EMT, CPR and first aid

Last verified November 1, 2026

Not legal advice. This guide is general information, not legal or career advice. Licensing rules, hours and fees change and vary by state and employer. Verify every requirement with the issuing body before you enroll, apply or work.

What it is

Medical response credentials. CPR/AED and first aid certificates come from course providers such as the American Red Cross; EMT is a national certification from the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) plus a state license to practice.

Who needs it

Security officers, instructors, range staff and protection agents whose employer or post requires medical response training.

Requirements

CPR/first aid: complete a course; workplace certification needs an in-person skills session (online-only formats don't qualify). EMT: complete an approved EMT course and pass the NREMT computer-adaptive exam (70-120 questions, 2 hours), then get your state license.

Typical cost and time

Cost: NREMT EMT exam: $104 per attempt. EMT recertification fee: $29 (from Oct 1, 2026). CPR course prices vary by provider.
Time: Check with American Red Cross (CPR/first aid); National Registry of EMTs (EMT)

Issuing body

American Red Cross (CPR/first aid); National Registry of EMTs (EMT)

Go to the official site

Renewal

Red Cross CPR certification lasts 2 years. NREMT EMT certification renews every 2 years by 40 hours of continuing education or the recertification exam.

Find EMT / CPR classes Jobs requiring EMT / CPR

Sources

Last verified November 1, 2026. Where a field says "Check with", we couldn't confirm it from an official source.