If you’ve completed a first aid training course for work, you may be wondering how long your certificate is valid for and when you’ll need to renew it.
For workplace first aid qualifications, First Aid at Work (FAW) and Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificates are generally valid for three years from the date of issue.
Once that three-year period comes to an end, you’ll need to complete the appropriate requalification training if you want to continue acting as a qualified workplace first aider.
But there are a few things employers and first aiders should know about keeping qualifications current and making sure workplace first aid arrangements remain in place.
What happens when your first aid certificate expires?
Once your certificate expires, you are no longer considered competent to act as a qualified workplace first aider under that qualification.
This is why it’s important to check your certificate expiry date and arrange any necessary requalification training before it runs out.
For employers, an expired certificate can also mean that their workplace no longer has the first aid cover they need. If the business relies on a small number of trained first aiders, losing one qualified first aider could make a difference to its overall first aid arrangements.
Does a first aid certificate renew automatically?
No. Your certificate won’t automatically renew after three years.
You’ll need to complete the appropriate requalification training to maintain your qualification as a workplace first aider.
It’s therefore worth planning ahead rather than waiting until the certificate has already expired. This gives you time to arrange training and avoid unnecessary gaps in your workplace first aid provision.
How can employers keep track of first aid certificates?
For businesses, keeping track of training records and certificate expiry dates is a simple way to stay organised.
Your records could include:
- The name of each qualified first aider
- The type of qualification they hold
- The date their training was completed
- The certificate expiry date
- When requalification training needs to be arranged
Checking these records regularly can help employers identify upcoming expiry dates and plan training in advance.
It’s also important to review your workplace first aid arrangements if circumstances change, such as moving premises, changing the type of work carried out or introducing new risks.
What about refresher training?
A first aid certificate may be valid for three years, but that doesn’t mean first aiders should go three years without revisiting their skills.
HSE strongly recommends that first aiders complete annual refresher training during the three-year certification period. This is designed to help first aiders maintain their basic skills and confidence between formal qualification courses.
Refresher training is separate from requalification. The certificate still needs to be renewed through the appropriate training when the three-year period comes to an end.
How do you know when your certificate expires?
Your certificate should provide details about your qualification and its validity.
If you’re an employee, check your certificate or speak to your employer if you’re unsure when your training needs to be renewed.
If you’re responsible for workplace training, keeping a central record of first aid qualifications can make it easier to monitor expiry dates across your team.
Setting reminders ahead of expiry dates can also give you plenty of time to arrange the appropriate training.
Keep your first aid qualification up to date
For most workplace first aid qualifications, the key date to remember is three years.
Keeping track of certificate expiry dates and arranging requalification training in advance can help businesses maintain appropriate first aid arrangements. Regular refresher training can also help first aiders keep their skills current during the period between qualifications.
If your business needs to arrange workplace first aid training or requalification, 1st Choice Safety Training & Consultancy can help.
Get in touch with the team to discuss your workplace training requirements and find out more about the first aid training available.
