non-negotiable requirement for nearly every clinical role in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. It is the fundamental skill set expected of any licensed nurse.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) For High-Acuity Adult Care
ACLS builds directly upon BLS skills. The AHA’s ACLS course is designed for healthcare professionals who direct or participate in managing cardiac arrest and other cardiovascular emergencies in adult patients. This includes nurses working in the emergency department (ED), intensive care units (ICU), telemetry units, operating rooms (OR), and on code teams. The curriculum goes beyond basic CPR to cover airway management, rhythm recognition, electrical therapies like defibrillation and cardioversion, and the pharmacology of resuscitation. An LPN might not be required to hold an ACLS card, but for an RN aspiring to work in any high-acuity setting, it is an essential credential.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Specialized Care for Children
PALS is the pediatric equivalent of ACLS. The AHA’s PALS course focuses on a systematic approach to assessing and treating critically ill infants and children. It is a requirement for nurses in pediatric ICUs (PICU), pediatric emergency departments, and neonatal ICUs (NICU), and other settings where they are likely to encounter pediatric emergencies. PALS covers pediatric-specific algorithms for cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, and shock, emphasizing the unique physiological differences between children and adults. If your career path involves caring for patients under the age of 18, PALS is the certification you will need.

These certifications are typically valid for two years. Employers enforce this through their credentialing or human resources departments, and an expired card can result in being removed from the clinical schedule until it is renewed. The credential you receive is an AHA Course Completion eCard, which is the nationally recognized standard. Hospitals, EMS agencies, and specialty certification boards require AHA-aligned training because the AHA sets the evidence-based guidelines for resuscitation science in the U.S. This ensures a consistent, high-quality standard of care across all healthcare systems. While other organizations offer CPR training, the AHA card is the one that virtually every U.S. healthcare employer will demand.

These certifications are directly tied to your career ladder. An LPN entering an LPN-to-RN bridge program will need a current BLS card. Upon graduating with an ADN or BSN, that BLS card remains a core requirement for any RN position. The career path diverges from there. To move into a specialty, you will need more advanced training. For example, becoming a critical care nurse and pursuing the CCRN certification requires a current ACLS card. The same is true for emergency nurses seeking the CEN credential. Oncology nurses aiming for the OCN certification in an inpatient setting are often required to have ACLS as well. For pediatric nurses, a PALS certification is a prerequisite for many specialty certifications, including those for NICU and PICU roles.

Your state board of nursing and the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) are concerned with your license to practice, not these specific certifications. A compact license allows you to practice in multiple states, but you must still meet the employment requirements of the facility where you work. It is the employer, guided by clinical standards and patient safety protocols, that mandates BLS, ACLS, or PALS. Therefore, it is crucial to check the requirements of both your state board and your specific employer’s credentialing office. What is required for a telemetry unit in one hospital may differ slightly from another. Always verify the latest guidance directly from the American Heart Association, as guidelines were most recently updated in 2020, and consult your hospital’s education department to ensure you are meeting all current requirements.

Practical Renewal Strategies and Study Plans for Recertification

Managing your BLS, ACLS, and PALS renewals doesn’t have to be a last-minute scramble. With a structured approach, you can stay certified without the stress. This playbook breaks down the process into manageable steps, from creating a timeline to documenting your new card.

A proactive timeline is your best tool for a smooth recertification process. Waiting until the last month can lead to limited class availability and added pressure. Here is a simple template to follow.

  • 6 Months Before Expiry
    This is the time for initial planning. Check the exact expiration date on your current BLS, ACLS, or PALS eCard. Verify your employer’s requirements; do they mandate a full classroom course, or is a blended format acceptable? Look into your facility’s reimbursement policy. You may need to get pre-approval or use a specific training provider to be eligible for payment.
  • 3 Months Before Expiry
    Now it’s time to act. Choose your recertification format and find an authorized American Heart Association (AHA) training center. Register for your course, making sure the date is well before your card expires. This is also the perfect time to begin your study plan. Purchase or access the latest provider manual and start reviewing the core concepts and algorithms.
  • 1 Month Before Expiry
    Intensify your preparation. If you chose a blended course like HeartCode® BLS, ACLS, or PALS, this is when you should complete the online portion. Schedule dedicated time for practice tests and algorithm drills. Confirm the logistics for your in-person skills session, including the location, time, and any pre-course work you need to bring.

