# How Long Is a First Aid Certificate Valid? UK Renewal Guide

> First aid certificates in the UK are valid for 3 years. Learn when to renew, the difference between FAW and EFAW, and how to keep your certification current.

Source: https://getmytestscore.co.uk/how-long-is-first-aid-certificate-valid

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# 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 |

**Key point:** Once your certificate expires, you cannot act as a designated first aider in the workplace. There is no grace period — plan your requalification well in advance.

## 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 Course](/course?id=first-aid-l2)

## Frequently 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.

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