Renew ACLS and BLS online on your schedule. Learn how to complete recertification with flexible, self-paced modules that fit any shift.
ACLS certification is required for countless healthcare professionals who respond to cardiovascular emergencies—from nurses and physicians to paramedics, respiratory therapists, and advanced providers. When your ACLS card nears expiration, renewing it quickly is essential for staying active, compliant, and eligible to work.
The fastest way to renew ACLS today is through ACLS online recertification. With modern online training platforms, healthcare providers can complete their entire ACLS renewal in just a few hours—on any device, at their own pace, without the hassle of scheduling in-person classes.
This guide walks you through exactly how ACLS online recertification works and how you can complete yours today.
ACLS Online Recertification is a flexible, self-paced renewal option designed for healthcare professionals who already hold an ACLS certification and need to update their skills, clinical knowledge, and credentials. These programs follow the latest Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) guidelines and focus on reinforcing core concepts required for managing cardiovascular emergencies.
Many employers accept online ACLS renewal courses based on AHA guidelines, as long as the program covers the most recent science and competencies. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) itself requires a hands-on skills evaluation to issue an official AHA ACLS Provider Card. Because acceptance varies by employer and facility, healthcare professionals should always confirm whether an online-only ACLS renewal meets their workplace requirements.
Unlike initial ACLS certification—which traditionally involves longer, more structured training—ACLS online renewal concentrates on reinforcing what you already know, including:
Updated algorithms and clinical guidelines
Case-based scenarios and megacode simulations
High-quality CPR requirements
Airway management principles
ACS and stroke protocols
This streamlined approach allows experienced healthcare providers to complete renewal much faster while still staying aligned with current Advanced Cardiac Life Support standards.
Any healthcare professional whose ACLS certification is set to expire must complete an ACLS renewal course. This includes:
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
Physicians and physician assistants
Paramedics and EMTs
ICU, ER, OR, and Telemetry staff
Cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and procedural team members
Most organizations require ACLS renewal every two years. Employers and credentialing systems often require proof of a current ACLS Provider Card to maintain clinical privileges.
Before you begin, check what type of ACLS card your employer requires. If you need an official AHA ACLS Provider Card, you can’t complete the entire course online—you’ll need both online coursework and a hands-on skills assessment. If your employer accepts an ACLS provider card from a third-party program based on AHA guidelines, then you can complete the renewal fully online. Here’s how that process works:
Start by selecting a reputable ACLS online provider that follows the latest AHA guidelines. Look for:
Evidence-based curriculum
Clear alignment with Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support standards
Positive reviews from healthcare professionals
After enrolling, you receive instant access to:
ACLS study guides
Clinical algorithms
Practice tests
Video instruction
Megacode scenarios
This lets you begin your ACLS online recertification immediately—no waiting for class dates.
Online ACLS renewal is self-paced. Most experienced healthcare professionals finish in 2–4 hours, depending on familiarity with ACLS algorithms and protocols.
You’ll take an online ACLS exam that evaluates your understanding of:
Cardiac arrest algorithms
Rhythm interpretation
ACS, stroke, and respiratory emergencies
Pharmacology
High-quality CPR
Team dynamics
Many programs offer unlimited exam retakes, so you can attempt the test until you achieve a passing score.
Once you pass the exam, you’ll instantly receive:
A downloadable ACLS Provider Card
A printable PDF for employer submission
Optional physical card (if offered)
This provides immediate proof of renewal.
A comprehensive ACLS online course typically includes:
Latest ACLS algorithms
High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines
Airway management strategies
Megacode practice scenarios
Case simulations for cardiac arrest, stroke, and ACS
Pharmacology and dosing review
Team leadership and communication skills
These tools reinforce the knowledge required to handle life-threatening emergencies effectively.
Many healthcare providers choose ACLS online renewal because it’s faster, more flexible, and easier to fit into a demanding clinical schedule. Key benefits include:
Recertify in just a few hours
No scheduling conflicts or classroom attendance
Self-paced learning on any device
Unlimited exam retakes (provider-dependent)
Instant digital certification upon passing
When it comes to skills verification, healthcare professionals generally have three options:
Official AHA ACLS Certification – Requires both online coursework and an in-person, hands-on skills evaluation.
Independent Online ACLS Providers – Some allow you to complete renewal 100% online with no skills testing.
AMRI’s Approach – AMRI uses a simple, employer-based clinical skills verification form completed by your hospital educator, supervisor, or a board-certified physician. This aligns with what most hospitals already require internally and allows the entire ACLS renewal process to remain fully online.
With these options available, your employer’s requirements determine which path you should follow. For busy medical professionals managing long shifts, rotating schedules, and ongoing education, completing ACLS renewal online—especially through a streamlined provider like AMRI—is often the most convenient and efficient way to stay certified.
Most ACLS online renewals take between 2 and 4 hours to complete.
Your completion time depends on:
Your skill and experience level
Familiarity with ACLS algorithms
Whether you review the entire course or skip to the exam
How quickly you complete the ACLS certification exam
Many seasoned healthcare professionals finish the entire process—including the exam—in one sitting.
ACLS is updated regularly based on the latest AHA scientific evidence. Your recertification ensures you stay aligned with:
Updated cardiac arrest algorithms
Pharmacology changes
New airway and ventilation strategies
High-quality CPR benchmarks
Stroke and ACS protocol adjustments
Updated recommendations for minimizing interruptions in compressions
These updates are critical for improving patient outcomes and maintaining clinical competency.
To pass your ACLS online exam quickly and confidently:
Review the core ACLS algorithms first. These form the foundation of the exam.
Focus on megacode logic. Most errors occur in sequence management and timing.
Use the included practice test. It helps you identify gaps before the final exam.
Refresh rhythm interpretation basics. Quick recognition speeds up decision-making.
Understand drug indications and dosing. Especially epinephrine, amiodarone, atropine, and ACLS interventions.
These tips help reduce test anxiety and ensure smooth renewal.
Yes. ACLS certifications typically expire every two years and must be renewed to remain valid.
Yes, you can complete ACLS renewal online with many accredited providers. If you require an official AHA ACLS Provider Card, a hands-on skills session is required. Always verify employer acceptance.
Most organizations accept a digital provider card immediately. Physical cards are optional.
It depends on the type of ACLS certification your employer requires. Official AHA ACLS certification includes a hands-on skills evaluation. However, many employers accept ACLS renewal from online providers that do not require an in-person skills test. AMRI follows this model and uses an employer-based clinical skills verification form instead.
Many healthcare providers finish in under four hours.
No. BLS covers basic CPR skills; ACLS builds on BLS with advanced interventions, pharmacology, and clinical decision-making.
When comparing ACLS online programs, make sure they offer:
AHA guideline-based curriculum
Instant access
Unlimited exam attempts
Downloadable and printable ACLS card
CME/CE credits
Strong customer support
Learn more about our ACLS certification program and claim your 25% discount.
These features ensure you receive a reliable, fast, and compliant renewal experience.
If your ACLS certification is near expiration, there’s no need to wait for an in-person class. With ACLS online recertification, you can:
Start immediately
Complete the course in a few hours
Pass the exam on your own time
Receive instant ACLS certification
Start your ACLS online renewal today and get certified before your next shift.
