Basic Life Support (BLS) with CPR
All regulated members are required to attain and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training annually (at minimum).
Members are required to demonstrate by the annual continuing competence deadline of May 31, a current Basic Life Support (BLS) with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification that is in effect on July 1 (start of the practice permit year).
Basic Life Support (BLS) is the foundational course for healthcare professionals and trained first responders who provide care to patients in a wide variety of in-facility and prehospital settings. BLS is the cornerstone program for healthcare professionals.
This requirement applies to each and every member who is currently licensed in Alberta – regardless of when they complete their registration. Regulated members that practice must complete this requirement by May 31 in the year they join the CCOA, and annually thereafter.
Regulated members can verify the status of their current Basic Life Support (BLS) in their Members’ Centre profile.
It is the member's responsibility to keep record of their certificate of attendance as the CCOA office does not retain the certificates.
Basic Life Support with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Quick Facts
Designed to build participant confidence in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills in a team environment for professionals with a duty to respond. Teaches the important steps to perform a rapid assessment, perform Basic Life Support (BLS) skills, and perform rapid defibrillation including use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Which programs are recognized as accredited?
Regulated members should choose to complete an in-person or blended BLS with CPR course from providers who offer this training for healthcare providers.
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For example, Canadian Red Cross, St. John’s Ambulance, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation all offer BLS with CPR for Healthcare Providers in both a blended or in-person environment.
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The training organization’s logo must be shown on the certificate for your course to be eligible (e.g., Canadian Red Cross logo)
Certificate requirements
Ensure you obtain at minimum Basic Life Support (BLS) with CPR that is taught in-person or a blended classroom that includes in-person practice.
To meet your membership renewal requirements and to be eligible for continuing competence (CC) credits, your certificate(s) must evidence the following:
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Basic Life Support (BLS)
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the date the certificate was issued
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the certificate expiry date
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that the certificate was issued by an accredited provider
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that it is an official certificate
If you have taken a blended Basic Life Support (BLS) course, we will only accept one certificate that demonstrates completion of both portions. The certificate must meet the above requirements.
We will not accept:
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certificates indicating that part of the course was taken – you must submit the final certificate that shows the full course is complete (i.e., no interim/temporary certificates)
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certificates that do not meet the above-listed criteria
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certificates for a course that is completely online with no in-person training
How many Continuing Competence (CC) credits will I receive?
Annual completion of BLS will provide 4 CC credits annually.
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CC credits earned in the current period cannot be carried forward into next year.
How do I submit my BLS certificate?
Certificates must be in PDF format and sent by Email to:
[email protected]
How long do I need to maintain certification?
You are required to maintain the BLS with CPR annually if you are a member of the CCOA.
Certification period
All regulated members are required to attain and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training annually (at minimum).
What if my CPR certificate expires before the last business day in June?
With each member’s BLS with CPR certification expiring at different times throughout the calendar year, your requirement is to demonstrate annually by May 31 proof of valid BLS with CPR for July 1.