How Long Does A First Aid Certificate Last?

One of the most common questions our course advisors receive from those new to first aid training or from their employers is, ‘How long does first aid training last?’ or ‘When does the first aid certificate expire?’ What they want to know is either when the first aid certificate will expire or how long it takes to complete the course.

We also get these related questions on first aid training posts on our Caring for Care social media accounts. There are a lot of questions from people about first aid certificate duration, validity and renewal processes.

In the UK, the validity of first aid training certification typically depends on the type of course. Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certification lasts for 3 years. After that, you need to renew your certification by taking a refresher or requalification course.

First Aid at Work (FAW) certification also lasts for 3 years, after which a refresher or requalification course is required to maintain certification. Paediatric First Aid Courses are also within 3 years.

Basic First Aid courses like basic life support, CPR and AED etc. are usually valid for around 1-3 years as well, but it’s recommended to refresh your skills regularly. It’s essential to keep your certification up to date, especially in professional settings like workplaces or healthcare environments.

The point to first note is that, it’s important to understand that first aid training gives people the know-how and abilities to react well in emergencies, which could help save lives.

Key Points on First Aid Training Certificate Expiry

Common Certification Durations:

• Basic First Aid Certification (Emergency First Aid at Work): Typically valid for 3 years. EFAW courses involve at least 6 hours of training over 1 day minimum.
• First Aid at Work Certification (for designated workplace first aiders): Usually valid for 3 years. FAW courses involve at least 18 hours of training over 3 days minimum.
• Paediatric First Aid Certification (for childcare professionals): Often valid for 2-3 years
• Basic Life Support Certificate/Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification: May require renewal after 1 year.

First aid training is a vital skill that can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. However, the certification you receive after completing a first aid course is not valid indefinitely.

Table of Content [Click to Expand]

Table of contents

• Key Points on First Aid Training Certificate Expiry
• How Long Does A First Aid Training Certificate Last?
• Why Do First Aid Certificates Expire in the UK?
• What happens if I don’t renew my first aid certificate on time?
• Will my employer still recognise me as a first aider if my certificate expires?
• What steps should I take to requalify as a first aider?
• Are there any penalties for not renewing my first aid certificate?
• How can I ensure I remember to renew my first aid certificate on time?
• What are the types of first aid training available?
• How to Choose the Right First Aid Training for You
• Why Should First Aid Training Certificate Expire?
• Studies on First Aid Skills Deteriorating
• Does Every Business Need First Aid Training?
• How Can I Renew My First Aid Training Certificate?
• Choosing Between Online, Face-to-Face and Blended First Aid Training
• What is a First Aid Refresher Course?
• Are First Aid Requalification and First Aid Annual Refresher the Same?
• What Next
• FAQS

How Long Does A First Aid Training Certificate Last?

In the UK, First aid training certificate is valid (or last) for 3 years, after which recertification (or requalification) is required.  First aiders must take requalification courses before their certificates expires.

In-between the 3-years period, it is recommended that first aiders undergoes half-day annual refresher training based on their roles and duties.

Studies have shown that people can start forgetting their first aid skills just 30 days after training, and they keep getting worse over time if they don’t practice them.

Skills that involve physical actions, like where to place your hands for CPR or how to perform abdominal thrusts, tend to get worse more quickly over time compared to the knowledge-based parts of first aid.

Refresher first aid training can be tailored to the specific needs of the individual’s role to keep essential skills up to date and to stay informed about recent changes in first aid procedures.

For courses like basic life support and AED/CPR training, the certification is valid for one year.

In some cases, the validity of a person’s first aid certification may be influenced by factors such as the level of certification, the organisation providing the training, local regulations, and employer requirements.

It’s important to note that the HSE no longer approves first aid training organisations, except for those regulated under the Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works regulations.

Why Do First Aid Certificates Expire in the UK?

