How long does my first aid certificate last for?

In the UK First Aid at Work certificates and typically all other first aid certificates in the UK will be valid for 3 years from the date of issue, which is usually the last day of your course. 

How do I renew my first aid qualification?

You renew your first aid qualification by attending the same course again.

The only exception is that the holder of a valid First Aid at Work certificate may take a 2 day First Aid at Work Requalification (FAW-R) course. There is a 28 day period of grace after the expiry date of your certificate when you can still take the 2 day requalification course, after that you have to retake the full 3 day First Aid at Work course again.

It is really important that you keep a note in your calendar of when your certificate expires. Other qualifications or memberships that you hold may no longer be valid if your first aid certificate has expired.

If you attend a course with React First we will email you a reminder when your certificate is approaching its expiry date.

3 years is a very long time - won't my skills fade?

Yes, your first aid skills and knowledge will fade over the 3 year lifetime of your certificate. 

Since 2010 the HSE strongly recommends that holders of First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work certificates attend an annual refresher course in order to keep their skills up to date during the 3 year period before requalification.

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