Is Your CPR Certification Up to Date? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever taken a CPR course in Australia, you might be wondering: How long does a CPR certificate last in Australia? The truth is, CPR certification doesn’t last forever, and letting it expire could mean losing compliance for work, increased legal risks, and even a loss of confidence in an emergency.
Let’s break down how long your CPR certificate is valid for, when you need to renew it, and how to do it quickly and easily so you can stay certified and prepared.
How Long Does a CPR Certificate Last in Australia? (Everything You Need to Know)
In Australia, CPR certificates are valid for 12 months. This means that after one year, your certification is no longer considered current, and you’ll need to complete a refresher course to stay compliant.
While CPR itself is often part of broader first aid courses, it follows a different renewal timeline:
CPR Only (HLTAID009 - Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) – Valid for 1 year
First Aid (HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid) – Valid for 3 years, but CPR within this must be renewed annually
Childcare First Aid (HLTAID012 - Provide First Aid in an Education & Care Setting) – Valid for 3 years, with CPR renewal required every year
So, even if you’ve completed a First Aid course, your CPR component must still be refreshed annually!
Why Do You Need to Renew Your CPR Certification Every Year?
You might be wondering, why does CPR expire so quickly compared to other first aid skills? There are a few key reasons:
1. CPR Skills Fade Over Time
Research shows that without regular practice, CPR skills begin to decline within months. Since performing CPR correctly can mean the difference between life and death, annual refreshers help you stay confident and competent.
2. Workplace & Industry Compliance
Many industries in Australia require up-to-date CPR certification to meet workplace health and safety standards. This includes:
Healthcare & Aged Care Workers
Childcare & Education Providers
Construction & High-Risk Workplaces
Fitness Professionals (e.g., Personal Trainers, Coaches)
Employers may request proof of current certification, and if yours is out of date, you could be denied work or face compliance issues.
3. Legal & Liability Risks
If you attempt CPR on someone but your certification has expired, you may not be legally covered. While Good Samaritan laws protect those who act in good faith, workplaces and businesses must ensure their staff’s CPR training is current to minimise liability risks.
Is an Expired CPR Certificate Still Valid?
No—once your CPR certificate expires, it is no longer recognised as valid. Some employers may offer a grace period, but technically, an expired certificate means:
You cannot count it towards workplace compliance.
You may need to re-sit the entire course, not just a refresher.
You could be at risk of legal or professional consequences in your workplace.
To avoid this, it’s best to renew your CPR certificate before it expires to ensure compliance with Australian regulations.
How to Renew Your CPR Certification Quickly and Easily in Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast NSW.
Renewing your CPR certification doesn’t have to be a hassle! Here’s how to do it with minimal disruption to your schedule:
1. Find an Accredited CPR Refresher Course
Look for a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) (Allens Training RTO 90909) offering CPR renewal. Ensure the course meets Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines and is nationally recognised.
2. Choose a Convenient Option (In-Person or Blended Learning)
Most providers offer:
Face-to-face training (typically 1 day)
Blended courses (online theory + short practical assessment)
On-site group training (great for workplaces!)
3. Book Your CPR Renewal Before It Expires
Don’t wait until the last minute! Some courses book out quickly, especially for industries requiring mandatory compliance.
4. Get Your New Certificate on the Same Day
Many training providers provide a digital certificate on the same day—so you’ll be certified and workplace-ready immediately. SALT Training Academy in Port Macquarie provides same day certification.
What Happens If You Don’t Renew Your CPR Certification?
Ignoring your CPR renewal can have serious consequences:
You may not be allowed to work (if CPR is a job requirement)
Your employer could face penalties for non-compliance
Your first aid certification may be incomplete, requiring you to retake the full course
You could lack the skills and confidence to respond in an emergency
Best CPR Renewal Courses in Australia
When choosing a CPR refresher course, look for:
✅ Nationally recognised training (HLTAID009 - Provide CPR)
✅ Accredited trainers with real-world experience
✅ Flexible scheduling (weekend/evening classes available)
✅ On-site options for businesses and teams
At SALT Training Academy, we offer fast, hassle-free CPR renewals across the Mid North Coast. Whether you need an individual refresher or on-site training for your team, we’ve got you covered!
📅 Book your CPR refresher today and stay compliant the easy way.
Final Thoughts
CPR is a life-saving skill, but it’s only effective if you stay up to date. Since CPR certificates in Australia expire after 12 months, it’s essential to schedule your annual refresher before it lapses.
By keeping your CPR certification current, you’ll not only meet workplace requirements—you’ll also be ready to take action in an emergency when it matters most.
Since CPR certificates in Australia expire after 12 months, understanding how long a CPR certificate lasts in Australia is crucial for workplace safety and compliance. 🚑💙
Need to renew your CPR fast? Contact SALT Training Academy today to book your spot!
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