Information About Certification Cards and Online-Only Training

Online-only training (or eLearning) developed by experts has been proven to be a valid, accepted, recognized and successful method of learning. Online emergency care training can you help you develop important health and safety knowledge to enhance your career or help protect your family or personal well-being. All major, accredited, reputable sponsors of emergency care training and certification courses, including HSI, offer online emergency care training in CPR, AED, first aid and basic life support (BLS). Online training can significantly improve your emergency care knowledge and help save lives, and the Certificate of Online Training is written proof that you have successfully completed online training sponsored by HSI.

However, it is important to recognize that online training only involves cognitive learning (acquiring factual knowledge). Comprehensive emergency care training typically involves learning psychomotor (physical) skills that require movement, coordination, strength and speed, such as CPR. The only way to really learn a physical skill is by substantial hands-on practice.

Emergency care skills, particularly CPR skills, decay rapidly after initial training. Consequently, and in the interest of public health and safety, many health care providers and other persons required by their employers or by state or federal occupational licensing regulations to be trained are typically expected to demonstrate hands-on skill proficiency. A certification card issued by a qualified instructor affiliated with a reputable, recognized training organization is documentary evidence that the holder has demonstrated their skill proficiency. Accordingly, all major sponsors of emergency care training have a credible and documented process designed to ensure that instructors only issue certification cards following hands-on training and practical skills assessment.

Be cautious of any website that offers a certification card after completing a 100% online-only course. Such cards are not likely to be accepted by state regulatory authorities, and may not meet your employers’ requirements. 

Take Action!

File a Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

When consumers see or hear an advertisement, whether it’s on the Internet, radio or television or anywhere else, federal law says that ads must be truthful, not misleading and, when appropriate, backed by scientific evidence. The Federal Trade Commission enforces these truth-in-advertising laws, and it applies the same standards no matter where an ad appears. Complaints help the FTC and other law enforcement agencies bring scam artists to justice and put an end to unfair and misleading business practices.

If you have a complaint, file it online at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or call
1-877-FTC-HELP.

Click here to view all our online CPR, AED and First Aid courses.
Click here to find a CPR class from ASHI or MEDIC First Aid.