Become A Red Cross Instructor

Meet all prerequisite requirements to participate in an instructor course for the program area.

Instructor courses are offered in a blended learning format that includes a self-paced online introduction to the program area followed by an in-person course. Instructor candidates must successfully complete the online introduction course prior to attending the in-person portion of the course.

Successfully complete the in-person instructor course to earn certification.

Once certified, an instructor must become affiliated with or become a Red Cross Training Provider with a signed agreement to teach, to report Red Cross courses taught and to issue certificates. (Note: instructors can also be employees or volunteers with the Red Cross. For more information on becoming an employee or volunteering, click here.

Certified instructors, who are not affiliated, are not permitted to teach Red Cross courses.

Instructor certifications are valid for 2 years. Instructors may also be required to maintain basic level (provider) certification as required in the program area.

Instructor certification renewal is simple. Most instructors are required to complete an online recertification course. In addition, instructors must also teach a minimum number of courses dependent on program area. Lifeguarding instructors, however are required to complete an in-person renewal course.

Search for an instructor course here.