Keeping your team prepared for emergencies is not just a best practice, it is a responsibility. Whether you manage a small office, a school, or a large company, ensuring that employees stay current with their CPR and First Aid certifications can make the difference in saving lives. Many businesses know training is important, but the question often comes up: How often should CPR and First Aid certifications be renewed?

Standard Renewal Timelines

Most CPR and First Aid certifications are valid for two years. After this period, individuals must take a renewal course to stay compliant and maintain their skills. This standard applies to courses such as:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers

• Heartsaver CPR and AED

• Heartsaver First Aid and CPR

At Front Range CPR, our certification cards clearly show the expiration date so you know exactly when a recertification is due.

Why Recertification Matters for Businesses

For organizations, keeping certifications current is not only about compliance. It is about ensuring readiness when emergencies happen. Over time, skills can fade, and medical guidelines are updated. Businesses that prioritize timely recertification:

• Stay compliant with OSHA and workplace safety requirements

• Reduce liability risks by demonstrating preparedness

• Increase employee confidence in responding to emergencies

• Maintain a safer environment for customers, clients, and staff

A Timeline for Employers

Here is a simple guideline for business owners and managers:

• Annually: Review staff certifications and schedule upcoming renewals.

• Every 2 Years: Require full CPR and First Aid recertification courses for all staff whose certifications have expired.

• New Employees: Check certifications during onboarding and schedule training if they are not current.

• High-Risk Workplaces (construction, fitness centers, childcare, healthcare settings): Consider refresher sessions yearly, even if the certification period is two years.

How to Stay Organized

Managing certifications across a team can be challenging, but a little organization goes a long way. Create a tracking system with employee names, certification types, and expiration dates. Some businesses set reminders six months before expiration so renewals can be scheduled without disruption.

At Front Range CPR, we offer on-site training for businesses across Colorado, making it easy to get your entire team recertified at once.

Next Steps for Your Business

Do not wait until certifications have expired. Proactive recertification ensures that your workplace is always ready for the unexpected. If you are unsure when your team is due for renewal, we can help review your current status and create a training plan that works around your schedule.