By Sam Halberstadt · Reviewed by Marina Chen
Editor · USCG-licensed Master 50 GT · Updated May 6, 2026
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Who accredits CPR (and who doesn't)
AHA (American Heart Association) and ARC (American Red Cross) are the two universally-accepted accreditors in North America. Their cards are honored by employers, USCG, charter operators, schools, and emergency services without question.
NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approves boating-safety courses, not CPR. If a vendor claims 'NASBLA-approved CPR,' that's a marketing red flag — the real accreditor name will be AHA, ARC, ASHI, or the National Safety Council.
USCG specifically accepts AHA Heartsaver, ARC Adult/Child/Infant CPR, and ASHI for OUPV applications — but call your REC office to confirm the specific course code before paying.
Online vs blended vs in-person
Fully online: lessons and the test on a laptop, no in-person component. Acceptable for general workplace CPR and personal preparedness, but explicitly NOT accepted for USCG OUPV applications.
Blended: online lessons followed by a 30-minute in-person skills check at a local AHA training site. Accepted for USCG OUPV. Total time: 2–3 hours.
In-person: traditional half-day classroom course. Same card as blended, more practice on the manikin, more expensive (typically $80–$120).
What the test actually covers
Adult, child, and infant CPR (compression depth, rate, hand position).
AED operation — pads placement, shock vs no-shock decisions, pediatric vs adult mode.
Choking — Heimlich for adults and children, back-blows-and-chest-thrusts for infants.
Recovery position and basic airway management.
Most marine first-aid courses include drowning recovery as a special topic — a few breaths before compressions if witnessed drowning, vs straight to compressions for cardiac arrest.
How long it takes and how often to renew
Fully-online courses: 1–2 hours of lessons plus a 30-minute test.
Blended: 1.5 hours online plus a 30-minute in-person skills check (scheduled separately).
Renewal cycle: AHA cards are valid 2 years; ARC cards are valid 2 years. USCG requires a current card at the time of OUPV application — renew before the application, not after.
Our picks
Best overallAmerican Heart Association Heartsaver Online
$22 + skills check fee
- AHA gold-standard card
- Same cert most employers and USCG want
- Includes AED training
- Blended format accepted by USCG
- Skills check requires in-person session ($30–$60 extra)
- Find a local site at heart.org
ProTrainings.com CPR/AED Certification
$59.95
- Fully online including skills demo via webcam
- Accepted by USCG for OUPV
- 2-year cert
- Instant download of card
- Higher single-course price than AHA online portion alone
American Red Cross Adult/Child/Infant CPR Online
$35 + in-person check
- Universally accepted card
- Strong infant/pediatric content
- Blended option available
- Skills check required for full certification
Frequently asked
Yes for several NMC-accepted programs (ProTrainings, ASHI Online). AHA and ARC require the blended format with an in-person skills check. Confirm with your specific REC office before paying.