First aid certificates in the UK expire after 3 years for several important reasons:

1. Changing guidelines: As medical knowledge advances, first aid practices and guidelines are updated. The 3-year expiry ensures that first aiders are always using the most current techniques and procedures.
2. Maintaining skills: First aid skills can decline over time if not regularly practiced. The expiry encourages first aiders to retrain to keep their skills up to standard.
3. Regulatory compliance: After 3 years, a certificate no longer counts, meaning the person is no longer considered a qualified first aider under UK regulations.
4. Safety assurance: Regular recertification ensures that first aiders can give safe and effective help in emergencies.
5. Knowledge updates: Requalification courses help first aiders refresh their knowledge and learn about any new developments in first aid techniques.

To keep their certification valid, first aiders need to complete a requalification course before their current certificate runs out.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also recommends annual refresher training to keep skills sharp between full recertifications.

What happens if I don’t renew my first aid certificate on time?

If you don’t renew your first aid certificate on time, several consequences can happen:

1. Loss of qualification: Once your certificate expires, you will no longer be considered a qualified first aider. This means you won’t be able to legally act as a first aider in the workplace.
2. Need to retake the full course: If your certificate expires and you don’t renew it within 28 days, you will have to retake the full course, rather than just a shorter refresher. For example, if you have a First Aid at Work certificate, you would need to do the full 3-day course instead of the 2-day refresher.
3. Legal issues for employers: If your certificate expires and there are no other qualified first aiders in your workplace, your employer could be breaking health and safety laws.
4. Skills fading: Even if you feel confident, your skills can become rusty without regular practice and updates on current methods.
5. Safety risks: Giving first aid with an expired certificate could be dangerous, as you may not be up-to-date with the latest techniques and guidelines.

To avoid these problems, it’s important to renew your certificate before it expires.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also suggests taking yearly refresher courses to keep your skills and knowledge current, even though the certificates last for three years.

Will my employer still recognise me as a first aider if my certificate expires?

No, your employer should not recognise you as a first aider if your certificate expires. Once your first aid certificate expires:

1. You are no longer considered a qualified first aider for workplace purposes.
2. You cannot legally carry out the role of a workplace first aider.
3. Your employer could be breaking health and safety laws if they continue to rely on you as a designated first aider.

To regain your status as a recognised first aider, you must complete a requalification course. If your certificate has expired for more than 28 days, you will need to retake the full qualification course, not just a refresher.

It’s important to remember that there is no longer a grace period for first aid qualifications. To ensure continuous coverage, you should arrange to requalify before your certificate expires.

What steps should I take to requalify as a first aider?

To requalify as a first aider, follow these steps:

1. Check your certification expiry date: First aid certificates are usually valid for three years.
2. Book a requalification course: It’s recommended to book your course well before your certificate expires. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises requalifying within a month of the expiry date.
3. Choose the appropriate course:
   • For First Aid at Work (FAW), take a two-day requalification course.
   • For Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), retake the full one-day course.
4. Select a recognised training provider: Ensure that the provider meets HSE standards.
5. Complete the course: The requalification course will include both theoretical and practical assessments.
6. Pass the assessments: Successfully completing the assessments will earn you a new certificate.
7. If your FAW certificate has expired for more than a month: You will need to retake the full three-day course instead of the two-day requalification.

Remember, maintaining continuous certification is vital. Once your certificate expires, you are no longer considered a qualified first aider in the workplace.

Are there any penalties for not renewing my first aid certificate?

While there are no direct legal penalties for individuals who fail to renew their first aid certificates, there are several important consequences:

1. Loss of qualification: Once your certificate expires, you are no longer considered a qualified first aider, even if you’ve booked a requalification course.
2. Inability to perform first aid duties: You cannot legally act as a first aider in the workplace with an expired certificate.
3. Employer non-compliance: If you’re the designated first aider at work and your certificate expires, your employer may be breaking health and safety laws, which could lead to legal problems for them.
4. Need for full retraining: If your certificate expires and you don’t renew it within 28 days, you’ll need to retake the full qualification course instead of just a refresher.
5. Risk of ineffective first aid: Without up-to-date training, your skills may fade, which could lead to ineffective or unsafe first aid in an emergency.
6. Professional implications: In certain jobs, like being a registered childminder or playgroup worker, letting your first aid qualification expire could cause you to lose your registration and the benefits that come with it.

To avoid these issues, it’s important to renew your certificate before it expires, ideally within the 90-day period before the expiration date.