You have two primary options for renewal: the traditional full classroom course or a blended learning format. The AHA’s blended option, known as HeartCode®, combines online cognitive learning with a hands-on skills session. This is an excellent choice for experienced nurses who are confident in their knowledge and have busy schedules, as it significantly reduces in-person time. The full classroom course is often better for nurses who are less confident, prefer direct interaction with an instructor, or work for an employer that requires it. Both paths lead to the same official AHA eCard, valid for two years.

Effective studying is about focus, not just hours logged. Instead of rereading the entire manual, concentrate on high-yield activities.

  • Focused Algorithm Review
    Go beyond memorization. For each step in the 2020 AHA algorithms, ask yourself why it’s there. Understand the pathophysiology behind giving epinephrine in cardiac arrest or the rationale for synchronized cardioversion in unstable tachycardia.
  • Hands-On Megacode Practice
    This is non-negotiable for ACLS and PALS. Grab a few colleagues and walk through scenarios. Practice closed-loop communication, assign roles, and verbalize every action, from checking for a pulse to announcing rhythm changes and administering medications.
  • Rhythm Recognition Drills
    Use flashcards or online simulators to practice identifying key rhythms quickly and accurately. You should be able to instantly differentiate between ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, asystole, and PEA.
  • Pediatric Scenario Practice
    For PALS renewal, focus on the systematic pediatric assessment approach. Practice using the pediatric assessment triangle (Appearance, Work of Breathing, Circulation to Skin) and run scenarios involving respiratory distress, shock, and cardiac arrest, paying close attention to weight-based medication dosing and equipment sizing.
  • Timed Mock Simulations
    Use high-quality question banks to simulate the pressure of the written exam. Timed practice helps you manage the clock and identify knowledge gaps before the actual test.

Here is a sample 6-week study plan for an ACLS or PALS renewal.

  • Weeks 1-2
    Review the latest AHA guidelines, focusing on any changes since your last certification. Begin the HeartCode® eLearning modules, completing a few sections each week.
  • Weeks 3-4
    Dive deep into the core algorithms (e.g., Cardiac Arrest, Bradycardia, Tachycardia, Post-Cardiac Arrest Care). Review pharmacology, including doses and indications for key resuscitation drugs. Drill rhythm strips daily.
  • Week 5
    Complete all remaining eLearning modules. Take at least two full-length practice exams. Conduct two or three hands-on megacode practice sessions with peers.
  • Week 6
    Do a final review of algorithms and pharmacology. Get a good night’s sleep before your scheduled in-person skills session.

Navigating the logistics can be challenging. To find an AHA-authorized training center, use the official class locator on the AHA website. Costs can vary, so always confirm pricing and ask about your employer’s reimbursement process beforehand. One of the most common barriers is an expired card. If your certification lapses, even by a day, most training centers will require you to take the longer, more comprehensive initial provider course rather than the shorter renewal class. Scheduling conflicts and travel, especially for nurses in rural areas, are also common hurdles, making it essential to plan several months in advance.

Once you pass, proper documentation is the final step. As soon as you receive your eCard, save it as a PDF in a dedicated folder on your computer and in a cloud storage service. Create a digital portfolio to store all your certifications, licenses, and CE certificates. Promptly forward a copy of your new card to your employer’s credentialing office or unit manager. If the course offers continuing education units, upload the certificate to your state board’s tracking system or your specialty certification body to ensure you get credit for license and certification renewal.

