If you’re already ACLS certified, you might be wondering: “Do I really still need a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification?”
Yes, you do. Even though ACLS covers advanced interventions like airway management, cardiac algorithms, and emergency pharmacology, it builds on the assumption that you already know how to perform high-quality CPR, use an AED, and manage basic airway techniques.
BLS is not replaced by ACLS—it’s reinforced by it. The two certifications work hand-in-hand. Whether you’re working in a hospital, clinic, or out in the field, holding both ensures you’re prepared for everything from immediate response to advanced resuscitation.
In this article, we’ll break down why both certifications matter, when each is required, and how they support your role as a healthcare provider.
Why You Still Need a BLS Certification with ACLS
ACLS manages complex cardiovascular emergencies, but it’s built on the core skills taught in BLS like high-quality CPR, using an AED, and providing effective rescue breaths. These foundational actions are often the first steps in any advanced intervention.
Even during ACLS scenarios, BLS is actively used. Without solid BLS skills, advanced measures like rhythm analysis or medication administration become far less effective. That’s why most healthcare employers and training providers require both certifications.
Simply put, BLS isn’t optional, it’s the base that ACLS depends on. Holding both ensures you’re fully prepared to respond confidently from the first moment of a medical emergency.
What BLS Certification Covers and Why It’s Foundational?
BLS skills are the core of every effective emergency response. They focus on immediate, life-saving actions that are critical in the first few minutes of a crisis, long before even advanced care can begin. Without a strong BLS foundation, applying ACLS techniques in high-pressure situations becomes much more difficult. That’s why BLS is a must-have skill set for anyone in healthcare or emergency care.
BLS (Basic Life Support) certification covers:
- High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
- Use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)
- Relief of airway obstructions (choking)
- Effective team dynamics in multi-rescuer resuscitation
Also read: Common Abbreviations To Know in BLS
Do Employers Require Both BLS and ACLS Certifications?
Yes. Most healthcare employers do require both certifications. Hospitals, EMS agencies, surgical centers, and outpatient clinics list BLS and ACLS as separate requirements for clinical staff. Even if your job is focused on advanced care, employers want to be confident that you’re trained in the core life-saving techniques BLS offers.
At Heart Start CPR, we’ve helped thousands of healthcare professionals meet both requirements with combined or back-to-back certification sessions.
Can You Take ACLS Without First Getting BLS Certified?
Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Some providers may allow you to enroll in ACLS training without a current BLS card, but most expect you to already know how to perform high-quality CPR.
In fact, we encourage our students at Heart Start CPR to either:
- Hold a valid BLS certification before registering for ACLS, or
- Take both courses together through our BLS + ACLS combo class
When is BLS Certification Required Alongside ACLS?
Here are a few common scenarios where both certifications are required:
- Job onboarding: Most healthcare employers require proof of both BLS and ACLS before your first shift.
- Renewals: If your ACLS is up for renewal, your employer may also ask for updated BLS credentials.
- Licensing and credentialing: State boards or credentialing agencies may require both for license renewal or professional documentation.
Bottom line: If you’re in a clinical setting, having both BLS and ACLS is not just preferred—it’s expected.
Benefits of Holding Both ACLS and BLS Certifications
Holding both ACLS and BLS certifications offers real advantages, especially for those working in healthcare or emergency response. It boosts your employability by making you a more versatile and competitive candidate for a wide range of roles. Employers value professionals who are prepared to respond confidently in critical situations.
Having both certifications also increases your confidence during emergencies. You’ll feel more prepared to act quickly, whether you’re leading a code or supporting your team. It also demonstrates your commitment to patient safety and ongoing professional development.
Plus, staying certified keeps you compliant with workplace and regulatory standards. Many healthcare facilities now require both.
How to Maintain Both ACLS and BLS Certifications
ACLS and BLS certifications both last for two years, and keeping them up to date doesn’t have to be stressful. One of the easiest ways to stay organized is to renew them around the same time. This keeps your schedule simple and avoids the risk of forgetting one or the other.
Life gets busy, so setting calendar reminders or signing up for email alerts is a smart move. It gives you a heads-up before your certification expires, giving you time to plan ahead. If your job doesn’t require frequent use of these skills, it’s a good idea to practice now and then—reviewing CPR techniques, ACLS algorithms, or even doing quick run-throughs with a coworker.
To make things even easier, we offer flexible renewal options at Heart Start CPR that work around your schedule, so staying certified never feels like a hassle.
Also read: BLS Study Guide
Conclusion: The Importance of Having Both Certifications for Healthcare Providers
If you have ACLS, that’s a great accomplishment, but it doesn’t replace BLS. These two certifications work together, giving you a complete set of skills to handle both basic and advanced life-threatening situations. BLS lays the foundation for high-quality CPR and immediate response, while ACLS builds on that foundation with advanced interventions and team-based care.
For healthcare providers, holding both certifications isn’t just a box to check—it’s about being ready when every second counts. At Heart Start CPR, we offer ACLS and BLS training at 38 locations across the country, making it easy to find a class that fits your schedule. You can also read and write a review about our training after attending a class at your preferred location. Whether you’re getting certified for the first time or renewing both, we’re here to make the process smooth, efficient, and focused on what matters most—giving you the confidence and skills to save lives.
