Earn Your American Heart Association BLS, ACLS, & PALS Certification in Just 3 Simple Steps!

Step 1: Select Your Course, Location, and Time.
Step 2: Complete Online Self-Paced Training Anytime, Anywhere
Step 3: Demonstrate Hands-On Skills In Person with an AHA Voice-Assisted Manikin

ACLS
BLS
PALS
40 Locations Available Across California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Utah – Issue AHA eCard Instantly

Welcome To Heart Start CPR

Heart Start CPR is a professional American Heart Association Training Company since 2003. As the top CPR training company in the San Francisco Bay area, we train over 6,000 students annually and offer two-year certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), First Aid, CPR, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). We also provide Fire Training classes for fire investigators and aspiring company officers. We also provide our CPR classes and other classes to students from all over California cities like San Jose, Oakland, etc.

Our cadre of instructors includes Firefighters, Paramedics, and EMTs and can offer highly specialized instruction for your needs.

  • American Heart Association (AHA) certified
  • Low stress, fun, and hands-on classes
  • Weeknight and weekend classes to fit your schedule
  • On-site training on request for the comfort of your workplace
Learn more about us
welcome to heart start cpr training center

Our Certification Courses

BLS for Healthcare Providers

BLS is designed to provide a wide variety of healthcare professionals the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe and timely manner.

Enroll Now

ACLS for Healthcare Providers

ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) course is for any healthcare professional who may respond to any cardiovascular emergency.

Enroll Now

PALS for Healthcare Providers

PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) Course is recommended for any healthcare professionals who may respond to pediatric emergencies.

Enroll Now

Fire Company Officer

Fire Training Course is designed for aspiring company officers like firefighters, fire investigators, union leaders, and PIO's.

Enroll Now

Interested On Site CPR Training?

If you are interested in hosting on site training for your employees, staff, or students, you will not find a more informative, professional, and engaging CPR training company in the San Francisco Bay Area. Click the button below to request a free quote and one of our team members will contact you shortly.

Request A Quote
life support training for nurse

CLASSROOM COURSES OR ONLINE COURSES?
WE HAVE BOTH

Classroom Courses Online Courses
CPR & First Aid BLS
BLS ACLS
ACLS PALS
PALS  
Fire Training  

WHY HEART START CPR FOR EMERGENCY TRAINING?

Flexible Scheduling

We offer weekday, evening, and weekend classes to accommodate even the busiest schedules.

Convenient Locations

We have multiple training centers throughtout San Francisco or we can come to your location for group training.

Certified Instructors

All classes are taught by American Heart Association certified instructors with real world experience.

Same Day Certification

Receive your digital certification card on the same day you complete your training.

Small Class Sizes

We maintain small instructor-to-student ratios to ensure personalized attention and hands-on practice.

What Our Students Say

Heartstart CPR4.9
Based on 656 reviews
Alexander S RC
Definitely deserves 5 stars! Excellent customer service! Definitely will schedule again in 2 years :)
Chrissie Ann Smith
This might be my favorite BLS renewal place from now on. The self-serve setup is genius ! just a small room, mannequins, and a computer guiding you through the skills test. No pressure, no one watching or judging except the computer 😂.

It was super easy and efficient. I was literally in and out in about 15 minutes and even got a little CPR workout in.

