How Long is your First Aid Certificate valid for?

Understanding the Expiry of HLTAID011 and HLTAID009

Authored by

Michael

Taking a first aid course is always a great decision, whether you need it for your job or simply to have the knowledge to help someone in need. However, one thing that many people may not be aware of is the expiry date of their first aid certificate. Knowing how long your first aid certificate is valid for is crucial as it ensures that you remain certified to perform life-saving techniques.

Two people providing First Aid to someone unconscious

In this blog post, we will discuss the validity of two of the most popular first aid certificates, the HLTAID011 Provide First Aid and HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and help you understand their expiry policies.

Australian Resuscitation Council:

The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) is an Australian organisation dedicated to promoting and improving the knowledge and skills in resuscitation and first aid in Australia. The ARC develops guidelines and standards for resuscitation and first aid techniques based on the latest scientific research and evidence.

The ARC is responsible for providing guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), advanced life support, pediatric resuscitation, and other emergency medical procedures. These guidelines are used by healthcare professionals, first responders, and the general public to ensure that lifesaving interventions are performed effectively and efficiently. They are also used to provide guidance on First Aid and CPR certificate renewals.

HLTAID011 Provide First Aid Certificate Expiry (3 years):

HLTAID011 Provide First Aid – previously known as the Senior First Aid Course – is valid for three years from the date of issue in Australia. This means that after three years, your certificate becomes invalid, and you need to complete a refresher course if you want to renew it. A refresher course typically takes one day, and it will help you update your skills and knowledge with the latest first aid techniques.

Please note – as this course includes HLTAID009 that you must refresh that aspect of it every 12 months as described below.

HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate Expiry (1 year):

The HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is a shorter first aid course focused on providing CPR skills and knowledge. This certificate usually lasts one year from the date of issue, and similarly becomes invalid after that period. Taking a refresher course is also necessary if you want to renew your certificate.

Validity Period of Your First Aid Certificate:

It’s important to note that the validity period of your first aid certificate may vary depending on certain factors, such as your employer’s requirements or the state or territory you are in. In some cases, your employer may require you to refresh your certificate annually instead of the standard period, or the state law may mandate a different validity period.

Renewal Reminders:

It’s also important to keep track of your certificate’s expiry date so that you have ample time to renew it. A good way to do this is to set a reminder or mark your calendar six months in advance before your certificate expires. This way, you have enough time to organize a refresher course without risking your certificate being invalid.

Skills Force Australia will keep track of your First Aid & CPR expiration dates and email you reminders before expiry.

Taking a first aid course is essential, and knowing your certificate’s validity period is equally important. Whether you hold an HLTAID011 Provide First Aid or HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certificate, it’s crucial to remember that they are subject to a specific expiry date. To ensure that your first aid knowledge and skills stay current and valid, it is important to take a refresher course after the expiry date. We hope this blog has provided you with a better understanding of the validity of the two certificates and has given you the tools to stay on top of your first aid certification needs!

Book your refresher first aid course with us today!