Most UK workplace and paediatric first aid certificates last three years. To stay qualified, your first aiders need to requalify before the expiry date on their certificate. Here is what that means for each course, and how to keep your team covered.
How long each first aid certificate lasts
| Certificate | Valid for | To stay qualified |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) | 3 years | Retake the EFAW course before it expires |
| First Aid at Work (FAW) | 3 years | Take the 2-day FAW requalification course before it expires |
| Paediatric First Aid | 3 years | Retake the Paediatric First Aid course before it expires |
What happens if a certificate expires?
Once a certificate has expired, that person is no longer counted as a qualified first aider. For First Aid at Work, the shorter 2-day requalification course is meant for people whose certificate is still valid, so if it lapses you will normally need to take the full course again. The simplest way to avoid this is to book requalification a couple of months before the expiry date.
Do first aiders need training in between?
Requalifying every three years is the standard requirement, but skills fade much faster than that. The Health and Safety Executive strongly recommends that first aiders complete a short annual refresher during each three-year period, so they stay confident with CPR, using a defibrillator and dealing with choking and bleeding.
Keeping track for your team
- Keep a simple list of each first aider, their course and their expiry date.
- Set a reminder two to three months before each expiry.
- Book an annual refresher in the years in between.
- Review your first aid needs assessment when staff numbers, shifts or risks change.
Need to renew or refresh? We run scheduled courses in Gloucester and on-site training across Gloucestershire, the South West and the Midlands.
- Emergency First Aid at Work (blended, half-day practical)
- First Aid at Work Requalification (2 days)
- First Aid at Work Annual Refresher
- Level 3 Paediatric First Aid
- Paediatric First Aid Annual Refresher
Call 07811 025169 or email enquiries@passionfirstaid.co.uk.
