How often should you refresh your First Aid Training?

At Imperative Training, we know better than most that first aid saves lives - but only if the person delivering it knows what to do, and feels confident doing it. That’s why regularly refreshing your first aid training is just as important as getting certified in the first place.

But how often should you actually refresh your first aid skills?

What the UK Law Says

In the UK, first aid training requirements are set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). While your First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate is valid for three years, the HSE strongly recommends taking an annual refresher course in the meantime.
So, even though you're not legally required to refresh every year, it’s considered best practice — especially in the workplace.

Types of First Aid Training and Their Validity

Here’s a quick look at the most common workplace qualifications:

No matter which course you’ve taken, we recommend topping up your skills every 12 months with an Annual Skills Refresher.

Why Annual Refreshers Matter

We’ve trained thousands of people across the UK, and one thing’s for sure — skills fade. In fact, many people start to forget essential first aid techniques within 6–12 months of training.

An annual refresher helps:
✅ Boost confidence in real emergencies
✅ Keep knowledge fresh and accurate
✅ Ensure compliance with HSE recommendations
✅ Give you peace of mind at home or in the workplace

Our refresher sessions are short, focused, and hands-on — the perfect way to stay sharp without taking up your whole day.

What Does an Annual Refresher Include?

At Imperative Training, our half-day Annual First Aid Refresher covers the essential, life-saving skills:
CPR (including use of a defibrillator)

• Recovery position
• Dealing with choking
• Controlling bleeding
• Treating unconscious casualties

It’s suitable for anyone with a current EFAW or FAW certificate who wants to stay up to speed in between full qualifications.

Employers: Stay Compliant & Confident

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must ensure that appointed first aiders remain competent at all times.
That means:

• Tracking certificate expiry dates
• Arranging requalification training before they lapse
• Booking annual refreshers as part of your workplace safety strategy
• Not sure what your organisation needs? Our friendly team is here to help you carry out a first aid needs assessment — just get in touch.

When to Fully Retrain

If your certificate is nearing the 3-year expiry, you’ll need to book a requalification course to stay certified. Don’t leave it until the last minute.

Through our bespoke portal, MyImperative, customers are able to track when their courses are due to expire and receive reminder emails with links to rebook their courses.

You can renew your:

• EFAW with another 1-day course
• FAW with a 2-day requalification (you must do this within 28 days of your expiry date)

Ready to Refresh Your Skills?

We make first aid training easy, engaging, and fully compliant. Whether you need to book a refresher course for yourself or your team, Imperative Training has nationwide coverage and expert trainers who bring real-life experience into every session.

Browse our courses here or speak to our team for tailored advice.

Stay prepared. Stay confident. Stay compliant — with Imperative Training.