AHA vs. Red Cross vs. HSI: Which CPR Card Do You Need?

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If you’ve started shopping for a CPR class, you’ve probably noticed three names over and over: the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Red Cross (ARC), and the Health & Safety Institute (HSI). They’re all legitimate and widely recognized. But they aren’t interchangeable for every job, and picking the wrong one can mean taking the class twice.

The short answer

• Working in healthcare, or studying for it? Choose AHA BLS unless your employer or program says otherwise. It is the most commonly required card in hospitals, clinics, and nursing programs.
• Need CPR for a workplace, school, daycare, or fitness job? AHA, Red Cross, and HSI are all commonly accepted. Check with your employer or licensing body.
• Not sure? Ask in writing which organization and course name they require.

American Heart Association (AHA)

The AHA sets the resuscitation science and guidelines that many other organizations follow. Its Basic Life Support (BLS) course is the standard in healthcare settings. Its Heartsaver courses cover CPR, AED, and First Aid for the general public and workplaces. If you’re a nurse, EMT, dental professional, or a student in a clinical program, this is typically the card you want.

American Red Cross (ARC)

The Red Cross is one of the best-known names in CPR and First Aid training. Its courses are common for workplaces, schools, camps, lifeguarding, and community groups. Red Cross also offers healthcare-provider-level training, though many hospitals specifically request AHA.

Health & Safety Institute (HSI)

HSI (which includes the brands MEDIC First Aid and ASHI) is widely accepted for workplace and community training, and is accepted by many employers and regulatory contexts. It’s a common choice for businesses that want practical, flexible training for employees.

Do the courses teach different things?

All three teach the core skills: recognizing an emergency, calling 911, performing high-quality chest compressions, giving rescue breaths, and using an AED. The differences are mostly in course structure, materials, branding, and the specific acceptance rules of the organizations that require them, not in whether you’ll know what to do in an emergency.

How to find out which card you need

1. Ask your employer, school, or licensing board which organization they accept.
2. Ask for the exact course name (for example, “BLS Provider” versus “American Red Cross CPR & AED”).
3. Confirm whether a hands-on skills session is required.
4. If they have no preference, choose the one that fits your schedule and learning style.

One provider, three options

At Chicago CPR Academy, you don’t have to guess. We offer AHA, Red Cross, and HSI certification, so we can match you with the right course. Tell us who is requiring your card, and we’ll confirm the best fit before you register. Call [phone] or request a class online.

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