How long does your CPR and First Aid certificate last?
Remembering when your CPR certificate expires is about as exciting as remembering to change your smoke alarm batteries. But knowing how long your first aid qualifications last could literally mean the difference between confidently helping someone in an emergency or standing there wondering if you're doing more harm than good.
So, how long does a CPR certificate last? And when does your first aid certification actually expire? Let's break it down in a way that won't put you to sleep.
How long are your CPR and First Aid certificates valid for?
HLTAID009 Provide CPR
Your CPR certificate or Statement of Attainment is valid for 12 months.
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
A first aid certificate or Statement of Attainment is valid for 3 years. However, even though your first aid certificate lasts 3 years, you need to renew your CPR component annually.
Why does CPR Certificate expiry matter?
The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC), the team who set the standards for all things life-saving in Australia, recommend annual CPR renewal.
Why your CPR training matters more than ever
New legislation in South Australia now means we will see more Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) popping up in more public spaces across SA. This is fantastic news for community safety. While you technically don't need to be trained to use an AED, knowing CPR dramatically improves your confidence and effectiveness in an emergency.
Think about it: an AED can shock a heart back into rhythm, but it can't keep blood flowing to the brain between shocks. That's where CPR comes in. Without current CPR training, you might hesitate in those critical first minutes, or worse, not use the AED at all because you're unsure what to do.
Heart Research Australia states that "using a defibrillator within the first minute of sudden cardiac arrest, can potentially bring the chance of survival rate up to 90%”.
But only if people actually know what to do. With more AEDs becoming available across South Australia, making sure your CPR is current isn't just about ticking a compliance box, it's about being ready to save a life in your community if you need to.
How long does your First Aid certificate last?
Your HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certificate is valid for three years. This covers all the important stuff like managing wounds, treating burns, responding to fractures, dealing with snake bites, and managing asthma attacks and anaphylaxis.
This one can be a little confusing though. Even though your first aid certificate doesn't expire for 3 years, the CPR component needs updating annually. This is where the whole "how long is first aid valid for" question gets a bit tricky.
What that means is:
Year 1: Complete full first aid course (HLTAID011 Provide First Aid)
Year 2: CPR renewal (HLTAID009 Provide CPR) required
Year 3: CPR renewal (HLTAID009 Provide CPR) required
Year 4: Back to full first aid course (HLTAID011 Provide First Aid)
What your workplace needs to know
From a workplace perspective, SafeWork SA (and similar bodies in other states) have clear regulations about first aid in the workplace under the Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace.
This includes that your workplace must:
Provide first aid facilities, equipment, and trained first aiders
Ensure the number of first aid officers is appropriate for the size and nature of your workplace
Keep first aid certificates current and valid
How often should you update your Provide First Aid skills?
The ARC recommends annual CPR training but beyond the official requirements, here's when you should definitely consider refreshing your skills:
Every 12 months
You work in healthcare, childcare, education, fitness or any role where first aid is essential
You're designated as a workplace first aid officer
You're a parent
You volunteer with community groups or sporting clubs
You just want to feel confident you'd know what to do
Every 3 years
This is your absolute deadline for renewing HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
When does your CPR certificate actually expire?
Your CPR certificate expiry date is printed on your Statement of Attainment. It's exactly 12 months from the date you completed your training. But you don't have to wait until it expires to renew.
CPR renewal: How often do you really need it?
The question we hear from people is, "But do I really need to renew my CPR every year?”.
When someone's heart stops, you have literally minutes to act. That's not the time to be second-guessing yourself or trying to remember what to do.
Why Engage First Aid is different
Our CPR renewal and first aid courses are taught by an award-winning first aid trainer and comedian. We believe that first aid training doesn’t have to be boring. And yes, can actually be a fun experience.
What Engage First Aid training means for you
You'll actually remember what you learned
All the compliance, none of the boredom
Classes in throughout South Australia
Corporate training available at your workplace for no extra cost
When should you renew?
Here's your simple checklist:
✅ Book your CPR renewal: 10-11 months after your last training (don't wait until month 12!)
✅ Schedule your full first aid renewal: 2-3 months before your 3-year expiry date
✅ Keep your certificate somewhere you can actually find it
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First Aid Pro Tip: Set a reminder in your phone for 11 months from your training date and choose training that's actually engaging so you remember it when it counts!
Ready to renew? Let's make it fun
Whether your CPR certificate is about to expire or you're due for your full first aidl we've got you covered. At Engage First Aid, we prove that saving lives doesn't have to be boring.
Book your CPR renewal or first aid course
Individual classes in the Adelaide CBD (but we an find a space near you too!)
Corporate group training at your workplace or club or community group
Fully accredited, nationally recognised with our issuing RTO 45193
Always compliant and never boring
Resources and further reading
The information provided in this blog offers general insights only. It is important to note that this content is not intended to serve as medical advice and if you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 000 immediately.
CPR & First Aid certificate FAQs
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CPR certification (HLTAID009) is valid for 12 months according to Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines.
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Your first aid certificate (HLTAID011) lasts for 3 years, but you need to renew the CPR component annually to maintain full validity and workplace compliance.
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Yes! If your HLTAID011 is still within its 3-year validity period, you can complete HLTAID009 (CPR only) to maintain your certification.
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You'll need to complete the full course again.
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The validity period is the same Australia-wide: 12 months for CPR, as set by the Australian Resuscitation Council.
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Some industries require specialised training. For example, childcare and education settings require HLTAID012 (Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting).