“A study on CPR skill retention found that skills decay rapidly and in a linear fashion over time. Fewer than 20% of participants achieved a score of 75% or higher on performance tests as time passed.”

How can I ensure I remember to renew my first aid certificate on time?

To help you remember to renew your first aid certificate on time, try these tips:

1. Set Multiple Reminders
   • Mark the expiration date on your calendar.
   • Set digital reminders on your phone or email 3-6 months before your certificate expires.
   • Create a recurring annual reminder to check the status of your certificate.
2. Tracking Methods
   • Keep a digital or physical file with your certification details.
   • Clearly note the exact expiration date.
   • If required by your employer, set up workplace reminders for certification.
3. Recommended Renewal Timeline
   • Start looking for renewal courses 3-4 months before your certificate expires.
   • The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises renewing your certificate before it expires.
   • You can usually take a requalification course up to one month after your certificate expires without losing your qualification.
4. Additional Tips
   • Consider annual refresher training to keep your skills up-to-date between full recertifications.
   • Some training providers offer reminder services for renewals.
   • Keep your contact details updated with your training provider to receive reminder notifications.

Following these tips, you can be sure you would never miss a renewal and stay qualified as a first aider.

What are the types of first aid training available?

There are different types of first aid training courses designed to meet various needs. To help you understand better, we have group them are these:

Workplace First Aid:

• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) training: Covers basic skills for workplace emergencies like cuts, burns, fainting, and choking.
• First Aid at Work (FAW) training: Broader in scope, includes CPR and handling a wider range of injuries and illnesses.

Specialised First Aid:

• Paediatric First Aid training: Focuses on first aid for infants and children, considering their unique needs.
• Paediatric Emergency First Aid training: Similar to Paediatric First Aid, with a stronger emphasis on child-specific emergencies.
• Mental Health First Aid training: Teaches how to recognise and support someone in a mental health crisis.

Other Considerations:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) training: Focuses on CPR, AED use, and life-saving assistance, often for healthcare workers.
• First Aid Refresher Courses: Good for maintaining skills and staying updated on best practices, with recommended frequencies varying.

Choosing the Right Course:

• Workplace Requirements: Some workplaces mandate specific first aid training.
• Individual Needs: Consider the situations you may encounter to select a relevant course.
• Course Content & Provider: Look for reputable providers meeting regulatory standards.

Understanding these options helps you select the right first aid training for emergency readiness.

Beyond the Certificate:

It’s important for you to remember that the certificate itself represents the training you received at a specific point in time.

To ensure skills remain relevant:

• Keep Up: Regularly refresh your skills with refresher courses to stay sharp and learn any new best practices.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Regularly practising first aid techniques helps keep your skills fresh and boosts your confidence in using them during emergencies.
• Stay in the Loop: Stay updated on the latest first aid guidelines and advice from reliable sources.

By staying on top of your skills and staying informed, you’ll be ready to handle emergencies whenever they arise.

How to Choose the Right First Aid Training for You

Choosing the appropriate first aid training course depends on several factors, including your profession, workplace requirements, and personal interests.

Here are some top considerations:

1. Workplace Requirements: Many employers require their staff to have specific levels of first aid training, depending on the nature of their job and the potential risks involved.

2. Personal Interest: If you have a keen interest in emergency preparedness or plan to pursue a career in the medical field, you may opt for a higher-level certification.

3. Legal Requirements: Certain industries or professions may have legal requirements for first aid training, which you should research before enrolling in a course.

Why Should First Aid Training Certificate Expire?

First aid training certificates expire for several reasons:

1. Knowledge and Skills Retention: First aid techniques and procedures can change over time, and skills can become rusty if not practiced regularly.

2. New Research and Guidelines: As medical research advances, new guidelines and best practices for first aid may emerge, necessitating updated training.

3. Equipment and Supplies: First aid kits and equipment may evolve, requiring responders to familiarise themselves with new tools and techniques.

These are the top reasons why renewing your first aid certification is important. Renewing first aid certification ensures that your knowledge and skills remain current and up-to-date.

Studies on First Aid Skills Deteriorating

Studies have shown that the quality of first aid skills can deteriorate significantly after initial training, often starting as early as 30 days post-training and continuing to decline over time.

