Which first aid course do you need?
First Aid, CPR, Childcare First Aid or Advanced First Aid — what each one covers, who it suits, and how often you have to redo it.
Written byEdway
The short answer
Choose First Aid when a workplace asks for the usual first aid certificate. Choose CPR when only your annual CPR is due. Choose Childcare First Aid for an education or care setting.
Choose Advanced First Aid when you may need to lead a more complex response.
Compare the 4 courses
| Course | Unit | Choose it when | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Aid | HLTAID011 | A workplace asks for standard first aid | First aid, basic emergency life support and CPR |
| CPR | HLTAID009 | Only CPR needs refreshing | CPR only |
| Childcare First Aid | HLTAID012 | You work in education or care | Child and adult first aid, asthma, anaphylaxis and CPR |
| Advanced First Aid | HLTAID014 | You may lead a complex response | Advanced and standard first aid, plus CPR |
If an employer has given you a unit code, follow that code rather than the marketing name.
First Aid is the usual choice
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid is what most workplaces mean by “a first aid certificate”. It covers responding to an emergency, CPR and common injuries and illnesses until medical help arrives.
It includes HLTAID009 CPR, so you do not need to book a separate CPR course on the same day.
CPR is the yearly refresh
HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is the shorter course for CPR only. Choose it when your full first aid remains current but your workplace wants CPR refreshed.
Childcare First Aid adds care needs
HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting is for educators and support staff. It includes first aid for infants and children, asthma, anaphylaxis and CPR.
It is the ACECQA-approved qualification for education and care services. A standard HLTAID011 certificate does not cover the education-and-care requirement on its own.
Advanced First Aid leads the response
HLTAID014 Provide Advanced First Aid is for someone who may lead a complex or extended response. It also covers directing other first aiders.
It includes the standard first aid and CPR units. You do not need to hold HLTAID011 before enrolling, although prior experience can help.
Keep the training current
Statements of Attainment do not expire. Workplaces usually treat first aid as current for 3 years and CPR for 12 months.
The guide How long does a first aid certificate last? explains the difference.
Check that it is accredited
Edway also lists a non-accredited online first aid product. It gives you a Certificate of Completion, not HLTAID011. Do not choose it when an employer or regulator asks for a nationally recognised unit code.
All 4 accredited courses are delivered and issued by Training Aid Australia (RTO 91411).
Next step
If no unit code was supplied, start with First Aid. Use CPR for a CPR-only refresh, or choose Childcare First Aid for an education or care role.
Sources
- training.gov.au — HLTAID011, HLTAID009, HLTAID012 and HLTAID014Unit codes, official titles and superseded codes
- ACECQA — approved first aid, anaphylaxis and asthma trainingHLTAID012 being on the approved-qualifications register for education and care services (Education and Care Services National Regulations, regulation 136)
- Safe Work Australia — Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplaceWorkplace first aid requirements sitting under work health and safety law
