Certification Requirements

A valid standard first-aid and CPR-C certification is a requirement for new and existing registrants. 

A certification must include the following information:

  • Indication of standard first-aid and CPR-C (at minimum)
  • Recipient
  • Expiry date
  • Training provider (must be approved by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety)

Acceptable CPR and First-aid Training

Blended first-aid/CPR courses are accepted. CPR courses with no indication of level are not accepted.

Approved Training Agencies

The College does not approve training agencies. Registrants must obtain standard first-aid and CPR-C training from an organization approved by the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety. Many programs offer a 3-year certification. Ensure to check how long your chosen program’s certification lasts.

A complete list of approved training agencies are listed on the Alberta government’s website: https://ohs-pubstore.labour.alberta.ca/fa018

Once on the website, click on “View Resource”. This will open up a document of approved training agencies.

Visit an approved training agency’s website for more information on first-aid/CPR courses they offer. For example, for the Canadian Red Cross Society, visit myrc.redcross.ca; for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, visit cpr.heartandstroke.ca. Using Google Search to find training agencies is not advised as some websites may include misleading information.

It is important to note that training agencies may work with different providers/partners. For example, an acceptable provider may be “Delta Emergency Support Training” as long as the training agency is the Canadian Red Cross. Always enter the TRAINING AGENCY when filling out your renewal form.

 

Q: Can I use a first-aid/CPR course to earn CCP credits?

A: No, first-aid/CPR are not part of the CCP program. Do not claim First-aid/CPR for CCP credits. Doing so will put your registration renewal (and ability to practice) at risk.

Q: Is a blended first-aid/CPR course acceptable?

A: Yes, a blended first-aid/CPR course is acceptable. CPR with no indication of level is not accepted.

Q: Do I need to take a first-aid/CPR course every year if my certification is valid for 3 years?

A: No. You do not need to take a first-aid/CPR course every year if your certification is valid for 3 years. You will need to take another first-aid/CPR course to re-certify when your certification expires. 

Q: Do I need a first-aid/CPR certificate that covers me until the next renewal period in order for my renewal to be approved?
(ex: I am renewing in March of 2023 and my current first-aid/CPR certifications expire in December 2023, do I need to submit a certification that is valid until March 31, 2024)?

A: No, your first-aid/CPR certifications do not need to be valid through to the next renewal period in order for your renewal to be approved, as long as the certifications are currently valid. Members are responsible to renew their first-aid/CPR certifications prior to their expiry throughout the year as necessary to keep them current and up-to-date.

For the example above: the member would not be required to re-certify at the time of renewal. They would upload their first-aid/CPR certifications that are valid at the time of their 2023 renewal. Prior to their first-aid/CPR certifications expiring in December 2023, they would update their profile on their member portal with the up-to-date certifications once they complete them. They would be required to have valid first-aid/CPR certifications on file to renew in 2024.

Q: Is a first-aid/CPR course from outside of Alberta acceptable?

A: Yes, a first-aid/CPR course from outside of Alberta is acceptable, as long as it was obtained from an approved training agency.

Q: How do I find a first-aid/CPR course that is taught by an approved training agency?

Approved training agencies are listed on the Alberta government’s website: https://ohs-pubstore.labour.alberta.ca/fa018. Once on the website, click on “View Resource”. This will open up a document of approved training agencies.

Visit an approved training agency’s website for more information on first-aid/CPR courses they offer. For example, for the Canadian Red Cross Society, visit myrc.redcross.ca; for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, visit cpr.heartandstroke.ca. Using Google Search to find training agencies is not advised as some websites may include misleading information.

It is important to note that training agencies may work with different providers/partners. For example, an acceptable provider may be “Delta Emergency Support Training” as long as the training agency is the Canadian Red Cross. Always enter the TRAINING AGENCY when filling out your renewal form.

Still have questions?

If the answer to your question is not here, you can contact the College at [email protected], 780-466-7787, or join our Facebook community.

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