Key Findings on First Aid Skill Retention:

1. Rapid Skill Decay: Many first aid skills deteriorate to potentially unacceptable levels before recertification, with some skills showing decline as early as 30 days after training.
2. Physical Skills vs. Knowledge: Skills involving physical actions, such as hand placement for CPR and abdominal thrusts, tend to deteriorate more predictably over time compared to knowledge-based elements.
3. Specific Skill Deterioration:
   • Opening the Airway: This skill shows a sharp decline after just 30 days.
   • Correct Hand Placement and Abdominal Thrusts: These skills begin to deteriorate from 90 days onwards.
   • CPR Compressions: Signs of skill deterioration in CPR compressions are evident after 30 days.
4. Long-Term Retention: A study on CPR skill retention found a rapid and linear decline in skills over time, with fewer than 20% of participants achieving a score of 75% or higher on performance tests.
5. Maximum Deterioration Timeline: One study suggested that the maximum deterioration of skills occurred within the first year after training.
6. Knowledge Retention: While theoretical knowledge also declines over time, it tends to be less affected than physical skills, particularly for those who have recertified multiple times.

These findings highlight the need for regular refresher training and practice to maintain effective first aid skills. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends annual refresher courses to help reduce skill decay and ensure first aiders remain competent in emergency situations.

Recommended First Aid Training Guidelines [Click to Open]

Course Type	Validity Period	Recommended Refresher Frequency	Best Mode of Training	Training Duration (Approx.)	Reason
Basic Life Support (BLS)	1-1.5 years	Yearly	Blended (combines online modules with hands-on practice)	2-3 hours	Skills fade quickly. Annual refreshers ensure proficiency in CPR techniques and critical decision-making in high-pressure situations.
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)	3 years	Every 3 years	Blended or In-person	4-6 hours	Refresher courses update knowledge and skills in handling common workplace emergencies, keeping them current with evolving best practices.
CPR/AED Training	1-1.5 years (often included in BLS)	Yearly	Blended or In-person (focuses on practical skills)	2-3 hours	CPR and AED use require muscle memory and precise technique. Annual refreshers maintain proficiency and confidence in performing these life-saving interventions.
Paediatric First Aid Training	3 years (check with provider)	Every 3 years	Blended or In-person (focuses on children’s anatomy and needs)	8-12 hours	Refresher courses keep knowledge updated on specific needs and considerations for providing first aid to children.
Paediatric Emergency First Aid Training	3 years (check with provider)	Every 3 years	Blended or In-person (focuses on emergencies involving children)	4-6 hours	Similar to Paediatric First Aid, refreshers ensure familiarity with best practices for handling emergencies specific to children.
First Aid at Work (FAW)	3 years	Every 3 years	Blended or In-person (covers broader workplace first aid scenarios)	12-18 hours	Refresher courses provide opportunities to practice handling a wider range of workplace first aid situations and stay updated on guidelines.

Does Every Business Need First Aid Training?

While not every business is legally required to have first aid-trained staff, it is strongly advised for several industries and occupations:

1. Healthcare Facilities: Medical clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes should have staff trained in first aid and emergency response.

2. Construction and Manufacturing: Due to the higher risk of workplace injuries, these industries often require designated first aid responders.

3. Childcare and Education: Schools, daycares, and other educational institutions should have staff trained in first aid to ensure the safety of children.

4. Hospitality and Retail: Businesses that cater to the public may benefit from having first aid-trained employees to handle potential customer emergencies.

The decision to provide first aid training should be based on a risk assessment of your workplace and industry, taking into account the potential for injuries or medical emergencies.

How Can I Renew My First Aid Training Certificate?

Renewing your first aid training certificate is a straightforward process. Here are the typical steps:

1. Check the Expiration Date: Ensure that you renew your certification before it expires to avoid any lapses.

2. Locate a Training Provider: Look for trusted training providers that offer first aid recertification courses. At Caring For Care, we offer First Aid training using OFSTED and EFYS curriculum. Some of our first trainers have over 20 years of experience on the job.

3. Enrol in the Right Course: Based on your current certification level, enroll in the corresponding recertification course.

