When you book a first aid course, it’s easy to assume that every qualification and certificate means roughly the same thing.
They don’t.
First aid courses are offered by a huge range of training providers, and you’ll see terms such as approved, accredited, certified and regulated used to describe them. Unfortunately, those words aren’t always used consistently.
So how do you know whether the first aid training you’re booking is of a suitable standard?
One option is to choose an Ofqual-regulated first aid qualification.
At North Wales First Aid, our regulated first aid qualifications are Ofqual regulated, providing learners and employers with the reassurance of recognised standards, defined assessment requirements and independent quality assurance.
But what does Ofqual regulation actually mean, and is an Ofqual-regulated qualification a legal requirement?
Let’s explain.
What is an Ofqual-regulated first aid qualification?
Ofqual – the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation – regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England.
An Ofqual-regulated first aid qualification is awarded through an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation and must meet defined requirements.
Rather than a training company simply designing its own course, deciding what constitutes a pass and printing its own certificate, a regulated qualification operates within an established framework.
Depending on the qualification, this includes defined:
- learning outcomes;
- course content and guided learning requirements;
- assessment criteria;
- trainer and assessor requirements;
- quality-assurance procedures; and
- certification requirements.
For someone booking first aid training, this provides an important additional level of reassurance about the qualification they are receiving.
Why does Ofqual regulation matter?
First aid is a practical skill.
If somebody collapses, suffers a cardiac arrest, is seriously bleeding or becomes unconscious, the first aider needs to be able to recognise what is happening and respond appropriately.
That makes the quality of first aid training important.
With an Ofqual-regulated qualification, the training provider isn’t solely responsible for deciding what candidates should learn and whether they have achieved the required standard.
The qualification has established learning outcomes and assessment requirements, while the recognised awarding organisation provides an additional layer of quality assurance.
This helps provide consistency, accountability and confidence in the qualification.
Are all first aid certificates Ofqual regulated?
No.
A training provider can offer first aid training and issue its own certificate knocked up in Microsoft Word without the course necessarily leading to an Ofqual-regulated qualification.
That doesn’t automatically mean the training is poor or unsuitable.
However, it does mean you should understand what you’re actually buying.
Terms such as accredited, approved and certified can sometimes sound reassuring without explaining who has set the standards or who is independently overseeing the qualification.
If this isn’t clear when you’re comparing first aid courses, ask the training provider:
“Is this an Ofqual-regulated qualification, and who is the awarding organisation?”
They should be able to give you a straightforward answer. Here at North Wales First Aid, we’ll always answer that question with an emphatic ‘yes’.
Do workplace first aid qualifications have to be Ofqual regulated?
No. There isn’t a general legal requirement stating that workplace first aid training must lead to an Ofqual-regulated qualification.
This is an important distinction.
Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers are responsible for ensuring that appropriate first aid arrangements are in place for their workplace.
Employers should undertake a first aid needs assessment to determine what provision and training they require.
They are also responsible for selecting an appropriate and competent first aid training provider.
Choosing an Ofqual-regulated qualification can make this process easier because the employer knows that the qualification operates within a recognised regulatory and quality-assurance framework.
Are first aid training providers HSE approved?
This is another common source of confusion.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) no longer approves individual first aid training providers.
The HSE stopped approving workplace first aid training and qualifications in 2013.
Instead, responsibility sits with employers to select an appropriate training provider and carry out suitable due diligence.
The HSE provides guidance on what employers should consider when selecting first aid training.
An Ofqual-regulated qualification delivered through a recognised awarding organisation provides employers with one established route when choosing their training.
So be cautious if you encounter phrases such as “HSE approved first aid course” or “HSE approved training provider” without further explanation.
What is the difference between an accredited and regulated first aid course?
This is worth understanding because the terms are sometimes used interchangeably when they don’t necessarily mean the same thing.
Ofqual regulated has a specific meaning.
It means that the qualification is regulated within the qualifications system overseen by Ofqual and is offered through an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation.
Accredited, on the other hand, can mean different things depending upon who is providing the accreditation.
A course might be accredited by a membership organisation, industry body, training company or another organisation.
That doesn’t necessarily make the training unsuitable, but “accredited” doesn’t automatically mean “Ofqual regulated.”
If you’re comparing two first aid courses, it’s therefore worth looking beyond the terminology and finding out exactly what qualification you’ll receive.
What are the advantages of an Ofqual-regulated first aid qualification?
For employers and learners, there are several potential benefits.
Recognised standards
The qualification has defined learning outcomes and assessment criteria rather than these being determined solely by the individual training provider.
Independent quality assurance
The awarding organisation has quality-assurance arrangements designed to ensure that approved training centres continue to meet the required standards.
Practical assessment
First aid isn’t simply about remembering information. Candidates need to demonstrate practical skills and competence where required by the qualification.
Consistency
Whether the qualification is delivered in North Wales or elsewhere, candidates achieving the same regulated qualification are working towards the same defined outcomes and assessment requirements.
Employer confidence
For businesses arranging staff training, a regulated qualification provides a clear way of identifying the framework and standards behind the certificate an employee receives.
