If you have a first aid certificate, you might be wondering whether it is still current. The short answer: first aid is generally recommended to be refreshed every 3 years, and CPR every 12 months. Here is what that means for you.
Do First Aid Certificates Expire?
A nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for HLTAID011 Provide First Aid does not have a printed “expiry date” in the same way a licence does. However, employers, industry bodies and workplace guidance treat first aid skills as needing regular refreshing, because skills and confidence fade quickly without practice.
In practice, most employers will only accept a first aid certificate as “current” if it falls within the recommended timeframes below.
Recommended Refresh Times
- First aid (HLTAID011): refresh every 3 years
- CPR (part of HLTAID011, or HLTAID009 on its own): refresh every 12 months
These timeframes come from industry guidance, including Safe Work Australia’s model Code of Practice for first aid in the workplace. Some employers and industries set stricter rules, so always check what your workplace or licensing body requires.
Why Regular Refreshers Matter
- CPR techniques and guidelines are updated from time to time
- Hands-on skills like compressions and recovery position fade without practice
- Confidence matters in an emergency, and practice builds it
- Many workplaces must keep a minimum number of trained, current first aiders
Who Needs a Current First Aid Certificate?
Plenty of jobs ask for current first aid, including aged care and disability support workers, security officers, childcare and education staff, hospitality workers, construction and trade workers, fitness instructors and workplace first aid officers. See our guide to jobs that require a first aid certificate in Perth for more detail.
How to Renew Your First Aid Certificate in Perth
Renewing is simple. You complete HLTAID011 Provide First Aid again, which also covers CPR. At SNS College, the course combines online learning with a practical session of around 3 hours at our Perth CBD campus. Morning and afternoon sessions run Monday to Friday, and the course fee is currently $90.
- Complete the online learning and knowledge assessment
- Attend your practical session on Stirling Street, Perth
- Show your skills in CPR, managing injuries and emergency response
- Receive your nationally recognised Statement of Attainment
Quick Tips
- Set a reminder 11 months after your course to refresh CPR
- Keep a digital copy of your Statement of Attainment
- Check job ads and licence requirements for specific first aid units
- Refresh early if you have a new job or licence application coming up
Book Your First Aid Course
Need to update your first aid or CPR? Book HLTAID011 Provide First Aid in Perth with SNS College, or contact us with any questions.
