ACLS Course Duration
An ACLS course takes longer than BLS because there is more to learn and a Megacode to pass. How long it takes you depends mostly on the route: HeartCode blended or classroom.
In short
HeartCode ACLS: an adaptive online part at your own pace, then a hands-on skills session at our centre. Classroom ACLS: all teaching, practice and testing in the room, so it takes longer. The booking form shows the times for each date.
The online part adapts to you: it spends less time on topics you already know and more where you hesitate. You can split it across several sittings. Then you attend a skills practice and testing session with an AHA instructor. For most working clinicians, this is the least disruptive route — see how HeartCode ACLS works.
Everything happens in the room: video segments, case discussions, skills stations and testing. It takes longer than a HeartCode skills session, which is why it is best for first-time providers who want the cases taught face to face. See classroom ACLS. The exact schedule for each classroom date is shown in the booking form and confirmed when you book.
The standard is the same, but experienced providers move through the HeartCode online part faster. See ACLS renewal.
Allow time before the course for the precourse self-assessment and revision. Our ACLS study guide suggests a one-week plan; if you have not run an arrest for a while, allow more.
Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · PALS Course · First Aid Course · Training calendar
It depends on the format. HeartCode is an online part plus a skills session; classroom ACLS takes longer because all teaching is in the room. Times are shown for each date in the booking form.
The HeartCode skills session is completed in one visit. Check the classroom schedule for each date when you book.
Usually, especially via HeartCode, because experienced providers move through the online part faster.
It adapts to your knowledge, so it varies from person to person.
Complete the precourse self-assessment and allow about a week of revision; more if you rarely manage arrests.
Safety First Medical Services is an American Heart Association training centre on Al Reem Island. HeartCode blended ACLS, classroom ACLS and on-site group ACLS for hospitals and clinics, with a two-year AHA ACLS Provider eCard on completion.
See ACLS dates and register ACLS course overview Group booking enquiry
What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.
Last reviewed by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.