Choose first-aid training: certificates, CPR/AED, care groups and renewal

Before you start

The Hong Kong Red Cross Standard First Aid Certificate Course is recognised by the HKSAR Government, accepts applicants aged 15 or above, and comprises 30 training hours plus three examination hours. Classes may use Cantonese, Putonghua or English. A certificate requires at least 80% attendance and passing written and practical assessments, and is valid for three years. The course introduces AED use, but a workplace requiring a separate AED qualification should confirm that requirement. A brief awareness talk is not automatically equivalent to a full first-aid certificate or a qualification accepted for your particular role.

What to do, step by step

1. Write down the purpose: workplace first-aider, infant care, domestic-helper training, hiking or general household preparedness. Ask the relevant employer or organisation for the exact accepted certificate and whether additional training is required.
2. Read the official course requirements, language, content and practical assessment. Compare every lesson and examination date with your availability, including travel time and any separate examination venue, before paying.
3. Use Red Cross course search or St John Ambulance's official training channel. Record the class code, payment acknowledgement and notification arrangements; ask about materials, accessibility or physical participation needs before confirming enrolment.
4. After certification, store the expiry date and a renewal reminder and refresh practical skills. Check the provider's refresher eligibility and assessment dates in advance rather than assuming any expired certificate can be renewed indefinitely.

Costs, timing, and things to check

Red Cross refresher rules allow specified certificates before expiry or within six months afterwards. Check the course commencement date, required evidence and applicable certificate type before selecting a refresher place.

Fees, optional materials, changes and re-examinations have separate conditions. Certification does not authorise procedures outside your training; in an actual emergency, call 999 and follow dispatcher instructions.

A practical example

A parent caring for a newborn asks about infant CPR content. If their employer also appoints them as a workplace first-aider, they separately confirm the required full certificate. They compare the learning goals, assessments and renewal arrangements and select appropriate training, without presenting attendance at a children's awareness talk as a workplace qualification.