Whoever thought of this business model is brilliant. Healthcare workers have to renew BLS forever, so this is such a smart and convenient setup. Highly recommend!
Jennifer Ryerson
Great system and feel very prepared.
Michelle Stettler
Easy and great experience. Such a clever idea for all the folks in our community who need these certifications!
Irene Is cooler
Watch tip videos online from heart saver. Easy peasy!
Stephanie Saltarelli Sielaff
convenient, fast, easy & practical… extremely pleased with this experience compared to previous trainings!
Photo from customer review
Lavender
Facility is clean and functioning equipment.
Daniele McKinney
I just received my BLS certification today and had a great experience from start to finish. The online course was very user-friendly and informative, and I learned a lot. The hands-on skills exam was smooth and well organized. I also really appreciated the friendly emails and helpful customer service throughout the entire process. Highly recommend this service!
Jessica Nwobu
This was a great program for ACLS certification/renewal! Loved it! Will use this company again.
Derek Huber
Smooth operation
Kathryn Christensen
10/10 for BLS renewal! Perfect setup, thanks!
Chloe Sacco
Thanks to Heart Start CPR I had a stress free BLS/ACLS recertification process. The online material was concise, informative, and could be completed at your own pace. The skills session was good real life practice and honestly went very smoothly. Only took me like 30 mins to pass both ACLS & BLS skills. The owners/instructors were very communicative over the phone if I had any questions. Will be using them again in 2 years for my next recertification!
Alexandria David
This location offers comprehensive instructions on accessing the facility, study tips, and reminders leading up to your upcoming class. Initially, I had reservations about the absence of a live instructor on-site, but after undergoing my certification here, I’ve come to prefer this type of environment. The process is incredibly streamlined. I highly recommend this place and would definitely return for all my re-certifications!
Terri Tuthill
Super easy to complete. It took you from the classroom with the ability of being able to take the online portion at home. The skills check was just one on one you and a computer and a mannequin. I will definitely be recertifying with them in two years.
Lisa Stone
This is my first renewal of ACLS/BLS using the RQI program through HeartStart. The online portion was thorough, and adjusted for my knowledge base (I have been in healthcare for over 30 years). The in-person testing was easy to access and , in my opinion, better than testing in a traditional group classroom setting. My only feedback is I tested for both ACLS/BLS at the same time and it was redundant. The program does not allow for combining the skills demonstration for those classes and instead I had to demonstrate certain skills (rescue breathing / compressions only / 2 person CPR) twice (1 for each certification).
Noelene Moonsamy
Straight forward and great learning experience that is not repetitive. Online modules are individualized to your learning needs. In person training guides you & gives feedback as to depth, placement, rate etc. Thank you!
Photo from customer review
Kate Allen
Great informative experience!
Eric Ellis
Clean, safe and convenient set up. Needed ACLS and BLS completed ASAP. I would definitely recommend Heart Start CPR. Was able to complete both certifications in just two days.
Craig Sang
Very easy to follow as a self directed class as well as the hands on portion. Appreciate the detailed instructions to successfully complete the course. Highly recommend.
Devoted to Disney
Great service and easy to navigate
Jeremy Dance
The experience was quick and easy, I'll definitely be using CPR VAM again for my next recertification! Thank you.
Troy Charles
All the videos from how to find the location and get in to how to complete the skills test were very helpful. Seemed daunting to do it without an instructor but all the videos made it an easy process.
Amy Bingham
I always do an in person class for my CPR renewal but this time I decided to try something different and I’m so glad I did. The class work online was easy- the more you know the material, the faster it works through it - and the in person skills test was done in 20 min. This introvert loved not having to sit in a 3 hour class with a bunch of other people. This place is a great option, especially if you’ve been renewing your CPR license for many years and know what you are doing and need an easy option to renew.
Hannah Burton
Great facility, single room so you don't have to worry about hearing another computer. Only downside is parking is hard to find.
Al Swearengen
Very efficient and convenient way to get recertified.
Rachel Maltby
Interesting new way to REcert. for BLS! I like the real time feedback and how quickly I was able to do the skills assessment with this CPR “VAM” instructor.
Christina Martin
Everything was fantastic. The online modules were easy to follow, and I felt like I learned a lot. The in person skills test was also very straightforward and quick. I did appreciate the helpful YouTube videos that were sent to me ahead of time. Thank you so much.😊
Aiyana Taylor
The process was very simple and easy to follow with clear instructions and virtual communication from staff. Super convenient and quick, I was able to get the skills session done in 20 minutes. Highly recommend!
Devyn Gunn
Highly recommend using this service! I was able to do the modules in my own home online, then drove a short distance to complete the hands on skills part. The directions on how to complete the skills part was clear and concise and everything went great! I was emailed immediately my card from AHA. Thanks for a great experience!
Lauren Ford
The content was easy to understand and the in person test was great because it was critiquing your performance on the spot while also offering you privacy to concentrate.
  • unnamed
    I love Heartstart! I have attended their recertification classes for eight years now. I learn each and every time. Classes are efficient and informative. The instructors are very helpful, kind, and thorough. I highly recommend Heartstart for your training needs.
    Myriam Korstanje
  • Gg R - Dublin, CA

    3/20/19
    We had big class for re-cert of BLS/ACLS class yesterday 3/19 in our facility at Pleasanton, CA. Our instructors Luis and Patrick are very knowledgeable, thank you for making it a no stress class. Which I really liked specially after working in morning work. Everybody are enjoying the class and you will surely learned a lot. I highly recommend to take your BLS/ACLS/PALS( for first time or re-cert) classes at Heart Start CPR in San Ramon, CA.
    Gg R - Dublin, CA
  • Bea - Oakland, CA

    3/19/19
    I Have taken multiple classes. Always good instructors and information presented clearly, appropriately and efficiently.
    Bea - Oakland, CA
  • David O - J. Lohr Vineyards

    3/16/18
    This is the first time we used Heart Start for our training. Guess what? We will use them again. David Y. the instructor made it simple for our organization to understand why we are training to help save lives. He's quite knowledgeable and uses "hands on" techniques and thinking to get you prepared.
    David O - J. Lohr Vineyards
  • Laura P - Oakland, CA

    11/3/17
    I have be doing my ACLS and PALS recerts here for 6 years. They are great! Its very informative, the instructors are knowledgable and respectful to those in the class.
    Laura P - Oakland, CA
  • Bridget P - Santa Clara County Medical Center

    3/10/18
    Lisa was super great to work with and coordinate our needs. This is the second time we have worked with HeartStart to get all our docs re-certified. John is an amazing skills instructor and really made the skills testing fun and informative for everyone!!!
    Bridget P - Santa Clara County Medical Center
  • Pinder D - Fremont, CA

    9/25/17
    This is THE place to get your BLS ACLS PALS... it's where I've gone several times. There's no BS... they cut straight to the chase. The guys that work there are paramedics or fireman, so they have loads of real experience. They go over everything and make sure everyone is clear before they test you. They really make things a lot easier to understand. I prefer going to their 2 day courses rather than doing it online, because you learn so much more! They also answer the phone and emails quickly and can squeeze you into classes if you need it! They're very nice and understanding. Prices are reasonable too. They also have a Kurig coffee machine and provide some snacks!!! Being in the healthcare industry, I need to have my certifications up to date and I'm really glad I can count on these guys. Five stars all the way!!!
    Pinder D - Fremont, CA
  • Anna H - Castro Valley, CA

    2/12/18
    Have taken initial and recert courses with HeartStart for several years now, and cannot recommend them enough!! All of the instructors are wonderful - super friendly, approachable, and very knowledgeable!! Even though I can take the classes for free through the hospital I work at, I prefer to pay for the fun & relaxed learning environment. No one wants to be stressed out, during a required course; and HeartStart makes sure everyone learns the material, and gets the necessary support and reinforcement, if they need it! Keep up the great work!!
    Anna H - Castro Valley, CA
  • Valerie B - Newark, CA

    03/12/19
    Very pleased with Heart Start CPR. I just renewed my PALS certification and felt very comfortable in the class. The instructor helped everyone feel calm. It was a low stress environment while practicing our skills and reviewing all of the information needed for recertification. I will definitely go here in the future.
    Valerie B - Newark, CA
  • Jessie J - Marysville, CA

    12/15/17
    I did the ACLS/PALS course as a nursing student. The instructor, Andrew, is great! Very patient and knowledgeable about the material. I would definitely recommend signing up!
    Jessie J - Marysville, CA
  • Linda L - Eye MD Laser

    4/3/17
    Thank you, Heart Start, for your excellent CPR renewal class at our outpatient surgery center. Ray was a very knowledgeable instructor who provided us with a stress free learning environment in which to refresh our CPR skills. I highly recommend them for your staff recertification and will plan to use them again.
    Linda L - Eye MD Laser
Show More Reviews

Areas We Serve in San Francisco Bay Area

 

  • Oakland
  • San Ramon
  • San Francisco
  • San Jose
  • San Leandro
  • Dublin
  • San Mateo
  • Walnut Creek
  • Reno, Nevada

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A CPR Certification?
Having a CPR certification means that you are able to provide urgent treatment in the event of a life-threatening cardiac emergency The benefits of being CPR certified include: – Having the ability to save lives – Increased confidence – Increased knowledge – Feeling of empowerment – Being more valuable at work
How Long Does It Take To Get My CPR Certification?
Students are able to receive their certification on the same day given that they meet all the requirements.
How to get CPR certified:
1. Choose a course from CPR/BLS, PALS, ACLS, AED, and First-Aid
2. Attend training and successfully pass the test
3. Receive your certification

See the infographic to learn more.
What Is Covered In A Basic Life Support CPR Certification Course?
opics covered in a course include: – Adult, child and infant CPR – Two-rescuer scenarios and use of the bag-valve mask – Foreign-body airway obstruction (conscious and unconscious) – Automated external defibrillation (includes child AED update)
Should I Take A CPR And First Aid Certification Course Online Or In Person?
If you want hands-on experience it is recommended that you take a class in person.
BLS, ACLS, and PALS.
When Are Local Classes Held?
Classes are held monthly or weekly depending on your location and level of fitness. We can also schedule a class at your location. Please check our class schedule for more information.ccc
What Cities Do You Serve?
Heart Start CPR serves citizens in the entire San Francisco Bay Area region including the cities of San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Pleasant Hill, and San Ramon. We also have on-site training available for corporations, small businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities who need help in person.
How Much Are CPR Classes?
We offer CPR classes at a reasonable rate. Please check our class schedule for exact pricing information.
More Questions

2,000 +

Graduates
Trained

Certified and Accredited by

AHA_Full
Book a Consult Call
See Courses