What is the difference between First Aid Level 2 and Level 3?

First Aid Level 2 covers emergency first aid at work (EFAW) — basic life-saving skills like CPR, choking, bleeding, and shock. Level 3 covers the full first aid at work (FAW) syllabus including everything in Level 2 plus fractures, spinal injuries, burns, poisoning, medical conditions, and casualty management. Level 2 is a 1-day course; Level 3 is 3 days.

First Aid Level 2 vs Level 3: What's the Difference?

Choosing between First Aid Level 2 and Level 3 depends on your workplace risk level, the number of employees, and your role. Here's a clear comparison to help you decide which qualification you need.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Level 2 (EFAW)	Level 3 (FAW)
Full name	Emergency First Aid at Work	First Aid at Work
Course duration	1 day (6-7 hours)	3 days (18 hours)
Certificate validity	3 years	3 years
Requalification	1-day course	2-day course
Depth of content	Basic life-saving skills	Comprehensive first aid
Best for	Low-risk workplaces, small teams	Higher-risk workplaces, larger teams
Regulated by	HSE / Ofqual	HSE / Ofqual

What Does Level 2 Cover?

First Aid Level 2 (Emergency First Aid at Work) teaches the essential life-saving skills every first aider needs:

The role and responsibilities of a first aider
Assessing an incident and calling for help
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) for adults
Using an AED (automated external defibrillator)
Treating an unconscious casualty (recovery position)
Managing choking
Controlling severe bleeding
Recognising and treating shock
Managing minor injuries (cuts, bumps, minor burns)

What Does Level 3 Add?

First Aid Level 3 (First Aid at Work) includes everything in Level 2 plus advanced topics:

Managing fractures, dislocations, and sprains
Spinal injury management
Serious burns and scalds
Eye injuries
Poisoning and substance exposure
Anaphylaxis and severe allergic reactions
Heart attacks, strokes, and angina
Diabetic emergencies
Seizures and epilepsy
Asthma attacks
Hypothermia and heat stroke
Casualty management and prioritisation (triage)

Which Level Do You Need?

Your employer decides based on a first aid needs assessment. The assessment considers: the nature of the work, workplace hazards, the number of employees, the history of accidents, and how far away the nearest emergency services are.

Choose Level 2 if:

Your workplace is low-risk (office, shop, library)
You have fewer than 25 employees
Emergency services are close by
You need a basic emergency responder

Choose Level 3 if:

Your workplace is medium or high-risk (construction, manufacturing, warehouse, kitchen)
You have 25 or more employees
Emergency services may take longer to arrive (rural areas)
You want the most comprehensive first aid qualification
Your employer's first aid needs assessment requires FAW-qualified first aiders

Start Learning First Aid Today

Our free online First Aid Level 2 course covers CPR, wound management, burns, shock, fractures, and medical emergencies. Perfect for building your knowledge before a practical qualification or refreshing existing skills.

Start First Aid Level 2 Course

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go straight to Level 3 without doing Level 2 first?

Yes. Level 3 (FAW) is a standalone qualification. You do not need to complete Level 2 first. The Level 3 course covers all Level 2 content and extends it further.

Is Level 2 or Level 3 better for my CV?

Level 3 carries more weight as it is the more comprehensive qualification. However, Level 2 is perfectly valid and demonstrates essential life-saving competence. Many employers accept either depending on the role.

Are these qualifications regulated?

Yes. When delivered by an approved training provider, both Level 2 and Level 3 first aid qualifications are regulated by Ofqual (the qualifications regulator for England) and recognised by the HSE.