Answers to Questions Frequently Asked by American Red Cross Authorized Providers

What is the difference between a certificate and a completion card for Red Cross courses?
The Red Cross issues certificates for any Health and Safety Services course, component, module or education session that has a completion requirement. Participants receiving a certificate have demonstrated competency in all the required subject areas and/or skills. Examples of courses that have completion requirements and for which certificates are issued are first aid and CPR courses, Babysitter's Training, and Lifeguard Training.

For courses without a completion requirement, the Red Cross issues a card indicating that the participant has attended the program. These are often referred to as Has Attended Cards or Has Attended Certificates. This type of card recognizes the recipient's participation in an education session, seminar, presentation, demonstration or program. Examples of programs without a completion requirement for which Has Attended Cards are issued include Longfellow's WHALE Tales and HIV/AIDS education sessions, such as Basic, African American, Hispanic, and Workplace HIV/AIDS Programs.

My company contracts with other agencies for services. Can we offer classes to our customers as well as our employees?
Yes. The Authorized Provider system allows you to offer training as a service to your customers, clients, or others in your community. In order to do so, you need to make arrangements and sign an agreement with your local Red Cross chapter.

My company has offices in other cities that are outside the jurisdiction of my local American Red Cross chapter. Can I train employees in other cities?
Yes. Our nationwide network of American Red Cross chapters makes it easy for you to train employees throughout the country. For more information about training employees in multiple locations, contact your local American Red Cross and inquire about signing an authorized provider or full service agreement through the National Account Network program.

Are Red Cross Authorized Providers or instructors restricted to teaching only Red Cross programs?
No. The American Red Cross encourages Authorized Providers and instructors to teach within its programs. However, Authorized Providers and instructors are free to participate with other organizations that offer similar programs under that organization's certification only. If you have suggestions based on your teaching experience about how to improve Red Cross programs, please Contact your local Red Cross chapter. We welcome all your suggestions including ideas about additional material that could be included in Red Cross programs.

Whose responsibility is it to maintain instructor records?
It is the responsibility of the local Red Cross chapter to maintain instructor records. Authorized Providers are not required to maintain instructor records. This is a service that the Red Cross provides as part of the Authorized Provider Agreement.