The answer is yes—you must be able to demonstrate current first aid knowledge and practical competence.
However, this does not always mean holding a current 3-day First Aid at Work certificate.
We recognise a number of professional healthcare registrations and advanced pre-hospital care qualifications as meeting the same entry requirement.
Why We Accept Equivalent Qualifications
Our First Aid Instructor Course is designed for individuals who already have a solid foundation in first aid knowledge and practical skills.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets the benchmark for competence at the First Aid at Work level. However, it also recognises certain professional qualifications and registrations as being equivalent to this standard.
Accepted First Aid at Work Equivalents
The following qualifications and professional registrations are accepted in place of a current First Aid at Work (FAW) certificate for entry onto our First Aid Instructor Course:
- Registration as a licensed medical doctor with the General Medical Council (GMC)
- Current registration as a Registered Nurse
- Current registration as a Registered Paramedic
- First Response Emergency Care (FREC) Level 3
- First Response Emergency Care (FREC) Level 4
- First Person on Scene (FPOS) Intermediate (Level 3)
What If My Qualification Isn’t Listed?
If you hold another first aid, pre-hospital care or healthcare qualification that isn’t listed above, please contact us before booking.
We’ll be happy to review your qualification and advise whether it meets the entry requirements. We regularly assess qualifications from the emergency services, military, healthcare and rescue sectors and can confirm eligibility before you enrol.
Why We Have Entry Requirements
As a First Aid Instructor, you’ll be responsible for teaching life-saving skills and must comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety Executive.
It is important that every candidate joining our instructor course already has a strong grounding in first aid practice. Whether that knowledge comes from a First Aid at Work qualification or from a recognised professional or clinical qualification, our goal is to ensure all instructors begin the course with the same high standard of competence.
Ready to Become a First Aid Instructor?
If you hold a current First Aid at Work certificate or one of the accepted equivalent qualifications listed above, you already meet the first aid qualification requirement for entry onto our First Aid Instructor Course.
If you’re unsure whether your qualification is acceptable, simply get in touch with our team. Send us the name of your qualification and, where possible, a copy of your certificate or evidence of your current professional registration, and we’ll be happy to confirm your eligibility before you book.