5 Questions to Ask Before Committing to an Online Certification Provider

Considerations while searching for an online certification provider

So, you need certification. You’ve chosen to go with the online certification path because of its convenience, but you feel overwhelmed with the amount of providers offering online certification. It’s time to do some research! To help, we have compiled the top five things to ask and consider before paying a dime.

What are the offered online certification courses?

First and foremost, it’s important to be sure your selected potential provider offers the course you need. Some providers only focus on one course, while others specialize in a range of physician-created courses. Do you need Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR, AED & First Aid?

What is the complete provider-specific online certification process?

When choosing a provider, it’s good to ask too many questions! Before dishing out the dough for your course, ask company representatives about the entire process, start to finish. Ask customer service representatives any questions you might have such as:

Are the final exams timed? What if I fail the test? Do you offer unlimited and free test retakes? What happens upon successful completion of the exam?

All in all, it’s best to pick a provider that offers exams without time limits, unlimited and free final exam retakes and offers free and fast provider card shipping.

Are there any prerequisites or skills assessments prior to taking the online certification course?

A legitimate online certification provider should not require any prerequisites such as a skills assessment. Because the curriculum obtained in online certification courses is to be implemented in real-time, a good course will still cover guidance and protocols to apply in an emergency situation. These skills, however, are tested in the final exam.

How long do online certification provider cards remain valid and what do I do after this time?

Online ACLS, PALS and BLS provider cards remain valid for two years. After this, health care providers are required to take an online recertification course, which is aimed at refreshing memory and teaching new guidance protocols.

Be sure to choose a provider who offers courses that completely adhere to the latest International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) guidelines. Because the ILCOR updates course material every five years, recertification courses are necessary to keep training universal and optimal. Recertification courses, unlike certification courses, are typically less expensive and quicker to complete because the majority of the material is familiar.

What is included in the course and what kind of accreditation will I receive in addition to the selected course?

It’s fundamental to choose an online certification course that offers complimentary study materials, such as manuals, online practice exams, and instructor videos. Online certification courses are not necessarily easy and require some memorization and time to study. Because of this, go with one offering a customized version of the study guide in a downloadable PDF form.

It’s best to pick a company that offers Continuing Education credits. Some offer as many as 10 CME credits.

Of course, there are many other questions to consider before committing to a provider. For additional questions, you can click here to be redirected to our FAQ’s page, or you can call customer service at (888) 688-3545.