What Makes a First Aid Course Nationally Recognised in Australia?

When choosing a first aid provider for workplace training, one of the most important distinctions to understand is whether the course is nationally recognised. In Australia, only training delivered through an authorised Registered Training Organisation (RTO) can result in a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment.

This article outlines what makes a first aid course nationally recognised, why it matters for compliance, and how Perth businesses can ensure they select an approved training provider for HLTAID011 and HLTAID009.

What Is a Nationally Recognised First Aid Course?

A nationally recognised course is one that is:

• Listed on the Australian Government’s training.gov.au website

• Delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with a valid provider number

• Assessed against the standards in the Standards for RTOs 2015

• Compliant with Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) regulations

• Resulting in a Statement of Attainment under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

Courses such as HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid and HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation are part of nationally endorsed training packages, and are the standard qualifications accepted by workplaces, regulators, and licensing bodies.

Why National Recognition Matters

Completing a nationally recognised first aid course is essential for businesses and employees for several reasons:

• Meets WHS legal requirements under the Work Health and Safety Act

• Recognised across all Australian states and territories

• Mandatory for compliance in childcare, aged care, construction, hospitality, and other sectors

• Accepted by regulators and licensing authorities, such as ACECQA, NDIS, and WorkSafe WA

• Provides valid evidence of training for audits, tenders, and insurance

• Transferrable qualifications when employees move between jobs or industries

Training that is not nationally recognised — often marketed as “awareness” or “non-accredited” — cannot be used to meet compliance requirements in regulated workplaces.

How to Identify a Nationally Recognised Course

To confirm that a first aid course is nationally recognised, check for:

1. A valid course code, such as HLTAID011, HLTAID009, or HLTAID012

2. The RTO’s name and registration number displayed on the provider’s website and enrolment material

3. Inclusion of a Statement of Attainment upon successful completion

4. Reference to training.gov.au, the national register of training organisations and accredited courses

5. Recognition of the AQF logo or national training symbol

Avoid providers that do not clearly show their RTO partnership or offer “certificates of participation” without competency-based assessment.

What Is a Statement of Attainment?

A Statement of Attainment is the official document issued when a student successfully completes a unit of competency from a training package. For first aid, this document will typically list:

• HLTAID009 – Provide CPR

• HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid

• HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting (if applicable)

• RTO name, logo, and provider number

• Completion date and unit codes

• Statement that the course is recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework

Employers must retain copies of these certificates as evidence of compliance with workplace health and safety regulations.

Nationally Recognised vs Non-Accredited Courses

Feature	Nationally Recognised	Non-Accredited / Awareness
Issued by RTO	✅ Yes	❌ No
Statement of Attainment	✅ Yes	❌ No
WHS Compliant	✅ Yes	❌ No
Industry Recognition	✅ Yes	❌ No
Suitable for Workplace Use	✅ Yes	❌ No

Non-accredited courses may be useful for general knowledge, but they do not meet the legal training requirements for staff working in regulated industries.

Choosing the Right Provider in Perth

When booking group first aid training, Perth businesses should ensure:

• The course is delivered by or through a registered RTO

• You are issued with an official Statement of Attainment

• The course includes hands-on practical assessment

• The provider has experience delivering onsite group sessions for your industry

At Ready Set Rescue WA, we deliver nationally recognised first aid and CPR training onsite across Perth. All qualifications are issued through our RTO partner and meet every national compliance standard.

Conclusion

If your business is relying on first aid training to meet legal and safety obligations, it must be nationally recognised. Understanding what this means and how to identify a qualified provider protects your business, your staff, and the people in your care.

Book your group training session with Ready Set Rescue WA today. We deliver HLTAID011 and HLTAID009 onsite, providing nationally recognised, compliant training for workplaces across Perth.