Become a CPR Instructor

The first step is to submit the instructor interest form on this page. From there, our team reviews your background, goals, location, and the types of classes you want to teach.

If it looks like a good fit, we’ll guide you through the next stage, which may include verifying your current certification status, completing instructor training, participating in co-teaching, and finishing any required exam or certification steps before you begin teaching.

Instructor candidates can come from different backgrounds depending on the course path. Healthcare professionals, EMTs, nurses, trainers, coaches, teachers, and community leaders may all be strong candidates.

Some advanced instructor tracks require more experience than others. In general, the best candidates are reliable, professional, comfortable leading groups, and motivated to teach life-saving skills.

Not always. A medical background is especially important for advanced courses such as ACLS and PALS, but it may not be required for every instructor path.

Candidates interested in BLS or Heartsaver CPR/AED/First Aid may come from non-clinical backgrounds depending on the specific role and training path.

You should still apply even if you are not completely sure which certification path fits you. For some instructor roles, a current BLS certification may be required or strongly preferred before moving forward.

If you are not yet certified, our team can help you understand what you may need based on the classes you want to teach and your background.

Depending on your background and certification path, you may have the opportunity to teach:

• BLS
• ACLS
• PALS
• Heartsaver CPR / AED / First Aid
• Onsite workplace and group training

Not every instructor will teach every course. Your teaching path depends on your qualifications, certifications, and training progress.

The timeline can vary depending on your starting point, availability, and the instructor path you pursue. In some cases, candidates can move through the process in as little as 1–2 weeks if they are moving aggressively and have the required background already in place.

For others, it may take longer depending on scheduling, certification status, training progress, and co-teaching availability.

The instructor path may include online modules, live training, observation, co-teaching real classes, and an instructor exam or final certification step.

The exact path can vary based on the course track, but the goal is the same: to make sure instructors are confident, prepared, and ready to teach high-quality classes.

In many cases, yes. Co-teaching is part of how new instructors gain real classroom experience, learn expectations, and build confidence before leading classes independently.

This gives instructors hands-on practice and helps maintain the quality and consistency of training across the organization.

Yes, many instructor pathways include a final evaluation or instructor exam. This is part of confirming that you understand the material, can teach it correctly, and are ready to represent the program professionally.

Yes. CPR instruction can create flexible income opportunities, especially for candidates interested in part-time teaching, contractor work, or expanding into more classes over time.

Pay structure and opportunities can vary depending on the course type, schedule, location, and role. If compensation is an important factor for you, mention that in your application so the team can speak with you about fit and expectations.

Many instructor opportunities are flexible and can work well for part-time schedules or contractor arrangements. In some cases, full-time opportunities may also be possible depending on location, demand, and operational needs.

If you are seeking a larger teaching role, be sure to note that in your application.

You should still apply. GEAR UP with CPR is growing, and strong instructor candidates may help open up future opportunities in additional markets.

You can also review current public training areas on our Locations page. If you are interested in teaching full time or helping us expand into your area, include that in your application.

GEAR UP with CPR currently serves multiple markets across the country. You can explore current public training locations on the Locations page, including places such as New York City, St. Louis, Orlando, and other active service areas.

Yes. Instructors may have opportunities to support onsite CPR training for businesses, schools, gyms, healthcare offices, and other organizations.

These group training opportunities can be an important part of the instructor path, especially in growing markets.

That depends on your experience and goals. Candidates from healthcare backgrounds may be better suited for BLS, ACLS, or PALS, while community-focused candidates may be a better fit for Heartsaver CPR / AED / First Aid or group training.

If you are unsure, applying is the fastest way to get guidance on the right path.

These courses serve different audiences and levels of care. BLS is commonly required for healthcare providers. ACLS is designed for advanced cardiovascular emergencies. PALS focuses on infant and child emergency response. Heartsaver is generally geared toward workplace responders, teachers, coaches, and the general public.

You can also review: Choosing the Right CPR Certification and BLS vs. ACLS.

Yes. Prior teaching experience can help, but it is not always required. Strong candidates are often people who communicate well, stay professional, care about helping others, and are willing to learn the teaching process.

The onboarding and co-teaching portions of the pathway are designed to help instructors build confidence.

Yes. One of the major benefits of becoming an instructor is flexibility. Scheduling can often be based on your availability, location, and the types of classes you are approved to teach.

Teaching with an established training organization can offer structure, support, classroom opportunities, brand credibility, and a clearer growth path than trying to build everything on your own from scratch.

GEAR UP with CPR also offers access to existing markets, course demand, and operational support while you focus on becoming a strong instructor.

Start by filling out the form on this page. Share your profession, goals, location, and the classes you are most interested in teaching.

If you still have questions before applying, you can also contact GEAR UP with CPR or explore our course pages for BLS, ACLS, PALS, and Heartsaver CPR / AED / First Aid.