In Ontario, Intermediate First Aid (formerly Intermediate / Intermediate/Standard First Aid) and CPR/AED certificates are valid for three years from the date of completion. Basic Life Support (BLS) certificates expire after one year and must be renewed annually. There is no grace period after expiry: once a certificate lapses, the full course must be retaken. Recertification courses for Intermediate First Aid take one day and must be completed before the original certificate expires.
If you are thinking of becoming First Aid and CPR certified or are already certified, you may be wondering how long First Aid and CPR are valid in Ontario. It is important to keep your certificates valid as many workplaces and school programs require their employees and students to be certified.
According to Ontario’s Regulation 1101, all workplaces must provide some form of first aid training to employees depending on the safety risks they face. Workplaces must have at least one person trained in first aid on-site, and the certificate must be from a WSIB-approved first aid training organization. All first aid training must include CPR training and an AED certificate.
First Aid and CPR training must be updated regularly so that the skills learned are not forgotten but practiced confidently if ever needed. That is why in Ontario, like the rest of Canada, First Aid and CPR/AED certificates are only valid for a set period of time. It is important to know your first aid and CPR validity period before it lapses.
Importance of Recertification
First Aid and CPR training teach important life-saving skills. However, these skills can be forgotten over time, especially for people who do not practice them often. Studies have shown that even months after learning them, many of the important skills learned are soon forgotten.
Techniques, including basic CPR, can change as medical advancements find better ways to help people in emergencies. One example comes from CPR training: compared to the past, CPR now calls for more compressions and fewer breaths.
Recertification courses help keep first aid and CPR knowledge fresh and updated, ensuring people who have completed training can help victims in any type of emergency. Not only does the recertification course keep your skills up to date, it also keeps your First Aid and CPR valid for longer.
What are the First Aid and CPR Requirements for different Workplaces?
Training requirements differ according to the rules laid out by WSIB Ontario for various companies. Some companies are only required to send their employees for emergency first aid training, while others must send them for Intermediate / Intermediate/Standard First Aid training.
If there are five or fewer employees per shift, then one employee present must have a valid certificate for Basic/Emergency First Aid and CPR/AED Level C training. For any company with more than five people per shift, a valid Intermediate First Aid and CPR/AED Level C training certificate held by at least one employee per shift is essential.
Some workplaces require their employees to recertify their certificates once a year, even if a certificate is still valid.
How long are First Aid Certificates valid for?
The validity of most first aid certificates at Coast2Coast First Aid and Aquatics are three years, but some training providers outside of the Canadian Red Cross may issue certificates with an expiration of less than three years. To maintain certification, the person will need to complete the training again before the certificate expires.
Those with a Intermediate First Aid and CPR/AED Level C certificate can renew it by enrolling in a recertification course before its expiration date. This is a one-day renewal course, and the certificate will indicate that you have been recertified in Intermediate First Aid and CPR/AED Level C. In this course, the person learns about new methods discovered since their previous training and will practice many of the life-saving skills they originally learned. After a Intermediate First Aid and CPR/AED certificate is recertified once, the next time it expires, the candidate must take a full training course again. Keeping your certificate in First Aid and CPR valid is a simple task.
Basic/Emergency First Aid and CPR/AED Level C certificates, on the other hand, cannot be recertified in Ontario. If you wish to renew this certificate, you will need to register for the full training course again. We highly recommend registering for the Online Blended format of the course. With this format, you will be able to complete half of your training online, then come to class from just 9AM to 3:30PM.
How Long Is Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification Valid?
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification follows a different validity schedule than Intermediate / Intermediate/Standard First Aid and CPR courses. BLS certification is valid for one year only and must be renewed annually. This shorter validity period reflects the high-performance skill standards required of healthcare providers, paramedics, and other clinical professionals who depend on BLS techniques in time-critical situations.
Missing your BLS renewal date means the certificate has expired and no recertification shortcut is available. The full BLS course must be retaken to regain valid certification. Healthcare providers and organizations that require BLS should track expiry dates carefully and schedule annual renewals as part of their standard professional development calendar.
For non-healthcare professionals who do not require BLS, CPR/AED Level C remains the standard certification with a three-year validity period. It is important to understand which certification your role or workplace requires before registering for a course.
What Happens When Your First Aid Certificate Expires?
Many people assume there is a grace period after a first aid certificate expires. There is not. The day after your expiry date, your certificate is no longer valid for workplace compliance, employment requirements, or any official purpose. There is no buffer period built into Ontario’s regulatory framework.
If your certificate has already lapsed, the recertification course is no longer an option regardless of how recently it expired. You must complete the full initial training course from scratch to obtain a new, valid certificate. This applies to Intermediate First Aid, Basic/Emergency First Aid, and BLS alike.
The practical consequence for employers is significant. If your designated first aider’s certificate lapses, your workplace is technically non-compliant with WSIB Regulation 1101 until a new valid certificate is obtained. The most effective way to avoid this situation is to schedule recertification at least 60 days before the expiry date, giving enough time to book a course and receive the new certificate before the original one expires.
