How to get my ACLS Certification: Step-By-Step Guide

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification is a critical credential for healthcare professionals in cardiac arrest and other cardiovascular emergencies. So, How do I get ACLS certification? Becoming ACLS certified requires a rigorous exam that tests your knowledge of the latest protocols and techniques for responding to cardiovascular emergencies.

This article will discuss everything you need to know about how to get ACLS certified, including the requirements, exam format, and resources available to help you prepare.

Understanding ACLS Certification

So Let’s start with a question, What is ACLS Certifications? ACLS certification is a program that teaches healthcare professionals how to respond to cardiovascular emergencies in a clinical setting. The certification program covers various topics, including essential life support, ECG, pharmacology, and advanced cardiac life support.

The American Heart Association (AHA) is the leading provider of ACLS certification in the United States. So, it offers a variety of ACLS certification courses, ranging from basic to advanced levels.

Related Post: What to do if my ACLS certificate expires

Why is ACLS Certification Important for Healthcare providers?

ACLS certification is an essential life-saving skill for healthcare providers. Not only that, the certification course offers you the knowledge and hands-on skills for helping people who suffer from cardiac arrest or other life-threatening conditions. The American Heart Association has compiled comprehensive training that EMTs, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, dentists, medical students, and many others have to rely on. Similarly, the ACLS certification course provides a minimum of 32 to 40 hours of instruction which involves both didactic and skill test sessions. Afterward, You will be ready to treat the cardiac emergency patient. Here are some of the reasons Why is ACLS Certification important for healthcare providers?

• It gives healthcare providers knowledge and skills for effectively treating cardiac emergencies.

• Being certified in ACLS reduces harmful situations and increases survival rates for cardiac patients.

• It increases the confidence level of healthcare providers while acting.

• The course is globally recognized, and having the proper skills makes them more valuable in an emergency.

• ACLS certifications are helpful for certified candidates to develop their careers and allow them to expand their knowledge and skills.

• The certification is required in critical care units, emergency departments, or operating rooms.

Who Needs ACLS Certification?

ACLS certification is required for healthcare professionals who work where cardiac emergencies are likely to occur, such as in emergency rooms, critical care units, and cardiac catheterization labs. Physicians, nurses, paramedics, and other healthcare professionals responsible for managing patients with cardiovascular emergencies should consider obtaining ACLS certification.

How Long Does It Take to Get ACLS Certified?

The amount of time it takes to become ACLS certified varies depending on the level of certification you are pursuing. Basic ACLS certification typically takes one to two days, while advanced certification can take several weeks.

What Are the Different ACLS Certification Levels?

There are several levels of ACLS certification, including basic, advanced, and pediatric. The basic accreditation covers basic life support, while the advanced certification covers more advanced techniques, such as defibrillation and intubation. Pediatric ACLS certification focuses on cardiac emergencies in children.

How to become ACLS Certified: ACLS Certification Requirements

To become ACLS certified, you must meet specific requirements. The requirements for ACLS certification may vary depending on the certification level and the provider. However, some standard requirements include the following:

• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS)
• A valid healthcare provider license or certification
• Completion of an ACLS certification course
• Passing the ACLS certification exam

How Can You Prepare for ACLS Certification?

Preparing for ACLS certification requires a combination of studying and hands-on training. Some ways to prepare include:

• Studying the ACLS provider manual or textbook
• Participating in an ACLS certification course
• Practicing with simulation equipment or mannequins
• Reviewing ACLS algorithms and practice scenarios
• Taking practice exams to assess your knowledge

What Is the Format of the ACLS Certification Exam?

The ACLS certification exam is a timed, multiple-choice exam covering various cardiovascular emergency topics. The exam may be taken in person or online, depending on the provider. Similarly, the passing score for the ACLS certification exam varies by provider. However, most providers require a score of at least 84% to pass.

The Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification exam typically consists of 50 to 100 multiple-choice questions. It cover various topics related to cardiovascular emergencies, including pharmacology, cardiac rhythms, and interventions. All ACLS exams are now “open sources” meaning ACLS manual, study guides, handouts, and personal notes can be used by students during exams.

Avoid Common Mistakes While taking the ACLS Certification exam

Some common mistakes to avoid when taking the ACLS certification exam include the following:

• Not studying the ACLS provider manual or textbook thoroughly
• Not practicing with simulation equipment or mannequins
• Not reviewing ACLS algorithms and practice scenarios
• Not managing time effectively during the exam

Available Resources to Study for the Exam

ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certification is a specialized certification for healthcare providers, specifically those managing cardiovascular emergencies. While studying for the ACLS certification exam requires understanding the concepts and protocols related to managing cardiac arrest and knowledge of essential life support (BLS) principles.

Here are some resources that can help you prepare for the ACLS exam:

• American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS Provider Manual: This is the primary resource for preparing for the ACLS certification exam. The manual covers all the concepts and protocols required for the certification exam. The manual is available for purchase on the AHA website.
• AHA ACLS Pocket Reference Card Set: These pocket-sized cards contain important algorithms and protocols for managing cardiovascular emergencies. The reference card set is available for purchase on the AHA website.
• Online ACLS courses: There are several online courses available that provide comprehensive training and certification. These courses often include video lectures, interactive quizzes, and simulations to help reinforce concepts.
• ACLS practice tests: There are many ACLS practice tests available online. These practice tests can help you assess your understanding of the concepts and protocols required for the certification exam.
• ACLS mobile apps: Several apps provide quick reference guides and practice questions for the ACLS certification exam. 
• ACLS certification review courses: Several review courses are available for healthcare providers to prepare for the ACLS exam. These courses provide a comprehensive review of the concepts and protocols required for the exam.

Get ACLS certified from Heart Start CPR

Heart start CPR offers AHA Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Training to students all over San Francisco Bay Area. We provide both classroom and online ACLS courses. We also offer ACLS Renewal Course and ACLS Online Skills Check. We offer classes to small groups of students and promote a less stressful studying environment where students can ask questions. Please call us at  (877) 846-8277 to know more about the class details.