If your ACLS certification has expired, the best course of action is to sign up for an accredited ACLS renewal course and pass the exam to become recertified.
Every day we get a call from someone saying My ACLS certificate is expired? Do I need to take the ACLS Certification course again? So if you are reading this article, it means that you are one of those whose ACLS certification is expired or about to expire. We will discuss everything about ACLS Certification expirations in this article.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification is essential for healthcare providers in emergencies. ACLS training teaches healthcare professionals to recognize and respond to life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies like cardiac arrest, stroke, and acute coronary syndrome. Maintaining valid Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) training is crucial for healthcare professionals as it demonstrates proficiency in advanced cardiac life support intervention.
When Does ACLS Expire?
ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certification is valid for two years from the date of issue. The exact ACLS certification expiration date is noted on the certificaiton card. This timeframe is standardized by the American Heart Association (AHA). After two years, healthcare professionals are required to take a recertification course to renew their ACLS certification. This ensures that they stay updated with the latest guidelines and procedures in advanced cardiovascular life support.
Why Renew Your ACLS Certification?
There are several reasons why it’s generally preferable to renew (recertify) rather than retake the initial ACLS certification course:
1. Efficiency: The recertification process is typically streamlined compared to the initial certification course. It focuses on updating knowledge based on the latest guidelines and refreshing skills, making it faster and more efficient.
2. Cost: ACLS Recertification courses are usually less expensive than the initial certification course. Therefore, renewing your certification can save you money.
3. Time-saving: Initial certification courses are more comprehensive and consequently longer, often taking up two full days. Recertification courses, on the other hand, are shorter, often requiring just one day or even a few hours if taken online.
4. Maintenance of Skills: Regularly renewing your ACLS certification ensures that you maintain your skills and keep up-to-date with the latest medical guidelines and advancements. This continuous learning is beneficial for your career and can enhance your competence and confidence in a clinical setting.
5. Employment Requirements: Many healthcare jobs require that employees maintain their certifications without letting them lapse. Regular recertification ensures you meet this requirement.
Must Read: Requirements, Training, and Renewal Process of ACLS
ACLS Certification vs ACLS Recertification Course
ACLS Certification and ACLS Recertification courses serve different purposes and are intended for different audiences.
ACLS Certification Course: This course is designed for healthcare professionals who are getting their ACLS certification for the first time. The course provides comprehensive training in advanced cardiovascular life support, including recognition and early management of respiratory and cardiac arrest, airway management, ACLS pharmacology, and effective resuscitation team dynamics. It is more extensive and usually takes longer to complete (often two full days of training). Take ACLS certification online and save time and money.
ACLS Recertification Course: The ACLS recertification course is also known as the ACLS renewal course. This course is intended for those who already have an ACLS certification that is due for renewal (typically every two years). The recertification course is a review and update on the skills and knowledge from the certification course, reflecting any changes in guidelines or best practices. It is generally shorter than the ACLS certification course, often requiring just one day or even a few hours if taken online. ACLS recertification courses can be taken online.
Understanding the ACLS Recertification Process
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support(ACLS) recertification process helps the healthcare provider renew their ACLS certificate. The American Heart Association(AHA) ACLS certification is valid for two years. After that, healthcare professionals must undergo recertification to maintain their certificates. The ACLS recertification process includes taking written tests to demonstrate proficiency in the latest ACLS guidelines.
Renewal Options for Expired or Soon-to-Expire ACLS Certification
If your Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification expires, various recertification options are available. The ACLS recertification may vary depending on the organization you have taken your previous certificates from. Below are some of the common ways for AHA ACLS Renewal:
1. Renewal Course: Most AHA Certified Training Centers, like Heart Start CPR, offer ACLS renewal courses for individuals with soon-to-be-expired or expired certifications. These courses cover the same material as the initial certification but are completed in a shorter timeframe. You can take the renewal course online, in person, or through a blended learning format, with skills assessments included to ensure competency.
(Note that the AHA no longer offers an ACLS expiration grace period, so it’s important to renew your certification before it expires to avoid the need for a full initial course.)
2. Retake the Certification course: If your ACLS certification has expired and you have not renewed it before the expiration date, you will need to retake the entire ACLS certification course. This option may also be necessary if a significant amount of time has passed since your initial certification or if you feel you need a more comprehensive review of the material. It’s the best choice if the certification organization no longer offers a renewal course or if you need more confidence in your ACLS knowledge.
3. Challenge Exam: Some organizations offer a challenge exam as a renewal option. This exam is designed for individuals who are already proficient in ACLS and do not need to take a full course. The challenge exam covers the same material as the initial certification course but is shorter and includes no skills assessments.