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One-day recertification courses available weekly across Ontario. Keep your certificate valid and your skills sharp before your expiry date.
What happens with CPR Training Certificates?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) differs from Emergency and Intermediate First Aid because it does not include any first aid training. The skills taught are important and based on recognizing and responding to cardiovascular and choking emergencies.
There are various CPR training courses where candidates learn to respond to breathing emergencies. Whatever the level of the CPR training (level A or C), candidates also learn to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
For CPR certificates to remain valid, they must be refreshed every three years. CPR/AED Level C certificates can be recertified over and over, but CPR/AED Level A cannot be recertified in Ontario. You must take the full training course again.
Are WSIB Certificates from other provinces valid in Ontario?
First Aid and CPR/AED certificates from approved providers in other provinces are valid in Ontario. Once the certificate expires, first aid training must be completed with a WSIB-approved first aid and CPR provider in the province.
How to Recertify: In-Class vs. Online Blended Learning
When it comes time to recertify, you have two main format options at Coast2Coast First Aid: traditional in-class training or the Online Blended Learning format. Both are WSIB-approved and result in the same valid Canadian Red Cross certificate.
In-class training delivers the complete course in a single day at one of our training facilities. You attend in person for the full session, completing both the theory review and the hands-on practice component together. This format suits learners who prefer a structured classroom environment and direct instructor feedback throughout the day.
Online Blended Learning splits the course into two parts. You complete the theory modules at your own pace online before attending a shorter in-person practical session. For recertification, the in-class component typically runs from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. This format saves time, reduces the amount of classroom hours needed, and is particularly popular with working professionals who want to manage their schedule more flexibly.
Both formats require the in-person hands-on practice component. A fully online certificate without a practical skills evaluation is not valid for WSIB compliance in Ontario regardless of who issues it.
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Final take on First Aid and CPR/AED Recertification
Timely First Aid and CPR/AED certification renewal is crucial because it helps to keep qualifications up to date. Training must be renewed every three years (unless stated by your workplace or school program). The recertification course allows trainees to learn new life-saving techniques and procedures to help victims in emergencies. This course allows people who rarely use their first aid and CPR knowledge to renew and practice their essential skills.
Finally, when life-saving skills are practiced and re-learned regularly, they are completed with more confidence if they are ever needed. With this being said, confidence is essential in any type of emergency where assistance from a first aider is needed.
If you wish to register for a First Aid and CPR/AED recertification course or a full training course, please check out which of our training facilities is closest to you. We provide training throughout Ontario and keep your First Aid and CPR valid with a WSIB-approved Canadian Red Cross certificate.
Key Takeaway
In Ontario, Intermediate First Aid and CPR/AED certificates are valid for three years. Basic Life Support (BLS) must be renewed every year. There is no grace period after expiry: once your certificate lapses, you must retake the full course. Recertification for Intermediate First Aid takes one day and is available only while your certificate is still valid. Employers must ensure their designated first aiders hold current certificates on every shift under WSIB Regulation 1101. Book your recertification at least 60 days before your expiry date to avoid compliance gaps.
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Frequently Asked Questions: First Aid and CPR Validity in Ontario 2026
Q1: How long is First Aid certification valid in Ontario?
A: First Aid certificates issued by Canadian Red Cross approved training providers in Ontario are valid for three years from the date of completion. This applies to both Intermediate First Aid and Basic/Emergency First Aid certificates. After three years, the certificate expires and the holder must either complete a recertification course (for Intermediate First Aid) or retake the full course. Some workplaces require annual renewal regardless of the three-year validity period, so it is always worth checking your employer’s specific requirements.
Q2: How long is CPR certification valid in Ontario?
A: CPR/AED certificates in Ontario are valid for three years from the date of issue. This applies to both CPR Level A and CPR Level C. To maintain certification, the certificate must be renewed before the expiry date. CPR Level C can be recertified through a refresher course, while CPR Level A cannot be recertified in Ontario and requires completing the full course again. Many organizations recommend reviewing CPR skills annually even if the certificate remains valid.
Q3: How long is Basic Life Support (BLS) valid in Ontario?
A: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is valid for one year in Ontario. Unlike Intermediate First Aid or CPR Level C, BLS must be renewed annually. This shorter validity period reflects the high-performance skill standards required of healthcare providers who rely on BLS in clinical settings. Missing the annual renewal date means the certificate has expired and the full BLS course must be retaken to regain valid certification.
Q4: What happens if my First Aid certificate expires?
A: If your First Aid certificate expires, there is no grace period. You will need to retake the full training course to regain a valid certificate. For Intermediate First Aid, recertification is only available before the expiry date. Once the certificate has lapsed, the full two-day Intermediate First Aid course must be completed again. Employers are responsible for ensuring their designated first aiders hold current, valid certificates under WSIB Regulation 1101.
Q5: Can I recertify my First Aid certificate instead of taking the full course?
A: Yes, but only under specific conditions. Intermediate First Aid and CPR Level C certificates can be recertified through a one-day refresher course, but only if the certificate has not yet expired. Recertification is available only once: after the recertified certificate expires, the full course must be completed again. Basic/Emergency First Aid certificates cannot be recertified in Ontario at all and require retaking the full course. Always check with your training provider before your expiry date to confirm your options.
