CPR Levels Explained — Which Do You Need?
CPR-C is the most common certification for the general public. BLS is the healthcare standard. Here's how to tell which one you need.
The quick answer
If you're not a healthcare professional, you need CPR-C. It covers adults, children, and infants, and it's the level included with most first aid courses.
If you work in healthcare — nursing, paramedicine, dental, respiratory therapy, or any clinical setting — you need BLS (Basic Life Support).
CPR-A vs CPR-C vs BLS at a glance
All three levels teach chest compressions, rescue breathing, and AED use. The difference is who they cover and how deep the training goes.
| Level | Covers | Who It's For | Duration | Valid For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPR-A | Adults only | Basic workplace requirement | 4 hours | 3 years | ~$60 |
| CPR-C | Adults + children + infants | Most common — parents, coaches, teachers, general public | 4 hours | 3 years | ~$80 |
| BLS | Healthcare-grade CPR — pulse checks, BVM, team-based resuscitation | Nurses, paramedics, dental professionals, clinical students | 4 hours | 1 year | ~$80 |
CPR-B also exists in some references — it covers adults and children but not infants. It's rarely offered or required. CPR-C has effectively replaced it.
CPR-C: the one most people need
CPR Level C covers all age groups — adults, children, and infants. You'll learn chest compressions, rescue breathing, choking response, and AED use for each.
It's the CPR level included in both Standard First Aid and Emergency First Aid courses. You can also take it as a standalone CPR-C + AED course.
If your employer asks for "CPR certification" without specifying a level, CPR-C is almost always what they mean.
BLS: the healthcare standard
BLS goes beyond standard CPR. It's designed for people who respond to cardiac emergencies as part of their job, not just as bystanders.
What BLS adds beyond CPR-C
- Pulse checks: Assessing for a carotid or brachial pulse before and during resuscitation.
- Bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation: Using a manual resuscitator — a core skill in clinical settings.
- Team-based resuscitation: Practising multi-rescuer scenarios with clear role switching.
- Advanced airway management: Supporting interventions beyond pocket masks.
BLS is valid for only 1 year because these skills degrade quickly without practice. Healthcare employers typically require annual renewal.
The CPR-HCP → BLS name change
If you've seen "CPR-HCP" (CPR for Healthcare Providers), that's the old name. The Canadian Red Cross rebranded it to BLS (Basic Life Support) to align with international terminology and the guidelines set by ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation).
The content is essentially the same. If your employer or school asks for CPR-HCP, a current BLS certificate fulfills that requirement.
Healthcare workers: BLS is what you need
If you work in or are studying for any of these fields, BLS is your certification:
- Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses
- Paramedics and paramedic students
- Dental hygienists and dental assistants
- Respiratory therapists
- Medical laboratory technologists
- Nursing students and clinical placement students
- Personal care workers in long-term care facilities
Most nursing programs and clinical placements in Nova Scotia require a current BLS certificate before you can start. Don't wait until orientation — book early.
Which first aid courses include CPR?
You don't always need to book a separate CPR course. Both major first aid certifications include CPR-C:
- Standard First Aid — includes CPR-C + AED (2-day course)
- Emergency First Aid — includes CPR-C + AED (1-day course)
If you only need CPR (no first aid content), the standalone CPR-C + AED course is 4 hours. For healthcare providers, BLS is also 4 hours.
Still not sure which level you need?
Here's the simplest decision framework:
- Work in healthcare or studying for a clinical program? → BLS
- Need CPR for work, volunteering, or personal preparedness? → CPR-C
- Employer specifically asked for adult-only CPR? → CPR-A (but CPR-C also covers this)
When in doubt, go with CPR-C. It covers everything CPR-A does, plus children and infants. Same course length, slightly higher value.
Ready to book?
Choose the CPR level that fits your needs and reserve your spot.