How to Become an American Red Cross & American Heart Association Instructor Trainer

David Kotz
Mar 6
5 min read

Updated: Mar 14

American Red Cross and American Heart Association Instructors

Leveling Up: From CPR Instructor to CPR Instructor Trainer

Becoming a CPR Instructor is a noble feat—you’re out there teaching life-saving skills, molding future responders, and maybe even flexing your best “clear!” impersonation from every medical drama ever. But what if you could level up and train the trainers?

That’s right, instead of just teaching CPR classes, you could be the one certifying new CPR instructors—which means more income, more credibility, and a front-row seat to watching new instructors stumble over explaining the recovery position for the first time.

If you’re wondering how to become a CPR Instructor Trainer for the American Red Cross (ARC) or the American Heart Association (AHA), sit tight, because we’re about to break it down in a way that won’t put you in cardiac arrest.

Step 1: Make Sure You’re Not a Rookie

Let’s be real—you wouldn’t want someone who just learned how to swim yesterday teaching you how to be a lifeguard. Same deal with CPR instruction.

Both ARC and AHA require that before you can even dream about training other instructors, you need solid experience as an instructor yourself.

The American Red Cross requires you to have taught at least six full courses in the discipline you want to be a trainer for. That means actual, official, logged courses—not just walking your cousin through Hands-Only CPR at Thanksgiving.
The American Heart Association prefers that you have some experience under your belt and that you’re in good standing as an AHA instructor before applying for instructor trainer status.

So, if you’re fresh out of your own instructor course, don’t go thinking you can skip levels like a kid button-mashing their way through a video game. Put in the reps first.

Step 2: Pick Your Path – American Red Cross and/or American Heart Association

Now, let’s talk about the differences between the two major organizations.

The American Red Cross (ARC) CPR Instructor Trainer Path

Becoming an ARC CPR Instructor Trainer isn’t just about teaching; it’s about becoming a mentor for new instructors. Here’s how it works:

Teach Those Three Courses
- As mentioned earlier, you need experience before you can move forward.
Get an Instructor Trainer Recommendation
- You’ll need a recommendation from a current ARC Instructor Trainer or a Training Provider (like a training center or employer) who has seen your work. If you’ve been knocking it out of the park in your classes, this should be easy.
Take the Instructor Trainer Course
- This is not just a longer version of your instructor class. It’s an in-depth course that covers how to evaluate, mentor, and approve future CPR instructors.
- You’ll complete online training and then attend an in-person Instructor Trainer Academy led by a Master Instructor Trainer.
Complete an Instructor Trainer Evaluation
- Just like you had to demonstrate your teaching skills when you became an instructor, now you have to show you can evaluate and train other instructors.
Official Instructor Trainer Status
- Once you’re approved, you’ll officially be an ARC Instructor Trainer, meaning you can train and certify new CPR instructors and oversee their development.

The American Heart Association (AHA) Instructor Trainer Path

The AHA path is a little different and requires you to get involved with a Training Center (TC).

Work with an AHA Training Center
- AHA operates through Training Centers, and to become an Instructor Trainer, you’ll need a Training Center Faculty (TCF) recommendation.
- Essentially, you’ll need to impress the right people (aka be a rockstar instructor) so they see your potential and recommend you.
Apply to Become Training Center Faculty (TCF)
- If your Training Center thinks you’ve got what it takes, they’ll nominate you for Training Center Faculty (TCF).
- Unlike ARC, AHA doesn’t have a separate Instructor Trainer course—instead, you’ll become a Faculty member at your Training Center and help mentor, evaluate, and certify new instructors.
Start Training Instructors
- Once you’re approved, you can train and certify new AHA instructors under the guidance of your Training Center.
- Keep in mind that you can only train new instructors for the Training Center you’re affiliated with, so your ability to train instructors is tied to that organization.

Step 3: The Perks of Being a CPR Instructor Trainer

Why bother with this extra level of responsibility? Because it pays off—literally.

✔ More Income Potential – Instead of just teaching students, you’re training instructors—which means higher course fees and bigger payouts.

✔ More Credibility – Want to establish yourself as a leader in the CPR training industry? Being a Trainer of Trainers is the next step to being seen as an expert.

✔ More Flexibility – As an Instructor Trainer, you can decide when and where you train instructors. This is great if you’re trying to scale your business or offer courses in different locations.

Step 4: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Look, not everyone is cut out to be a CPR Instructor Trainer. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

❌ Jumping in Too Soon – If you’re still figuring out how to juggle manikins and AEDs in class, take more time to gain confidence as an instructor before trying to train others.

❌ Not Understanding the Business Side – Instructor training isn’t just about teaching; it’s about running a business, marketing your courses, and ensuring quality instruction. If you don’t know how to attract and retain instructors, you might struggle to make this venture profitable.

❌ Underestimating the Commitment – Training instructors is more than just teaching CPR. You’re evaluating, mentoring, and sometimes breaking bad habits. It’s a bigger responsibility than just running a class.

Step 5: Make It Happen

Now that you know the ropes, what’s next?

If you’re with the American Red Cross: Start logging those courses, find an Instructor Trainer to recommend you, and enroll in an Instructor Trainer Academy.
If you’re with the American Heart Association: Get involved with a Training Center, build a solid reputation, and work toward becoming Training Center Faculty (TCF).

The best part? Once you reach Instructor Trainer status, you’re officially in an elite tier of the industry. You’ll be helping to create the next generation of lifesavers while growing your own business and reputation.

Now, go forth and train the trainers—just don’t let the power go to your head. No one likes an instructor who acts like they invented CPR.

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