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Designed to fit your schedule and teaching style
From onboarding to free digital resources so you are ready
Join thousands of instructors preparing 6.3 million learners each year to have skills to act
Make a difference in the classroom and in the community
Take a Class
The Red Cross offers unmatched flexibility, innovation, and support for instructors. Teaching more than 6.3 million learners each year, our programs empower you to teach lifesaving skills with confidence and make a lasting impact — in the classroom and beyond.
Determine which Instructor certification path fits you best.
These courses are for those who have never been an Instructor and want to get certified to teach learners.
New Instructor Courses
FREE Online bridging courses for certified Instructors with another training organization(s) who wish to bridge to the Red Cross to teach student learners.
Bridging Courses
These courses are meant for Instructors who teach other Instructors (also known as train-the trainer or Instructor Faculty at other organizations).
Instructor Trainer Courses
Who want to renew their Certification and find out which courses they can also teach.
Learn More Open Instructor Heirarchy Chart in a new window
*Instructor and Instructor Trainer certifications are valid for 2 years. Instructors and Instructor Trainers may also be required to maintain basic level (provider) certification as required in the program area.
*Instructor certification renewal is simple. Most Red Cross Instructors are required to complete an online recertification course. In addition, Instructors must also teach a minimum number of courses dependent on the program area. Lifeguarding Instructors are required to complete an in-person renewal course.
Instructor candidates who are new to teaching students in courses like those offered by the Red Cross must meet the following criteria:
The Instructor courses listed below are designed for those who do not have any instructor certification but want to teach and certify learners. All courses (with the exception of First Aid for Severe Trauma) require you to attend an in-person session. You can search for the courses using our “Find A Class” tool to locate one in your geographic area.
The free, online Instructor Bridge Courses are available for qualified Instructors certified with equivalent training organizations who wish to become Red Cross Instructors for student learners in the programs listed below. After signing up for the course, submit the prerequisite documentation. You can take these courses once your Instructor certification has been reviewed and accepted.
*Once certified, an Instructor must become affiliated with or become a Red Cross Training Provider with a signed agreement to teach, report Red Cross courses taught and issue certificates.
These free, online courses are meant for Instructors who already teach and certify other Instructors (also known as train-the-trainer). At other organizations you may be called Instructor Faculty.
If you meet the prerequisite requirements and your certification is approved, you can begin the online Instructor Trainer bridging course. Instructor Trainer bridges are available for these courses:
*Once certified, an Instructor Trainer must become affiliated with or become a Red Cross Training Provider with a signed agreement to teach, report Red Cross courses taught and issue certificates.
