How Long Is a First Aid Certificate Valid?
In the UK, first aid at work certificates are valid for 3 years. After three years, you must complete a requalification course to maintain your certification and continue acting as a workplace first aider.
Certificate Validity by Type
| Certificate | Duration | Validity | Requalification |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Aid at Work (FAW) | 3 days | 3 years | 2-day requalification |
| Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) | 1 day | 3 years | 1-day requalification |
| Paediatric First Aid | 2 days | 3 years | 2-day requalification |
| Emergency Paediatric First Aid | 1 day | 3 years | 1-day requalification |
What Happens When Your Certificate Expires?
When a first aid certificate expires:
- You are no longer a qualified first aider under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981
- Your employer cannot count you towards their first aid provision
- You must complete a full requalification course (not just a top-up)
- If your certificate has been expired for a significant period, you may need to retake the full initial course rather than the shorter requalification
When Should You Book Your Requalification?
The HSE recommends booking your requalification course well before your certificate expiry date. Best practice:
- 6 months before expiry — start looking at available courses
- 3 months before expiry — book and confirm your place
- Up to 3 months early — you can complete requalification up to 3 months before your current certificate expires without losing validity time
Does the HSE Recommend Annual Refreshers?
Yes. Although certificates are valid for 3 years, the HSE strongly recommends annual refresher training to keep skills and knowledge up to date. Refresher sessions typically cover:
- CPR technique practice
- Updates to first aid guidelines
- Review of common workplace scenarios
- Use of an AED (automated external defibrillator)
Annual refreshers are not a legal requirement but are considered best practice and help first aiders stay confident and competent.
FAW vs EFAW — Which Do You Need?
The type of certificate your workplace needs depends on your employer's first aid needs assessment:
| Factor | EFAW | FAW |
|---|---|---|
| Workplace size | Fewer than 25 low-risk employees | 25+ employees or higher-risk environments |
| Skills covered | Basic life-saving skills | Comprehensive first aid including injuries, illness |
| Course duration | 1 day (6-7 hours) | 3 days (18 hours) |
Refresh Your First Aid Knowledge
Our free online First Aid Level 2 course covers CPR, wound management, burns, shock, fractures, and medical emergencies — perfect for keeping your skills sharp between formal requalification courses.
Start First Aid CourseFrequently Asked Questions
Can I do my first aid requalification online?
The theoretical component can be completed online, but practical assessment (CPR, bandaging, recovery position) must be done in person for workplace-qualifying certificates. Online courses like ours are excellent for knowledge refreshers and preparation.
What if I let my certificate lapse for more than a month?
If your certificate has been expired for a short period, most training providers will still allow you to take the requalification course. If it has been expired for more than 6-12 months, some providers may require you to retake the full initial course.
Is first aid training a legal requirement?
Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, all employers must provide adequate first aid arrangements. This includes having trained first aiders appropriate to the level of risk in the workplace.