FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I receive CME/CE Credits for your Certifications?

Yes, the ACLS, PALS, and BLS courses are certified for CME, CNE, and ADA credit through the Joint Providership of Advanced Certification Institute and Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM). Please click here for more information.

Are your courses compliant with current Joint Commission (JCAHO) standards?

Yes. All Advanced Certification Institute courses and exam materials are evidence-based and comply with Joint Commission (JCAHO) requirements. Our courses are built upon the latest emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) guidelines as published by the American Heart Association (AHA) and determined in conjunction with the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR)—which is the international committee responsible for coordination of all aspects of cardiopulmonary and cerebral resuscitation worldwide—the latest peer-reviewed articles, and expert consensus guidelines.

As defined in the Provision of Care, Treatment, and Service chapter of the Hospital Accreditation Standards, JCAHO Standard PC.9.30 requires resuscitation services to be available throughout the hospital. Specific requirements include:

Policies, procedures, processes, or protocols govern the provision of resuscitation services.
Equipment is appropriate to the patient population (for example, adult, pediatric).
Appropriate equipment is placed strategically throughout the hospital.
An evidence-based training program(s) is used to train appropriate staff to recognize the need for and use of designated equipment and techniques in resuscitation efforts.

The Joint Commission’s Standards Interpretation Group has reported that the Joint Commission does not recommend any specific training program (e.g. American Heart Association or Red Cross) only requires that all training is evidence-based. All of the courses and exam materials provided by the Advanced Certification Institute meet these requirements.

Is the First Aid & CPR/AED course really free?

We have made the complete content of the First Aid & CPR/AED course entirely free to view as a public service. If you decide you would like to become certified in First Aid & CPR, you can purchase the course, pass the exam and receive your certification.

Does your program require a clinical skills test?

No, we do not require an onsite clinical skills test. At ACI, all of our exams are entirely web-based. Upon successful completion of the exam you will receive your ACLS, PALS, BLS, or First Aid & CPR certification card.

Can I obtain my certification through this online course?

Yes. Immediately upon passing the final exam you will have access to a printable PDF Certification card. All certification courses are officially endorsed by Advanced Certification Institute and are designed by Board Certified Critical Care Physicians with strict adherence to the current AHA guidelines.

Is the ACI course endorsed by the American Heart Association?

Currently the AHA does not endorse ANY completely online course, however Board Certified Critical Care Physicians designed the ACI courses in collaboration with AHA-certified instructors. This has allowed ACI to successfully certify thousands of health care professionals and students and to enjoy a 98% acceptance rate, both nationally and internationally. Please contact your organization to see if they require AHA certification.

I have not taken an ACLS, PALS, BLS, or First Aid & CPR course before. Can I certify through ACI?

Yes. Our Certification course is designed for initial certification as well as for individuals who have allowed their certification to lapse for greater than one year and want to take the full Certification course. Our course includes an extensive and complete online study guide free of charge, which can be viewed online. Our course provides all the information that is required for you to pass the online Certification exam.

Can I recertify with this course?

Yes. You are able to recertify whether your ACLS, PALS, BLS, or First Aid & CPR certificate is currently valid or you have allowed your certification to expire. Our online course was designed by Board Certified Critical Care physicians and is updated according to the most recent AHA published guidelines.

Can I take the BLS course with the ACLS or PALS course?

Yes. We now offer a Free BLS course when you purchase a PALS or ACLS course. At ACI, we believe BLS is an essential foundation for the thorough understanding of ACLS and PALS. A comprehensive review of BLS will be made available when obtaining the advanced certifications.

Do I have to take the BLS course when I sign up for ACLS or PALS?

No, this is entirely up to you. If you have just completed BLS elsewhere or have a thorough understanding of the material, you may decide not to take BLS. However, you may want to take advantage of this offer as to allow your BLS certification to become “in sync” with your ACLS or PALS certification.

How do I receive my certification card?

Upon passing your exam you will have immediate access to a printable certificate. Most employers accept this. We have found that most users do not need a hard copy of their card. With our Certification Verification feature, employers can verify your certifications if necessary with a code you provide (we will provide instructions to you for this feature). If you need a hard copy of your card we can mail one to you. You will receive your card in 2 – 5 business days.

How long does my certification last?

Your ACI ACLS, PALS, BLS, and First Aid & CPR certifications will be valid for a period of 2 years from the date you successfully complete the exam.

What score is required to pass the Exams?

ACLS and PALS Certification Exams: 80% = 10 incorrect out of 50 questions
ACLS and PALS Recertification Exams: 80% = 8 incorrect out of 40 questions
BLS Certification Exam: 80% = 8 incorrect out of 40 questions
BLS Recertification Exam: 80% = 6 incorrect out of 30 questions
First Aid & CPR Certification and Renewal Exam: 80% = 4 incorrect out of 25 questions

ACI utilizes a unique testing format that is designed to optimize learning efficiency and first-time pass rates. If the exam is not passed on the first attempt, you will be given unlimited retake opportunities at no additional charge.

When do I get my exam results?

Immediately! If you pass the exam you will have instant access to a certification card that you will be able to download and/or print. If you do not pass, you will receive immediate instructions as to how to retake the exam for no additional fee. Although unlimited exam retakes are included with your certification fee, our exclusive testing format optimizes first-time pass success.

If I do not pass the exam on the first attempt, how many chances do I have to pass?

ACI utilizes a unique testing format that is designed to optimize learning effectiveness and first-time passing rate. In the unlikely event that you do not pass on the first attempt, you will be afforded unlimited exam retakes at no additional charge.

Is the exam timed?

No. There is no time limit applied to the exam. The goal is for you to learn the material. Time limits do not enhance learning. You may take as much time as you need to complete the exam. You may also leave the exam and pick up where you left off at a later time. All of your answers will be saved when you return to complete the exam.

Do I have to purchase the AHA provider manual for the course?

No, you do not have to purchase the AHA provider manual to complete the ACI course. The study material you will be provided with the course is complete and presented in a clear and concise manner. It utilizes graphs, charts, and diagrams to facilitate learning and promote retention. It was designed by Board Certified Critical Care physicians and AHA-trained instructors and is based on the current AHA published guidelines. Other online courses may charge for their study guide. This invaluable guide is included with all ACI courses.

Does ACI have a refund policy?

Yes. You may receive a 100% refund for up to 3 months if you have not yet attempted the exam.

Is next-day shipping of my hard copy provider card included?

No. We find most individuals do not require a hard copy of their card. In this electronic era, most employers accept the printable card that can be immediately downloaded upon passing the exam. If requested, we will mail your hard copy provider card the same or next business day, and you should receive it in 2 – 5 business days.

Can my employer verify my certifications through your site?

Yes. Now ACI offers a new Certification Verification feature where an employer or any third party you authorize can view your certifications earned through ACI. Simply give them a unique code that we will supply after you have earned a certification and they will be able to view your current active certifications. They will also have the ability to print a certificate if desired.

Will ACI remind me before my active certifications expire?

Yes. ACI will send reminder emails before your certifications expire. It will give you adequate time to recertify in order to avoid any lapse in certification. Of course, you can opt out of reminder emails if so desired.