ASLS Certification: Overview and FAQ
The call comes in — 65-year-old male, severe headache, slurred speech, and right-side weakness — the classic signs of a stroke. You know that this condition kills nearly 2 million brain cells every minute, and what you do next makes the difference between life, disability, or death. The Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS) certification is a specialized training program designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to quickly assess, diagnose, and manage stroke patients.
Want to learn how to effectively respond to stroke emergencies? This guide covers everything you need to know about getting certified, including eligibility requirements, application steps, and exam details.
Advanced Stroke Life Support Certification: Quick Guide
- ASLS meaning: Advanced stroke life support.
- Learning options: In-person or blended (online course combined with in-person skills assessment and exam).
- Course tracks: Prehospital, in-hospital, or a combined option covering both settings.
- Eligibility: Open to any healthcare professional who works with acutely ill stroke patients.
- Application: Enroll in an authorized course, complete all the requirements, and pass the skills assessment.
- Preparation: Study the materials covered in your provider course, read the digital reference guidebook, review the provider manual e-book, and watch digital course videos.
- Cost: The course fee varies by format, ranging from $139–$176.
- Renewal: Certification must be renewed every 2 years.
What Is ASLS Certification?
ASLS stroke certification was developed by the American Heart Association (AHA) in partnership with the University of Miami’s Gordon Center for Simulation and Innovation in Medical Education. It trains healthcare professionals to recognize stroke symptoms early and provide life-saving interventions, all with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
To earn this credential, participants must complete the accredited training course — either in-person or through a blended format — and pass a skills assessment administered by a certified instructor.
Curious if this course is for you? Whether you’re on the front lines in prehospital care or working in a hospital, this course is made for professionals who deal with acute stroke cases. Here’s who may find it valuable:
- Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)
- Medical doctors
- Medical students
- Neurology professionals
- Nursing students
- Paramedics
- Physician assistants (PAs)
- Registered nurses (RNs)
- Rehabilitation specialists
- Residents and fellows
- Respiratory therapists
- Stroke coordinators
Steps to Get Advanced Stroke Life Support Certification
Ready to take the next step? Here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming certified.
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this course, all you need is to be a healthcare professional working with stroke patients. Having strong Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) skills is a bonus, but you don’t need a current BLS or ACLS card to begin the course.
Step 2: Enroll in the ASLS Course
Now, it’s time to dive into the course itself. You’ll have two options for taking the course:
- In-person: You’ll attend a full-day instructor-led course, where you’ll be guided through the entire curriculum. This is a great choice if you thrive in a classroom environment and prefer direct interaction with an instructor and peers.
- Blended: You’ll complete the online portion at your own pace, followed by an in-person skills assessment and exam. The ASLS certification online format is perfect for busy professionals, offering the convenience of completing the theoretical portion at your own pace.
There are three tracks available. Here’s a breakdown of the learning objectives for each track:
| Course track | Learning objective |
|---|---|
| Prehospital provider |
|
| In-hospital provider |
|
| Prehospital and in-hospital provider |
|
Step 3: Prepare for the Exam and Skills Assessment
Before you can become certified, you’ll need to get ready for both the written exam and the skills assessment. Here are some study resources you can use to prepare for the big day:
You can also find helpful information on the AHA and Gordon Center’s YouTube channels, including webinars and introductory videos about the course.
Step 4: Pass the Skills Test
Once you’ve completed your course, it’s time to prove your knowledge and skills. You’ll need to pass a hands-on skills assessment, which evaluates your ability to perform neurologic exams, identify types of strokes, and perform the necessary interventions in real-world scenarios. The evaluation includes three key components:
- A stroke scale demonstration
- A stroke syndrome evaluation
- A stroke simulation scenario
Step 5: Maintain Your Certification
Earning your ASLS certification is a great achievement, but it doesn’t last forever. To stay certified and up to date on the latest stroke care protocols, you’ll need to renew your certification every two years by enrolling in a renewal course. Just like the initial certification, you’ll need to pass a hands-on skills evaluation to demonstrate your proficiency.
How Much Does the Training Cost?
The cost of your training can vary depending on the training provider, location, and course format (in-person vs. blended). While prices can differ, here’s a general estimate:
| Blended | In-person |
|---|---|
| Prehospital provider: $136
In-hospital provider: $156 Prehospital and in-hospital provider: $176 |
The cost of your training depends on the location, but the average cost is approximately $300. |
Frequently Asked Questions: ASLS Stroke Certification
Are continuing education credits available for this course?
Yes, you’ll earn continuing education units while completing this course. The amount will vary based on the training type you choose and whether you’re a registered nurse, doctor, or other healthcare professional. For example, registered nurses taking the course online will earn the following:
- In-hospital provider: 8.0
- Prehospital and in-hospital provider: 5.25
- Instructor course: 0.25
How much time does the online portion of the course take?
The online portion can be adapted to each student’s learning needs. Completion time varies based on experience, with estimates as follows:
- Prehospital provider: 3–6 hours
- In-hospital provider: 4–8 hours
- Prehospital and in-hospital provider: 5–9 hours
How long does the skills session last?
The hands-on skills session typically lasts about an hour per student, but those who need extra guidance or remediation may require additional time.
What are the prerequisites to become an ASLS instructor?
Before becoming an instructor, you’ll need to earn your provider card and complete the Blended Learning Instructor Essentials course. Keep in mind that only advanced healthcare providers — like paramedics and nurses — can become ASLS instructors.
How effective is the course?
A study measured the impact of ASLS training on prehospital stroke care and found significant improvements. Participants’ knowledge and skills increased from 61.3% before training to 84.13% after. While improvement varied across different stroke care topics, the training made a big impact in enhancing emergency stroke response overall.
When do I need to complete the hands-on portion after finishing the online portion?
There’s no set deadline for finishing the hands-on session after the online module, but it’s good to do it soon after to keep your knowledge fresh.
When will I receive the provider card?
You’ll receive your provider card after successfully completing the course and passing the skills assessment. Timing varies by training center, but most issue the card immediately upon completion of the course.
Related Certifications
Want to boost your qualifications even higher? Consider these additional certifications:
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
- National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Transport Professional Advanced Trauma Course (TPATC)
Level up Your Healthcare Career With IntelyCare
Ready to make a job change? Whether you have ASLS certification or are working toward it, we can help you find quality healthcare roles in your preferred specialty and location. Join now for a personalized job search that caters to you.