Q6: How many employees need to be First Aid certified under WSIB Regulation 1101?
A: Under WSIB Regulation 1101, workplaces with five or fewer employees per shift must have at least one person certified in Basic/Emergency First Aid and CPR/AED Level C. Workplaces with more than five employees per shift must have at least one person certified in Intermediate First Aid and CPR/AED Level C on every shift. All certificates must come from a WSIB-approved training provider and include both first aid and CPR/AED components.
Q7: Are First Aid certificates from other provinces valid in Ontario?
A: Yes. First Aid and CPR/AED certificates issued by approved providers in other Canadian provinces are valid in Ontario, provided the certificate has not expired. Once the certificate expires, the holder must complete their renewal training with a WSIB-approved provider in Ontario to maintain compliance with provincial workplace safety regulations.
More FAQs: Recertification Courses and Training Options
Q8: How long does a recertification course take?
A: A Intermediate First Aid recertification course typically takes one day to complete, running approximately from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. This is significantly shorter than the original two-day Intermediate First Aid course. The recertification course covers updated techniques and includes hands-on practice of the life-saving skills from the original certification. Blended learning formats allow candidates to complete the theory portion online before attending the in-class practical component.
Q9: What is the difference between a recertification course and a full First Aid course?
A: A recertification course is a condensed refresher designed for people who already hold a valid, unexpired certificate. It covers updated protocols and reinforces practical skills in a single day. A full First Aid course is a complete initial certification program lasting two days for Intermediate First Aid or one day for Basic/Emergency First Aid. Recertification is only available for Intermediate First Aid and CPR Level C, and only while the original certificate is still valid.
Q10: Does blended learning count as valid First Aid training for WSIB purposes?
A: Yes. Blended learning formats that combine online theory with in-person practical skills training are accepted for WSIB compliance in Ontario, provided the training provider is WSIB-approved and the course includes a mandatory in-class hands-on component. Fully online courses with no in-person practical evaluation are not valid for WSIB workplace compliance. Coast2Coast First Aid offers WSIB-approved blended learning for both initial certification and recertification.
Q11: What First Aid certification do security guards need in Ontario?
A: Security guards in Ontario are required to hold a valid Basic/Emergency First Aid and CPR/AED Level C certificate as a minimum requirement for their security license. Intermediate First Aid is recommended for better employability, as many employers and venues prefer or require the higher-level certification. Certificates must be from a recognized training provider and kept current throughout employment.
Q12: Why do First Aid and CPR certificates expire?
A: First Aid and CPR certificates expire because skills and guidelines evolve over time, and practical abilities deteriorate without regular practice. Studies show that CPR technique can degrade significantly within months of initial training without reinforcement. Expiry dates ensure that certified individuals are retrained on the latest protocols, including updated compression ratios and new guidance on AED use. Regular recertification builds the muscle memory needed to respond confidently in a real emergency.
Q13: Can employers require annual First Aid recertification even if the certificate is still valid?
A: Yes. While WSIB Regulation 1101 sets a three-year validity period for most First Aid certificates, individual employers can and do require more frequent recertification. Some high-risk industries, healthcare organizations, and schools mandate annual refresher training as part of their internal safety policies. Employees should check their workplace health and safety policies in addition to provincial regulatory requirements to understand their specific recertification obligations.
Q14: Is there a grace period after my First Aid certificate expires?
A: No. There is no grace period after a First Aid or CPR certificate expires in Ontario. The day after the expiry date, the certificate is no longer valid for workplace compliance purposes. If your certificate lapses, you must complete the full initial training course again rather than a shorter recertification course. This is why it is strongly recommended to book your recertification course well before your expiry date, rather than waiting until the last moment.
Q15: How do I check when my First Aid certificate expires?
A: Your expiry date is printed on your First Aid and CPR certificate card. For Coast2Coast First Aid graduates, certificates are issued within 48 hours of course completion and clearly show the expiry date. If you have lost your certificate, Coast2Coast offers a lost certificate replacement service. It is good practice to set a calendar reminder at least 60 days before your expiry date so you have time to book and complete a recertification course before the certificate lapses.
Sources and Editorial Standards
This article was written and updated by Ashkon Pourheidary, B.Sc. Honours Neuroscience (University of Toronto), Canadian Red Cross Certified First Aid and CPR Instructor since 2011, and Co-Founder of Coast2Coast First Aid and Aquatics. Originally published December 3, 2020. Last updated June 11, 2026.
Content is reviewed against current Canadian Red Cross first aid guidelines and WSIB Ontario regulatory requirements. All certification validity periods and recertification rules are verified against current WSIB-approved course standards.
Primary regulatory sources: WSIB Ontario Regulation 1101 (First Aid Requirements); Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1); Canadian Red Cross First Aid and CPR Program Standards.
Coast2Coast First Aid and Aquatics is a Top 3 Canadian Red Cross Training Partner and WSIB-approved provider operating 30+ locations across Canada. Find a course location near you or contact us for more information.
