Confidence, not panic,when it counts.
Commonwealth Response Academy trains individuals, employers, and healthcare providers across Pennsylvania in CPR, AED, and First Aid — with small classes, real hands-on practice, and instructors who use these skills on shift.
In-Person
Hands-on classes at our training centers or onsite
Blended
Online coursework plus an in-person skills check
Online
Fully self-paced classes you complete on your schedule
One academy, three ways to train.
Whatever brings you here, the path to a confident, certified response looks a little different — so we built one for each.
Be the calm, capable person in the room.
Whether it's for peace of mind at home, a job requirement, or just because you've always meant to, our public classes are small, hands-on, and judgment-free.
Find a class- Small class sizes (12 or fewer) for real hands-on time
- Sessions to fit your schedule
- Walk out with a nationally recognized certification card
Many courses. One consistent standard.
From a first CPR class to advanced resuscitation leadership, every course is taught to the same rigorous, hands-on standard.
CPR & AED All Ages
Learn adult, child, and infant CPR plus AED use in a single, judgment-free session built for people with no medical background.
First Aid, CPR & AED All Ages
Combine first aid fundamentals with CPR and AED training to prepare for medical, injury, and cardiac emergencies in one course.
Basic First Aid
Ideal as a standalone refresher or add-on to a CPR class, covering the first aid skills people actually use most.
Bloodborne Pathogens Training
Meets workplace exposure-control education needs for employees who may contact blood or other potentially infectious materials on the job.
From sign-up to certified in four steps.
Choose your course
Answer a few quick questions or browse by audience to find the right class and format.
Pick a date & location
Book an open seat in Harrisburg or request an onsite session.
Train hands-on
Learn from a certified instructor with real manikins and real feedback.
Get certified
Leave with a digital card in 24 hours and a wallet card within a week if requested.
Training built by people who've needed these skills.
Standardized, clinically sound, and genuinely practical.
Taught by working professionals
Every instructor is an active first responder, healthcare worker, or safety professional with real-world experience — not a part-time hobbyist.
Small classes, real hands-on time
We cap classes so everyone gets meaningful manikin time and individual feedback, not a crowded back row.
We come to you
Onsite training across the Commonwealth means less time away from work and more people trained per visit.
Guidelines-current curriculum
Course content is reviewed against current national resuscitation and first aid guidelines every year.
Transparent, fair pricing
No hidden material fees, straightforward per-course pricing, and flexible rescheduling if life gets in the way.
Fast, verifiable certification
Digital cards in 24 hours, mailed cards within a week if requested, and instant online verification for employers.
Before you book a class.
If you have no medical background, start with the CPR & AED or the combined First Aid, CPR & AED course. Clinicians and students in healthcare programs should take BLS for Healthcare Providers. Still unsure? Use our course finder on the Courses page or contact us — we'll point you in the right direction for free.
For most public courses, no preparation is required. Blended-learning options require you to complete an online cognitive module before attending your in-person skills session — you'll receive a link and deadline by email after registering.
Comfortable clothing you can kneel and move in, a valid photo ID for your certification card, and water. Course-specific items are listed on each course page.
Most certifications are valid for 2 years. Bloodborne Pathogens training is valid for 1 year, and Wilderness First Aid is valid for 3 years. Exact validity is listed on each course page and on your certification card.
Digital certification cards are issued within 24 hours of successfully completing your course. Physical wallet cards are mailed within 5–7 business days at no extra cost if requested.
The best time to get certified was yesterday. The second best time is this week.
Seats fill quickly at every location. Reserve yours, or ask us about bringing a class onsite to your workplace.