Losing your AHA CPR certification card can feel frustrating, especially if your employer requires proof of your credentials or you need it for your work. The good news: you can replace your lost card, and the process is fairly straightforward if you follow the right steps. Below is a clear, simple guide to help you navigate the process and get a new card as smoothly as possible.
Why You Need to Replace It
Your AHA CPR card is proof that you completed your course (e.g., BLS – Basic Life Support, Heartsaver, etc.). Without it:
- –Your employer may not recognize your certification
- –You might not be able to show you’re authorized to perform CPR or related duties
- –If you ever change jobs or settings, you’ll need the document anyway
So the sooner you deal with this, the better.
Step 1: Gather the Key Information
Before you contact anyone, collect the following details:
- –Your full name as it appeared on the original card
- –The date you completed the CPR course (or approximate date)
- –The name of the Training Center where you took the course (and the instructor, if known)
- –Whether your card was an eCard (digital) or a printed card
- –Your email address (used in registration) or any reference number you still have
The AHA clarifies that the Training Center that issued the original card is the entity responsible for providing a duplicate if the card is lost, destroyed or otherwise unusable.
Having these details ready will speed things up and avoid confusion.
Step 2: Determine What Kind of Card You Originally Received
There are two common types of cards you might have:
eCard (Digital Version)
- –The Training Center sends you an email from eCards@heart.org or No‑eccreply@heart.org with a link to claim your card.
- –You need to claim it online using your name, email, and possibly an eCard code.
- –If you already claimed it, you or your employer can search the AHA eCard system to verify.
Physical Printed Card
- –Some Training Centers give you a physical card in class or mail it to you.
- –If your card was printed and you lost it, you must reach out to the Training Center that issued it—they handle re‑printing.
Knowing which type you had helps you follow the correct path.
Step 3: Contact Your Training Center
Since the AHA delegates card issuance and re‑issuance to the Training Center, you’ll need to reach out to them. Here’s how to do that effectively:
- –Mail or call the Training Center you used
- –Explain your situation: e.g., “I completed Course X on [date] under Instructor Y, and I lost my card. Could you issue a duplicate?”
- –Provide the required details: your name, course date, contact info, type of card, etc.
- –Ask about any replacement fee: Training Centers may charge a fee for issuing a new card.
- –Ask the processing time: While the AHA states cards must be issued within 20 business days of course completion, replacement times may vary.
Step 4: If You Had an eCard but Can’t Find It
If you believe you had an eCard (digital card) but can’t locate the email or link:
- –Visit the AHA eCard search page: Enter your first name, last name, email used for the course, or your eCard code (if known).
- –If nothing comes up, contact your Training Center and ask if they issued the eCard under your name and email.
- –You might ask the Training Center to re‑issue the eCard or send you a link again. Some providers can send a print version if needed.
- –Always check your spam/junk folder in case the original email got filtered out.
Step 5: If All Else Fails: Consider Retaking the Course
In rare cases, if the Training Center no longer exists or cannot locate your records, you may have to retake the CPR course. Some tips:
- –Choose a recognized provider (AHA‑authorized Training Center) so your certification will be accepted.
- –Confirm what type of card you’ll receive (digital or print) and how you can retrieve it later.
- –Keep your certificate or card in a safe but accessible place and consider saving a digital copy for backup.
Step 6: After Receiving Your Replacement Card
Once your new card arrives:
- –Check the details: Ensure your name, course date, certification type and expiry date are correct. The AHA card reference guide explains how a valid card should look.
- –Store a backup copy: If you received an eCard, save a PDF version on your phone or email. If a physical card, take a photo or scan it.
- –Keep track of your renewal date: Most AHA cards expire two years from course completion.
- –Inform your employer (if relevant) that you have the updated card and provide the new copy if needed.
