How Many CEUs are Required for BLS Renewal and Other Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Continuing Education Units?

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are standardized credits that reflect time spent in accredited educational activities. In healthcare, CEUs are used to track professional development and are often required for license renewal, job compliance, and certification maintenance.

 

Each CEU typically represents 10 contact hours of instruction. However, in medical contexts, CEUs are often discussed interchangeably with CME (Continuing Medical Education) or CNE (Continuing Nursing Education) credits, which are awarded by specific accrediting agencies such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Why CEUs Matter for BLS Recertification

A BLS certification demonstrates your ability to provide life-saving interventions like CPR, AED use, airway management, and practical resuscitation skills. As healthcare standards evolve, renewal allows you to keep your skills aligned with current best practices and care guidelines.

 

Many employers, hospitals, and state licensing boards require CEUs tied to your BLS recertification to:

 

• Maintain your professional license
• Meet annual education requirements
• Remain compliant with institutional training policies

Typical CEU Requirements for BLS

There is no single nationwide requirement for renewing your BLS certification, and the number of CEUs you need can vary depending on your state, licensing board, or professional role. That said, most healthcare providers renewing their BLS can expect to receive between two and four CEUs for a valid course.

 

At AMC, our BLS Recertification Course offers up to four AMA Category 1 Credits™. Some other providers may offer fewer CEUs, depending on the course length, delivery method, or accrediting agency. In most cases, to earn CEUs, you’ll need to complete the full course, pass a final exam, and submit a course evaluation to document your participation.

CEU Requirements by State and Profession

• Nurses: Most state Boards of Nursing require CEUs for license renewal, and BLS renewal courses often count toward this total (e.g., ANCC-recognized contact hours).
• EMTs/Paramedics: Requirements vary by state EMS agency; some mandate a certain number of CEUs tied to BLS or CPR certification.
• Physicians & PAs: CEUs for BLS may qualify as AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, accepted by most medical boards.
• Other professions (e.g., dental hygienists, pharmacists, CNAs): Often accept BLS renewal CEUs as part of broader continuing education mandates.

BLS vs. Other Certifications (ACLS, PALS) CEU Comparison

BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications are all essential for healthcare professionals; however, they differ significantly in terms of content, credit hours, and the specific populations for whom they are typically required.

 

CEU Value

 

• BLS renewal usually offers 2 to 4 CEUs
• ACLS and PALS can offer 6 to 8 CEUs or more due to longer, more complex coursework

 

Skill Level

 

• BLS focuses on core life-saving skills like CPR, AED use, and basic airway management
• ACLS and PALS include advanced interventions, ECG interpretation, and emergency pharmacology

 

Professional Applicability

 

• BLS is widely required across healthcare roles—RNs, EMTs, dental assistants, CNAs, caregivers, and more
• ACLS is typically required for clinicians in acute or critical care settings (e.g., ER, ICU)
• PALS is geared toward pediatric healthcare professionals and emergency responders

 

Combining CEUs

 

• CEUs earned through BLS, ACLS, and PALS are issued separately but may count toward total CE requirements for licensure renewal
• Always check with your licensing board or employer to confirm if combined CEUs are accepted

 

For those pursuing multiple certifications, pairing your BLS with an ACLS certification course or ACLS recertification program can streamline your education. 

Getting CEUs for BLS Renewal

To receive valid CEUs for your BLS renewal, you need to take your course through an accredited provider that offers continuing education credits recognized by licensing boards or employers. At AMC, our BLS Recertification Course is accredited by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM) and offers up to 4 AMA Category 1 Credits™, making it a widely accepted option across medical professions.

 

You can complete BLS renewal either online or in person, but online options have become increasingly popular for their convenience and flexibility. AMC’s 100% online course allows you to study at your own pace, skip travel, and receive instant proof of certification without compromising on quality or accreditation.

