How to Earn First Aid & AED Certification

In first aid and AED certification, participants learn the skills that can save someone’s life. These skills include the steps to take in emergencies before medical personnel arrive. Common topics include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid for burns, bleeding, shock, and respiratory emergencies. Students also learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

While many healthcare professionals earn first aid and AED certification, the learned skills apply to many other jobs and careers. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that all workplaces have at least one employee with CPR and first aid certification. Additionally, first aid and CPR were two of the most in-demand certifications in Indeed’s 2020 job postings.

Childcare providers, coaches and personal trainers, teachers, social workers, and flight attendants may need this certification.

Candidates must meet only a few requirements to earn first aid and AED certification. The American Heart Association reports that children as young as nine may learn CPR skills, but the association does not set a specific age requirement. As of 2018, about 39 states require students to learn CPR before earning their high school diploma.

There are no minimum age requirements for first aid, CPR, and AED certification. The Red Cross typically combines these certifications into one program. The only requirements include the following:

Yes, first aid and AED certification is worth it. This certification teaches learners how to help people in emergencies, such as accidents, choking, and slips or falls. Participants also learn the correct steps to take should someone experience sudden cardiac arrest.

Like many professional certifications, this credential can also help an applicant’s resume stand out in a competitive job market. Though not always required, almost all work environments could benefit from an employee with CPR, AED, and first aid skills.

Along with the previous positions mentioned, firefighters, lifeguards, correctional officers, nursing home staff, and security guards may need certification.

Many positions benefit from first aid and AED certification. The following roles may require it.

Fitness instructors lead group exercise classes or instruct individuals in exercise activities. These classes may involve cycling, aerobics, kickboxing, yoga, or specific types of dance. Most instructors earn certification in their type of training. Almost all gyms also require instructors to hold an AED, CPR, and first aid certification.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), fitness instructors earned a median annual wage of $40,700 in May 2021.

First aid instructors educate people on the emergency care they can give to an injured person. These instructors may work for the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, government agencies, and other nonprofits. Candidates also need instructor training and certification.

Payscale reports that the average salary for those holding American Red Cross instructor certification was $51,000 as of April 2022.

Community health workers typically work with community members, making healthcare referrals and conducting outreach programs. They may discuss a person’s health concerns, provide basic health services such as weight and health checks, and educate them on available healthcare services.

The BLS reports that these workers earned a median annual salary of $48,860 in May 2021.

Lifeguards watch swimmers at beaches, pools, water parks, and other aquatic areas. They are trained to recognize swimmers in distress and rescue them. Most positions also require a lifeguarding certificate.

According to the BLS, lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers earned a median annual salary of $25,630 in May 2021.

Childcare workers typically work for child daycare services or provide care in their homes. They supervise children, ensure their safety, and help them develop through play and other techniques. Some states and employers require childcare workers to hold the child development associate credential.

The BLS reports that childcare workers earned a median wage of $27,490 per year in May 2021.

Salaries for those with first aid and AED certification vary dramatically by position, location, and level of experience. People who earn this certification can work in healthcare, retail, security, food service, law enforcement, and many other industries.

According to Payscale, people with AED certification earn an average yearly salary of $51,000 as of April 2022, while those with first aid certification make $57,000. The average wage for people holding CPR certification came to $63,000.