4. Complete the Training: Attend the course, which may involve a combination of theoretical and practical components, including CPR and first aid skill demonstrations.

5. Receive Your New Certification: Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a new first aid certificate with an updated expiration date.

Choosing Between Online, Face-to-Face and Blended First Aid Training

Depending on the type of first aid course, you can decide if face-to-face training suits you. For practical experience, face-to-face or blended training might be best.

This lets you ask questions, update your skills, and have someone oversee your progress. While it might be inconvenient, it’s ideal for beginners.

Online courses are fine for boosting knowledge or learning about new areas. Many prefer a blend of both. HSE has recommended blended learning option for first aid courses.

Theory can be covered online while hands-on learning can be done onsite.

It saves time, money, and offers flexibility. You can choose which parts to do in person or online.

Online First Aid Training:

• Easy to use: Online first aid classes let you learn whenever you want, whenever you have time.
• Saves money: Online first aid classes often cost less than having to travel for the training and also the physical training cost.
• Focus on learning: Online first aid training mainly teaches you the ideas – though helps you reflect on methods; it comes with no hands-on practice.

Face-to-Face First Aid Training:

• Hands-on Practice: In-person training provides opportunities for practical skill demonstrations and feedback from instructors.
• Interaction and Q&A: Face-to-face trainings allow for direct interaction with instructors, enabling you to ask questions and clarify concepts.
• Group Learning: Classes with other people mean you can have a group discussion, role plays, and help each other out.

Blended First Aid Training:

Blended first aid training combines online learning with hands-on practice:

• Online: Learn the basics conveniently at your own pace.
• In-person: Practice skills, get feedback, and ask questions directly from instructors.

This mix ensures you gain the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

The choice between online or face-to-face or blended training ultimately depends on your learning style, schedule, and the specific requirements of your desired certification.

However, HSE mostly recommends blended learning methods.

What is a First Aid Refresher Course?

A first aid refresher course is a shortened version of the full first aid certification course. It’s for people who’ve done first aid before and need to renew their certificate.

How often you need it depends on your job and the first aid courses you’ve done in the past, usually every 1-3 years.

These courses go over important first aid topics like CPR, using AEDs, and helping with injuries and emergencies. The learning duration is shorter than the full first aid course and just refresh your memory and skills.

Understanding how long first aid certificates last, the types of certifications, and what to think about when picking a course helps make sure you or your team can handle emergencies.

Doing first aid requalification and refresher courses regularly is vital to keep skills sharp and knowledge current, making the environment safer for everyone.

Are First Aid Requalification and First Aid Annual Refresher the Same?

Yes, first aid requalification and first aid annual renewal are different.

First aid requalification refers to retaking the full first aid course (either First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid at Work) before the 3-year certification period expires. This is a mandatory requirement to maintain the first aider’s qualifications.

It involves going through the complete training course again, which is a minimum of 18 hours for FAW or 6 hours for EFAW.

On the other hand, first aid annual renewal (sometimes called annual refresher training) is a shorter training session recommended by HSE for qualified first aiders to attend annually during the 3-year certification period.

This is not mandatory but highly recommended to help first aiders maintain their skills and knowledge.

The key differences are:

1. Requalification is mandatory to renew the first aid certificate, whereas annual renewal is recommended but not compulsory.

2. Recertification involves completing the full first aid course again, while annual renewal is a shorter refresher session, typically half a day.

3. Requalification happens once every 3 years before the certificate expires, while annual renewal should ideally happen every year within the 3-year certification period.

Requalification is a mandatory full training course required every 3 years to maintain first aider status, while annual renewal is an optional refresher training recommended yearly to keep skills up-to-date between requalification periods.

What Next

You can check all our first aid courses from basic to advance – bls, emergency, peadiatric, workplace first aid.

We offer both onsite and offsite training across the UK. Your can see our training locations here. We use OFSTED guide and EFYS to let you meet standards the law and your industry requires.

Also, our trainer often would customise training for individuals and group to meet specific needs and challenges they face in doing their task.

You can leave us an enquiry message enquiries@caringforcare.co.uk, or call us: 01782 563333

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