You need to take a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course, but as you explore the available options, you come across several levels: A, C and C+.
All three courses cover resuscitation techniques and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
So why are there different levels?
Is Level C more difficult than Level A? Is Level C+ necessarily the better option? And most importantly, which course should you choose for your job or personal needs?
The answer depends primarily on who you may need to assist and which skills you are required to learn.
Level A focuses on CPR for adults, Level C covers adults, children and infants, while Level C+ includes additional techniques intended for healthcare professionals.
Before registering, here’s what you need to know to choose the right training.
What Is CPR Training?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is a first aid technique used when someone experiences cardiac arrest.
During cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood effectively.
As a result, blood circulation can no longer deliver enough oxygen to vital organs, particularly the brain.
Immediate action is essential.
CPR helps maintain some blood circulation through chest compressions while waiting for emergency medical services and the use of a defibrillator, when one is available.
CPR training teaches participants how to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest, call for help and perform the appropriate actions.
Participants can practise chest compressions on training manikins and become familiar with the equipment used during an emergency.
Depending on the level selected, they learn techniques appropriate for different age groups.
CPR is a valuable skill both at home and in the workplace.
However, not all CPR courses cover exactly the same interventions.
CPR Level A, C or C+: What Are the Differences?
Here are the main differences between the CPR courses offered by Santinel.
| Course | Age Groups | Additional Skills | Intended Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPR and AED – Level A | Adults | CPR and AED use | General public and individuals requiring adult CPR training |
| CPR and AED – Level C | Adults, children and infants | Age-appropriate CPR techniques and AED use | General public, parents and individuals working with different age groups |
| CPR and AED – Level C+ | Adults, children and infants | Additional skills, including bag-mask ventilation and pulse checks | Healthcare professionals |
At Santinel, all three courses are listed as four-hour training programs.
However, the same course duration does not mean the content is interchangeable.
Level C expands CPR techniques to include children and infants, while Level C+ covers additional skills adapted to healthcare settings.
Rather than automatically choosing the most advanced level, it’s best to select the course that matches your specific needs.
CPR Level A: Learning to Respond to Emergencies Involving Adults
CPR and AED Level A training is designed for individuals who want to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques for adults.
It teaches participants how to respond when someone shows signs of cardiac arrest.
Participants learn to recognize an emergency, contact the appropriate emergency services and perform the resuscitation techniques taught during the course. They also learn how to respond to airway obstructions in adults.
AED use is also included in Santinel’s training program.
Who Should Take Level A?
This level may be suitable for someone who needs certification primarily focused on adult CPR.
For example, an employee may require CPR and AED Level A certification to meet a specific workplace requirement.
Someone who wants to develop CPR skills for personal use may also consider this course.
However, it’s important to think about the people you may need to assist.
If you regularly interact with children or infants, Level C may be a more appropriate choice.
What Will You Learn?
Santinel’s training includes:
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Recognizing cardiopulmonary arrest
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Performing CPR on adults
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Responding to airway obstructions
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Using an AED safely
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Taking the first steps in an emergency before help arrives
The chain of survival is also covered during the course.
This concept emphasizes the importance of recognizing an emergency quickly, calling for help and taking immediate action.
Santinel’s CPR and AED – Level A training is four hours long.
CPR Level C: Training for Adults, Children and Infants
Level C covers CPR techniques for three age groups: adults, children and infants.
This is the main difference between Levels A and C.
Why does it matter?
Because resuscitation techniques must be adapted to the person’s age and size.
For example, chest compressions performed on an infant are not the same as those performed on an adult.
Recognizing certain emergencies and responding to airway obstructions can also vary depending on age.
This training allows participants to learn techniques appropriate for different age groups.
Who Should Take Level C?
Level C may be particularly useful for parents, grandparents and individuals who regularly care for children.
It may also be suitable for employees who work with people of different ages.
Consider someone who organizes sports activities for children and teenagers.
They may need to respond to an emergency involving either an adult or a young participant.
In this situation, training that covers several age groups is a relevant choice.
However, specific workplace requirements must still be verified.
Daycares, day camps and schools may require more comprehensive first aid training than CPR Level C alone.
What Will You Learn?
The course includes:
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CPR for adults, children and infants
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Recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest
-
Responding to airway obstructions
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Using an AED
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Taking the appropriate steps before emergency responders arrive
Practical exercises allow participants to become familiar with techniques specific to each age group.
Santinel’s CPR and AED – Level C training is offered as a four-hour course.
CPR Level C+: Training for Healthcare Professionals
Level C+ is primarily intended for healthcare professionals.
Like Level C, it covers CPR techniques for adults, children and infants.
However, it also includes additional skills and knowledge relevant to individuals working in healthcare settings.
At Santinel, Level C+ training includes bag-mask ventilation and pulse checks.
These skills may be required for certain professional roles, depending on applicable protocols and requirements.
What Is Bag-Mask Ventilation?