For LPNs and RNs, the decision to pursue ACLS or PALS often depends on your role and workplace. While BLS is nearly universal, advanced certifications are typically required in acute care settings like the ED, ICU, or telemetry units. An LPN in an outpatient clinic may not need ACLS, but an LPN working on a progressive care unit might be required by their employer to obtain it. Always check your facility’s policy and understand how the skills taught in the course align with your state’s scope of practice for your license.

Finally, remember that resuscitation science evolves. Always verify you are studying the most current course formats and algorithms directly from official AHA resources and your hospital’s clinical educators. The 2020 AHA Guidelines have been integrated into all current courses, and staying aligned with the latest science is a core professional responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Renewal and Certification

Navigating the rules around certification renewal can feel like a job in itself. Below are answers to some of the most common questions nurses have about staying current with their BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications.

How often do my ACLS, PALS, and BLS certifications expire?
All American Heart Association (AHA) provider certifications, including BLS, ACLS, and PALS, are valid for exactly two years. Your eCard will have both an issue date and an expiration date clearly printed on it. It’s crucial to renew before the expiration date to avoid any lapse in your credentials, which could affect your employment status.

Next Step: Locate your current eCards, check the expiration dates, and set a reminder in your calendar for six months before they are due to expire. This gives you plenty of time to schedule and prepare for a renewal course without any last-minute stress.

Can I renew my certification completely online, or is a skills session always required?
No official AHA provider card can be earned through a 100% online course. The AHA’s blended learning program, known as HeartCode®, is a popular and flexible option. It allows you to complete the educational modules and written exam online on your own schedule. However, to receive your official eCard, you must attend a scheduled, in-person skills session with a certified AHA instructor to demonstrate your hands-on proficiency.

Next Step: If you prefer self-paced learning, register for an official AHA HeartCode® course for BLS, ACLS, or PALS. After completing the online portion, find an authorized AHA Training Center near you to schedule your mandatory hands-on skills verification.

My certification expired. Do I have to take the full, initial course again?
This policy is determined by the individual AHA Training Center, not the AHA itself. Some training centers may offer a brief grace period (e.g., 30-60 days) after your card expires, allowing you to take a shorter renewal course. However, many centers strictly require you to retake the full, initial provider course if your certification has lapsed, even by one day. This initial course is longer and often more expensive.

Next Step: If your card has expired, contact your local AHA Training Center immediately. Ask for their specific policy regarding lapsed certifications before you register for any class.

Are non-AHA courses accepted by employers or specialty boards?
It is highly unlikely. The vast majority of hospitals, healthcare systems, and specialty nursing boards in the U.S. exclusively require certifications from the American Heart Association. While other organizations may offer courses based on similar resuscitation science, their credentials are often not recognized by employers for credentialing purposes. Relying on a non-AHA card is a professional risk that could jeopardize your job or specialty certification.

Next Step: Always verify your employer’s requirements with your manager or credentialing department. When in doubt, enroll only in an official AHA-authorized course to ensure compliance.

I’m an LPN. Can I take ACLS or PALS, and will my employer recognize it?
Yes, LPNs and LVNs are welcome to take ACLS and PALS courses. In many practice settings, such as long-term acute care, urgent care, or telemetry units, these advanced certifications are becoming increasingly common and sometimes required for LPNs. Earning these certifications can expand your skills and open doors to new roles. Whether it is required or simply encouraged depends on your facility’s policies and your state’s LPN scope of practice.

Next Step: Speak with your nurse manager or clinical educator about whether ACLS or PALS is appropriate for your current role or career goals within the organization.

How do these certifications relate to maintaining my specialty credentials like CCRN or CEN?
A current AHA certification is often a non-negotiable prerequisite for maintaining an advanced specialty credential. For example, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) requires you to have a valid, unexpired ACLS or PALS certification to renew your CCRN. Letting your AHA card lapse could make you ineligible to renew your hard-earned specialty certification.

