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  • Become A Red Cross Instructor

    Becoming a Red Cross Instructor is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Not only do you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others by teaching them essential lifesaving skills, but you also become part of a highly trained, elite group of professionals. Our instructors teach to an average of 5.8 million people a year in businesses, schools and communities.

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    Whether you're interested in teaching CPR, first aid, water safety, or other courses, the American Red Cross provides comprehensive training and support to help you succeed.

    Join us in our mission to empower individuals and communities to respond to emergencies effectively. Find a class near you and start your journey towards becoming a Red Cross Instructor today.

    Instructor Courses and Certification

    Determine which Instructor certification path fits you best.

    Red Cross instructor observing two trainees.

    • New Instructor: These courses are for those who have never been an Instructor and are appropriate for those who wish to teach learners.

    • Experienced Instructor: Online bridging courses are intended for certified Instructors with another organization(s) who wish to bridge to the Red Cross to teach student learners.

    • Instructor Trainer: These courses are meant for Instructors who teach other Instructors (also known as train-the trainer or Instructor Faculty at other organizations).

    Instructor and Instructor Trainer certifications are valid for 2 years. Instructors and Instructor Trainers may also be required to maintain basic level (provider) certification as required in the program area.

    Instructor certification renewal is simple. Most Red Cross Instructors are required to complete an online recertification course. In addition, Instructors must also teach a minimum number of courses dependent on the program area. Lifeguarding Instructors are required to complete an in-person renewal course.


    Courses for New Instructors Without Experience

    Instructor candidates who are new to teaching students in courses similar to those offered by the Red Cross must meet the following criteria:

    • Successfully complete the online course prior to an in-person skills session

    • Successfully complete the in-person skills session

    • Prior to teaching your first class, an Instructor must become affiliated with or become a Red Cross Training Provider with a signed agreement to teach classes, report Red Cross courses taught and issue certificates.

    The Instructor courses listed below are designed for those who do not have any instructor certification, but want to teach and certify learners. All courses (with the exception of First Aid for Severe Trauma) require you to attend an in-person session. You can search for the courses using our “Find A Class” tool to locate one in your geographic area.

    First Aid Instructor Courses

    • First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor
    • Babysitter’s Training Instructor
    • Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor Skills Session

    Aquatics Instructor Courses

    • Lifeguarding Instructor
    • Water Safety Instructor® (WSI™)
    • CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers Instructor (CPRO)
    • Basic Swim Instructor

    Healthcare Instructor Courses

    • CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers Instructor
    • Basic Life Support (BLS)
    • Advanced Life Support Instructor (sometimes referred to as ACLS)
    • Pediatric Advance Life Support Instructor (PALS)
    • Emergency Medical Response Instructor

    Bridging Courses for Experienced Instructors

    The free, online Instructor Bridge Courses are available for qualified Instructors certified with equivalent training organizations who wish to become Red Cross Instructors for student learners in the programs listed below. After signing up for the course, submit the prerequisite documentation. You can take these courses once your Instructor certification has been reviewed and accepted.

    Once certified, an Instructor must become affiliated with or become a Red Cross Training Provider with a signed agreement to teach, report Red Cross courses taught and issue certificates.


    Instructor Trainer Bridging Courses

    These free, online courses are meant for Instructors who already teach and certify other Instructors (also known as train-the-trainer). At other organizations you may be called Instructor Faculty.

    If you meet the prerequisite requirements and your certification is approved, you can begin the online Instructor Trainer bridging course. Instructor Trainer bridges are available for these courses:

    Once certified, an Instructor Trainer must become affiliated with or become a Red Cross Training Provider with a signed agreement to teach, report Red Cross courses taught and issue certificates.


    Become a Red Cross Instructor Today!


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