CPR Levels Explained — Which Do 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 for Healthcare (HCP).

CPR-C vs BLS at a glance

Both teach chest compressions, rescue breathing, and AED use. The difference is who they cover and how deep the training goes.

CPR-A (adults only) and CPR-B (adults and children) also exist. BraveHeart teaches CPR-C only: it covers everything the lower levels do, so it satisfies any employer asking for A or B.

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 Intermediate First Aid and Basic 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 for Healthcare (HCP): the clinical 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 current certification is BLS. BraveHeart labels the course BLS for Healthcare (HCP) so healthcare workers and students can recognize it immediately.

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:

• Intermediate First Aid — includes CPR-C + AED (2-day course)
• Basic 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 5 hours. For healthcare providers, BLS for Healthcare (HCP) is 6 hours.

Still not sure which level you need?

Here's the simplest decision framework:

• Work in healthcare or studying for a clinical program? → BLS for Healthcare (HCP)
• Need CPR for work, volunteering, or personal preparedness? → CPR-C
• Employer asked for adult-only CPR (CPR-A)? → CPR-C covers it

When in doubt, go with CPR-C. It covers everything CPR-A and CPR-B do, plus children and infants.