How to Choose the Right CPR Certification: AHA vs. Red Cross vs. HSI

Whether you're getting certified for work, school, or personal preparedness, choosing the right CPR course matters. At Safeguard CPR, we offer training from the three most recognized certifying organizations in the U.S.: the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Red Cross (ARC), and the Health & Safety Institute (HSI).

But how do you know which one to choose?

Let’s break it down:

🏆 1. American Heart Association (AHA)

🔹 Best For:

• Healthcare professionals

• Hospitals, clinics, and medical offices

• Students entering clinical programs

🔹 Why Choose AHA:

• Recognized as the gold standard in clinical settings

• Required by many hospitals and nursing programs

• Offers BLS, Heartsaver CPR AED, First Aid, and ACLS/PALS courses

• Emphasizes high-performance CPR and up-to-date science

🔹 Certification Details:

• 2-year certification

• Digital eCard issued upon completion

• Skills test and written exam required (in most courses)

🩺 2. American Red Cross (ARC)

🔹 Best For:

• Schools, community members, coaches, childcare workers

• Organizations seeking a broad national recognition

🔹 Why Choose Red Cross:

• Offers a strong blended learning model (online + in-person)

• Courses align with OSHA and workplace safety standards

• Widely accepted across industries

• Includes training for adults, children, and infants in one course

🔹 Certification Details:

• 2-year certification

• Digital certificate with QR verification

• Blended or fully in-person formats

🧰 3. Health & Safety Institute (HSI)

🔹 Best For:

• Workplace safety teams

• General public and community preparedness

• Small businesses or employers needing group training

🔹 Why Choose HSI:

• Offers flexible, employer-focused training

• Meets OSHA and ANSI standards

• Certification is nationally recognized

• Great option for corporate compliance programs

🔹 Certification Details:

• 2-year certification

• Options for in-person or blended learning

• Includes adult, child, infant CPR and AED

💬 So…Which One Should You Choose?

Your Need	Best Option
You're in healthcare	AHA BLS
You're a coach or teacher	Red Cross or HSI
You’re an employer certifying staff	HSI or AHA Heartsaver
You prefer online + in-person	Red Cross Blended Learning
You want OSHA-compliant workplace training	HSI

🗓️ Safeguard CPR Offers All Three—Daily

We offer AHA, Red Cross, and HSI classes daily in Alpharetta and Kennesaw, with same-week certifications available. Whether you're an individual or scheduling group training, we’ll help you choose the best course for your needs.