How Much Does ACLS Certification Cost?

Last Updated on September 29, 2025 | Prices Last Reviewed for Freshness: March 2026
Written by Alec Pow – Economic & Pricing Investigator | Medical Review by Sarah Nguyen, MD

The Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification course is designed for healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, and EMTs. Upon successful completion, you receive an American Heart Association (AHA) Provider course completion eCard that is valid for two years (AHA course card policy).

How Much Does an ACLS Certification Cost?

You can complete AHA ACLS via:

• Blended learning (online + in-person skills): Complete HeartCode ACLS (Part 1) online, then attend an in-person skills session (Part 2/3).
• Classroom: Traditional, instructor-led course entirely in person (same AHA ACLS Provider eCard on completion).

Typical current price ranges

• HeartCode ACLS (online Part 1): AHA list price $173 (purchased from ShopCPR).
• Skills session (Part 2/3): commonly $70–$125+ at local training sites (e.g., one institute lists $120 for an ACLS skills check: example pricing), while some university simulation centers charge more (e.g., $225 skills-only at the University of Missouri’s Shelden Simulation Center: skills/testing fee).
• Classroom (initial/renewal): many providers list ~$170–$250+ (e.g., UW Health $190 initial recognition / $160 renewal, UW Health fees; another training center advertises $169.99 for initial/update, APHE Wisconsin). Some academic centers price higher ($405 full course at MU’s Shelden Simulation Center, course fee).
• All-inclusive blended packages: some providers bundle HeartCode + skills + card for a flat fee (e.g., $290, package example).

What this means in practice: The blended path (HeartCode + skills) typically lands around $243–$398+ depending on your local skills fee. Pure classroom offerings generally fall in the $170–$420 band, with university centers often at the upper end.

You might also like our articles about the cost of going to the Huntington Learning Center, or becoming an Ultrasound technician, or a chiropractor.

Line-Item Costs (What You’ll Likely Pay For)

• Online course access (HeartCode ACLS): $173 via ShopCPR (see link above).
• Provider manual: often required by training centers—$50.95 print (ACLS Provider Manual) or $44.25 eBook (ACLS eBook).
• Skills session / hands-on evaluation: typically $70–$225 depending on site (see examples above).
• AHA eCard issuance: included in most course prices; training centers purchase ACLS eCards from AHA (e.g., institutional order forms show $12 per ACLS Provider eCard), which helps explain center-to-center price variation (eCard cost reference).

ACLS Certification Details

The AHA ACLS program has two parts. In Part 1 you learn core concepts (either online via HeartCode or in class). Part 2/3 is the in-person skills assessment with an AHA Instructor or compatible manikin. You must pass both to receive your card. After completion, you’ll receive instructions to claim your AHA eCard by email.

Expect to interpret ECG rhythms, apply algorithms, and understand ACLS pharmacology. Some centers publish their time commitments and fees (e.g., MU Shelden notes online + 1–1.5 hour hands-on; fees listed above).

What Are the Additional Expenses?

• Materials: current ACLS manual (print $50.95 or eBook $44.25; see links above).
• Skills session fee: separate if your HeartCode purchase didn’t include it ($70–$225, examples linked above).
• Renewal every two years: many centers price renewals slightly lower than initials (e.g., UW Health lists $160 renewal vs $190 initial, UW Health fees).

Related Course Prices

• BLS for Healthcare Providers: HeartCode BLS online $37 from AHA; your site may charge an additional skills fee (HeartCode BLS).
• ACLS-EP (Experienced Provider): some centers price ACLS-EP similarly to ACLS renewal (e.g., $160 at UW Health, UW Health fees).

Important Things to Consider

• Choose an AHA-authorized provider: use AHA’s tools to find a class / training center. Be cautious of sites implying “AHA-approved” without issuing an AHA eCard.
• Format equivalence: Blended (HeartCode + skills) and classroom courses both lead to the same AHA ACLS Provider eCard.
• Card validity: AHA Provider eCards are valid for two years; plan your renewal window ahead (see card policy above).

How Can I Save Money?

• Bundle certifications: some sites discount ACLS when combined with BLS renewal or other courses (see provider pages linked above for examples).
• Pick the format that fits: an all-inclusive blended package (online + skills + card) can be simpler and competitive on price (e.g., $290, package example).
• Ask your employer or program: many hospitals and residency programs reimburse part or all of ACLS (e.g., one program reimburses up to $125 initial / $85 recert, policy example).