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How to renew your ACLS card in California

Last verified: · Trust editorial

AHA ACLS cards are valid for two years, expiring at the end of the issuing month. Renew before expiration with the shorter ACLS Update Course (about 8.5–9.5 hours) or HeartCode blended format. An expired card means retaking the full 15–16-hour provider course — there is no grace period.

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How to renew your ACLS card in California

American Heart Association · gettrustapp.com/renew/california/acls
AHA ACLS cards are valid for two years, expiring at the end of the issuing month. Renew before expiration with the shorter ACLS Update Course (about 8.5–9.5 hours) or HeartCode blended format. An expired card means retaking the full 15–16-hour provider course — there is no grace period.
At a glance
Cycle
2 years — expires end of issuing month
Renewal
Update Course ~8.5–9.5 hrs, or HeartCode online + skills session
Cost (market)
~$130–$180 renewal · ~$185–$350 full course
Find a class
atlas.heart.org
Verify cards
ecards.heart.org
Board
American Heart Association
Steps
  1. Check the expiration month
    Look at your eCard or Trust card — AHA ACLS cards expire at the end of the month printed on the card.
  2. Book an Update or HeartCode class before expiration
    Use atlas.heart.org to find an authorized AHA Training Center. A current unexpired card is required for the shorter Update Course.
  3. Pass the precourse self-assessment
    Score ≥70% on the mandatory AHA Precourse Self-Assessment and bring the certificate to class.
  4. Complete the course
    The Update Course runs about 8.5–9.5 hours. HeartCode ACLS is online cognitive plus a hands-on skills session.
  5. Claim the eCard
    The training center issues the eCard within about 20 business days. Claim it at ecards.heart.org — employers can only verify claimed eCards.
  6. Save the eCard PDF to Trust
    Download the PDF and save it in Trust so it's ready for your next employer verification.
Trust · Reviewed July 2026 · Verify current requirements at the board's official portal before renewing.
At a glance
Cycle
2 years — expires end of issuing month
Renewal
Update Course ~8.5–9.5 hrs, or HeartCode online + skills session
Cost (market)
~$130–$180 renewal · ~$185–$350 full course
Find a class
atlas.heart.org
Verify cards
ecards.heart.org
Board
American Heart Association

Requirements

A current, unexpired card is required to enroll in the ACLS Update Course. Once your card has expired, most training centers require the full 15–16-hour provider course.

Every student must complete the online Precourse Self-Assessment with a score of at least 70% and bring the certificate to class.

There is no AHA grace period — the previous 30-day extension was discontinued. The card expires at the end of the month printed on it.

CE bonus for California RNs: the BRN accepts advanced-life-support certification/recertification as RN continuing education if the training center holds an active BRN CEP number. Ask before booking. BLS/CPR does not count.

How to renew, step by step

  1. 01
    Check the expiration month
    Look at your eCard or Trust card — AHA ACLS cards expire at the end of the month printed on the card.
  2. 02
    Book an Update or HeartCode class before expiration
    Use atlas.heart.org to find an authorized AHA Training Center. A current unexpired card is required for the shorter Update Course.
  3. 03
    Pass the precourse self-assessment
    Score ≥70% on the mandatory AHA Precourse Self-Assessment and bring the certificate to class.
  4. 04
    Complete the course
    The Update Course runs about 8.5–9.5 hours. HeartCode ACLS is online cognitive plus a hands-on skills session.
  5. 05
    Claim the eCard
    The training center issues the eCard within about 20 business days. Claim it at ecards.heart.org — employers can only verify claimed eCards.
  6. 06
    Save the eCard PDF to Trust
    Download the PDF and save it in Trust so it's ready for your next employer verification.

If you're late

An expired card means taking the full provider course — roughly double the classroom hours and cost of the Update Course. Most employers will pull you from ACLS-required roles until you're re-certified.

Kaiser NCAL specifically requires the full course at employee expense after any lapse. There is no reinstatement paperwork — the remedy is simply booking the longer course.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the update course after my card expires?
By default no. A current unexpired card is the prerequisite for the Update Course. Once expired, most training centers require the full 15–16-hour provider course. Training Center Coordinator discretion technically exists, but don't plan on it.
Is there a grace period?
No. The AHA discontinued the old 30-day grace period. Your card expires at the end of the month printed on it — not the last day of the following month.
Does my AHA card work in other states?
Yes. AHA ACLS cards are recognized in all 50 states and by most healthcare employers nationwide.
Does ACLS count toward my California RN CE?
Often yes — but only if the training center holds an active California BRN CEP number and issues a CE certificate. Ask before booking. Keep the certificate for 4 years in case of BRN audit.
How does Trust help?
Trust reminds you at 90, 60, 30, and 7 days before your ACLS card expires — the 90-day reminder lands while you still qualify for the shorter Update Course.

Last verified against American Heart Association sources:

Sources — retrieved July 2026

Trust tracks this renewal for you.

Trust reminds you at 90, 60, 30, and 7 days before your ACLS card expires — calibrated so you still qualify for the shorter update course.

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