Can you complete a regulated first aid qualification entirely online?
Be careful here.
Online learning can be useful for developing or refreshing first aid knowledge, but first aid also involves practical skills that need to be demonstrated and assessed.
For example, a first aider may need to demonstrate that they can:
- perform effective CPR;
- use an automated external defibrillator (AED);
- assess an unconscious casualty;
- place someone into the recovery position;
- control serious bleeding; and
- respond appropriately to a range of first aid emergencies.
Watching somebody perform CPR in a video isn’t the same as demonstrating CPR yourself.
If you’re considering an online first aid course, check carefully what qualification it actually leads to and how the required practical skills are assessed.
How should employers choose a first aid training provider?
Price and location will naturally influence your decision, but they shouldn’t be the only considerations.
Before booking workplace first aid training, it’s sensible to establish exactly what is being provided.
Ask who awards the qualification, whether it is regulated, how candidates are assessed, what standards trainers and assessors must meet and what quality-assurance arrangements are in place.
You should also make sure you’re booking the right level of first aid training for your workplace.
A small, low-risk office may have very different first aid requirements from a construction business, outdoor organisation, manufacturing site or workplace where employees operate remotely.
Your first aid needs assessment should help determine the appropriate level of provision.
How long is an Ofqual-regulated first aid qualification valid?
For common workplace qualifications such as Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW), certificates are normally valid for three years.
However, first aid skills can deteriorate surprisingly quickly when they’re not regularly practised.
The HSE therefore strongly recommends that workplace first aiders undertake annual refresher training during the three-year certification period.
Employers should also ensure that first aid certificates are renewed before they expire.
What happens if my first aid certificate expires?
Once a workplace first aid qualification has expired, you shouldn’t simply assume that the individual remains suitably qualified indefinitely.
Employers should keep records of their first aiders and certificate expiry dates and arrange appropriate requalification training in good time.
Leaving renewal until the last minute can potentially leave a workplace without the first aid provision identified in its first aid needs assessment.
Which first aid qualification do I need?
That depends upon your circumstances.
Two of the most commonly recognised workplace qualifications are:
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – typically suitable for nominated first aiders in many lower-risk workplaces following an appropriate first aid needs assessment.
First Aid at Work (FAW) – a more comprehensive qualification that may be appropriate for larger workplaces, higher-risk environments or where the employer’s first aid needs assessment identifies a greater level of provision.
Other workplaces and activities may benefit from more specialist training, including outdoor first aid qualifications.
If you’re unsure, don’t simply choose the cheapest or shortest course available. Consider the risks within your workplace and the findings of your first aid needs assessment.
Ofqual-regulated first aid training in North Wales
At North Wales First Aid, we deliver practical first aid training for individuals, businesses and organisations across North Wales.
Our regulated first aid qualifications are Ofqual regulated, giving employers and learners confidence that their qualification is delivered and assessed against established standards.
Just as importantly, we want people to leave our courses actually feeling capable of helping somebody in an emergency.
That means our training is practical, engaging and focused on situations first aiders could genuinely encounter.
We offer open first aid courses at locations across North Wales as well as on-site first aid training, where we can deliver training directly at your workplace for groups of employees.
If you’re unsure which first aid qualification you require, contact North Wales First Aid and we’ll be happy to help you identify an appropriate course.
Frequently Asked Questions About Regulated First Aid Qualifications
What does Ofqual regulated mean?
Ofqual regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England. An Ofqual-regulated qualification is delivered within a recognised regulatory framework through an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation and has defined requirements for learning and assessment.
Is Emergency First Aid at Work Ofqual regulated?
Regulated Emergency First Aid at Work qualifications are available from Ofqual-recognised awarding organisations. However, not every course advertised using similar first aid terminology necessarily leads to a regulated qualification, so check with the training provider before booking.
Does a first aid course have to be Ofqual regulated?
Not necessarily. Employers are responsible for selecting appropriate first aid training and carrying out suitable due diligence when choosing a training provider. Choosing an Ofqual-regulated qualification is one way of obtaining training delivered within an independently regulated framework.
Is an accredited first aid course the same as an Ofqual-regulated course?
Not necessarily. The term accredited can have different meanings depending upon the organisation providing the accreditation. An Ofqual-regulated qualification has a specific status within the regulated qualifications system.
Are first aid courses HSE approved?
The HSE no longer approves individual first aid training providers or workplace first aid qualifications. Employers are responsible for selecting an appropriate training provider.
How long does a first aid certificate last?
Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work certificates are generally valid for three years. The HSE recommends annual refresher training to help first aiders maintain their skills between formal requalification courses.
Can I do a workplace first aid qualification online?
Some first aid theory can be delivered online, but workplace first aid qualifications include practical skills that need to be appropriately taught and assessed. Check carefully what qualification an online course leads to and how practical competence is assessed.
How can I check whether my first aid qualification is Ofqual regulated?
Ask your training provider for the full qualification title and awarding organisation. Regulated qualifications can also be checked against the official register of regulated qualifications.