If you've searched for a first aid course in Australia, you've almost certainly come across both HLTAID011 and HLTAID009. The codes look similar, which causes confusion. They are not the same thing — and booking the wrong one means you may not meet your workplace's requirements.
This article explains exactly what each qualification covers, who needs which, and how the two relate to each other.
The Short Answer
HLTAID009 = CPR only (3.5 hours). HLTAID011 = full first aid (1 day). HLTAID011 includes everything in HLTAID009. Most workplaces require HLTAID011.
HLTAID009 — Provide CPR
HLTAID009 (Provide CPR) is a short unit covering cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic airway management. It takes approximately 3.5 hours face to face.
What HLTAID009 covers:
- Recognising cardiac arrest
- Performing CPR on adults, children, and infants
- Operating an automated external defibrillator (AED)
- Placing an unconscious casualty in the recovery position
- Activating emergency services
What HLTAID009 does NOT cover: bleeding, burns, fractures, anaphylaxis, asthma, stroke, poisoning, or any injury management. It is a CPR-only certificate.
HLTAID011 — Provide First Aid
HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid) is the standard Australian workplace first aid qualification. It takes approximately 8 hours (one full day) face to face.
HLTAID011 covers everything in HLTAID009, plus:
- Severe bleeding and wound management
- Burns and scalds
- Fractures and dislocations
- Shock management
- Anaphylaxis and severe allergic reactions
- Asthma and other respiratory emergencies
- Chest pain and heart attack management
- Stroke recognition and response
- Poisoning and overdose response
- Eye and dental injuries
- Workplace incident documentation and reporting
How Do They Relate to Each Other?
HLTAID011 includes HLTAID009 as a component. If you complete HLTAID011, you do not need to separately complete HLTAID009 — you have already covered that material as part of the full qualification.
Many people who hold HLTAID011 do an annual HLTAID009 refresher to keep their CPR skills current between full renewals. This is recommended by Safe Work Australia but is not a legislative requirement for most industries.
Which One Do You Need?
| Situation | Recommended qualification |
|---|---|
| Standard workplace first aid officer | HLTAID011 |
| Childcare or early education worker | HLTAID012 (not 011) |
| CPR renewal only (already hold 011) | HLTAID009 |
| Mining, construction site supervisor | HLTAID011 minimum |
| Remote work (more than 30 min from help) | HLTAID013 |
| Designated advanced first aid officer | HLTAID014 |
| No workplace requirement — general preparedness | HLTAID011 (worth doing the full course) |
How Long Are They Valid?
Both certificates are valid for 3 years. The CPR component (HLTAID009) is recommended to be refreshed annually. If you hold HLTAID011 and only need a CPR update, an HLTAID009 session (3.5 hours) covers the annual refresher.
How Much Do They Cost?
In NSW, typical pricing is:
- HLTAID009 (CPR only): $45–$75 per person
- HLTAID011 (full first aid): $95–$130 per person
Group and workplace bookings generally reduce the per-person cost, particularly for HLTAID011. If you're booking for a team, always ask for a group rate.
The Bottom Line
If your employer, your industry regulator, or your WHS policy requires a 'first aid certificate', they almost always mean HLTAID011 — not just CPR. When in doubt, book HLTAID011. It includes CPR, it meets more requirements, and the extra cost and half-day of your time is worth the broader coverage.
Use NextCert to compare HLTAID011 providers near you and get a free quote.
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