CPR/AED/First Aid Classes
Emergency First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification Requirement
To comply with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s certification requirements for emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED), all students enrolled in a state-approved initial licensure educator preparation program — or applying for initial licensure — must present a valid certificate demonstrating successful completion of training in:
- Emergency First Aid
- CPR (with hands-on instruction)
- AED use
This training must follow the most current national evidence-based guidelines for CPR and AED and must be completed:
- Before graduation – this is a graduation requirement
- At the time of licensure application
Note: Hybrid courses (online content combined with in-person CPR skills training) are acceptable.
Submitting Your Training Verification
To ensure compliance, students must submit proof of certification to the Office of Teacher Preparation (OTP) before graduation. Verification must include:
- A valid certificate or card (must indicate hands-on CPR training)
- Your GMU G# (student ID number)
Email your verification to internsh@gmu.edu. OTP will record your certification in your GMU student file, and the update will be reflected in your Stellic account.
If you currently hold a Virginia provisional or full teaching license that already includes documentation of this training, please email internsh@gmu.edu so OTP can verify and update your GMU records accordingly.
Licensure Application Reminders
When applying for your teaching license through the Virginia Department of Education’s VALO online licensure system, you will also need to upload proof of your CPR, AED, and First Aid training.
Important: Your certificate must be valid at the time of submission. Certification is typically valid for two years, so please plan accordingly.
Trainings
Below are the dates, times, and locations for George Mason sponsored CPR/AED/First Aid Classes. Classes fill up quickly. Click HERE for registration and directions. Additional dates will be published below as they are scheduled. Please note that registration for all courses beginning in January of 2025 will open on 1/1/25.
| Course | Date | Registration Closes | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPR/AED for Prof. Rescuers w/ First Aid |
Sat, Sep 6, 2025 | 8/30/25 | 11 am- 3 pm |
GMU Aquatic Center (AFC) |
| Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED |
Wed, Sep 17, 2025 | 9/10/25 | 5-9 pm | GMU Aquatic Center (AFC) |
| Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED |
Wed, Sep 24, 2025 | 9/17/25 | 5-9 pm | GMU Aquatic Center (AFC) |
| Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED |
Wed, Oct 15, 2025 | 10/8/25 | 5-9 pm | GMU Aquatic Center (AFC) |
| CPR/AED for Prof. Rescuers w/ First Aid |
Wed, Oct 22, 2025 | 10/15/25 | 5-9 pm | GMU Aquatic Center (AFC) |
| Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED |
Sat, Nov 8, 2025 | 11/1/25 | 11 am- 3 pm |
GMU Aquatic Center (AFC) |
Additional Resources and Information
Click on the links below to find additional courses offered outside of the George Mason campus. Please make sure you are signing up for a course that includes a “hands-on” component”:- American Red Cross
- American Heart Association
- Other providers will be accepted (ex: school division completion certificate) so long as all three training components are included, with a hands-on component.
- If you currently hold a Virginia provisional license or a full Virginia teaching license that reflects completion of First Aid, AED, and CPR training, you can send a copy of your license to internsh@gmu.edu to verify completion of this requirement.
*Any person with a disability whose disability prevents him or her from completing the certification or training may submit a request for a waiver from this requirement. Acceptable Evidence: Request for Waiver Form