Next Step: Visit the website of your specialty certifying body (e.g., AACN, BCEN) and carefully review their renewal requirements. Make sure your AHA certification renewal dates are aligned well ahead of your specialty certification’s expiration.

How should I track and submit CE for state license renewal?
AHA provider courses typically offer continuing education credits. Upon successful completion, your Training Center will issue a certificate detailing the number of CE hours awarded. You are responsible for submitting this proof to your state board of nursing according to their specific rules. Many states now use online tracking systems where you can upload your certificates directly.

Next Step: Check your state board of nursing’s website to understand their CE submission process. Keep a digital portfolio of all your CE certificates, including your AHA eCards, so they are organized and ready for your license renewal period.

Where can I find financial assistance or employer reimbursement?
If ACLS, PALS, or BLS is a requirement for your position, your employer will almost always cover the cost. This is often handled in one of three ways: your facility offers the courses on-site at no charge, they provide a voucher for a local training center, or they reimburse you after you pay upfront and submit the receipt. For nurses seeking certification independently, financial aid is less common but may be available through professional nursing organizations or local workforce grants.

Next Step: Before paying for a course, clarify your employer’s reimbursement policy with your manager or human resources department.

When should I contact my state board versus my employer for conflicting rules?
You must always meet the requirements of both. Your state board of nursing sets the minimum legal standard required to practice. Your employer sets the policies required for employment at their facility, which are often stricter. For instance, your state may not require ACLS for RN licensure, but your hospital’s policy requires it for all nurses working in the ICU. In such cases, you must follow the stricter rule—that of your employer.

Next Step: If you encounter a confusing or conflicting rule, start by seeking clarification from your employer’s education or credentialing department. If the issue remains unresolved and could potentially impact your license, then it is appropriate to contact your state board of nursing for guidance.

What is the difference between an “Update” course and a “Provider” course?
These terms distinguish between renewal and initial certification courses. An “Update” or “Renewal” course is a shorter, faster-paced class designed for individuals who hold a current, unexpired provider card. The “Provider” course is the full, initial certification class for first-time participants or those whose previous certification has expired. It covers the material in more depth and takes longer to complete.

Next Step: When registering for a class, carefully select the correct option. If your card is still valid, choose the “Update” or “Renewal” course. If you are new to the certification or have an expired card, you will almost certainly need to register for the full “Provider” course.

Conclusion and Recommended Next Steps

Navigating the landscape of nursing certifications, from foundational life support to advanced specialty credentials, is a continuous journey, not a destination. You’ve learned about the nuances of ACLS, PALS, and BLS, the importance of the 2020 AHA guidelines, and how these certifications serve as building blocks for your entire career. The key takeaway is that managing these requirements proactively transforms them from stressful obligations into strategic opportunities for growth. It’s about taking control of your professional development, one renewal cycle at a time. To help you translate this knowledge into immediate action, here is a practical checklist to guide your next steps.

Your Immediate Recertification and Career Progression Checklist

  • Audit Your Expiration Dates Today.
    Before you do anything else, pull up your current BLS, ACLS, and PALS eCards. Find the expiration dates and put them in your digital calendar. Don’t just set one reminder; set three. One for 90 days out, one for 60 days out, and a final one for 30 days out. A 90-day alert gives you ample time to research courses and align your schedule without pressure. The 60-day alert is your cue to register for a class, and the 30-day alert is your final check-in to confirm your study plan and class logistics. Letting a certification lapse, even by a day, can create significant administrative headaches and may even require you to take the longer, more intensive initial provider course instead of a renewal. This simple five-minute task prevents future stress and ensures you remain compliant without any last-minute scrambling.

