How often do I need to update my first aid certificate?
Renewal of first aid certificates in Australia is recommended by state Worksafe bodies in the context of first aid in the workplace, which is subject to government regulation.
That said, your first aid certificate does not have an expiry date. It is still important — even without regulatory oversight — to refresh a first aid certificate.
The bottom line is you need to keep your first aid knowledge up-to-date, so you stay abreast of changes. Consider the response to the COVID pandemic throughout the developed world.
Medical advances occur with great frequency all the time.
Along with evolving treatment methods, devices such as Epi-pens and defibrillators could well be revolutionised by technological breakthroughs.
Why CPR refresher courses are needed
CPR is a technique you would hopefully not get to practice often. But every second counts when the time comes to use CPR.
It's critical that CPR is done with no hesitation and confidently. Refreshing your certification will ensure you have a confident grasp of the techniques as well as up-to-date knowledge of changes in approach to cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
When you learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation, you’ll also be shown how to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Refreshing your certification will also re-acquaint you with the use of these devices.
This is why the Australian Resuscitation Council firmly recommends renewing CPR qualifications every 12 months.
Recommended frequency for renewing first aid certification
| Course Code | Unit of Competency | Time to Renew |
| HLTAID009 | Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation | Every 12 months |
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | Every 3 years |
| HLTAID012 | Provide First Aid in an education and care setting | Every 3 years |
How to renew your first aid certificate
You need to refresh your first aid training with a Registered Training Organisation.
Australia Wide First Aid is RTO 31961.
Schedule a date for your training at a location near you. If you need any assistance with this, we'll be happy to help over the phone.
With Australia Wide First Aid, you start by completing the online first aid course (your e-Learning). You have until the night before your face-to-face first aid training session to submit it. At this practical session, your first aid knowledge and your CPR technique will be fine-tuned.
Your fresh first aid certificate will be emailed to you the same day!
OUR FIRST AID COURSES
* Our first aid courses comply fully with Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines.
CPD – Continuing Professional Development
Current CPR certification is often a condition for professional registration or employment. Some professional bodies award credits for continuing education or professional development.
If you have a query about first aid certification and your profession, please call our friendly team. We'll be happy to help.
Why Learn First Aid?
Knowing how to administer first aid can help you save a life or contribute substantially to a patient’s recovery prospects.
First aid is also needed in many lines of work and can help you jumpstart your career and improve your employability.
An accredited first aid certificate is necessary in many lines of work. The qualification can jumpstart your career and improve your employability.
Obtaining first aid certification gives you the confidence to step in to offer immediate assistance in emergency situations. Administering first aid in an emergency needs competent hands and a cool head.
Your knowledge will also prove useful in minimising risk by identifying hazards and developing emergency response plans suited to the surroundings.
Becoming a first aider means earning a Statement of Attainment, which is achieved by completing the required study units of a first aid course.
Australia Wide First Aid provides courses that cover topics from providing CPR to career-specific modules, such as providing emergency first aid in an education and care setting.
