A system for improving performance of chest compressions includes at least one mobile computing device, an accelerometer configured to measure a vertical displacement of a user's hands to determine information relating to rate and depth of chest compressions, and a processor; and a computer device configured to send information to and receive information from the mobile computing device(s). The system associates the information relating to the rate and depth of the chest compressions with the user; sends the information to the computer device; analyzes the information to determine a proficiency level of the user; compares the proficiency level of the user to a proficiency standard required to be certified in life saving activities; and provides an indication of whether the user of the mobile computing device is ready for certification if the proficiency level of the user meets the proficiency standard. Also, a method for certification is provided.