AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED exam-day guide
AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Confirm the course date, time, and location with your training provider
Schedules and venues are set by the individual training center, so verify the details on your confirmation email or by phone a few days ahead. Ask whether you need to arrive early for registration.
Bring a government-issued photo ID
Most providers require identification to confirm you are the enrolled student and to issue your course completion card. Confirm the exact ID requirements with the provider.
Bring your course confirmation or registration paperwork
A printed or digital copy of your enrollment confirmation can speed up check-in. Keep it with your ID.
Know the course format you registered for
Heartsaver courses may be delivered as instructor-led classroom, blended (online portion plus in-person skills session), or a skills-only session. If blended, complete the online portion before you arrive and bring proof of completion if required.
Bring the required student workbook or materials if your provider specifies them
Some providers require you to bring or purchase the student workbook. Ask whether materials are provided or must be brought.
Wear comfortable clothing you can kneel and move in
You will practice CPR on a manikin, which involves kneeling on the floor and leaning over the manikin. Loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes make this easier.
Plan to remove or secure loose jewelry and accessories
Rings, dangling jewelry, long nails, and loose items can interfere with manikin practice and hand placement. Consider leaving valuables at home.
Bring water and a light snack
Courses often run several hours with limited breaks. Hydration and a snack help you stay focused during skills practice.
Note any physical limitations or accessibility needs in advance
CPR skills practice requires kneeling and physical effort. If you have mobility, back, knee, or other limitations, tell the provider beforehand so accommodations can be discussed.
Arrive on time or slightly early
Late arrival may affect your ability to complete the course. Confirm the provider's arrival and late-arrival policy when you register.
Leave enough time for parking and finding the room
Training sites can be hard to navigate. Check parking options and building access ahead of time so you are not rushed.
Review the key skills before you arrive
Skim the Heartsaver manual or your online modules on adult and child CPR with AED use, choking relief, and basic first aid so the hands-on practice feels familiar.
Plan the day
Reconfirm the date, time, location, and course format with your provider. If you registered for a blended course, make sure the online portion is finished and note whether you need to bring proof of completion.
Ask about anything unclear: ID requirements, whether a workbook is needed, break and food policies, and any accommodations for physical limitations.
Review your course materials, focusing on the sequence of CPR, AED use, choking relief, and basic first aid. Practice recalling the steps out loud.
Lay out comfortable clothing, flat shoes, your photo ID, and your confirmation paperwork. Set out water and a snack.
Confirm your travel plan, parking, and route. Check the weather and traffic outlook for the class time.
Get a full night's sleep and avoid heavy exertion so you are ready for physical skills practice.
Eat a normal meal and hydrate. CPR practice is physically demanding.
Leave jewelry and valuables at home or secure them. Wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes.
Arrive early with your ID and paperwork. Check in and find your seat or practice station.
Listen carefully to the instructor's directions and watch each demonstration before practicing. Ask questions if a step is unclear.
During skills practice, focus on correct hand placement, adequate depth and rate of compressions, and complete recoil. Follow the instructor's coaching.
For AED practice, follow the prompts, ensure no one is touching the manikin during analysis and shock delivery, and resume compressions promptly.
Stay engaged during first aid scenarios, and communicate clearly with your partner or the instructor as directed.
After the course, confirm how and when you will receive your completion card, and keep it somewhere you can find it.
Rules to check
Bring a government-issued photo ID and be prepared to show it at check-in; confirm the exact ID requirements with your provider.
Complete any required online portion before attending a blended or skills session, and bring proof of completion if the provider asks for it.
Arrive on time. Late arrival policies vary by provider, so confirm in advance whether late arrival affects your ability to complete the course.
Follow the instructor's directions during skills practice and scenarios, and ask questions when a step is unclear.
Participate fully in hands-on practice. The course is skills-based, and instructors observe your performance during practice and skills checks.
Follow the provider's policy on breaks, food and drink, and phone use in the training room.
Tell the instructor before practice if you have an injury or physical limitation that could affect kneeling or physical effort, so accommodations can be discussed.
Completion requirements and card issuance are set by the provider and may follow recognized training standards; confirm the specific scoring and completion criteria with your provider.
Keep your course completion card in a safe place; confirm with the provider how and when it will be issued and whether a digital copy is available.