Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please review this list of FAQs, as it will answer most questions about the AHA instructor process. Should you have a question that is not on this list, please contact our office before registering: instructors@HCTAUSA.org
Questions about the instructor course:
Q: I am out of state/not in your area. Can I take the instructor course with you?
A: Yes, you are permitted to take the instructor course anywhere in the country. However, you will want to establish a center that will be responsible for you. Once you attend the course, we will send a notice to your primary center letting them know that you have completed the course. Your primary center will then arrange a date to do your monitoring, send us your monitoring form, and we will issue your instructor card.
Q: What does the instructor course entail?
A: Please click this link to see an overview/steps of the instructor course: Click Here
Q: Can I take the ACLS and PALS instructor courses at the same time?
A: Yes; however, know that a lot of work goes into the instructor process (setting up monitoring within 6 months of taking the course), teaching, and monitoring. Some do not complete their monitoring within the 6-month window and must repeat the instructor course.
Q: I am not able to complete the instructor course within 6 months. What are my options?
A: You should reach out to your training center. They will guide you on the next steps (in most cases, you will need to repeat the instructor course).
Q: How will I know when the 6-month period to complete the course requirements is coming to an end?
A: All instructor candidates must keep track of this date, which is 6 months from the date you attended the instructor course.
Questions regarding required training center alignment:
Q: Do I need a primary Training Center before I take the instructor course?
A: Technically, yes. Those who do not have a center BEFORE taking the instructor course may find it extremely difficult to find a center suited to them afterward. A training center is needed to mentor you, perform your monitoring during a live course, maintain your instructor file, renew your instructor card, provide training updates, and issue cards for the students you teach. Always agree with a local center willing to align with and supervise your teaching activities and maintain your instructor file BEFORE you register for the instructor course.
Q: Is your center allowing instructors to align with them?
A: If you only wish to teach in NJ, then yes; if you are outside our area, you will need to find a center local to the area where you wish to teach. As part of the alignment process, you will need to undergo a teaching interview with one of our center faculty. At that interview, you and our faculty member will discuss whether we're a good fit for each other. If so, you will be invited to complete an Instructor Candidate Application (ICA) and the instructor paperwork packet.
Q: How do I prove that I have aligned with a Training Center?
A: You and your center will sign an Instructor Candidate Application (ICA) form. This form is available at all AHA training centers and is located in the Program Administration Manual. Ensure it is fully completed AND signed by all parties where indicated. Your alignment will also be accepted on the AHA's Atlas system.
Q: Why do I need to align with a training center (or training site)?
A: The AHA requires every instructor to be aligned with a training center; the center's role is to supervise instructor teaching activities and maintain the instructor's file. Instructors without a training center will not be able to conduct any courses. Your primary training center is responsible for maintaining your file and issuing your instructor card.
Q: Can I teach anywhere in the USA?
A: Yes, providing you are aligned with a center, are in good standing, and provide the center hosting the course with a copy of your instructor card. Note that your primary training center will have its own rules on what programs you can teach under them; for instance, many training centers do not allow instructors to teach ACLS or PALS independently, and you can only teach courses set up by your center. This rule varies from center to center.
Q: Where can I find a training center?
A: Hospitals in your area are often looking for instructors and may be more willing to mentor a new instructor. Some private training centers also permit new instructors. You can often find a list of training centers via the AHA's website by doing a Training Center search.
Q: Does your center charge a fee for alignment?
A: No, our center does not charge for alignment. However, we do charge a fee for transfers out of our center.
Q: Can I align with your center, do my monitoring, and then transfer to another center?
A: Yes; you will need to complete an Instructor Candidate Application (ICA) with our center, complete the requirements, and then transfer to another center. There is a charge to transfer to another center, approximately $150 per file. You will have one file per instructor course (e.g., 1 file if you are a BLS instructor, 1 file if you are an ACLS instructor, and 1 file if you are a PALS instructor). If you are transferring more than one instructorship, you will be billed a transfer fee for each file transferred.
Q: I am already an instructor and wish to align with your center. How do I align with you?
A: Complete the AHA "Instructor Records Transfer Request" form, available from your center. Complete the form and follow its directions to transfer to our center. We do not charge a fee for an instructor aligning with our center. You will then complete the steps on the AHA's Atlas system to select a new training center.
Questions about monitoring:
Q: What does the monitoring session entail?
