To deliver first aid training, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) require trainers to hold a recognised teaching qualification as well as the appropriate first aid certification.
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (formerly PTLLS) is the most widely recognised teaching qualification. However, it is not the only qualification that demonstrates the teaching knowledge and skills required to become a first aid instructor.
We recognise a wide range of teaching, training and educational qualifications as equivalent, meaning you do not need to complete the Level 3 Award in Education and Training if you already hold one of the accepted alternatives.
Why We Accept Equivalent Qualifications
Our First Aid Instructor Course requires delegates to have the knowledge and practical skills needed to plan, deliver and assess learning effectively.
Many professionals—particularly teachers, healthcare educators, military trainers and workplace trainers—already possess these skills through other recognised qualifications.
Rather than asking experienced trainers to complete a qualification they already effectively hold an equivalent to, we accept a number of recognised teaching qualifications.
Accepted Teaching Qualifications
The following qualifications are accepted in place of the Level 3 Award in Education and Training for entry onto our First Aid Instructor Course:
- Certificate in Education (Cert Ed)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Master of Education (MEd)
- MSc in Education or Higher Education
- CTLLS (Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector)
- DTLLS (Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector)
- PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector)
- English National Board (ENB) 998
- Further and Adult Education Teachers Certificate
- Nursing or Paramedic Mentorship Qualification
- Nurse or Paramedic – Supporting Students in Practice Qualification
- HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) Level 3
- S/NVQ Level 3 in Training and Development
- OCR Level 3 NVQ in Learning and Development
- TQFE (Teaching Qualification for Further Education)
- Level 3 Award in Education and Training
- Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training
- Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
- Learning and Development Practitioner Level 3
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
What if my qualification isn’t listed?
If you hold another recognised teaching or instructional qualification that is not included above, please get in touch before booking.
Our team will be happy to review your qualification and advise whether it meets the entry requirements.
Why this matters
Our aim is to ensure every candidate joining our First Aid Instructor Course has the ability to deliver engaging, inclusive and effective training.
If you’ve already gained those teaching skills through a recognised qualification, there is no need to duplicate your learning by completing the Level 3 Award in Education and Training again.
Ready to Become a First Aid Instructor?
If you hold any of the qualifications listed above, you can use them to meet the teaching qualification entry requirement for our First Aid Instructor Course.
If you’re unsure whether your qualification is acceptable, simply contact our team with the name of your qualification and a copy of your certificate. We’ll be happy to confirm your eligibility before you book.