Get your ACLS certification online
Your guide to getting certified in advanced cardiac life support—accredited, widely accepted nationwide and achievable in less time.
Download the full ACLS course syllabus
Course sections include: Updated for 2026 AHA guidelines
- Introduction
- SECTION 1: Ethics of resuscitation
- SECTION 2: Basic cardiac life support (BCLS)
- SECTION 3: Recognizing cardiac arrhythmias
- SECTION 4: Pharmacology
- SECTION 5: Dynamics of a resuscitation
- SECTION 6: The management of airway, ventilation and oxygenation
- SECTION 7: Defibrillation, cardioversion, pacing
- SECTION 8: Acute coronary syndrome
- SECTION 9: Rhythm specific treatment recommendations
- SECTION 10: Post resuscitation
- SECTION 11: Acute stroke
Accepted or full refund
Fully accredited
Healthcare professionals
Globally recognized
ACLS certification designed for healthcare professionals like you
Pacific Medical Training courses are designed to help healthcare professionals enhance their skills while fitting easily into busy schedules. Whether you're working in emergency care, critical care, or another healthcare field, our online, accredited courses are tailored to meet your career needs. Achieve your certification at your own pace and on your own time.
- Accredited: Earn 8 AMA Category 1 credits
- Learn anywhere: 100% online certification
- Get your ACLS eCard online
- Guaranteed acceptance or money back
Why you need to become certified in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification is crucial for healthcare professionals, equipping them with the expertise needed to manage life-threatening cardiac emergencies. From handling cardiac arrest to addressing stroke situations, ACLS training enables providers to act decisively in critical moments.
This certification is particularly vital for those working in high-pressure environments such as emergency rooms, intensive care units (ICUs), and operating rooms. Nurses, doctors, paramedics, and other first responders rely on ACLS training to meet the highest standards of patient care during emergencies.
The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that over 500,000 healthcare professionals undergo ACLS training annually, with nearly 60% of nurses in acute care settings holding this certification. In many hospitals and states, ACLS certification is mandatory for staff in critical care departments, including anesthesia, cardiology, and emergency medicine.
Given that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide—responsible for approximately 17.9 million deaths each year—the need for ACLS-certified professionals is more important than ever. Many healthcare employers require ACLS certification for roles in critical care, making it required for career advancement in fields like emergency medicine, surgery, and cardiology.
Beyond fulfilling job requirements, ACLS training enhances the ability of healthcare teams to respond quickly and coordinate effectively in emergencies, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Whether in hospital settings or out in the field, ACLS-certified professionals play a key role in saving lives during cardiac emergencies.
Our seal goes on every certificate — not just the marketing copy.
Our promise to you
Accepted by your employer.
Or your money back.
If your employer won't accept our certification — or you're simply unsatisfied with the course — you get a full refund within 60 days of enrolling. No forms, no fine print, no store credit.
- 60 days from enrollment — covers you well past the course completion window.
- Full refund, not store credit. Original payment method, typically within 3 business days.
- Either trigger: rejection or dissatisfaction. You don't have to prove employer rejection to get your money back.
Steps to getting your ACLS certification
Before you can take advantage of the opportunities that come with providing critical care in emergency situations, you'll need to obtain your ACLS certification first.
The good news? Earning your ACLS certification can be completed in just a few straightforward steps.
Steps to become certified in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
Earning your online certification or recertification has never been easier! Here is a step-by-step explanation of how our courses work.
Step 1—sign up for online training
- The first thing to do is to figure out what classes you need. Typically, the organization that you will be working with can tell you which certifications are required and when they are due. And for group training, see our group training page.
- Next, select all the classes that you need from our list of courses.
- Enroll in the courses through our secure online shopping cart. Remember, there is a discount if you enroll in more than one course!
Step 2—complete your ACLS online course
- After you enroll in the course(s), you will have immediate access to the online training material. You can either read it on an Internet browser, access from your iPad, or download a PDF copy to print out.
- Once you have access to the material, it's time to study! Take as much time as you need.
- When you feel ready, you can take the online, multiple choice test. Remember that you need an 84% in order to pass the test. There are no time restrictions on the exams, and you are given three tries for every course that you enroll in.
- You will still have access to the course materials for up to a year from your enrollment date. If you need access after one year, simply send us an email requesting access and include your order number.
Step 3—Skills testing (if required by your employer)
Most customers complete only the online course. If your employer requires hands-on skills verification, download the ACLS skills form and have an AHA-certified instructor complete it. Need help finding an instructor? Learn about our instructor network.
Step 4—receive your eCard certificates
- Once you have passed the exam with an 84% or better, we will issue your same-day PDF provider eCard. You can use eCard as immediate proof that you are certified.
- You can print your eCard immediately after passing.
- Covered by our 60-day money-back guarantee.
Student Namehas successfully completed the course requirements and cognitive evaluation in accordance with Pacific Medical Training curriculum.Exact words on our healthcare provider certificate
What healthcare professionals say about our ACLS course
"Really appreciate how streamlined the process is, how clear the material is presented, and the ease of completing it as a whole. So nice to be able to do this online as I navigate two jobs and my family."
Brook Wong
"For the last 10 years I have been using Pacific Medical for my validated ACLS. I can't say enough positive things about this provider. Another advantage is that this is an internationally recognised qualification."
Andrew
"Excellent course and very well organized. I will be referring my medical friends to Pacific Medical."
Debora Came
Frequently asked questions
What's covered by your 60-day money-back guarantee?
If your employer doesn't accept the certification, or if you're not satisfied with the course for any reason, you get a full refund within 60 days of enrolling. We refund the original payment method, not store credit, and typically process the refund within 3 business days. See the full terms above.
How much does it cost to get an ACLS certification?
Depending on the provider you choose, the cost of obtaining ACLS certification typically ranges from $175 to $400 or more. The most significant and essential investment is the ACLS course itself. The cost of the course varies based on the provider and the type of learning format-whether online, in-person, or blended learning.
How long does it take to get an ACLS certification?
It typically takes an average of two (2) weeks to complete your ACLS certification, but the time frame can vary significantly depending on your personal pace. Some individuals may complete their certification in just a few days, while others may take a few months to finish.
When does the ACLS certification expire?
It lasts two years from the issue date. That is, exactly 730 days from your certification issue date (or 731 days through a leap year). BLS and PALS are the same.