How to Become an AHA Training Site
Are you interested in offering American Heart Association (AHA) certification courses at your organization or business? Becoming an AHA Training Site is an excellent way to serve your community, support your staff’s professional growth, and create new opportunities for your organization. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process and answer common questions about how to become an AHA Training Site.
What Is an AHA Training Site?
An AHA Training Site is an organization that is aligned with an AHA-authorized Training Center to deliver official AHA courses to students in their community. While training centers are authorized directly by the AHA, training sites operate under the guidance and oversight of their aligned training centers.
Common types of Training Sites include:
EMS agencies and fire departments
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Colleges and schools
Private training companies
Structure of the AHA Training Network.
Why Become an AHA Training Site?
There are many reasons organizations choose to become AHA Training Sites:
Offer AHA-certified training directly to your staff or the public.
Increase your organization’s revenue with new classes and services.
Support your community’s health and safety by making life-saving education accessible.
Develop your staff and instructors with recognized credentials.
Access AHA materials, resources, and support for consistent, high-quality training.
Basic Requirements to be approved:
Before you apply, make sure you meet the basic requirements:
Alignment with an AHA Training Center: You must be formally aligned with a Training Center.
Facilities and Equipment: You must have the proper equipment (manikins, AED trainers, classroom space) and supplies for the courses you wish to offer.
Certified Instructors: Have at least five AHA-certified instructors.
Administrative Readiness: Maintain secure student records, submit required paperwork, and meet quality assurance standards.
Site Coordinator: Appoint a Training Site Coordinator to manage communications, compliance, and day-to-day operations.
Read more about requirements on the AHA network linked here: (REQUIREMENTS) AHA login required.
The Process to Become an AHA Training Site:
Becoming an AHA Training Site is a partnership. Here’s how it usually works:
1. Contact a Training Center
Start by reaching out to an AHA Training Center that accepts new Training Sites. Many, like Code Blue Training, have a simple online interest form.
2. Receive Requirements and Information
The Training Center will review the basics with you, provide specific requirements, and answer your questions.
3. Submit an Application
You’ll complete an application and submit documentation—this may include facility photos, proof of equipment, instructor credentials, insurance information, and more.
4. Complete Required Training
If your instructors are not already certified, they will need to complete the appropriate AHA Instructor Essentials courses. Your Training Center may also require an onboarding session or online orientation.
5. Site Review or Virtual Walkthrough
The Training Center may conduct a site visit or virtual review to verify your readiness.
6. Final Approval and Agreement
Once all requirements are met, you’ll sign a Training Site Agreement and receive official approval. You’ll also be set up to order AHA materials and eCards as needed.
7. Begin Training
You’re now ready to host AHA courses! Your Training Center will support you as you launch your first classes.
Ongoing Responsibilities after approval:
After approval, Training Sites have ongoing responsibilities to maintain their status:
Keep instructor certifications current and complete all required renewals.
Submit class paperwork and rosters to your Training Center promptly.
Follow all AHA policies and procedures, including updates as they are issued.
Participate in quality assurance and site reviews as required by your Training Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the process take?
Most Training Sites can be approved in a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how quickly requirements are met.
What does it cost to become a Training Site?
Costs may include instructor training, equipment, and site fees. Ask your Training Center for a detailed breakdown.
What equipment is required?
Basic equipment includes adult and infant manikins, AED trainers, bag valve masks, and appropriate classroom space.
Can I offer all AHA courses?
You can offer courses in disciplines where you have qualified instructors and meet AHA requirements. Start with what you’re ready for and expand as you grow.
What support will I get from my Training Center?
Your Training Center will provide onboarding, access to AHA resources, ongoing support, and regular updates to help your site succeed.
Ready to Get Started?
Becoming an AHA Training Site is a rewarding step for your organization—and we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you’re ready to begin or just want to learn more, contact us today for a free consultation
Want to align with a leading AHA Training Center?
Learn more about Training Site Alignment with Code Blue Training and join a network committed to high-quality emergency education!
I am a certified BLS Instructor in Japan and currently affiliated with the Mie Training Site under the Japan ACLS Association. However, I am now living in Cambodia and have been considering the possibility of establishing a training site here.After reviewing the PAM guidelines, I understand that it may be difficult to open a training site overseas while being affiliated with a site in Japan. Nevertheless, I would very much like to promote BLS in Cambodia by establishing a training site locally. Could you please advise me whether this would be possible?
Thank you for reaching out. In most cases, it is easier and more appropriate to work with a local Training Center that has specific authorization to operate within Cambodia. International Training Centers and Training Sites must follow country-specific requirements, and approval in one country does not automatically extend to another.
I would recommend contacting the American Heart Association or an authorized Training Center serving Cambodia to confirm what options are available. They can advise whether you may establish a Training Site locally, transfer your instructor alignment, or complete any additional requirements needed to teach in Cambodia.