  • Confirm Your Specific Requirements.
    Remember that compliance is a two-part equation: your employer’s policy and your state board of nursing’s regulations. They are not always the same. Your hospital or clinic might require ACLS for a role where the state board only mandates an active RN license. Pull up your facility’s credentialing policy on your employee intranet. Check if they require a specific course format, such as a fully instructor-led class versus a blended HeartCode® option. Simultaneously, visit your state board of nursing’s website to verify their continuing education requirements for license renewal. If you find any discrepancies or have questions, your first point of contact should be your unit manager or your hospital’s clinical education department. Getting this clarity now saves you from taking the wrong course or missing a critical requirement.

  • Enroll in an AHA-Aligned Recertification Course Early.
    With your 90-day reminder as your guide, start looking for your renewal course. Popular class dates, especially for in-person skills sessions, fill up quickly. Enrolling early guarantees you a spot that fits your work and personal schedule. It also gives you access to the course materials well in advance, which is crucial for familiarizing yourself with any updates from the 2020 AHA Guidelines. The American Heart Association website offers tools to find authorized training centers near you. Whether you choose a traditional classroom setting or a blended learning option like HeartCode® ACLS, booking ahead of time puts you in control of the process.

  • Create a Realistic Study Timetable.
    Cramming for a life-support exam is not an effective strategy. These skills require deep familiarity, not just rote memorization. Once you enroll, create a simple study plan. Dedicate a few hours each week to review the core material. Spend one week focused on the updated BLS and ACLS algorithms, another on pharmacology, and a third on ECG rhythm recognition. Practice with online pre-tests and review the official 2020 AHA Algorithms directly from the source. This spaced repetition approach builds confidence and ensures the knowledge is truly integrated into your clinical practice, making you more effective during a real emergency.

  • Maintain a Digital Professional Portfolio.
    Get into the habit of logging every professional achievement in one central, digital location. This isn’t just for your life support cards. Create a folder on a cloud drive or use a dedicated portfolio app to store your eCards, CE certificates, transcripts, annual performance reviews, and any letters of recognition. When it’s time for your license renewal or a job application, you won’t have to dig through emails and paper files. A well-organized portfolio makes submitting documentation effortless and provides a powerful, at-a-glance overview of your professional growth for performance reviews and career discussions with your manager.

  • Map Your One-Year and Three-Year Career Goals.
    Use your recertification cycle as a natural checkpoint for career planning. Ask yourself where you want to be in one year and in three years. Your one-year goal might be tactical, such as transitioning from an LPN to an RN through a bridge program or completing your RN to BSN. Your three-year goal should be more strategic. Do you want to pursue a specialty certification like the CCRN for critical care or the CEN for emergency nursing? Research the requirements for these credentials now. You’ll find that ACLS and PALS are often prerequisites. By mapping this out, you can align your continuing education and on-the-job experiences to build the skills and meet the eligibility criteria for your next big move.

Finally, make proactive communication a standard part of your professional practice. Talk to your manager about your career goals during your annual review. Ask about mentorship opportunities or financial support for certifications. Connect with your hospital’s clinical educators; they are invaluable resources for understanding institutional requirements and finding approved courses. By treating routine recertification not as a recurring task but as a deliberate step on your career ladder, you transform a simple requirement into a powerful catalyst for sharpening your skills and advancing your professional journey.

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Legal Disclaimers & Brand Notices

General Medical Disclaimer: The content of this article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It discusses professional certification requirements, training standards, and career pathways within the nursing field. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor should it be used as a replacement for official training or guidelines provided by the American Heart Association (AHA) or your employer’s clinical protocols. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider or clinical educator with any questions you may have regarding medical conditions, procedures, or professional practice standards.

Trademark Acknowledgement: All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement. Specific trademarks mentioned in this article include:

  • American Heart Association (AHA) and HeartCode® are registered trademarks of the American Heart Association.
  • CCRN® (Critical Care Registered Nurse) is a registered trademark of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
  • CEN® (Certified Emergency Nurse) is a registered trademark of the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN).
  • BLS, ACLS, and PALS are common abbreviations for courses developed and offered by the American Heart Association.