How often do you need to renew CPR? Every 12 months. Safe Work Australia's First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice says refresher training in CPR should be done annually, while full first aid qualifications are renewed every three years. If your CPR is still current, you can renew with a shorter Express course at our Kirwan classroom or on site at your workplace.
How often do you need to renew CPR for each course?
CPR sits inside most first aid courses, so the yearly rule applies even when the rest of your certificate runs for three years. Here's how it usually works across the courses we run.
| Course | CPR renewal | Full course renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Provide CPR (HLTAID009) | Every 12 months | Every 12 months |
| CPR & Low Voltage Rescue | Every 12 months (some employers ask for 6) | Every 12 months |
| Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) | Every 12 months | Every 3 years |
| Education and Childcare First Aid (HLTAID012) | Every 12 months | Every 3 years |
| Provide Advanced First Aid (HLTAID014) | Every 12 months | Every 3 years |
Why CPR is renewed every year
CPR is a hands-on skill, and it fades quickly when you don't use it. The ANZCOR basic life support training guideline notes that CPR skills deteriorate within weeks to months of a course, and that retraining every 12 to 24 months is likely not enough on its own to keep performance high.
That's why a yearly refresher is treated as the minimum. Each session gets you back on the manikin to check your compression depth, rate and rhythm, use an AED and pick up any changes to the guidelines.
Between courses, it's worth refreshing yourself on the steps and on when you should call an ambulance, so you have the confidence to respond on the day.
Does a CPR certificate expire?
Your statement of attainment doesn't carry a printed expiry date. What changes is whether it's treated as current, and most employers, schools and industry bodies count CPR as current for 12 months from the date you completed it.
If you're unsure what applies to the rest of your first aid training, our guide on how long a first aid certificate lasts covers the three-year courses in detail.
Who needs their CPR kept current?
Anyone who holds a first aid role is expected to keep CPR up to date, but some jobs check it more closely than others.
- Workplace first aid officers covered by the Safe Work Australia code
- Childcare, kindy and OSHC educators, plus nannies
- Electricians and anyone working near live electrical equipment
- Staff whose employer, licence or contract asks for annual CPR
- Coaches, volunteers and carers who want to stay ready
CPR and low voltage rescue for electrical workers
In Queensland, businesses must make sure workers who do electrical work are competent in rescue and resuscitation. Across the industry, that's usually kept current by completing CPR and Low Voltage Rescue every 12 months, and some employers ask for it every 6 months.
Our CPR and Low Voltage Rescue course combines HLTAID009 with UETDRMP018 in one session. Check your licence conditions and site rules for the exact timeframe you need.
Renewing with Express or Standard
If your CPR is still current, you can book Express. It's the same price as Standard but with less time in the classroom. If your certificate has already lapsed, you'll need the Standard course instead, so it pays to book before your 12 months is up.
| Provide CPR (HLTAID009), $65 | Standard | Express |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | First-timers or expired certificate | Current certificate holders |
| eLearning | Up to 1 hour | Up to 1 hour |
| Face to face | 1.5 hours | 30 minutes |
How to renew your CPR in Townsville
We run public courses at our Kirwan classroom Monday to Saturday, and we can train your team on site in Townsville for groups of 8 or more. Groups outside Townsville are quoted, and after-hours and weekend sessions are available through our corporate training option.
Once you're booked, here's what to sort out before the day.
- Finish your eLearning at least 24 hours before your session
- Bring your USI and, for Express, a copy of your current statement of attainment
- Wear comfortable clothes, as you'll do 2 minutes of uninterrupted CPR on a manikin on the floor
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early, as late arrivals may not be able to join
Common questions
Is it a legal requirement to renew CPR every year?
For most workplaces, yearly CPR is the standard set out in Safe Work Australia's code of practice and what employers expect from their first aiders. Some industries, such as electrical work and education and care, check it more strictly. Your employer or industry body can confirm exactly what applies to your role.
Can I do an Express CPR course if my certificate has expired?
No. Express is only for people renewing a current certificate. If yours has lapsed, book the Standard Provide CPR course, which is the same price with a bit more face-to-face time.
Do I need to renew CPR if I did a full first aid course this year?
Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) includes CPR, so you're current for 12 months from that course. After that, you renew CPR each year until your full first aid course is due again at the three-year mark.
How do I prove my CPR is current to my employer?
ABC First Aid emails your statement of attainment once you're competent, your fees are paid and your USI is verified. Employers can also check a certificate on ABC First Aid's website.
