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How to renew your PALS card in California

Last verified: · Trust editorial

AHA PALS cards are valid for two years, expiring at the end of the issuing month. Renew before expiration with the PALS Update Course (about 8 hours 45 minutes) or HeartCode PALS online plus a hands-on skills session. Expired cards require the full 12.5–17.5-hour course; there is no grace period.

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How to renew your PALS card in California

American Heart Association · gettrustapp.com/renew/california/pals
AHA PALS cards are valid for two years, expiring at the end of the issuing month. Renew before expiration with the PALS Update Course (about 8 hours 45 minutes) or HeartCode PALS online plus a hands-on skills session. Expired cards require the full 12.5–17.5-hour course; there is no grace period.
At a glance
Cycle
2 years — expires end of issuing month
Renewal
Update Course 8 hrs 45 min, or HeartCode online + ~5.5-hr skills session
Cost (market)
~$130–$180 renewal · ~$200–$350 full course
Find a class
atlas.heart.org
Board
American Heart Association
Steps
  1. Check the expiration month
    AHA PALS cards expire at the end of the month printed on the card. Verify in your eCard or Trust card.
  2. Book before it expires
    Book an Update Course or HeartCode PALS at atlas.heart.org. If you work at Kaiser NCAL, confirm the class issues an AHA (not Red Cross) card.
  3. Complete the precourse work
    Finish the mandatory precourse self-assessment/prework. Training centers expect a current BLS card at check-in.
  4. Pass the course and megacode
    The Update Course is about 8 hours 45 minutes. HeartCode PALS combines online cognitive work with a ~5.5-hour skills session.
  5. Claim the eCard
    Claim your eCard within days of issue at ecards.heart.org so employers can verify it.
  6. Save the eCard PDF to Trust
    Download and store it in Trust for your next credential check.
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 hrs 45 min, or HeartCode online + ~5.5-hr skills session
Cost (market)
~$130–$180 renewal · ~$200–$350 full course
Find a class
atlas.heart.org
Board
American Heart Association

Requirements

A current, unexpired card is required for the Update Course; expired cards mean the full 12.5–17.5-hour provider course.

Complete the mandatory precourse self-assessment. Bring a current BLS card at check-in — training centers routinely require it.

Kaiser NCAL nuance: Kaiser accepts AHA or Red Cross for BLS and ACLS, but AHA only for PALS. A Red Cross pediatric course will not be credited.

Counts toward California BRN RN continuing education if the training center holds an active BRN CEP number.

How to renew, step by step

  1. 01
    Check the expiration month
    AHA PALS cards expire at the end of the month printed on the card. Verify in your eCard or Trust card.
  2. 02
    Book before it expires
    Book an Update Course or HeartCode PALS at atlas.heart.org. If you work at Kaiser NCAL, confirm the class issues an AHA (not Red Cross) card.
  3. 03
    Complete the precourse work
    Finish the mandatory precourse self-assessment/prework. Training centers expect a current BLS card at check-in.
  4. 04
    Pass the course and megacode
    The Update Course is about 8 hours 45 minutes. HeartCode PALS combines online cognitive work with a ~5.5-hour skills session.
  5. 05
    Claim the eCard
    Claim your eCard within days of issue at ecards.heart.org so employers can verify it.
  6. 06
    Save the eCard PDF to Trust
    Download and store it in Trust for your next credential check.

If you're late

Expired means the full provider course — 12.5–17.5 hours versus 8.75 for the update, at up to double the price, plus schedule consequences in PALS-required roles.

Kaiser NCAL: full course at employee expense after a lapse. There's no reinstatement form — just book the soonest full course.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the PALS update with an expired card?
By default no — an expired card means taking the full provider course. Some centers may make exceptions at the Training Center Coordinator's discretion, but you should plan for the full course.
Do I need current BLS for PALS?
Most training centers expect it, and scenarios assume you can run high-quality CPR without coaching. Bring proof at check-in.
Is Red Cross pediatric equivalent to AHA PALS?
It depends on the employer. Kaiser NCAL specifically requires AHA-issued PALS cards. Check your employer policy before booking a non-AHA class.
How do employers verify my card?
They can look it up on ecards.heart.org, or you can share the PDF stored in Trust.

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 PALS expires — with enough runway for the shorter update course.

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