A bag-mask device is used to provide ventilation in certain emergency situations.
Using this equipment requires specific knowledge and techniques.
For this reason, bag-mask ventilation is not necessarily included in CPR courses intended for the general public.
Level C+ gives healthcare professionals the opportunity to practise this technique.
Who Should Take This Course?
This training is intended for healthcare professionals whose responsibilities require the additional skills covered in the program.
For example, someone working in a clinical environment may need to use specific resuscitation techniques as part of their professional duties.
However, Level C+ should not automatically be considered the required certification for all healthcare professionals.
Some employers require other certifications, including Basic Life Support (BLS) or advanced resuscitation training.
Before registering, it’s important to verify the exact training program required by your employer, healthcare facility or professional regulatory body, when applicable.
Santinel’s CPR and AED – Level C+ training is listed as a four-hour course.
Is CPR Level C More Difficult Than Level A?
Not necessarily.
Level C simply covers a wider range of emergency situations.
Level A focuses on CPR techniques for adults.
Level C adds techniques adapted to children and infants.
Participants must therefore learn the differences between age groups.
However, this doesn’t mean the course is reserved for people with previous first aid experience.
At Santinel, CPR and AED Level C training is available to the general public.
You don’t need to be a healthcare professional to learn how to perform CPR on children and infants.
Your choice should depend on your needs and certification requirements.
If you’re a parent or regularly work with children, Level C may be better suited to your situation.
Do You Need to Complete Level A Before Taking Level C?
No. In general, you don’t need to complete Level A before registering for a Level C course intended for the general public.
Level C is designed to teach CPR techniques for different age groups.
It isn’t necessarily the second step in a training pathway where participants must complete each previous level.
This confusion sometimes comes from the names A, C and C+.
It may seem as though you need to progress from one level to the next.
In reality, these levels primarily indicate different course content and intended audiences.
Someone who wants to learn CPR for adults, children and infants can register directly for Level C.
For Level C+, healthcare professionals should verify any specific requirements or eligibility conditions.
Does CPR Training Include AED Use?
At Santinel, CPR training for Levels A, C and C+ includes the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
This is an important component of the training.
When someone experiences cardiac arrest, an AED can analyze their heart rhythm and, when necessary, recommend delivering an electrical shock.
Depending on the model, the device guides users through voice and visual instructions.
Training helps participants understand how the AED works and how to incorporate it into an emergency response.
For example, participants learn when to use an AED, how to follow its instructions and how to avoid common handling mistakes.
CPR and AED use are complementary skills.
CPR helps maintain blood circulation, while an AED can help treat certain heart rhythms that respond to defibrillation.
An AED does not replace chest compressions. Both interventions are part of responding to cardiac arrest.
How Long Does CPR Training Take?
At Santinel, CPR and AED Levels A, C and C+ are all listed as four-hour courses.
This allows participants to learn the program’s key concepts and complete practical exercises.
However, CPR training should not be confused with a comprehensive first aid course.
For example, Santinel also offers an eight-hour General First Aid, CPR and AED – Level C course.
This program covers additional topics, including how to respond to certain medical emergencies and injuries.
Other general first aid courses last sixteen hours.
A course that includes Level C CPR does not necessarily cover the same content as a four-hour CPR course.
If your employer requires an eight-hour or sixteen-hour first aid certificate, a four-hour CPR course may not be sufficient.
It’s important to verify the exact type of training required.
How Long Is CPR Certification Valid?
Certification validity depends on the training program and the certificate issued.
In Santinel’s current course catalogue, four-hour CPR and AED Levels A and C certificates are listed as valid for two years.
For Level C+, the validity period should be confirmed based on the specific certification issued.
| Santinel Course | Course Duration | Certificate Validity |
|---|---|---|
| CPR and AED – Level A | 4 hours | 2 years |
| CPR and AED – Level C | 4 hours | 2 years |
| CPR and AED – Level C+ | 4 hours | To be confirmed based on the certificate |
However, a general first aid course that includes CPR may have a different validity period.
This is the case for certain eight-hour and sixteen-hour programs.
It’s therefore important not to assume that all certifications including CPR have the same validity period.
The best approach is to check the expiration date printed on your certificate.
If certification is required for your job, plan to renew it before it expires.
Is CPR Training Enough to Become a Workplace First Aider?
No.
This is an especially important distinction for employers in Quebec.
In workplaces covered by provincial regulations, designated first aiders must generally hold the workplace first aid certification required under the applicable program.
This mandatory training is sixteen hours long.
It includes CPR and AED use, but also covers a wider range of first aid interventions.
A CPR Level A, C or C+ course should therefore not be considered a replacement for the required workplace first aid certification.
Let’s look at an example.
A company designates an employee who recently obtained CPR and AED Level C certification.
This person knows how to perform CPR on adults, children and infants.
However, if the employer wants to count this person among the first aiders required under the applicable workplace regulations, they must verify that the employee holds the required qualification.
