What Are the Different Certification Levels for CPR?

If someone collapsed near you right now, would you know what to do?

That’s what CPR training is all about. It’s learning the steps that could keep someone alive until help arrives. But did you know there are different types of CPR certification? Yep, just like shoes come in different sizes, CPR training comes in different levels, depending on who you’re helping and where you might be doing it.

In this guide, we’ll break down each level in a simple, clear way so you know exactly which one is right for you or your team.

CPR Level A: The Basics for Adults

This is the “starter” course for people who want to help in adult emergencies.

It’s perfect for workplaces, community members, or anyone who doesn’t work in healthcare but wants to be prepared. Level A teaches you how to handle a situation where an adult stops breathing, or their heart stops beating.

You’ll learn things like:

• How to check if someone is unconscious or not breathing
• How to give chest compressions
• How to give rescue breaths
• How to use an AED (that’s the machine you see in public places that helps restart a heart)

Who it’s for: Office workers, teachers, gym staff, or just anyone who wants to be prepared.

It doesn’t cover babies or children, but if your goal is to help adults, this is all you need to start.

CPR Level B: For Infants and Children

CPR Level B is all about helping the littlest ones: babies and kids.

Children’s bodies are different from adults, and the way you help them in an emergency is different too. This course focuses on how to perform CPR safely and effectively for younger age groups.

What you’ll learn:

• How to do CPR for babies and children
• How to use an AED for kids
• How to clear blocked airways if a child or baby is choking
• How to tell if a child is in cardiac arrest

Who it’s for: Babysitters, daycare workers, new parents, or anyone who spends time with children.

If you’re a caregiver or work in a school, this level gives you the confidence to act if a little one is in trouble.

CPR Level C: All Ages, All Covered

This is the full-package CPR course.

It combines everything from Level A and Level B and adds a little more. If you want to know how to help adults, kids, and babies, whether alone or as part of a team, Level C is the one.

What’s included:

• CPR for adults, children, and infants
• Using an AED on all age groups
• Choking rescue techniques
• How to work with a second person during CPR

Who it’s for: Lifeguards, police officers, flight attendants, fitness trainers, basically anyone who might need to help in a fast-moving, public setting.

It’s a great option if you want full training without stepping into the healthcare world.

Basic Life Support (BLS): For Healthcare Workers

Now, this level is more advanced. It’s meant for people who work in medical settings or want to meet a job requirement for healthcare.

Think hospitals, ambulances, clinics.

What you learn in BLS:

• Everything in Level C, but more technical
• How to work in teams with other rescuers
• Special skills like using a bag-mask for rescue breathing
• Detailed AED use with extra steps for healthcare environments
• How to react in complex emergency situations

Who it’s for: Nurses, EMTs, doctors, medical students—anyone who provides direct patient care.

BLS makes sure you’re ready to act fast, follow medical guidelines, and work alongside others in a high-pressure setting.

How to Choose the Right CPR Certification for You

Not sure which one to pick? Think about where you’ll use the training.

Here’s a simple guide:

Still unsure? A good rule is: if you work with both adults and kids, go for Level C. If your job requires you to save lives medically, you’ll need BLS.

Why CPR Certification Matters More Than Ever

People think emergencies only happen in hospitals or on TV. But they don’t. They happen at schools, gyms, workplaces, grocery stores, and even at home.

Here’s why being certified makes a difference:

• It saves time: In a real emergency, every second matters. If you’re trained, you won’t freeze; you’ll act.
• It gives you confidence: You’ll know what to do and how to do it.
• It helps others feel safe: Whether you’re a parent, coach, teacher, or friend, people trust someone who is trained.

And guess what? It only takes a few hours to learn. But that knowledge? It stays with you for life, and it might save one, too.

CPR Certification in Brooklyn You Can Count On

If you’re looking to get certified, you don’t have to look far. At CPR Certification Brooklyn, we offer hands-on training that walks you through each level clearly and thoroughly.

Whether you’re starting with Level A or signing up for a BLS course, we make sure you’re ready. Our instructors guide you through real-world practice, not just theory. We keep it simple, clear, and useful because in an emergency, that’s exactly what you need.

You can explore your options or sign up for your next class on our CPR Certification page.

Final Thoughts: Knowing CPR Means Being Ready

You don’t need to be a hero. You just need to know what to do.

Whether you’re caring for a child, helping a coworker, or supporting patients, the right CPR certification gives you the skills to step in, stay calm, and save a life.

And when it comes to making a difference, that’s as real as it gets.

To explore which certification matches your goals or workplace requirements, visit CPR Certification Brooklyn’s website and get all the details you need to move forward with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About CPR Certification

Do CPR Certifications Include Hands-on Practice?

Yes, most CPR classes include hands-on training with manikins. Practicing compressions, rescue breaths, and AED use helps you build real-world muscle memory, not just theoretical knowledge.

Can I Take CPR Training Even if I’ve Never Done Anything Medical Before?

Absolutely. Many CPR levels, like Level A or B, are designed for people with no medical background. The courses are beginner-friendly and explained in simple terms that anyone can understand.

Will My CPR Certification Be Recognized in Other States?

Yes. CPR certifications from reputable providers follow national guidelines and are widely accepted across states. If you move or change jobs, your certification should still be valid; just check if your employer has specific provider requirements.