AHA ACLS vs Other ALS
Advanced life support is taught by several respected bodies. In the UAE, the American Heart Association ACLS course is the one most employers name, but clinicians trained in Europe or the UK often arrive with an ALS card from the ERC or the Resuscitation Council UK.
In short
All three courses are built on the international evidence reviewed by ILCOR and teach similar algorithms. UAE facilities most often specify AHA ACLS, partly because AHA eCards are instantly verifiable. Check what your employer accepts before booking.
The underlying science is shared, so the core management of cardiac arrest is similar. Differences are mostly in presentation, terminology, course structure and certificate validity periods. AHA ACLS has specific algorithms, a Megacode and a written test.
Most hospitals and clinics licensed by DOH, DHA and MOHAP name AHA ACLS, and some accept equivalents. If your offer letter names AHA, book AHA. See ACLS for licensing and the ACLS certificate.
There is no conversion; you take the AHA course. Experienced ALS providers usually find HeartCode ACLS quick, since the online part adapts to what they already know. The study guide highlights the AHA-specific points to review.
For BLS-level certifications, see AHA vs other BLS certifications.
UK and European courses often say “adrenaline” where American materials say “epinephrine”, and structure the assessment differently. The clinical actions are closely aligned because they come from the same evidence reviews.
Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · PALS Course · First Aid Course · Training calendar
Some employers accept it; many specify AHA ACLS. Check with your employer.
ALS is the general term; ACLS is the AHA course name.
No, you take the AHA course. HeartCode is usually quick for experienced providers.
The science is shared, so they are similar; presentation and details differ.
AHA ACLS is the most widely requested.
Some employers allow a short transition period and others do not. Ask your credentialling team; if they need AHA ACLS before your start date, HeartCode is usually the quickest route.
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.