First Aid at Work

Is First Aid at Work the right course for my workplace?

It’s the right choice if your workplace first aid needs assessment calls for fully trained first aiders, which is common in higher-risk or larger workplaces such as construction, manufacturing and warehousing. Lower-risk workplaces may only need Emergency First Aid at Work. If you’re not sure, the ‘Check your requirements’ tool on this page can help, or get in touch and we’ll talk it through with you.

What’s the difference between First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work?

Both are regulated workplace qualifications. Emergency First Aid at Work is a one-day course focused on the emergencies you’d need to deal with first, such as CPR, choking, serious bleeding and shock. First Aid at Work covers all of that over three days, plus a much wider range of injuries and illnesses, including fractures, head and spinal injuries, burns, heart attacks, strokes, asthma, diabetic emergencies and anaphylaxis.

I’ve never done any first aid. Will I be okay?

Yes. No previous first aid experience or qualifications are needed. The course starts with the basics and builds up step by step, with plenty of hands-on practice before you’re assessed.

How is the course assessed?

There are two parts. Your trainer will watch you demonstrate the practical skills, such as CPR, on your own and without prompting, and you’ll complete a multiple-choice theory paper under exam conditions. Everything you’re assessed on is covered during the course, and you’ll have plenty of practice first.

Will I need to kneel on the floor?

Yes. You’ll demonstrate skills such as CPR and the recovery position on the floor, so you’ll need to be able to kneel and work at floor level, and comfortable clothing is best. If you have a mobility, medical or other need that might affect this, please contact us as early as possible before booking. We’ll consider reasonable adjustments, as long as they stay within the awarding body’s assessment rules.

Do I need to attend all three days?

Yes. You’ll need to attend the whole course to complete the qualification, as the learning and assessment build across all three days. If you have a possible clash, please contact us before booking.

How long does the qualification last, and how do I renew it?

Your certificate is valid for three years. To stay qualified, you’ll need to requalify before it expires, which you can do on our shorter two-day Requalification First Aid at Work course. HSE also strongly recommends annual refresher training during the three years to keep your skills current.

When will I receive my certificate?

Certificates are usually issued within 72 hours of passing the course. You’ll receive yours by email, and you can access it any time through My Northlight.

Is this qualification recognised?

Yes. You’ll receive the STA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work, a regulated qualification awarded by Safety Training Awards (STA) and regulated by CCEA in Northern Ireland. It’s designed for workplace first aiders under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1982.