First aid and CPR for support workers
The first aid and CPR certificates support workers need, how often to renew them, what they cost, and why nearly every employer asks for them.
Do support workers legally need first aid and CPR?
Which exact courses do you need? (the unit codes)
How often do you have to renew?
What does it cost and how long does it take?
Who pays — you or the employer?
What first aid situations actually come up in disability support?
First aid vs. the other things you must report
How to choose a training provider (RTO)
Getting your first aid onto your job applications
Frequently asked questions
Can I do first aid and CPR training completely online?
No — the CPR component must be assessed in person because you have to physically demonstrate compressions on a manikin. What's common is a blended course: you complete the theory online beforehand, then attend a shorter face-to-face session for the practical assessment. Fully online 'certificates' with no practical are generally not accepted by employers, so check the course includes an in-person assessment delivered by a Registered Training Organisation.
Does my first aid certificate work in every Australian state and territory?
Yes — HLTAID011 and HLTAID009 are nationally recognised units, so a certificate issued by a Registered Training Organisation is valid across all states and territories. What can differ by state are other requirements like your NDIS Worker Screening Check and any working-with-children clearance, which are separate from first aid and run through your state or territory screening unit. Always keep those state-specific clearances current alongside your first aid.
Is first aid enough to give medications or do PEG feeding?
No. A general first aid certificate does not authorise high-intensity daily personal activities such as PEG/tube feeding, complex medication management, or administering seizure medication. Those require specific competency training and delegation, mapped to the NDIS high-intensity support skills descriptors, plus the individual's documented health plan. Never provide support beyond your training and the person's plan, even in an emergency, unless it is explicitly authorised.
How much does a first aid course cost for a support worker in 2026?
As an indicative range for 2026, a full HLTAID011 first aid course is roughly $100–$180 and a CPR-only refresher (HLTAID009) is around $30–$70, though prices vary by RTO, state and whether it's a group booking. These figures are indicative and dated — confirm the current price directly with the training provider. Some employers pay for or reimburse these, and if you're already working the cost may be a deductible self-education expense, which you should check against current ATO guidance before assuming.
What's the difference between first aid and the NDIS Worker Screening Check?
They're completely separate. First aid (HLTAID011/HLTAID009) is a training certificate showing you can respond to a medical emergency, usually required by your employer under work health and safety obligations. The NDIS Worker Screening Check is a criminal-history and risk assessment run by your state or territory screening unit and cleared through the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. You typically need both, along with the NDIS Worker Orientation Module and ongoing adherence to the NDIS Code of Conduct.
Will my employer pay for my first aid renewal?
Sometimes. Many provider-employers pay for or run in-house CPR and first aid sessions and cover renewals for their staff, so ask your coordinator or HR during onboarding. If you're an independent or platform-based support worker, you generally pay yourself and treat it as a work expense. Either way, the certificate belongs to you and follows you between jobs, so keep your own copy as a PDF and a photo on your phone.
Should I also do Mental Health First Aid?
It's not usually a mandatory requirement, but it's genuinely valuable if you support people who experience mental health challenges or crises. Mental Health First Aid is a separate accredited course focused on recognising and responding to psychological distress and de-escalation, and it does not replace HLTAID011/HLTAID009. Having it on your profile can make you more employable for certain roles, but always check whether a specific job actually requires it before paying.