A: The monitoring session is the final step in becoming an instructor. During the session, a faculty member will supervise you during the agreed-upon teaching activities and complete a monitoring form. A copy of the monitoring form is included in your account after registration. In short, you follow AHA course conduct guidelines, demonstrate a strong command of the content you teach, and follow applicable rules, laws, policies, and guidelines. At the end of your monitoring session, you will review and sign the monitoring form — keep a copy for your records, and scan and submit a copy to our office. TIP: use your instructor manual while teaching; the lesson plans are recommended for a successful monitoring.
Q: If you are not my Training Center, how will I do my monitoring?
A: Your primary training center will set up and arrange your monitoring with you. You will need to contact them after attending your instructor course to set up your monitoring session. Once your monitoring is complete, your primary training center must send us a copy of your monitoring paperwork (instructors@HCTAUSA.org), and we will issue your instructor card.
Q: Where do I do the monitoring?
A: You will do your monitoring with your primary Training Center. You must contact them to arrange your monitoring session.
Q: What happens if I do not monitor within 6 months of my instructor course?
A: You will need to re-register, re-pay, and redo the instructor course. It is an AHA requirement that you complete successful monitoring within 6 months of attending your instructor course.
Q: Can your center do my monitoring?
A: If we are your primary Training Center, then yes, we can do your monitoring.
Q: Can I do the monitoring session via Zoom/Skype/remote, etc.?
A: If you are aligned with our center, you can do your monitoring at one of our public courses. We do not permit instructors to do their monitoring via remote means. All monitoring is in-person at our center in NJ.
Q: I am aligning with your center. How do I arrange my monitoring session?
A: First, review our website for our upcoming courses. Locate a date that fits your schedule and email your request to instructors@HCTAUSA.org — our office will review your request and confirm if we can accommodate your chosen date. Please allow 3–4 business days for our office to review your request.
Questions about paperwork:
Q: If I am NOT aligning with your center, what paperwork do I need to provide?
A: If we are not going to be your primary training center, we only require: a signed Instructor Candidate Application (ICA) form, a copy of your unexpired AHA provider card for the discipline you're becoming an instructor in, and a copy of your Instructor Essentials completion certificate (access provided at your instructor course). After you attend the instructor course and take the Instructor Course exam, we will issue a notice to your primary training center that you have attended and completed the course; your primary training center must email us the monitoring paperwork, and we will issue your instructor card via the AHA Atlas system.
Q: I am aligning with your center. What paperwork will I need to complete?
A: After registration, you will find required forms in your account via our website. The paperwork packet has video instructions on how to complete each form. This packet should be completed BEFORE attending your instructor course and given to your instructor. USEFUL TIP: when completing the paperwork packet, type your information on the first page, and it will propagate through the entire packet; then print, sign in ink, scan, and email the entire packet to our office: instructors@HCTAUSA.org.
Q: Where do I submit the paperwork/paperwork packet?
A: Please submit per the instructions located in your account: Print > Sign in INK > Scan > Email to our office: instructors@HCTAUSA.org. If you are coming to our office to bring your paperwork, please scan it on the office copier BEFORE leaving (instructions are posted on the wall at the office). Paperwork will get lost if it is not scanned. You should always keep a copy of any and ALL paperwork.
Questions about what to expect after the course:
Q: I am NOT aligning with your center AND I have completed the instructor course. What happens next?
A: Notify our office via email at instructors@HCTAUSA.org that you have completed the course. Our office will then send a "Notice to Your Primary Training Center of Instructor Course Complete." Your training center will set up your monitoring session with you; once you complete your monitoring, your primary training center must email us your monitoring paperwork (instructors@HCTAUSA.org), and we will issue your instructor card.
Q: I am aligning with your center AND I have completed the instructor course. What happens next?
A: You will need to set up your monitoring (see above), complete any paperwork found in your account, and once your file is complete, we will issue your instructor eCard.
Q: How long does it take to receive my instructor card?
A: Instructor cards are issued after you have completed all the requirements for the instructor course. Your file will be reviewed by our Instructor/Education Coordinator (instructors@HCTAUSA.org), and your card will be issued upon successful review. Instructor cards can take several weeks to issue, as there are many steps to complete — paperwork, monitoring, and file review.
Miscellaneous Questions:
Q: I have questions that are not on this list. Who can I contact?
A: Please reach out to our Instructor/Education Coordinator for more information: instructors@HCTAUSA.org. They work the night shift, so please allow for a delay in replying.
Q: How do I register for the instructor course?
A: All registration is via our website; review the course calendar and click a date that fits your availability. The website will guide you through the registration process.
Q: I am an instructor with another organization (e.g., Red Cross). Do I have to complete the instructor course?
A: There is no reciprocity between other organizations and the AHA instructor course.
