When you sign up for a first aid or CPR course, you will often see it labelled with a CPR "level." The levels describe the age groups you learn to treat and the depth of the skills covered. Here is how the three common levels compare.
CPR Level A — adults
Level A focuses on CPR and choking care for adults. It also typically includes training on using an automated external defibrillator (AED). Level A suits people who mainly work around adults and want core life-saving skills.
CPR Level C — adults, children, and infants
Level C is the most comprehensive public CPR level. It covers CPR and choking for adults, children, and infants, plus AED use. Because it includes all age groups, Level C is commonly chosen by parents, teachers, childcare workers, coaches, and anyone whose job may involve children or infants. It is also the CPR component included in many Standard First Aid courses.
BLS (Basic Life Support) — healthcare providers
Basic Life Support, or BLS, is the level designed for healthcare providers and professional responders. It replaced the older "CPR Level HCP (Health Care Provider)" designation. BLS builds on Level C with a higher standard of competency — including one- and two-rescuer CPR, team-based resuscitation, and the use of equipment such as a bag-valve mask. Nurses, paramedics, and other clinicians are typically required to hold a current BLS certificate.
Quick guide: Choose Level A if you only need adult CPR, Level C if you may help children or infants, and BLS if you work in healthcare or your employer or college requires it.
What they have in common
All three levels teach the fundamentals of high-quality CPR — recognizing cardiac arrest, calling for help, pushing hard and fast on the centre of the chest, and using an AED as early as possible. The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada sets the resuscitation standards these courses follow.
How long is CPR certification valid?
First aid and CPR certificates in Canada are generally valid for three years, although healthcare employers and regulators often require BLS to be renewed more frequently. Check your workplace or college requirements to be sure.
Authoritative sources
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for certified, hands-on CPR training. Course names and levels can vary by provider — confirm the exact content with your training organization.