Perioperative Resuscitation and Life Support Certificate (PeRLS) FAQs

Anesthesia-Centric Advanced Life Support, Resuscitation, and Crisis Management

How does PeRLS differ from advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)?

PeRLS presents relevant information to peri-procedural providers about causes of arrest and ways to treat them that are specific to the peri-procedural period. This information takes into account knowledge of the patient, advanced airway management, availability of resources, and specific physiology. 

Why PeRLS over other ACLS training programs?

• Highly relevant ACLS training for anesthesiologists and the perioperative care team.
• Education focused on keeping patients safe and preventing a cardiac crisis.
• Completion of the curriculum earns a certificate that some hospital credentialing/privileging bodies could choose to use as evidence of proficiency in ACLS.

What are the benefits of the PeRLS Certificate program?

• Training on rescue, unique presentations, and special situations.
• The web-based curriculum allows you to learn at your own pace.
• Earn a digital PeRLS eCard that validates your competency in ACLS in the perioperative setting and share it on your LinkedIn profile or other platforms.

What does the course curriculum include?

The course contains 4 main modules and 8 special situations covering the curriculum outlined below:

Module 1: Pre-arrest: The Rescue Concept

Module 2: Pre-cardiac Arrest in the OR

Module 3: Arrhythmias

Module 4: Conditions Complicating Arrest in the OR/Periprocedural Setting

Special Situations:

1. Anaphylaxis
2. Gas Embolism
3. Hyperkalemia
4. Transfusion Reaction
5. Traumatic Cardiac Arrest
6. Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity
7. Neuraxial Anesthesia
8. Malignant Hyperthermia

Does PeRLS include BLS training?

The PeRLS certificate offers a bundled version that includes an additional Physical Resuscitation module specifically created to help meet hospital and group basic life support (BLS) requirements.

What is required to complete the program and earn the PeRLS eCard?

Learners are required to complete the Modules 1 - 4 as well as the special situations. After finishing all modules, learners will need to complete a final exam and receive a passing score of 80% or higher.

Will I receive reminders on my progress and status in the program?

Yes, you will receive periodic email reminders to ensure you proceed through the program and complete it on time. A progress bar is visible throughout the online course to help you track your status within each part of the program.

How often is PeRLS released?

PeRLS will be released every two years.

What credits are offered?

The American Society of Anesthesiologists designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 5.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. This activity contributes to the patient safety CME requirement for the CME component of the American Board of Anesthesiology’s (ABA) redesigned Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology^® (MOCA^®) program, known as MOCA 2.0^®. 

Does the PeRLS eCard expire?

The PeRLS eCard expires two years from the day of completion. 

Once I obtain this certificate, will I immediately be ACLS certified at my institution?

This certificate does NOT automatically grant privileges or credentialing at your hospital. Each hospital/institution must determine locally which credentials they will require to grant clinical privileges in ACLS.

What are the differences between credentials, credentialing, and privileging?

• Credentials: documents that demonstrate either proficiency or completion of a curriculum in something; credentials can be issued by local or national organizations (e.g., board certifications, certificates of completion).
• Credentialing: verification of qualifications to do something (occurs at the local/hospital level).
• Privileging: granting of rights by hospitals to providers to deliver certain kinds of care (granted at the local/hospital level).

How can I help promote the adoption of ASA’s PeRLS Certificate of Completion as my institution's preferred ACLS training requirement?

Download PeRLS Talking Points covering the benefits of focused and relevant ACLS training for busy perioperative clinicians (PDF).

Does PeRLS meet the requirements for resuscitation education approved by hospital accrediting organizations?

Yes, PeRLS is designed to meet the resuscitation education required by accrediting organizations (e.g., The Joint Commission).

Who developed the program?

This program was developed by the ASA Editorial Board for Perioperative Life Support (PeRLS), members of the Society of Critical Care Anesthesiologists (SOCCA), and the ASA Critical Care Committee. The 20-member board includes leading experts in critical care medicine and medical education at renowned U.S., European, and Israeli academic institutions. 

How much does it cost to participate?

Participation in this educational activity ranges from $158-175 for ASA members and $194-200 for non-members. For inquiries on institutional sales and pricing, contact Scott Maurus, Director of Hospital and Health Care System Solutions.

Is there technical support?

Yes. Please email your questions or issues to [email protected].

Is there clinical question support?

You can provide comments on a question-level basis for faculty review and feedback. For additional clinical conversation, consider posting on the members-only online forum: ASA Community.