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Is it the same to get your CPR/First Aid certification online?

I am thinking about getting CPR and First Aid certified online, but I am not sure if it is the same as if I took a class in person. Has anyone taken one of these classes? If so, and you recommend it, where is a good place to do it?
I was previously a lifeguard so I have been certified twice before this, so I am very familiar with how things work.

Public Comments

1. You may be able to learn CPR and First Aid online or even from a textbook but to become truly certified, you need to take it in person with actual hands on practice (on dummies) and be checked by a certified instructor through return demonstrations and a post-test. Contact your local American Red Cross or local hospital to find out where you can take it.

2. S is right. You can however study online and then contact an instructor for testing. But you will have to be able to demonstrate your proficiency.

Better to take the classes.

3. There is no possible way that you can learn proper CPR online. In fact, I have run into a lot of people who are certified through traditional classroom/lab courses who are not able to properly perform CPR when forced to. Stick to a reputable classroom/lab instructor who is known for effectively teaching their students and not just anxious to push cards.

4. As best I can tell, most on-line programs are scams. Their cards are rarely accepted by companies, programs, or schools that need their people certified. Some on-lines 'guarantee' that their cards are accepted, but I have not heard of anyone cashing in such a guarantee.