AHA Instructor Training

Become a certified American Heart Association Instructor and teach lifesaving CPR, AED, and First Aid skills with confidence.

Become an American  Heart Association Instructor

Teach lifesaving CPR, AED, and First Aid skills with confidence.

The American Heart Association (AHA) authorizes qualified professionals to teach lifesaving courses ranging from CPR and First Aid to advanced cardiovascular care.

If you are passionate about education, comfortable leading groups, and committed to maintaining high training standards, becoming an AHA Instructor may be a strong fit.

Instructor candidates must meet AHA prerequisites and complete a structured approval and training process through an authorized AHA Training Center.

Instructor pathway overview

Who AHA Instructor Training Is For

This program is designed for individuals who:

Hold a current American Heart Association Provider certification in the discipline they plan to teach or are willing to obtain one
Are comfortable speaking in front of groups and leading hands-on skills practice
Are detail-oriented and willing to follow standardized curriculum and testing requirements
Are committed to maintaining certification, documentation, and ongoing compliance
Want to teach CPR, AED, and First Aid in workplace, community, or healthcare settings

Becoming an AHA Instructor is a professional commitment that requires preparation, consistency, and accountability. It is best suited for individuals who take training quality seriously.

Who This May Not Be a Good Fit For

Are only looking for a one-time certification or short-term credential
Are uncomfortable instructing or evaluating others
Prefer informal or unstructured teaching environments
Are not able to meet ongoing instructor requirements, renewals, and monitoring expectations

Becoming an AHA Instructor is a professional commitment that requires preparation, consistency, and accountability. It is best suited for individuals who take training quality seriously.

What to Expect as an AHA Instructor

Becoming an American Heart Association Instructor is a professional responsibility that requires ongoing preparation, adherence to standards, and a commitment to delivering high-quality lifesaving education.

Step 1:
Get Accepted by a Local AHA Training Center

Apply to an authorized AHA Training Center and complete the Instructor Candidate Application for approval before enrolling in a course. 

Step 2:
Hold a Current AHA Provider Status

You must have a valid AHA Provider certification and be proficient in the skills of your chosen discipline — such as Heartsaver®️, BLS, PEARS®️, PALS, ACLS, or ACLS EP.

Step 3:
Complete the Instructor Course

Attend the discipline-specific classroom Instructor Course, led by certified AHA Faculty. Learn how to teach effectively, deliver standardized content, and assess students confidently.

Step 4:
Pass Instructor Monitoring

Within six months of completing your course, you’ll be monitored teaching your first class to confirm your readiness. Some Training Centers may require additional monitoring to ensure quality and consistency.

What do
Instructors do?

As an AHA Instructor, you’ll play a key role in shaping confident, capable responders. Your duties include:

Delivering standardized AHA curriculam

⁠Guiding and supporting students

Providing coaching and constructive feedback

⁠Administering testing and remediation

Validating skills and knowledge using AHA standards

Awareness of AED use requirements and Good Samaritan protections

Once you Become an Instructor

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