What Does a First Aid at Work Course Cover?
A First Aid at Work course covers everything a workplace first aider needs to handle a medical emergency, from CPR and defibrillator use to wounds, fractures, shock and choking. It is the full workplace qualification, delivered over 18 hours and assessed in person. To get certified, book a first aid course and complete the two-day programme.
This guide walks through the full syllabus, explains how the two days are structured, sets out how the assessment works, and shows who should take this first aid at work training.
What You Learn on a First Aid at Work Course
First aid at work training equips you to assess an incident calmly and act correctly until professional help arrives. The syllabus is broad because a workplace first aider has to be ready for a wide range of injuries and medical situations. Knight Learning delivers this first aid training in person at its London centre, so every topic below is practised hands-on rather than watched on a screen.
The First Aid at Work course covers:
- Assessing a situation and acting safely
- CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)
- Managing an unconscious casualty
- Shock, including anaphylactic shock
- Wounds, bleeding and burns
- Bone, muscle and joint injuries
- Spinal and chest injuries
- Eye injuries, poisoning and choking
The Two-Day Syllabus Day by Day
Knight Learning delivers the 18 hours of first aid at work training over two days, with a weekend option available. Splitting the qualification across two focused days keeps the practical sessions manageable while covering the full syllabus.
| Day | Focus |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | The role of the first aider, assessing incidents, CPR and defibrillator use, managing an unconscious casualty, choking, shock and bleeding |
| Day 2 | Wounds and burns, fractures and joint injuries, spinal and chest injuries, anaphylaxis, poisoning, eye injuries, and final assessment |
Assessment and Certification
The First Aid at Work course is assessed continuously by the tutor across both days, with practical demonstrations of key skills such as CPR and casualty handling. There is no lengthy written exam; instead the assessment checks that you can perform the skills correctly and safely.
On passing, you receive a certificate valid for three years. Because first aid at work training is delivered and assessed in person, the certificate you earn is the full workplace qualification recognised by higher-risk employers.
Who Should Take This First Aid at Work Training
First aid at work training is designed for anyone nominated as a workplace first aider, particularly in higher-risk industries such as construction, engineering, manufacturing, railways and agriculture. If your role means you may be the first person to respond to an injury on site, this is the qualification you need.
Employers also use the First Aid at Work course to meet the numbers set out in their first aid needs assessment. Training a few people rather than one gives useful cover for shifts, holidays and absence, so the workplace always has a qualified first aider available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the First Aid at Work course?
The course is 18 hours of first aid at work training, delivered in person over two days at Knight Learning's London centre, with a weekend option available.
Is there an exam on the First Aid at Work course?
There is no long written exam. The course is assessed through practical demonstrations and continuous assessment by the tutor across both days.
Can I do first aid at work training online?
No. First aid is a practical skill involving CPR, defibrillator use and casualty handling, so the course is taught and assessed face to face.
How long is the certificate valid?
The First Aid at Work certificate is valid for three years. It can be renewed with a shorter requalification course if you book before it expires.
Do I need any prior experience?
No prior experience is needed. The first aid at work training starts from the basics and builds up to the full syllabus over the two days.
