Frequently asked questions for PALS course

Written by Jessica Munoz DPN, RN, CEN

The pediatric advanced life support (PALS) course provides critical training for medical professionals in managing and responding to life-threatening emergencies and managing pediatric emergency crash carts for pediatric patients. This page addresses frequently asked questions about the PALS course to assist participants in preparing effectively and understanding key concepts and procedures for pediatric emergency care.

• What is a PALS course?

  A pediatric advanced life support (PALS) course provides training in recognizing and responding to life-threatening emergencies in infants and children. It focuses on early intervention, effective resuscitation, and team-based emergency care.

• My certification has expired. Can I still take the course?

  Yes. If your certification has expired or it has been several years since your last training, you can take a full certification course. Proof of previous certification is typically not required.

• I am retired or only care for family members. Do I still need PALS certification?

  This depends on the requirements of your licensing or credentialing organization. You should check with them directly to determine what is required.

• Are courses available internationally?

  Yes, but international training programs are usually organized separately and may follow different processes depending on the region.

• How long does the certification last?

  PALS certification is generally valid for 2 years.

• What happens if I don’t pass the exam?

  You are usually given multiple attempts to pass. Feedback is provided after each attempt to help you improve. If all attempts are used, you may need to retake the course.

• Are there any incentives for referring others?

  We really appreciate it when you refer a new customer to us. We are happy to pay a referral credit to our customers that refer new enrollments. Corporate accounts and other promotions are excluded. Just email us at <i class="bi bi-envelope" aria-hidden="true"><span> support@PacificMedicalTraining.com</span></i>Email after they have enrolled in the course and provide their name, email, and order number.

• Is there a provider or certification number?

  Our provider number is 0004600. This is the same number used for all systems in every US State and Canadian Province.

• Is a hands-on skills test required?

  Some courses do not require an in-person skills test and instead provide a certificate based on passing a written or online exam. However, certain employers may require hands-on skills verification, which can be completed separately with a qualified instructor.

• How do I get my certificate?

  After successfully passing the exam, you can usually download and print your certificate immediately.