What to Expect at a CPR & First Aid Class

If you’ve never taken a CPR or first aid class before, you might have a few questions: What actually happens in the class? Do I have to practice on a person? Will there be a test? What should I wear?

Whether you’re taking CPR because your job requires certification, you’re a parent or caregiver, or you simply want to be prepared in an emergency, knowing what to expect can make the experience much less intimidating.

At Choice CPR Training & First Aid, our goal is to make CPR training practical, approachable, and useful; not something you have to be nervous about.

Here’s what you can expect when you walk into a CPR or first aid class.

Do I Need to Know CPR Before Class?

Absolutely not!

CPR classes are designed to teach you the skills you need, even if you have never performed CPR before.

Your instructor will walk you through the techniques step by step, demonstrate the skills, and allow you to practice. You don't need to come in already knowing what to do.

In fact, that’s the whole point of training!

What Happens During a CPR Class?

While every course is a little different, most CPR certification classes include a combination of instruction, demonstrations, hands-on practice, and skills evaluation.

You may learn how to:

• Recognize cardiac arrest and other life-threatening emergencies

• Perform high-quality CPR

• Use an AED (automated external defibrillator)

• Respond to choking

• Provide rescue breaths when required by the course

• Recognize and respond to other common emergencies

• Work as part of a team during an emergency

You’ll spend time actually practicing the skills, not just sitting and watching a presentation.

Will I Have to Practice CPR on a Real Person?

No. You will practice on a CPR training manikin.

This allows you to learn proper hand placement, compression depth and rate, rescue breathing techniques when applicable, and other skills in a realistic but controlled environment.

Your instructor can provide feedback while you practice so you can become more comfortable with the techniques.

Is There a Test?

Depending on the course you take, there may be a knowledge assessment and/or skills evaluation.

For certification courses, you’ll generally need to demonstrate that you can perform the required skills correctly.

Don't let the word test make you nervous. Your instructor will teach and practice the skills with you before you're evaluated.

The goal isn't to catch you doing something wrong. The goal is to make sure you leave the class knowing how to respond appropriately in an emergency.

What Should I Wear to a CPR Class?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move around and kneel on the floor.

CPR training is hands-on, so you'll likely spend some time leaning over a manikin or getting down on the floor to practice.

Comfortable pants or athletic clothing and comfortable shoes are generally a good choice.

You don't need to dress formally, even if you're taking the course for work.

What If I’m Taking a Hybrid CPR Course?

Some CPR courses use a hybrid format, which means part of the course is completed online, and the remainder is completed in person.

For example, with a hybrid course, you'll complete the online educational portion before attending your scheduled in-person session. The online portion introduces the course material, while the in-person portion focuses on hands-on skills and evaluation.

At Choice CPR Training & First Aid, we'll provide the information you need to access the online portion by email.

Important: If your course requires an online portion, be sure to complete it before your scheduled in-person session. This allows your instructor to focus your in-person time on practicing and demonstrating the skills.

What Should I Bring?

Your course confirmation will let you know if there is anything specific you need to bring.

For most classes, the most important things are:

• Your course confirmation or registration information

• Any required completion information for a hybrid course

• Your current certification information if you're taking a renewal course

• Comfortable clothing for hands-on practice

• Your questions!

How Long Does a CPR Class Take?

Course length depends on the type of training you're taking.

A basic CPR course may be shorter than a comprehensive CPR and first aid certification course. Hybrid courses can also have a different schedule because some of the coursework is completed online before the in-person skills session.

When you register for a class, pay attention to the listed course length and whether any online work needs to be completed beforehand.

When Will I Receive My Certification?

For courses that result in an American Heart Association certification, your certification is generally provided electronically roughly 48 hours after you complete the required portions of the course.

Make sure the email address you provide during registration is accurate. Your electronic certification card (eCard) will be delivered to that email address.

If you're taking a course for your employer, healthcare credential, childcare position, or another professional requirement, it's also a good idea to confirm which specific certification your organization requires before registering.

What If I’m Nervous?

That's completely normal.

Many people taking CPR for the first time worry that they'll do something wrong, won't be strong enough to perform compressions, or won't remember everything.

That's why you practice.

CPR training isn't about expecting you to walk in already knowing exactly what to do. It's about giving you the knowledge, hands-on practice, and confidence to respond when someone needs help.

Your instructor is there to teach you, answer questions, correct technique, and help you become more comfortable with the skills.

The Most Important Part of CPR Training

The most important thing you can take away from a CPR class isn't simply a certification card.

It's knowing what to do when an emergency happens.

In a cardiac emergency, choking incident, or other life-threatening situation, having someone nearby who recognizes the emergency and knows how to respond can make a critical difference while professional help is on the way.

You don't need to be a healthcare professional to learn lifesaving skills.

You just need to be willing to learn.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're looking for CPR certification for work, preparing to care for children, or simply want to be better prepared for an emergency, Choice CPR Training & First Aid offers CPR and first aid training designed for real-world situations.

Check our upcoming classes to find a course that fits your needs, or contact us about bringing CPR training to your workplace or organization.

Transforming bystanders into lifesavers.