---
title: Do first aiders need to be certified?
description: First aiders must be qualified (and hold a current certificate) in a relevant first aid at work course.
---

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# Do first aiders need to be certified?

## First aiders must be qualified (and hold a current certificate) in a relevant first aid at work course.

Emergency first aid at work certificates are valid for three years, after which the first aiders will need to requalify by completing the same course again.

First aid at work certificates are valid for three years, after which first aiders will need to requalify. However, if the first aider holds a [First aid at work](https://www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/courses/first-aid-at-work-courses-uk-mainland/scheduled-courses/first-aid-at-work/) certificate then they will need to complete a [First aid at work requalification](https://www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/courses/first-aid-at-work-courses-uk-mainland/scheduled-courses/first-aid-at-work-requalification/).

The HSE recommends that first aiders complete [annual refresher](https://www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/courses/first-aid-at-work-courses-uk-mainland/in-company-courses/first-aid-annual-skills-update-e-learning/) training to help maintain and keep their skills up to date with any changes which may have occurred between completing a First aid at work course and requalifying three years later. 

For more information, you can download our complete guide '[First aid provision in the workplace: A Guide for Businesses](https://resources.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/download-complete-guide-to-first-aid-at-work?hsLang=en)'.

 

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