Basic Life Support (BLS) Recertification
Renew your BLS certificate in a 2-hour, hands-on Canadian Red Cross course built for nurses, healthcare providers, and first responders. You’ll leave with your new certificate the same day.
- Course length
- 2 hoursHands-on
- Price
- $75plus GST
- Certificate
- Same dayValid 1 year
Running at our Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey training centres.
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Medical professionals
Instructors who work in the field and keep class engaging, so the skills actually stick.
12 students max
Small classes mean more hands-on time with the equipment and your instructor.
Modern training centres
Clean, upscale facilities with current equipment, including the manikins, AED trainers and bag-valve masks you’ll be tested on.
19 years of experience
Delivering first aid and CPR courses for 19 years, with over 70,000 first aid certificates issued.
BLS Recertification Schedule
Your BLS certificate must still be valid on the day of class. We accept Canadian Red Cross, Heart & Stroke, and St. John Ambulance BLS. If yours has expired, book the full BLS course instead.
What Is BLS Recertification?
BLS recertification is a 2-hour course that renews your Basic Life Support certificate for another year. Designed by the Canadian Red Cross for professionals with a duty to respond, it refreshes rapid assessment, high-quality CPR, and early defibrillation with an AED, practised as part of a team the way you’d respond on the job.
Many health authorities, colleges, and employers require a current BLS certificate every year, so most people renew annually.
Who can take the recertification?
- You hold a BLS certificate from the Canadian Red Cross, Heart & Stroke, or St. John Ambulance
- Your certificate is still valid on the day of class
- There’s no grace period. If your certificate has expired, even by a day, you’ll need the full BLS course
Who is BLS for?
In-facility care providers such as nurses, care aides, and medical and dental professionals, plus pre-hospital responders including fire and rescue crews, sports medicine staff, lifeguards, and ski patrol.
Tip: Book a few weeks before your expiry date so you don’t miss a shift or a clinical placement waiting for a seat.
What’s Covered in the Recertification
The full Basic Life Support skill set, refreshed and re-evaluated in two hours.
Assessment
- Glove removal and infection control
- Rapid primary assessment
- Recognizing respiratory and cardiac arrest
CPR and defibrillation
- High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
- Rapid defibrillation with an AED
- One- and two-rescuer CPR
Airway and breathing
- Airway obstruction
- Assisted ventilation with a bag-valve mask
Team response
- Team-based resuscitation and communication
- BLS special considerations
Need Airway Management or Oxygen Therapy? Both can be added as separate certifications, adding 2 hours to the course. They aren’t scheduled often, so contact us to arrange a date.
Course Details at a Glance
| Course length | 2 hours4 hours with the Airway Management and Oxygen Therapy add-ons |
|---|---|
| Price | $75 + GST |
| Certification | Canadian Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) |
| Prerequisite | A current BLS certificateCanadian Red Cross, Heart & Stroke, or St. John Ambulance. Must be valid on the day of class |
| Examination | Written and practical20 multiple choice questions, 15 correct to pass, plus skills evaluation by your instructor |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Certificate issued | At the end of class, same day |
| Class size | 12 students maximum |
| Locations | Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey206 – 1868 Glen Drive, Vancouver 4725 Kingsway, Burnaby 201 – 10595 King George Blvd, Surrey |
| Study resources | BLS Fact Sheet (PDF) BLS Field Guide (PDF) |
For employers
Recertify Your Healthcare Team On Site
Keep your whole team current without pulling everyone off the floor. We run private BLS recertification courses for clinics, dental offices, care homes, and first responder teams at your workplace anywhere in the Lower Mainland, or at one of our training centres, scheduled around your shifts.
- Canadian Red Cross Training Partner
- We bring the instructors, manikins, AED trainers, and materials
- Airway Management and Oxygen Therapy add-ons available for groups
- Direct invoicing, with purchase orders accepted
Get a fast, no-obligation quote
We reply the same day. No spam, no pressure.
Request a group quote Or call or text (604) 841-2541At Fundamental First Aid, you’re in good company
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the BLS recertification course?
2 hours. If you add the optional Airway Management and Oxygen Therapy certifications, the course runs 4 hours.
How much does BLS recertification cost?
$75 plus GST.
Who is eligible for BLS recertification?
Anyone holding a current Basic Life Support certificate from the Canadian Red Cross, Heart & Stroke, or St. John Ambulance. Your certificate must still be valid on the day of class.
My BLS certificate has expired. Can I still take the recertification?
No. There’s no grace period after expiry. If your certificate has expired, even by a day, you’ll need to take the full BLS course.
I have a Heart & Stroke or St. John Ambulance BLS certificate. Can I renew with you?
Yes. As long as it’s still valid, you can recertify with us. Your new certificate will be a Canadian Red Cross Basic Life Support certificate, which is accepted by health authorities, colleges, and employers across BC.
How long is my new BLS certificate valid?
One year from the date of your course. You receive your certificate at the end of class.
What does BLS recertification cover?
Primary assessment, high-quality CPR, AED use, airway obstruction, assisted ventilation with a bag-valve mask, team-based resuscitation, and BLS special considerations.
Is there an exam?
Yes. A 20-question multiple choice exam with 30 minutes to complete it, and you need 15 correct answers to pass. Your instructor also evaluates your practical skills during class.
Where is BLS recertification offered?
At all three of our training centres: Vancouver (206 – 1868 Glen Drive), Burnaby (4725 Kingsway), and Surrey (201 – 10595 King George Blvd). We can also run private group courses at your workplace.
How big are the classes?
A maximum of 12 students.
Can I take BLS recertification online?
No. Your CPR, AED, and airway skills have to be evaluated in person by a qualified instructor before you can be certified.
Can I add Airway Management and Oxygen Therapy?
Yes. Both can be added as separate certifications, which adds 2 hours to the course. They aren’t scheduled often, so contact us and we’ll find a date that works.
Can I work as a first aid attendant with a BLS certificate?
No. BLS isn’t recognized by WorkSafeBC as equivalent to any Occupational First Aid certificate. Workplace first aid attendants need a WorkSafeBC-approved course such as Basic or Advanced First Aid.
Can my employer book and pay for my recertification?
Yes. We invoice employers directly and accept purchase orders. For groups, we can run a private course at your workplace or at one of our centres. Contact us for a quote.
Book Your BLS Recertification
Two hours, $75 plus GST, and your new certificate the same day. Renew before your certificate expires and stay cleared for work.
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