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How to Prepare for Your First CPR Certification Class

Fast CPR - How to Prepare for Your First CPR Certification Class

Everything You Need to Know Before Stepping Into CPR Training. If you’re wondering how to prepare for your first CPR certification class, this guide will help you get started. From understanding what the course will involve to making sure you’re equipped with the essentials, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re getting ready for your first CPR certification class, congratulations—you’re taking an important step toward becoming someone who can save lives in an emergency. Whether you’re a healthcare professional renewing credentials or a first-time participant fulfilling job requirements, being prepared can help you get the most out of your CPR training.

At Fast CPR in Honolulu, we offer efficient, and team-oriented CPR classes grounded in Hawaiian values of respect, unity, and service. Here’s how to prepare so you feel confident and ready on day one. Keep in mind, not every class offered out there is the same.

1. Understand the Type of CPR Class You’re Taking

There are different CPR certifications depending on your profession and goals:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) – usually for healthcare providers like nurses, EMTs, and dental professionals.
  • Heartsaver First Aid CPR/AED – usually for the general public, schools, workplaces, coaches, and caregivers.

Make sure you’re registered for the correct course. If you’re unsure, contact your workplace or certification requiring body to confirm what you need. You are responsible for knowing your own requirements. It is like going into a restaurant and ordering. If you eat a chicken, there is no way to make it a roast duck without additional time, work, effort and cost. Therefore, just taking the time to read your own requirements can help you avoid retaking classes.

2. Dress Comfortably and Be Ready to Move

CPR training includes hands-on practice with manikins, which means you’ll be bending, kneeling, and applying chest compressions. We recommend:

  • Comfortable, breathable clothing
  • Flat, closed-toe shoes
  • Hair tied back if long

Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing. This is not a sit-and-listen type of class—you’ll be actively learning life-saving skills!

3. Arrive On Time – No “Whenever” CPR

At Fast CPR, we start on time and finish efficiently because we respect your schedule—and everyone else’s. There are no grace periods. Showing up late may result in forfeiting your spot and fee. Arrive early to check in, ask questions, and get settled. CPR is about real-life emergencies, where every second counts. Just like in a real rescue, we don’t wait for late arrivals. Being on time shows respect for the class, the mission, and the people you may one day help. It’s not personal—it’s part of the training. Don’t be offended to be there on time like everyone else— it’s part of learning how to save lives and respecting the team effort.

4. Know What to Bring

Most CPR classes don’t require much, but here’s what may come in handy:

  • A valid photo ID
  • Your email address on file (to receive your eCard)

Additional course materials if you have purchased them.

5. Skip the Distractions – Digital Detox

During CPR class, your full attention matters. Many people are so conditioned to reach for our phones that they do it without thinking. This training is a great time to take a short digital detox and break that automatic habit.

In class, we ask that you:

  • Silence or turn off your phone
  • Avoid texting, scrolling, or watching videos
  • Skip taking calls or checking social media

Think of it as a reset—a chance to reconnect with real-world focus and strengthen the discipline of being present. In an emergency, seconds count, and your ability to stay centered could save a life. Stay focused and be present—people’s lives may one day depend on it. We ask students to:

  • Silence phones
  • Avoid texting or surfing the internet
  • You won’t need to pull out your phone to update your social media about your class progress—just stay focused and enjoy the experience.
  • No selfies during class.
  • Don’t be offended for not being able to cruise the phone.

As we say at Fast CPR, “No texting. No cruising. Just life-saving skills.”

6. Embrace Teamwork and Hawaiian Values

CPR isn’t just a solo skill—it’s often part of a team effort in real life. Our classes emphasize:

  • Team-based drills
  • Respect for one another’s time and focus
  • The Hawaiian value of Laulima (many hands working together)

This is a very different experience from chatting online with strangers who happen to be on your friends list. Don’t be offended that you will be required to work with others. We encourage cooperation, clear communication, and a fun, supportive learning environment.

7. Ask Questions and Practice, Practice, Practice

Don’t be shy—ask your instructor for clarification if anything is unclear. You’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Practice compressions and rescue breathing
  • Learn how to use an AED
  • Work through realistic emergency scenarios

Your instructor is there to help you succeed. Don’t worry about being perfect—this is your time to learn by doing.

8. Know What Happens After Class

After successfully completing your CPR course, you’ll receive an official eCard via email—typically the same day. Keep it for your records, job applications, or licensing boards.

At Fast CPR, our certifications are valid for two years and meet the standards of the American Heart Association (AHA) or other recognized entities, depending on the course.

Final Thoughts: Your CPR Journey Starts Here

By preparing for your CPR certification class ahead of time, you’ll walk in with confidence and leave with skills that can truly make a difference.

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