BLS vs ACLS vs PALS: What’s the Difference & Which Certification Do You Need?

If you work in healthcare — or are preparing to enter the field — you’ve likely encountered three core American Heart Association (AHA) certifications:

Each certification is designed for a specific level of patient care and clinical responsibility. Understanding the differences helps ensure you enroll in the right course for your role, employer requirements, and patient population.

This guide explains the key differences between BLS, ACLS, and PALS — and who should take each.

Quick Comparison: BLS vs ACLS vs PALS

Certification	Designed For	Focus	Typical Candidates
BLS	Healthcare providers	CPR, AED use, choking response	Nurses, EMTs, CNAs, medical students
ACLS	Advanced providers	Cardiac emergencies, EKG rhythms, medications	ICU nurses, ER staff, physicians
PALS	Pediatric providers	Infant & child emergencies	Pediatric nurses, ER staff, paramedics

While all three certifications are issued by the American Heart Association and are valid for two years, they differ significantly in scope, complexity, and clinical application.

What Is BLS Certification?

Basic Life Support (BLS) is the foundational CPR certification for healthcare providers.

It focuses on:

High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
AED use in clinical and public settings
Team-based resuscitation dynamics
Relief of choking

BLS certification is required for most healthcare roles and serves as the prerequisite for advanced certifications like ACLS and PALS.

Who Needs BLS?

Registered Nurses (RNs)
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
EMTs
CNAs
Medical assistants
Nursing students
Dental professionals

If you provide direct patient care, BLS is typically mandatory.

Enroll in BLS Certification here

What Is ACLS Certification?

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) builds upon BLS and is designed for providers who manage adult cardiac emergencies.

ACLS includes:

Advanced airway management
EKG rhythm interpretation
IV medication administration
Cardiac arrest algorithms
Stroke and acute coronary syndrome management

ACLS certification is typically required for professionals working in high-acuity hospital settings.

Who Needs ACLS?

ICU nurses
Emergency room nurses
Physicians
Paramedics
Critical care staff

If you are responsible for managing cardiac arrest or advanced life support interventions, ACLS is often required by your employer.

Learn more about ACLS Certification

What Is PALS Certification?

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) focuses specifically on the emergency treatment of infants and children.

It includes:

Pediatric respiratory emergencies
Shock management
Pediatric cardiac arrest
Pediatric medication dosing
Team-based pediatric resuscitation

PALS certification is required for healthcare providers who regularly treat pediatric patients.

Who Needs PALS?

Pediatric nurses
ER staff treating children
Pediatric ICU providers
Paramedics serving pediatric populations
Physicians working with children

If your patient population includes infants or children, PALS certification may be required.

View PALS Certification options

Which Certification Should You Choose?

Choosing the correct certification depends on your job responsibilities.

You likely need BLS if:

You are entering healthcare
You provide general patient care
Your employer requires CPR for healthcare providers

You likely need ACLS if:

You work in critical care or emergency medicine
You manage cardiac emergencies
Your hospital requires advanced cardiac certification

You likely need PALS if:

You work with infants or pediatric patients
Your department treats children regularly

Many hospital-based providers hold multiple certifications, such as:

BLS + ACLS
BLS + PALS
BLS + ACLS + PALS (depending on role)

If you’re unsure which certification is required, confirm with your employer or licensing board before enrolling.

Do These Certifications Expire?

Yes.

BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications are typically valid for two years from the date of completion.

To remain current, you must complete the course again prior to expiration.

Most providers complete certification through either:

Through a traditional in-person class, or
Through HeartCode (online coursework + in-person self-guided skills session)

HeartCode does not distinguish between “initial” and “renewal.” The same course format applies whether you are certifying for the first time or recertifying.

In-Person vs HeartCode (Self-Guided Learning)

Project Heartbeat offers both:

Fully in person
Or via HeartCode (online course + in-person self-guided skills session)

HeartCode allows you to complete the cognitive portion online at your own pace before attending a shorter, self-guided skills session at a CPR Verification Station

View Course Options: