How to Get ACLS Certification

Nurse with expectant mother

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a certification that is required for health professionals such as physicians, nurses, paramedics and EMTs to become employed at any medical facility. Some employers require that the ACLS certification be accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA), so it's recommended to choose a program that is, just in case a future potential employer requires it.

Instructions

1. Register for an ACLS certification course. You can find classes online at places like ACLSonline.us or ACLScertification.com, or you can contact local college institutions to see if they offer an ACLS certification course. It's best if it's AHA-accredited because some employers require it.

2. Complete all of the coursework in a satisfactory manner. Be sure to study sufficiently to grasp the material you need to know in order to pass the certification exam. Highlight important information as you read it, such as any words in bold print and all definitions. When you're done reading each section, ask yourself what you have just learned. If you can't remember, reread the section.

3. Prepare for the ACLS exam. Some courses provide free test prep materials, but you also can find ACLS test prep materials at bookstores, including Amazon.com. In addition to the written exam, you also will need to document clinical, or practical skills. Get specific documentation requirements from your examining agency.

4. Take the ACLS exam. The exam is used to test what you know about the 2005 Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, which is published by the American Heart Association. If you pass, you will receive a certification card. If you don't pass, you may be entitled to one free retake of the ACLS exam.

5. Renew the ACLS certification every two years to keep your certification active. You also can do this online at ACLSrecertificationonline.com or at a local institution providing recertification.

References

• American Heart Association
• ACLS Certification
• ACLS Recertification

Resources

• ACLS Practice Test Questions
• American Medical Resource Institute