4. Refresher Course: A refresher course is similar to a renewal course but is intended for individuals with a current ACLS certification but may need a review of the material. This option may be useful if you last used your ACLS skills some time ago and want to ensure you are up to date.
Enrolling in the ACLS Renewal Course
I hope you selected the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) course you need. The next step is to enroll in the American Heart Association(AHA) ACLS Recertification course from a certified training center like Heart Start CPR. Enrolling in an ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) refresher course and reviewing the material is a great way to keep your skills up-to-date and ensure you are prepared for the ACLS Recertification exam.
Please review the course content before enrolling in the course. ACLS renewal course contains the same course material as the initial one but in fewer details. In addition, you can take skill test and quizzes, which helps you to identify the area you need to improve. Staying attentive during the classes and grasping the knowledge is a must.
In addition to taking a refresher course, reviewing the material on your own time is also important. This can involve studying the ACLS manual or other relevant materials, practicing skills on a mannequin or with a colleague, and staying up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field.
Taking the ACLS Recertification Exam
So, after finishing the ACLS renewal course, the next step is to take the ACLS recertification exam. The ACLS renewal exam is a test to assess the knowledge of the ACLS guidelines and how well you can apply them in real-life situations. The exam typically covers airway management, cardiac rhythms, pharmacology, and patient management.
The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, testing your ability to apply ACLS skills in various emergency scenarios. Once you pass the ACLS recertification exam, you will receive a certificate valid for two years. Remember to renew your ACLS certification every two years before the expiry date to stay current with life-saving practices!
Tips for Preparing ACLS Renewal Exam
Remember that passing the ACLS recertification exam requires the knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge in real-life situations. By reviewing the ACLS guidelines, practicing scenarios, taking a refresher course, and taking practice exams, you can increase your chances of passing the exam and maintaining your ACLS certification. Below are some tips for preparing for the ACLS renewal exam:
- Review the ACLS Algorithm: Ensure you understand the ACLS algorithm and apply it to different scenarios. Focus on understanding the sequence of steps for each algorithm and any variations based on patients’ characteristics.
- Review Medications and Doses: Make sure you know the dosages, indications, and contraindications for the medications used in ACLS. Review the dosages for unfamiliar medications and ensure you understand their actions and side effects.
- Practice Rhythm Interpretation: Practice identifying different cardiac rhythms and their corresponding treatments. Make sure you are comfortable with identifying normal sinus rhythm and the different types of arrhythmias.
- Practice Megacode Scenarios: Using a partner or simulation software, you can practice mega code scenarios. This will help you apply your algorithm knowledge in a realistic, hands-on setting.
- Read the ACLS Provider Manual: Review the latest version of the ACLS provider manual to ensure you remain compliant and up-to-date with any changes or updates to the guidelines.
- Take Practice Tests: Take practice tests to assess your knowledge and identify areas where you may need to focus more attention. There are many online resources available for practice tests.
- Attend a Refresher Course: Consider attending a refresher course or review session to reinforce your knowledge and skills. This can be especially helpful if it has been several years since your last ACLS course.
Remember to take the time to study and prepare adequately for the exam. Good luck!
Also Read: How are ACLS algorithms updated and revised over time?
Take your AHA ACLS Renewal at Heart Start CPR
Are you due for your AHA ACLS renewal? Be sure to complete your training before the last minute. Take advantage of Heart Start CPR’s AHA ACLS renewal courses today!
Our ACLS certification courses are taught by certified instructors committed to providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to complete your ACLS renewal. With hands-on training, blended learning, and convenient online and in-person options, you can choose the best format for your schedule and learning style.
Don’t let your ACLS certification lapse. Sign up for one of our recertification classes today and ensure you’re prepared to provide advanced life support in any emergency. Contact Heart Start CPR now to register for your AHA ACLS Renewal Course!
ACLS Expiration FAQs
Is there a grace period for ACLS renewal?
Previously, AHA gave a one-month grace period, but that is no longer the case. Once a course certification expires, you have to take the whole course certification again for renewal. The same is true for BLS recertification. So, renew it before it expires to stay compliant.
How long does ACLS certification last?
The validity of an ACLS certificate is 2 years. One should enroll in a recertification class once the validity of the certificate expires.
Can you renew ACLS online?
Yes, you can renew your ACLS certificate online. Heart Start CPR provides online recertification courses and skill tests.
What happens if my ACLS expires?
If your ACLS certification expires, you are no longer considered certified and cannot legally or officially practice ACLS in healthcare settings that require current certification. Most employers and organizations mandate a valid ACLS certification for roles that involve advanced cardiovascular life support.
