Are Your Workplace First Aid Qualifications Due to Expire?

Many employers are unaware that once a First Aider’s qualification expires, they are no longer permitted to act as a qualified Workplace First Aider. This can leave organisations exposed to compliance issues and potentially without adequate first aid cover when it is needed most.

Importantly, once a qualification has passed its expiry date, the individual can no longer act as a Workplace First Aider until they have successfully renewed their qualification. Employers should therefore ensure renewal training is completed before certificates expire to maintain continuous first aid provision within the workplace.

Understanding Renewal Requirements

If you hold the Level 3 First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification, there is a limited grace period available. Existing First Aiders can renew their qualification within 28 days of the expiry date, reducing the required training time from 18 hours to 12 hours. However, once this 28-day period has passed, learners must complete the full 18-hour qualification again.

Although the qualification can still be renewed within the 28-day grace period, First Aiders whose certificates have expired cannot undertake the role of Workplace First Aider until the renewal process has been successfully completed.

For both Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and Paediatric First Aid qualifications, there is no grace period. These courses must be fully renewed before expiry to maintain certification.

Flexible Renewal Options

To make renewing qualifications more convenient, we offer a blended learning approach for some courses. This allows learners to complete online modules before attending face-to-face training, reducing classroom time while maintaining the same high standards of learning.

The table below outlines the available renewal options:

Qualification	Total Renewal Hours	Blended Learning Hours
Level 3 First Aid at Work Renewal	12	6
Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work	6	2
Level 3 Paediatric First Aid Renewal	6	6

Don’t Leave Renewal Training Until the Last Minute

Planning ahead is essential. Booking renewal training well in advance helps ensure your organisation maintains continuous first aid cover and avoids the risk of qualifications expiring unexpectedly.

Early planning also gives both employers and learners time to decide whether existing First Aiders wish to renew their qualifications or whether new members of staff should be trained to take on the role.

By scheduling training ahead of time, you can maintain compliance, minimise disruption, and ensure your workplace remains prepared to respond effectively in the event of an emergency.

Need to Renew Your First Aid Qualifications?

Don’t risk your workplace being left without qualified first aid cover. Whether you need to renew existing qualifications or train new First Aiders, planning ahead will help ensure your organisation remains compliant and prepared for emergencies.

Contact Elite Training Solutions today to discuss your training needs.

We can advise on the most suitable courses, renewal options, and training schedules to help keep your workforce qualified and your workplace safe.