Canadian Red Cross courses
What the Red Cross certifies, how long its card stays valid, and how to choose between its two CPR levels.
We are not the Red Cross. The platform lists sessions run by training organizations accredited by it: the courses on this page are offered in collaboration with Atout Plus, a Canadian Red Cross training partner. What follows comes from its own public pages, read on 20 September 2026.
What this body certifies
- Standard First Aid and CPR
- Two days. For anyone meeting a workplace requirement, or learning to help an adult, a child and a baby.
- Emergency First Aid and CPR
- One day. The essential skills for an emergency at work or at home.
- CPR/AED
- The resuscitation part alone: recognizing and responding to cardiovascular emergencies and choking.
- First aid workshop
- A short, non-certifying format for the basic reflexes.
Two CPR levels, not three
The Red Cross publishes only levels A and C. Level A covers adults; level C repeats all of A and adds children and babies. A level B existed once and is no longer listed: if someone still asks for it, level C is what they mean.
- Level A: 4 hours in class, or 2 hours in class plus 3 hours online.
- Level C: 5 hours in class, or 3 hours in class plus 3 hours online.
- No prerequisites for either.
Three years — and one costly exception
A level A or C CPR card is valid for three years. But only level C has a renewal format, shorter: 3.5 hours in class, or 2.5 hours in class plus 2 hours online. Level A renewal is not offered — when it expires, you retake the full course.
Over a three-year cycle, level A can therefore cost more than level C, even though it is cheaper to book.
What it takes to leave with the card
Attendance alone is not enough. The Red Cross asks for three things:
- Demonstrate the skills and the critical steps.
- Score 75% on the written knowledge evaluation.
- Attend and take part in the whole course.
What the Red Cross does not decide
It issues a certification; it does not decide whether your employer accepts it. Quebec’s workplace first aid regulation names a standard level, not a list of providers — and it is CNESST, or your employer, who judges compliance. Before booking for a job requirement, ask what is expected: a level, a duration, a specific body.
This body’s courses in our catalogue
6 formations disponibles
Formation RCR et DEA certifiée Croix-Rouge à Montréal et Laval
Apprenez les techniques de réanimation cardiorespiratoire (RCR) et l'utilisation du défibrillateur (DEA) avec une certification officielle de la Croix-Rouge canadienne. Formation disponible à Montréal et Laval.
Gardiens avertis 8h — Croix-Rouge canadienne
Cours officiel Gardiens avertis pour les jeunes de 11 à 15 ans souhaitant faire du gardiennage en toute sécurité. Certifié par la Croix-Rouge canadienne.
Prêts à rester seuls ! 6h — Croix-Rouge canadienne
Programme officiel de la Croix-Rouge canadienne pour les jeunes de 9 à 12 ans apprenant à rester seuls à la maison en toute sécurité.
RCR/DEA niveau C 5h — Croix-Rouge canadienne
Formation RCR niveau C de 5h couvrant les interventions pour adultes, enfants et nourrissons avec DEA. Certifiée Croix-Rouge canadienne, valide 3 ans.
Secourisme de base/d'urgence RCR/DEA niveau C 8h — Croix-Rouge canadienne
Formation de secourisme de base/d'urgence de 8h avec RCR/DEA niveau C pour adultes, enfants et nourrissons. Certification Croix-Rouge canadienne valide 3 ans. Anciennement appelée « Secourisme d'urgence ».
Secourisme intermédiaire/général RCR/DEA niveau C 16h — Croix-Rouge canadienne
Formation complète de secourisme intermédiaire/général sur 2 jours avec RCR/DEA niveau C. La formation la plus complète en premiers soins, certifiée Croix-Rouge canadienne, valide 3 ans. Anciennement appelée « Secourisme général ».
FAQ
Level C if you may have to help a child or a baby — parent, educator, school staff. Level A is enough in a strictly adult setting. When in doubt, C covers both, and it is the only one of the two that can be renewed.
Three years for levels A and C, according to the Red Cross. The date that counts is the one printed on the card, not the course date.
No. The Red Cross offers no renewal format for level A: when it expires, you retake the full course. Only level C has a shortened format.
Partly. Blended formats replace some classroom hours with online work, but the practice stays in person: skills are assessed on a manikin.
That is for CNESST or your employer to say, not us. The regulation names a standard level rather than a provider. Ask your employer what exactly is required before booking.