It’s one of the most common questions we get from WHS managers and business owners: “When does our team’s training expire?”
The short answer is that it depends on the course. Some qualifications need annual renewal, others every two to three years, and some don’t technically expire at all, but that doesn’t mean they should be left to gather dust. Here’s a clear breakdown of the major workplace safety courses and when to renew them.
CPR — Every 12 Months
The Australian Resuscitation Council recommends renewing CPR training annually. This isn’t just a compliance checkbox. Resuscitation guidelines are updated regularly, and the reality is that skills you don’t practise fade quickly. If your team hasn’t touched a defib or practised compressions in over a year, their confidence to act in a real emergency drops significantly.
First Aid (HLTAID011) — Every 3 Years
Your Provide First Aid qualification is valid for three years, though the CPR component still needs to be renewed annually within that period. For most workplaces, this is the baseline with at least one trained first aider must be accessible during all work hours.
Childcare First Aid (HLTAID012) — Every 3 Years (CPR Annually)
If your organisation operates in education or childcare, staff need the specific HLTAID012 qualification, not the standard HLTAID011. At least one qualified person must be present at all times when children are in care, including during excursions. The same annual CPR renewal applies.
Advanced First Aid (HLTAID014) — Every 3 Years
For higher-risk workplaces where standard first aid isn’t enough, Advanced First Aid follows the same three-year renewal cycle. This applies to environments with greater consequence incidents like remote sites, industrial operations and workplaces where emergency services may not arrive quickly.
Remote First Aid (HLTAID013) — Every 3 Years
If your team works in isolated or remote locations like farms, mine sites, regional operations, Remote First Aid training is what prepares them to manage emergencies when professional help is hours away. The three-year renewal cycle applies, but given the nature of remote work, many employers choose to refresh sooner.
Low Voltage Rescue (CPR & LVR) — CPR Annually, LVR Every 3 Years
Electrical workplaces need staff trained in both CPR and low voltage rescue. The CPR component is renewed annually, while the LVR qualification follows a three year cycle. Given that electrical incidents require immediate, confident response, staying current with both is non-negotiable for any workplace with electrical risk.
Fire Warden (PUAFER005) — Every 12 to 24 Months
Fire warden training doesn’t have a legislated national expiry, but Australian Standard 3745 recommends skills retention activities at intervals of no more than six months, and most industries treat a full refresher every one to two years as standard practice. Many employers and building managers require annual renewal to maintain compliance and keep wardens confident in their roles.
Working at Heights (RIIWHS204E) — Every 2 Years (Recommended)
There’s no legislated expiry on your Working at Heights statement of attainment. However, the Working at Heights Association of Australia and broader industry practice recommend refresher training every two years.
Confined Spaces & Gas Testing — Every 2 to 3 Years (Industry Dependent)
Like Working at Heights, confined space and gas testing qualifications don’t carry a fixed expiry. But industry standards and many employer policies require renewal every two to three years.
The Bigger Picture
Renewal isn’t just about keeping a certificate current. It’s about making sure your people can actually respond when something goes wrong because fade, procedures change, and confidence decreases without practice. The best organisations don’t treat training renewal as an admin task they treat it as an investment in their team’s readiness.
If you’re unsure what your team needs or when renewals are due, get in touch. We help businesses across Perth and regional WA build training schedules that keep compliance simple and teams prepared.
Call us on (08) 9443 1000 or view all courses on our website.