The CPR level alone is not sufficient to demonstrate compliance.
Santinel also offers a 16-hour Workplace First Aid training course for employees who need this certification.
Which CPR Course Should You Choose If You’re a Parent?
For someone who wants to learn how to respond to an emergency involving their children, Level C is generally a suitable option.
It covers CPR for adults, children and infants.
For example, a parent may want to know what to do if a young child becomes unconscious and isn’t breathing normally.
The appropriate techniques must be adapted to the child’s age.
Level C training provides an opportunity to practise these different approaches.
It may also be useful for grandparents, babysitters and anyone who regularly cares for infants.
However, this course should be distinguished from a first aid program specifically designed for early childhood.
Early childhood first aid training generally includes additional topics related to injuries, illnesses and other emergencies involving young children.
If you need certification to work in a daycare or childcare setting, make sure you select the program that meets the specific requirements of that environment.
Which CPR Course Should You Choose for Work?
The answer depends on your role and the certification your employer requires.
Here are a few examples.
| Your Situation | Training to Consider |
|---|---|
| You want to learn CPR for adults | CPR and AED – Level A |
| You work with adults, children and infants | CPR and AED – Level C |
| You’re a healthcare professional who requires additional skills | CPR and AED – Level C+, depending on the requirements |
| Your employer requires comprehensive first aid training | General First Aid, including the required CPR level |
| You need to become a designated first aider in a workplace covered by Quebec regulations | Workplace First Aid – 16 hours |
| You work in a childcare setting | Training that meets the requirements of the childcare environment |
These are general guidelines.
Before registering, it’s best to ask your employer for the exact name of the required certification.
This is particularly important in regulated workplaces.
What Happens During a CPR Training Course?
A CPR course generally includes both theoretical and practical components.
Participants learn how to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest, understand the chain of survival and follow the appropriate emergency response steps.
They then have the opportunity to practise the techniques they’ve learned on training manikins.
These practical exercises are essential.
For example, performing chest compressions may seem straightforward when watching a video.
However, achieving the proper compression depth, rhythm and hand positioning requires practice.
Hands-on exercises help participants better understand the techniques and receive feedback from the instructor.
Participants also use an AED training device to become familiar with its instructions.
Level C courses include practical exercises adapted to children and infants.
Level C+ also includes exercises related to the additional skills required by healthcare professionals.
The goal is to develop practical skills and the ability to respond effectively, rather than simply memorizing theoretical information.
Can You Learn CPR Entirely Online?
Many educational resources about CPR are available online.
Some explain how to recognize cardiac arrest, use an AED and follow the general steps of an emergency response.
These resources can help raise awareness.
However, they don’t necessarily replace recognized hands-on training.
Practising chest compressions on a manikin helps participants better understand how to perform the techniques correctly.
Similarly, CPR techniques for infants are best learned with the guidance of a qualified instructor.
If you need certification for work, it’s especially important to verify which training formats your employer accepts.
Watching a video or completing a self-paced online module does not automatically provide the certification you need.
Before registering, check the course format and completion requirements.
Should Everyone Learn CPR?
CPR is a valuable skill in many situations.
Cardiac arrest can occur at work, at home, in a sports facility or in a public place.
The first few minutes are particularly critical.
Someone with CPR training may be able to recognize an emergency more quickly and take action while waiting for emergency medical services.
However, CPR training does not guarantee the outcome of an emergency.
The circumstances of cardiac arrest can vary, and several factors influence the chances of survival.
The purpose of training is to develop the knowledge, skills and reflexes needed to respond appropriately.
Even when certification isn’t mandatory, learning CPR can be a worthwhile investment.
For people who regularly interact with children or infants, Level C provides training for a broader range of situations.
How to Choose Your CPR Training at Santinel
Santinel offers all three levels of CPR and AED training.
Your choice can be guided by one simple question: Who might you need to help, and which skills must your certification cover?
If you want to learn CPR for adults, explore our CPR and AED – Level A training.
If you want to learn techniques adapted to adults, children and infants, our CPR and AED – Level C training may be right for you.
Healthcare professionals who need additional skills can explore our CPR and AED – Level C+ training.
You can also browse all CPR and AED training courses offered by Santinel.
If your employer requires CPR training, make sure you confirm the appropriate level before booking.
Level A, C or C+: Choosing the Right Training for Your Needs
All CPR and AED training courses share the same overall goal: preparing participants to respond when someone experiences cardiac arrest.
However, their content is designed for different audiences.
Level A teaches CPR techniques for adults.
Level C also covers children and infants.
Level C+ includes additional skills intended for healthcare professionals.
It’s not simply a matter of choosing the highest level.
The right CPR course is the one that prepares you for the situations you may encounter and meets your professional requirements, when applicable.
Looking to learn CPR or renew your certification?
Explore Santinel’s CPR and AED training courses and choose the program that best meets your needs.