 

Once you finish your BLS course and pass the final exam, you’ll receive a digital CEU certificate. This document includes the number of credits earned, the accrediting body, the course title, and the date of completion. Depending on your state or profession, you may need to submit this certificate directly to your licensing board or employer. Some boards require electronic submission through a continuing education portal, while others allow email or printed copies.

 

It’s also important to keep a personal record of all CEU activities. Save digital copies of your BLS certificate in a secure location and track your renewal cycle in a calendar or credentialing app. In the event of an audit or employer request, having organized records ensures you’re always ready to verify your credentials.

How to Earn and Claim Your BLS CEUs Successfully

1. Complete All Course Requirements

To receive CEUs, you must fully complete your BLS renewal course. That includes:

 

• Finishing all online learning modules
• Passing the final exam
• Completing the post-course evaluation

 

AMC’s BLS Recertification Course is accredited by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM), and CEUs are awarded only after successful completion of all required steps.

 

2. Meet the Minimum CE Hour Requirement

AMC’s course offers up to 4 AMA Category 1 Credits™, which meets CEU requirements for most healthcare professionals. Still, you should always check with your state board or employer to confirm how many CEUs you need for renewal.

 

3. Claim and Submit Your Certificate

Once you finish your course, you’ll receive instant access to your CEU certificate from your AMC account. This includes all the information your licensing board typically requires: accreditor, course title, number of credits, and date of completion.

 

Depending on your profession and state, you may need to upload it to your licensing portal, email it to your HR department, and print and retain a hard copy in case of an audit.

 

4. Use AMC’s Built-In Tools and Support

AMC provides several resources to make earning and managing CEUs easy:

 

• Instant digital provider card and CEU certificate after passing the exam
• Free unlimited test retakes so you can review and succeed at your own pace
• Downloadable BLS PDF study guide to keep your skills sharp after certification
• Practice tests to help you prepare confidently for the final exam
• Mobile-friendly platform so you can complete training anytime, anywhere
• Customer support for certificate access, CEU documentation, and course questions

 

5. Keep Your Records Organized

Save your CEU certificates in a secure location and track your renewal dates. Whether you use a folder, calendar app, or CEU tracker, good documentation ensures you’re ready if your credentials are ever audited or requested by your employers.

Requirements: What to Prepare for Enrolling

Before you begin your BLS renewal, gather the appropriate information and documentation to make sure CEUs are valid and your certification. This will help ensure the process goes smoothly.

 

• Check your state licensing requirements: Every state board has its own CEU policies. Some require a specific number of hours; others may mandate that the course be accredited by a recognized provider. AMC’s BLS Recertification Course offers up to 4 AMA Category 1 Credits™ through the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine, which satisfies most state and professional requirements—but it’s always smart to confirm with your board or employer first.

 

• Verify your BLS certification status: BLS certification is valid for two years. Most renewal courses, including AMC’s, require that your certification is current or within a short grace period (usually 30 days past expiration). If your certification has lapsed beyond that, you may be required to complete the full certification course again.

 

• Make sure your course provides an official CEU certificate: Not all providers issue certificates with CEU credit details. You’ll need a document that includes your name, the course title, completion date, accrediting body, and number of credits awarded. AMC provides this certificate instantly after you pass the exam, so you can submit it right away to your licensing board or employer.

Pro Tips for Stress-Free BLS Renewal

Renewing your BLS certification doesn’t have to be complicated, but knowing your exact CEU requirements is key to keeping things simple. Whether you need 2, 3, or 4 CEUs, staying informed helps you avoid delays, missed deadlines, or penalties that could disrupt your license or job status.

 

Make it a habit to check your renewal timeline, choose an accredited provider, and keep your CEU documentation organized and up to date. With just a little preparation, you can maintain your certification without the last-minute scramble.

 

If you’re looking for a fast, flexible, and fully accredited option, AMC’s 100% online BLS Recertification Course offers up to 4 AMA Category 1 Credits™, instant CEU documentation, and zero in-person requirements. 

 

Start your BLS Renewal with AMC today to recertify on your schedule and with confidence.