Questions, answered

Frequently asked questions

Everything from “which course do I need?” to “is my old certificate still valid?” Search below, or browse by topic.

First Aid Courses

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between Basic and Intermediate First Aid?

Basic First Aid (formerly Emergency First Aid) is the one-day-level certification: CPR, AED, choking, severe bleeding, wounds and emergency response. Intermediate First Aid (formerly Standard First Aid) adds detailed patient assessment, injuries, burns, environmental and medical emergencies, and team scenarios. Your employer or school can confirm which you need.

Yes. Ontario renamed its workplace first aid courses in June 2026 under the updated WSIB First Aid Program aligned to CSA Z1210:24. Emergency First Aid became Basic First Aid; Standard First Aid became Intermediate First Aid. The levels are equivalent.

For Basic First Aid, the practical session is about four hours (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM). For Intermediate, it’s a full practical day starting at 9:00 AM. Both are hands-on — skills stations and scenarios, not lectures.

Comfortable clothing you can move and kneel in. All equipment is provided.

Blended Learning

Frequently asked questions

What does "blended learning" mean?

You complete the theory online at your own pace, then attend an in-person practical session for hands-on skills and assessment. It’s the same certification — with less time in a classroom chair.

No. Ontario workplace first aid certification requires an in-person practical skills component. Be cautious of any provider offering fully online "certification."

The online component must be completed before your practical session. If you’re running behind, contact us to reschedule — we’ll find you a workable date.

CPR & AED

Frequently asked questions

Is CPR included in the first aid courses?

Yes. Both Basic and Intermediate First Aid include CPR and AED training.

Yes. You’ll practise with AED trainers during your practical session.

Certification

Frequently asked questions

Is my old Emergency or Standard First Aid certificate still valid?

Yes. Certificates issued before the June 2026 update remain valid until their printed expiry date. When you renew, you’ll certify under the current Basic or Intermediate program.

Ontario workplace first aid certificates are typically valid for three years from issue. Check your certificate for its exact expiry date, and plan renewal before it lapses.

Under the current program, Intermediate First Aid may be recertified once, with any approved provider, before expiry. Basic First Aid is retaken in full. Contact us about current recertification scheduling.

Ask them directly — requirements differ by employer, college, placement and profession. Job postings may still use the old names: "Emergency First Aid" means Basic; "Standard First Aid" means Intermediate. If the wording is unclear, contact us and we’ll help you interpret it.

Students

Frequently asked questions

I’m a nursing/PSW student — what do I need?

Your program or placement letter sets the requirement; many healthcare programs expect Intermediate First Aid with CPR/AED, and some name a specific CPR level. Confirm the exact wording with your program, then book — or ask us for help matching it.

Childcare programs and centres set their own requirements. Confirm with your college or centre director; both our levels include CPR/AED, and Intermediate adds the deeper injury content many centres prefer.

Employers and site contracts set the requirement. Many entry-level expectations are met by Basic; many employers ask for Intermediate. Verify before booking.

Workplace & Corporate Training

Frequently asked questions

Do you train at our workplace?

Yes, anywhere in the GTA. Your team completes online theory in advance, and our instructor delivers the hands-on practical at your location.

On-site sessions typically suit groups of six or more. Smaller teams can join scheduled public classes — tell us your numbers and we’ll recommend the practical option.

Request a corporate training quote through the website. We’ll respond with a training plan covering course level, format, schedule and pricing.

Scheduling is flexible. Let us know what works for your operation.

WHMIS

Frequently asked questions

Does the online WHMIS course replace my employer’s training?

No. Our course provides general WHMIS worker education. Your employer remains responsible for workplace-specific information, instruction and procedures for the hazardous products actually used at your workplace.

There’s no universal legislated expiry, but employers must review their WHMIS programs regularly, and refresher training is standard when products, procedures or regulations change. Follow your employer’s policy.

Instructor Course

Frequently asked questions

How do I become a first aid instructor?

Through our Five-Day Instructor Development Program plus a supervised teaching experience. Classroom graduates are recognized as Instructor Candidates; final instructor status follows the supervised teaching component and completion of program requirements.

No. It’s First Aid Responder’s own program, reflecting standard professional instructor-development practice.

Youth Programs

Frequently asked questions

What age can my child stay home alone in Ontario?

Ontario law doesn’t set a specific age — it depends on your child’s maturity and circumstances, and parents remain responsible for their child’s safety. Our Home Alone Safety & First Aid course (ages ~9–13) helps families make the transition responsibly.

Approximately ages 11–15.

No. Home Alone Safety & First Aid and Babysitting Safety & First Aid are First Aid Responder’s own programs with original curriculum. Participants receive a Certificate of Completion.

Locations & Registration

Frequently asked questions

Where are classes held?

At professional training venues across the GTA — York Region, Durham Region and Toronto. Training locations vary by course date and are confirmed at registration. Corporate sessions are held at your workplace.

Use the Book a Course page to view upcoming dates and register, or contact us with questions.

Ready to get certified — or train your team?

Individuals: browse upcoming classes across the GTA and book your spot. Employers: tell us about your team and we\u2019ll prepare a training plan and quote.