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Whether it’s a workplace requirement, a condition of another qualification, or simply peace of mind, HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid is the nationally recognised unit that qualifies you to respond to a first aid emergency, including performing CPR. Here’s what the course actually covers, how long your certificate lasts, and what it costs in Melbourne.
What is HLTAID011?
HLTAID011 is the current nationally recognised unit of competency for provide first aid training in Australia, aligned to guidelines set by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other national clinical bodies. It replaced the older HLTAID003 unit and covers recognising and responding to life-threatening emergencies, managing injuries and illness, and performing CPR.
Who needs HLTAID011?
- Anyone required to hold a current first aid certificate for work, including security officers, teachers, coaches, childcare and community workers
- Students completing CPP20218 – Certificate II in Security Operations, which includes HLTAID011 as a core unit
- Parents, volunteers, sports coaches and anyone who wants the skills and confidence to respond in an emergency
There are no formal prerequisites — you don’t need any prior first aid experience to enrol. You do need to be physically capable of performing CPR compressions, since the practical assessment requires it.
What does the course cover?
Across a single day of training you’ll learn to:
- Assess an emergency situation and manage immediate risks
- Perform CPR on an adult, child or infant
- Manage bleeding, shock, burns, fractures and other common injuries
- Recognise and respond to medical emergencies such as anaphylaxis, asthma attacks and seizures
- Use a first aid kit correctly and know when to call emergency services
Cost and duration in Melbourne
| Course code | HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid (Includes CPR) |
| Duration | 1 day, on campus at ALIT’s West Melbourne location |
| Course fee | From $160 (all learning materials included) |
| Replacement certificate | $25 |
If you only need the CPR component on its own — for example, to renew an existing first aid certificate — ALIT also runs a standalone HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course over 3.5 hours.
How long is a first aid certificate valid for?
A HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certificate is typically valid for 3 years. The CPR component of your skills (HLTAID009) is generally recommended to be refreshed annually, since CPR technique and confidence fade faster than other first aid knowledge — check your employer’s specific policy, as some workplaces require annual CPR refreshers regardless of your full certificate’s validity.
How to enrol
You can check the next available date and enrol in HLTAID011 in minutes through ALIT’s online self-checkout, or apply now to speak with an advisor. If you’re training for a security career, HLTAID011 is already built into the Certificate II in Security Operations — see our guide on how to get a security licence in Victoria for the full pathway.
Frequently asked questions
Is HLTAID011 the same as a CPR certificate?
CPR is one component of HLTAID011, but HLTAID011 also covers a much broader range of first aid emergencies. If you only need CPR, ALIT’s standalone HLTAID009 course covers that unit alone.
Do I need to renew my first aid certificate every year?
Your full HLTAID011 certificate is valid for 3 years, though many workplaces require an annual CPR refresher in that time — check your employer’s policy.
Can I complete HLTAID011 with no prior experience?
Yes. There are no prerequisites — you just need to be physically able to perform CPR compressions for the practical assessment.
Sources: Australian Red Cross – Provide First Aid (HLTAID011); training.gov.au – HLTAID011 Provide First Aid. Fees, durations and validity periods are correct at the time of publishing and may change — always confirm current details on the course page or with an ALIT advisor before enrolling.
Related ALIT guide: what HLTAID011 Provide First Aid means.
Related ALIT guide: what the HLTAID011 first aid course includes.
Related ALIT guide: how long the HLTAID011 first aid course takes.
Related ALIT guide: how long a CPR course takes in Victoria.
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