If there is one thing that consistently delays or disqualifies nanny candidates in Los Angeles, it is an expired or missing CPR certification. Every reputable agency in the city requires it, most families ask for proof during the interview process, and it is one of the few things entirely within your control before you start applying.
What Certification Do You Need?
For nanny placements in Los Angeles, the standard requirement is:
- CPR certification: Covering infant, child, and adult CPR
- First Aid certification: Basic first aid response for common childhood injuries and emergencies
- Both must be current — most certifications are valid for two years
Some agencies and families also prefer candidates with pediatric first aid training, which goes beyond the basics to cover choking, allergic reactions, and fever management in children.
What Counts as Accepted Certification
Not all CPR certifications are equal in the eyes of LA agencies. The most widely accepted are from:
- American Red Cross
- American Heart Association
Online-only certifications are not accepted by most agencies. You need a course with an in-person skills check — the kind where you practice on a mannequin and get signed off by an instructor.
Where to Get Certified in Los Angeles
In-person CPR and First Aid courses are available throughout the LA area:
- American Red Cross: Regular classes in West LA, downtown, and the Valley. Book at redcross.org
- American Heart Association: Courses through certified training centers across LA — find locations at heart.org
- Community centers and hospitals: Many LA-area hospitals and recreation centers offer low-cost certification classes
Classes typically run two to four hours and cost between $60 and $100.
Keep It Current
Set a calendar reminder 60 days before your certification expires. Renewing is faster than initial certification — most refresher classes run about two hours. Letting it lapse mid-placement or mid-job-search is an avoidable problem.
Why It Matters Beyond the Checkbox
Agencies require CPR certification because families need to know that the person responsible for their children can respond effectively in an emergency. Knowing the material — not just having the card — is what that preparation is actually about. Renew it when it is due, and know it well.
Browse current open nanny and household positions across LA on our jobs board.