How long is a first aid certificate valid in the UK?

Most UK workplace first aid certificates — including Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW) — are valid for three years. Book requalification before expiry, and use annual refreshers to keep skills sharp in between.

The three-year rule

Awarding organisations and employers treat EFAW and FAW as three-year qualifications. After that period you need to requalify to remain a designated workplace first aider for those awards.

Specialist courses (outdoor, paediatric, Forest School, mental health) follow their own awarding-body rules — always check the certificate and provider paperwork.

Annual refreshers

The Health and Safety Executive recommends that first aiders take annual refresher training so skills do not fade across the three-year cycle. Refreshers do not usually replace full requalification; they sit alongside it. See HSE’s first aid at work guidance.

Browse annual first aid refresher options.

Requalification timing

Aim to book requalification several weeks before your certificate ends so you do not have a coverage gap. Many providers offer dedicated first aid requalification routes for in-date certificate holders.

If your certificate has already lapsed, expect to retake a full EFAW or FAW course rather than a shortened requal.

Book renewal near you

Use Find a course near me or open your original qualification hub — for example EFAW or FAW — then request a place with a local provider free via Book First Aid.